Benefits from improved stability in process conditions and pulp properties-a double disc refiner case study

The purpose of this case study was to explore the potential for reduced energy consumption by improved process control. The application was HC post-refining of TMP in double-disc refiners. Based on data from both continuous production and from step-response tests, a thorough analysis of process performance was conducted. It was found that a significant proportion of the process disturbances, as reflected in the refiner motor load, could be successfully dampened through stabilizing measures on the basic control level. The remaining disturbances was found to be generated inside the refiner itself. In order for these disturbances to be dampened, measurements that can characterize the conditions inside the refining zone are necessary. Given the present design and instrumentation of the process, dynamic modelling of refiner motor load was performed and for fiber properties, muhivariate modeling methods were used to derive expressions for the independent variables Fl and F2. Taken together, evaluation of the models gave directions on how to further improve the process stability and indicated a potential for reduced energy consumption.