Recycled Fiber Decontamination
A Synergistic Process
by
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PART – IV SYNERGISM
Definition of Modular Synergism
The various process modules of a system operate under their respective parameters. Certain parameters conducive to the optimization of a given module may enhance or adversely influence the operation of another module. Such influences must always be taken into consideration, regardless of their level of intensity. Modules inter-act. We call this inter-action “Modular Synergism”.
Our traditional scientific method feels a lot more organized and comfortable when it observes, analyzes and measures phenomena, by examining in isolation each individual component of a whole complex system, while assuming the other constituents to be constant. Then by changing roles, it examines each individual component on the same basis. This method allows the understanding of each component’s constitution and individual behavior within its own parametric variations, but it gives no clue as to its influence upon the total system, and vice-versa. As we vary the parameters of one component, the effect of other variations on other components changes in degree. Let’s use an example.
In order to increase system production capacity at the pulper, we raise its temperature. (See “Temperature” under pulper’s operating parameters)
Higher system temperature, adversely affects the fine screening performance in fine sticky contaminant removal. (See “Temperature” under screen’s operating parameters).
Further down the system, the fine cleaning is enhanced by the temperature rise due to the viscosity drop which in turn facilitates the contaminant’s centrifugal migration through the fiber slurry, towards the rejection zone of the cleaner. (See “Temperature” under Fine Cleaning operating parameters).
Thickening capacity is also improved by the temperature rise, due to the stock’s freeness rise.
The over-all process temperature increase will also increase the fine contaminant breakdown throughout the hydro-mechanical process. This in turn will reduce the retention rate of the contaminants on the paper machine. This may result in increased paper machine white water system contamination, with more frequent cycles of periodic agglomeration and deposits on wires, felts, rolls, and with eventual cyclic breakout of sticky dirt in the end product.
Our original intent was to increase pulper production. We opened a Pandora’s box. Before we increase the process temperature, we must at least assess whether our system is temperature-friendly or not. A temperature-friendly system is the one that relies primarily on the probabilistic hydraulic separation of contaminants (Example: Cleaners).
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About the Book
About the book
Throughout my forty-year career in paper recycling, the lack of understanding the total process synergism of the fiber decontamination process often left me unsettled. Research and development in their analytical approach were excellent in developing break-through components. Advancements in Pulping, Screening, Cleaning, Flotation and process Chemistry in the last twenty years ensured the viability and desirability of recycled fiber products throughout the world, save for some serious and unpredictable glitches.
The total process is more than the sum of its parts.
Individual modules through their operating parameters influence each other’s performance and by extension the performance of the whole process. This interaction appears to be chaotic. It often results in unpredictable end-product quality variations.
This book explores not only the function, nature and operating idiosyncrasies of unit operations, but also their constant inter-action in a synergistic way. The reader will experience both the analytical and the synthetic methods necessary for the design, optimization and assessment of a recycling process.
Various system configurations as well as the basic mathematics of mass balance and module efficiency calculations are included in the final chapters.
The book contains multiple diagrams, charts, tables and illustrations that compliment the text.
To the intended reader, professional or student, may I conclude?
“Let us observe the trees without losing the forest”
Steve Paraskevas
About the Author
For forty years, Steve Paraskevas worked in the field of paper recycling. He held such positions as Process Engineering Manager, Recycling Director and International Technical Director with major suppliers in the pulp and paper industry. A process and equipment inventor, he is the author of various technical papers on paper recycling.
Since 1999, he services the industry as a private consultant in system design and process optimization, and he conducts training seminars.
Steve lived in the
Steve and his family presently reside in