Energy consumption minimization in LC refining (webinar)

Paper and board mills regularly look for ways to reduce energy costs. Low-consistency refining uses a significant amount of a mill's electricity consumption, especially refining in paper/board grades based on virgin fibers. As the industry leader in refining technology, services and expertise, Valmet works with mill teams every day to achieve specific goals and solve problems. A Valmet webinar offers insights into how mills can minimize energy consumption in low-consistency refining through equipment, automation and operations.

The webinar was presented by Chris Wise, Product Sales Manager for Refiners and Deflakers and Luis Gonzales, Senior Manager of Services for Stock Preparation on October 27th, 2021. Click HERE to view this webinar.

Viewers of this webinar can expect to:

• Explore the energy savings potential related to new low-consistency refiners
• Discover ways to optimize energy consumption in refining by using online fiber measurement
• Understand how updating existing refiners can result in more energy-efficient refining

Chris and Luis address customer questions including:

• Why do we use refiners?
• Why is mechanical condition important?
• How do refiner housing designs affect energy consumption?
• How do splined hubs & rotors affect energy consumption?
• Why is refiner plate design important?
• How does process control strategy affect energy consumption?
• What can Valmet do to help?

An excerpt of the webinar about keys for optimimal refining results is shown below...

In a traditional disk refiner, stock is fed through a single inlet into the ported rotor and distributed internally to either side of the rotor. The two main areas for optimization are parallel plate surfaces and equal plate gaps.

What affects parallelism?

Parallelism is vital to ensure proper fiber formation, protect the refiner internal parts (gearing, bearings, packing) and ensure proper plate wear. It insures that the rotating assembly is perpendicular to the refining chamber, so when the rotor is installed, the plate mounting surfaces are parallel. If it is not parallel, it can impact the shaft's ability to float.

Door closure surfaces

The door closure surface, known as the datum, is the most important surface on a refiner. It must be cleaned each and every time the refiner is opened.

Tram alignment

A washed out adjusting mechanism (refiner door) will result in tram mis-alignment. The red lines in graphic illustrate the parallel refining zone.

A) Sealants to protect against leaks. B) Washed out adjusting mechanism (refiner door)

Common floating shaft issues

Excessively worn shaft sleeve

This is a very common issue. A badly worn shaft sleeve will result in poor refining and shorter plate life.

Over-greased coupling

Too much grease can create a hydraulic lock on the coupling. This will restrict the shaft and has the potential to create thrust on the motor.

Worn coupling

Couplings should be inspected for wear annually.

If you would like to uncover energy savings opportunities with intelligent refining, watch this informative webinar and contact your Valmet representative.