Chemical Addition
Polymer application involves the controlled introduction of synthetic flocculants into the pulp stream to improve retention and drainage. Polyacrylamide dosing is a step in the wet end of a paper machine where it helps to bind fine fibres and mineral fillers to the larger fibres. This process is managed using automated pumps that adjust the flow based on the machine speed and the incoming stock consistency.
Drainage Improvement
The addition of these long-chain molecules creates a more porous fibre network that allows water to escape more easily on the forming wire. Effective polyacrylamide dosing can increase the production rate by allowing the machine to run faster without increasing the moisture content of the sheet. However, too much polymer can lead to over-flocculation, which creates an uneven formation and reduces the smoothness of the paper.
Finding the optimum point is necessary for balancing the speed of the machine with the quality of the final product.
White Water Clarity
Better retention of solids leads to a cleaner white water system, which reduces the load on the wastewater treatment plant. Monitoring the effectiveness of polyacrylamide dosing involves testing the turbidity of the water that passes through the forming fabric. A high retention rate means that more of the raw materials remain in the paper rather than being washed away.
This chemical strategy also helps in reducing the buildup of deposits within the machine components. The precision of this dosing system directly impacts the cost of paper production.
