Optimising simulated commercial paper for pulp quality analysis

The formation potential of two short-fibre pulps of different origin were i nvestigated. Sheets were formed at various stock concentrations and velocit ies, consistent with commercial operation, on the University of Melbourne l aboratory former. The sheets formed during the study were assessed by stand ard commercial tests, which included an ultrasonic test for anisotropy and a beta-ray formation test. The flow conditions were found to be very import ant for optimising the forming potential of a given pulp. Both of the pulps investigated exhibited an optimum formation, but at different process cond itions. The results suggested that an optimum flow condition exists for obt aining the best formation from a given pulp. The Australian BEK pulp was fo und to have a superior forming potential. These results may be extrapolated to suggest target, idealised flow conditions for forming paper on commerci al paper machines. Furthermore, a tool has been developed by which the perf ormance of pulps, under machine conditions, may be predicted with more conf idence in the laboratory.