POLYMER OPTIMIZATION IN PAPER-MILLS BY MEANS OF A PARTICLE-SIZE ANALYZER - AN ALTERNATIVE TO ZETA-POTENTIAL MEASUREMENTS

A method for the qualitative and quantitative optimization of the use of polymers in paper mills has been developed. Traditionally optimizat ion of the dosage of polymers in the paper and board industry is achie ved by using techniques based on the electric charge of the particles. However, the flocculation phenomenon is based on an increase in the s ize of the particle aggregates, thus the new method is based on size m easurements of the particle aggregates. By applying this technique it is possible to determine the effect of the different chemicals under p apermaking conditions; get a better under standing of the inter action s occurring in the pulp system; predict the influence of changes in th e raw materials of papermaking conditions on chemical efficiency; and control and optimize the chemical flocculation processes.