Fiber Suspension Consistency
Compute the consistency of a fiber suspension, C = (dry fiber mass / total suspension mass)·100%, the fiber concentration in the water, a control parameter throughout the paper mill. The suspension is very dilute at the start (low consistency, ~0.5%, to form the sheet uniformly) and concentrates along the machine. Controlling consistency is essential for sheet formation and water and energy use. Enter the dry fiber mass and the total suspension mass.
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Fiber suspension consistency
In a paper mill the fibers travel suspended in water through nearly every stage, and the consistency C = (dry fiber mass / total suspension mass)·100% — the fiber concentration — ranks among the most closely monitored and controlled parameters in the whole plant. Why so much care? Because consistency changes drastically along the process and every stage demands its own. At the machine headbox the suspension is ultra-dilute (~0.2–1%): so much water that the fibers float freely and settle uniformly onto the forming wire — poor formation ruins the sheet. Water is then progressively removed (drainage on the wire, pressing, drying), and consistency climbs to 20%, 45%, up to 90%+ in the dry sheet. Every badly controlled point of consistency affects formation, basis weight, energy use (evaporating water costs a fortune — drying is the largest energy consumer in the mill) and water use. Optical and blade consistency transmitters are spread all along the line. The rule: use the minimum water quality allows, and recover or recycle the maximum. Enter the dry fiber mass and the total suspension mass.
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Compute the ash content of a paper, ash = (ash mass after ignition / paper mass)·100%, corresponding to the mineral filler (fillers and mineral pigments such as calcium carbonate, kaolin and titanium dioxide) added to the sheet. Fillers improve opacity, brightness, smoothness and cost (replacing expensive fiber), but in excess reduce strength. Printing papers have 10–25% ash. Enter the ash mass and the paper mass.
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The results provided by this tool are for general informational and educational purposes only and do not constitute professional, financial, medical, legal, tax or accounting advice. Always confirm important decisions with a qualified professional and official sources.