Apparatus and method for processing wood fibers

Abstract

A grinding member includes a grinding body having a grinding surface, the grinding surface including first and second grinder strips separated by first and second grinder grooves, respectively. The first grinder strip extends from a radially inner position to a first radially outer position. The second grinder strip extends to a second radially outer position closer to the outermost portion of the grinding body than the first radially outer position. The second grinder strip has a longitudinal length of about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm. The first and second grinder strips have first and second maximum heights, respectively, extending upward from the bottom of the first or second adjacent grinder grooves. The second maximum height is at least 0.35 mm less than the first maximum height. The first grinder strip is suitable for grinding wood fibers and the second grinder strip is suitable for breaking fiber bundles.

Description

[0001] This patent application is a divisional application of the patent application with application number 201980009186.8 (international application number PCT / US2019 / 012054), applicant is "International Paper Company", and invention name is "Apparatus and method for processing wood fibers".

[0002] Related Applications

[0003] This application is related to the following application filed concurrently with it: U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 860,006 filed by Dwight Anderson (Attorney Docket No. TEC-120257-US) and entitled "Apparatus and Method for Processing Wood Fibers," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to processing wood fibers in a grinder and, more particularly, to apparatus and methods for grinding wood fibers and breaking up fiber bundles. Background Art

[0005] Traditionally, a disc grinder is used to process wood fibers in one step of a paper product manufacturing process. Such a grinder includes a first grinding member and a second grinding member with a grinding space therebetween. Each of the first grinding member and the second grinding member includes a plurality of grinder bars separated by grinder grooves, wherein the grinder bars define a cutting surface for cutting the wood fibers. During operation, at least one of the first and second grinding members rotates relative to the other, whereby the rotation of the cutting surface of the grinder bar cuts the wood fibers being processed in the grinder. Once the wood fibers have been processed in the grinder, the processed wood fibers can be further processed in a subsequent paper product manufacturing process to produce a paper product. In some cases, the wood fibers can be additionally processed in a separate tickler refiner or a high frequency deflaker, for example. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a grinding member for a wood pulp grinder is provided. The grinding member includes a grinding body, the grinding body includes a grinding surface, the grinding surface includes a first grinder strip separated by a first grinder groove and a second grinder strip separated by a second grinder groove. Each first grinder strip extends from a radially inner position on the grinding surface to a first radially outer position on the grinding surface. Each second grinder strip extends to a second radially outer position on the grinding surface. The second grinder strip has a longitudinal length from about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm, wherein the second radially outer position is closer to the outermost part of the grinding body than the first radially outer position. The first grinder strip has a first maximum height extending upward from the bottom of the adjacent first grinder groove, and the second grinder strip has a second maximum height extending upward from the bottom of the adjacent second grinder groove. The second maximum height is at least 0.35 mm less than the first maximum height. The first grinder strip is suitable for grinding wood fibers, and the second grinder strip is suitable for breaking fiber bundles.

[0007] The first maximum height of the first grinder strip may be about 4 mm to about 10 mm when measured from the bottom of the adjacent first grinder grooves. The second maximum height of the second grinder strip may be about 0.35 mm to about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height when measured from the bottom of the adjacent second grinder grooves. The second maximum height of the second grinder strip may be about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height when measured from the bottom of the adjacent second grinder grooves.

[0008] The longitudinal length of the second grinder bar may be from about 2 cm to about 10 cm.

[0009] The second grinder strips may be integral with the first grinder strips such that the second grinder strips extend from a first radially outer position to a second radially outer position. Each second grinder strip may slope downwardly continuously from the first radially outer position to the second radially outer position.

[0010] The first and second grinder strips may have a width extending between side edges of about 2 mm to about 8 mm.

[0011] At least a portion of the first grinder groove may be provided with a dam.

[0012] The grinding member may also include a third grinder bar separated by a third grinder groove and a fourth grinder bar separated by a fourth grinder groove. Each third grinder bar may extend to a third radially outer position on the grinding surface, and each fourth grinder bar may extend to a fourth radially outer position on the grinding surface. The fourth grinder bar may have a longitudinal length of about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm. The fourth radially outer position may be closer to the outermost part of the grinding body than the third radially outer position. The third grinder bar may have a third maximum height extending upward from the bottom of the adjacent third grinder groove, and the fourth grinder bar may have a fourth maximum height extending upward from the bottom of the adjacent fourth grinder groove. The fourth maximum height may be at least 0.35 mm less than the third maximum height. The third grinder bar may be suitable for grinding wood fibers, and the fourth grinder bar may be suitable for breaking fiber bundles.

[0013] The third grinder strip may be integral with the second grinder strip such that the third grinder strip extends from the second radially outer position to the third radially outer position, and the fourth grinder strip may be integral with the third grinder strip such that the fourth grinder strip extends from the third radially outer position to the fourth radially outer position.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a wood pulp grinder is provided. The wood pulp grinder includes a frame, at least a first pair of grinding members, and a rotor associated with the frame. The grinding members include a first grinding member associated with the frame and including a first grinding body, and a second grinding member associated with the frame and including a second grinding body. The first grinding body includes a first grinding surface, the first grinding surface includes: first grinder strips separated by first grinder grooves, each first grinder strip extending from a radially inner position on the grinding surface to a first radially outer position on the grinding surface; and second grinder strips separated by second grinder grooves, each second grinder strip extending to a second radially outer position on the grinding surface. The longitudinal length of the second grinder strip is about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm. The second radially outer position can be closer to the outermost part of the grinding body than the first radially outer position. The first grinder strip has a first maximum height extending upward from the bottom of the adjacent first groove, and the second grinder strip has a second maximum height extending upward from the bottom of the adjacent second groove. The second maximum height is at least 0.35 mm less than the first maximum height. The second grinding member includes a second grinding surface, the second grinding surface includes second member grinder strips separated by second member grinder grooves. The first grinding member is spaced apart from the second grinding member to define a grinding space therebetween. The rotor is coupled to one of the first grinding member or the second grinding member so that rotation of the rotor causes movement of one of the first grinding member or the second grinding member relative to the other. When wood pulp slurry containing wood fibers is supplied to the frame, the wood pulp slurry passes through the grinding space so that a large amount of wood fibers in the wood pulp slurry are ground and a plurality of wood fiber bundles in the wood pulp slurry are separated.

[0015] The second maximum height may be at least 0.7 mm smaller than the first maximum height.

[0016] The longitudinal length of the second grinder bar may be from about 2 cm to about 10 cm.

[0017] The second member grinder strip may include: a third grinder strip extending from a radially inner position on the second grinding surface to a first radially outer position on the second grinding surface; and a fourth grinder strip extending to a second radially outer position on the second grinding surface. The second radially outer position may be closer to the outermost portion of the second grinding body than the first radially outer position. The third grinder strip may have a third maximum height extending upward from the bottom of adjacent grooves, and the fourth grinder strip may have a fourth maximum height extending upward from the bottom of adjacent grooves. The fourth maximum height may be at least 0.35 mm less than the third maximum height.

[0018] The first grinding component may be a non-rotating stator component and the second grinding component may be a rotating rotor component.

[0019] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method for processing wood fibers is provided. The method includes providing a grinder including at least a first pair of grinding members. The grinding members include a first grinding member including a first grinding body and a second grinding member including a second grinding body. The first grinding body includes a first grinding surface, the first grinding surface includes: a first grinder strip separated by a first grinder groove and having a first maximum height extending upward from the bottom of the adjacent first grinder groove; and a second grinder strip separated by a second grinder groove and having a second maximum height extending upward from the bottom of the adjacent second grinder groove. The second grinding body includes a second grinding surface, the second grinding surface includes a second member grinder strip separated by a second member grinder groove. The first grinding member is spaced apart from the second grinding member to define a grinding space therebetween. At least a portion of the second member grinder strip is positioned opposite the second grinder strip, thereby defining a gap between the portion of the second member grinder strip and the second grinder strip. The method also includes: rotating at least one of the first grinding member or the second grinding member so that the first grinding member and the second grinding member move relative to each other; supplying a wood pulp slurry containing wood fibers to the grinder so that the slurry passes through a grinding space; and applying an axial pressure to at least one of the first grinding member or the second grinding member while supplying the slurry so that a gap between the portion of the second member grinder bar and the second grinder bar is between about 0.9 mm and about 1.5 mm, in which gap at least a portion of the wood fiber bundles passing through the gap are separated.

[0020] The second grinder strip may have a longitudinal length of about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm, and the second maximum height may be at least 0.35 mm less than the first maximum height. The longitudinal length of the second grinder strip may be about 2 cm to about 10 cm.

[0021] The second member grinder strip may include: a third grinder strip and a fourth grinder strip. The third grinder strip may have a third maximum height extending upward from the bottom of the adjacent grooves, and the fourth grinder strip may have a fourth maximum height extending upward from the bottom of the adjacent grooves. The fourth maximum height may be at least 0.35 mm less than the third maximum height.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a grinding member for a wood pulp grinder is provided. The grinding member comprises: a grinding body comprising a plurality of radially extending pie-shaped segments, the pie-shaped segments comprising: at least one first pie-shaped segment and at least one second pie-shaped segment. The at least one first pie-shaped segment comprises a first grinding surface, the first grinding surface comprising a first grinder strip separated by a first grinder groove. The first grinder strip has a first maximum height extending upward from the bottom of an adjacent first grinder groove. The at least one second pie-shaped segment comprises a second grinding surface, the second grinding surface comprising a second grinder strip separated by a second grinder groove. The second grinder strip has a second maximum height extending upward from the bottom of an adjacent second grinder groove. The second maximum height is at least 0.35 mm less than the first maximum height. The first grinder strip is suitable for grinding wood fibers, and the second grinder strip is suitable for breaking fiber bundles.

[0023] The first maximum height of the first grinder strips may be about 4 mm to about 10 mm when measured from the bottom of adjacent first grinder grooves.

[0024] The second maximum height of the second grinder strip may be about 0.35 mm to about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height when measured from the bottom of the adjacent second grinder groove.

[0025] The second maximum height of the second grinder strip may be about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height when measured from the bottom of the adjacent second grinder groove.

[0026] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a wood pulp grinder is provided. The wood pulp grinder comprises: a frame, at least a first pair of grinding members, and a rotor associated with the frame. The grinding members comprise: a first grinding member associated with the frame and comprising a first grinding body; and a second grinding member associated with the frame and comprising a second grinding body. The first grinding body comprises a plurality of radially extending pie-shaped segments, the pie-shaped segments comprising: at least one first pie-shaped segment and at least one second pie-shaped segment. The at least one first pie-shaped segment comprises a first grinding surface, the first grinding surface comprising a first grinder strip separated by a first grinder groove. The first grinder strip has a first maximum height extending upward from the bottom of an adjacent first grinder groove. The at least one second pie-shaped segment comprises a second grinding surface, the second grinding surface comprising a second grinder strip separated by a second grinder groove. The second grinder strip has a second maximum height extending upward from the bottom of an adjacent second grinder groove. The second maximum height is at least 0.35 mm less than the first maximum height. The second grinding body comprises a second member grinding surface, the second member grinding surface comprising a second member grinder strip separated by a second member grinder groove. The first grinding member is spaced apart from the second grinding member so as to define a grinding space therebetween. The rotor is coupled to one of the first grinding member or the second grinding member so that rotation of the rotor causes movement of the first grinding member and the second grinding member relative to each other. When wood pulp slurry containing wood fibers is supplied to the frame, the wood pulp slurry passes through the grinding space, a large amount of wood fibers in the wood pulp slurry is ground, and a plurality of wood fiber bundles in the wood pulp slurry are separated.

[0027] The second maximum height of the second grinder strip may be about 0.35 mm to about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height when measured from the bottom of the adjacent second grinder groove.

[0028] The second maximum height of the second grinder strip may be about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height when measured from the bottom of the adjacent second grinder groove.

[0029] The second grinding body may include a plurality of radially extending pie-shaped segments, the pie-shaped segments including: at least one third pie-shaped segment and at least one fourth pie-shaped segment. The at least one third pie-shaped segment may include a third grinding surface, the third grinding surface including third grinder strips separated by third grinder grooves. The third grinder strips may have a third maximum height extending upward from the bottom of adjacent third grinder grooves. The at least one fourth pie-shaped segment may include a fourth grinding surface, the fourth grinding surface including fourth grinder strips separated by fourth grinder grooves. The fourth grinder strip may have a fourth maximum height extending upward from the bottom of adjacent fourth grinder grooves. The fourth maximum height may be at least 0.35 mm less than the third maximum height. The third and fourth grinder strips may define a second component grinder strip, and the third and fourth grinder grooves may define a second component grinder groove.

[0030] The first grinding component may be a non-rotating stator component and the second grinding component may be a rotating rotor component.

[0031] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a grinding member for a wood pulp grinder is provided. The grinding member includes a grinding body, the grinding body includes a grinding surface, the grinding surface includes: grinder bars separated by grinder grooves, each grinder bar extending from a radially inner position on the grinding surface to a first radially outer position on the grinding surface; and teeth extending to a second radially outer position on the grinding surface. The second radially outer position is closer to the outermost part of the grinding body than the first radially outer position. The grinder bars are suitable for grinding wood fibers, and the teeth are suitable for breaking fiber bundles.

[0032] The grinder bars may have a first maximum height of from about 4 mm to about 10 mm when measured from the bottom of adjacent grinder grooves.

[0033] The width of the grinder strip extending between the side edges may be from about 2 mm to about 8 mm.

[0034] At least a portion of the grinder groove may be provided with a dam.

[0035] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, a wood pulp grinder is provided. The wood pulp grinder includes a frame, at least a first pair of grinding members, and a rotor associated with the frame. The grinding members include a first grinding member, the first grinding member is associated with the frame and includes a first grinding body having a first grinding surface; and a second grinding member, the second grinding member is associated with the frame and includes a second grinding body having a second grinding surface. The first grinding surface includes: first grinder strips separated by first grinder grooves, each first grinder strip extending from a radially inner position on the first grinding surface to a first radially outer position on the first grinding surface; and first teeth extending to a further radially outer position on the first grinding surface. The further radially outer position is closer to the outermost portion of the first grinding body than the first radially outer position. The first grinding member is spaced apart from the second grinding member so as to define a grinding space therebetween. The rotor is coupled to one of the first grinding member or the second grinding member so that rotation of the rotor causes movement of the first grinding member and the second grinding member relative to each other. When wood pulp slurry containing wood fibers is supplied to the frame, the wood pulp slurry passes through the grinding space, so that a large amount of wood fibers in the wood pulp slurry are ground and a plurality of wood fiber bundles in the wood pulp slurry are separated.

[0036] The second grinding member may include a second grinding body, the second grinding body including a second grinding surface, the second grinding surface including: second grinding machine strips separated by second grinding machine grooves, each second grinding machine strip extending from a radially inner position on the second grinding surface to a first radially outer position on the second grinding surface; and second teeth extending to a second radially outer position on the second grinding surface. The second radially outer position may be closer to the outermost portion of the second grinding body than the first radially outer position.

[0037] The second grinding surface may include a first row of second teeth extending to a second radially outer position on the second grinding surface and a second row of second teeth extending to a fourth radially outer position on the second grinding surface. The first teeth mesh with the second teeth.

[0038] The first grinding component may be a non-rotating stator component and the second grinding component may be a rotating rotor component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] While the present invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims following the specification, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements, and wherein:

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a disc grinder;

[0041] Figure 2 and Figure 3 are top views of the first grinding body and the second grinding body respectively;

[0042] Figure 4A and Figure 4B yes Figure 2 A top view of a section of the grinding surface of the first grinding body;

[0043] Figure 5A and Figure 5B yes Figure 3 A top view of a section of the grinding surface of the second grinding body;

[0044] Fig. 6A is along Figure 4A and Figure 5A A partial cross-sectional view of the grinding body taken along line 6A-6A in FIG.

[0045] Figure 6B is along Figure 4B and Figure 5B A partial cross-sectional view of the grinding body taken along line 6B-6B in FIG.

[0046] Figure 7 It is along 4A, Figure 4B , Figure 5A and Figure 5B A partial cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG.

[0047] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a grinder strip on a first grinding body, the grinder strip being spaced apart from and positioned above a corresponding grinder strip on a second grinding body;

[0048] Fig.10 and Fig.11 A top view of a portion of a first grinding body and a second grinding body, respectively, comprising a plurality of radially extending pie-shaped segments;

[0049] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B Is from Fig.10 and Fig.11 a partial cross-sectional view of a grinder bar in a mid-pie-shaped section wherein one grinding body is spaced apart from and positioned above another grinding body;

[0050] Fig.13 and Fig.14 are top views of the first grinding body and the second grinding body, respectively, including teeth;

[0051] Fig.15 yes Fig.13 A top view of a section of the grinding surface of the first grinding body;

[0052] Fig.16 yes Fig.14A top view of a section of the grinding surface of the second grinding body;

[0053] Fig.17 is a partial cross-sectional view of a grinder bar and teeth on a first grinding body spaced apart from and positioned above a second grinding body including a grinder bar and teeth; and

[0054] Fig.18 is a flow chart showing an exemplary method for processing wood fibers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in the accompanying drawings are shown, by way of illustration and not limitation, specific preferred embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 1 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of a disc grinder 10 according to the present disclosure is shown. The disc grinder 10 includes a housing having a first housing component 12 and a second housing component 14, which may be bolted or otherwise fixedly attached together. The housing components 12, 14 define an inlet 16, an outlet 18, and a grinder chamber 64 containing one or more pairs of grinding members. Figure 1 The embodiment shown in is a double-disc grinder 10 that includes two pairs of grinding members, for example, a first grinding member 20 paired with a second grinding member 30 and a third grinding member 40 paired with a fourth grinding member 50. The first grinding member 20 includes a first grinding body 22 having a first grinding surface 24, and the second grinding member 30 includes a second grinding body 32 having a second grinding surface 34. The third grinding member 40 includes a third grinding body 42 and a third grinding surface 44, and the fourth grinding member 50 includes a fourth grinding body 52 and a fourth grinding surface 54. According to the present disclosure, each of the grinding members 20, 30, 40, 50 is associated with a main support frame, which includes a fixed support frame 66 and a movable support frame 68 fixed to the first housing component 12.

[0057] The first, second, third and fourth grinding bodies 22, 32, 42, 52 may be generally disc-shaped and have substantially the same outer diameter (see Figure 2 and 3). The first and second grinding members 20 and 30 are arranged so that the first grinding surface 24 faces the second grinding surface 34, and the third and fourth grinding members 40 and 50 are arranged so that the third grinding surface 44 faces the fourth grinding surface 54. The first grinding member 20 is spaced apart from the second grinding member 30 so as to define a first grinding space 60 between the respective grinding surfaces 24 and 34. The third grinding member 40 is spaced apart from the fourth grinding member 50 so as to define a second grinding space 62 between the respective grinding surfaces 44 and 54. The structure of the disc grinder 10 may be similar to the structure shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0037728A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0058] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the first and fourth grinding members 20, 50 are stationary, and the second and third grinding members 30, 40 rotate relative to the first and fourth grinding members 20, 50. The first grinding member 20 can be fixed to the support frame 66 by bolts or other suitable fasteners (not shown). The second and third grinding members 30, 40 can be attached to a support 70, which is coupled to a rotating shaft 72 and extends radially outward from the rotating shaft 72. The support 70 is coupled to the shaft 72 so as to rotate with the shaft 72 and can also move axially along the shaft 72. The shaft 72 is driven by a first motor 74 so that the support 70 and the second and third grinding members 30, 40 rotate with the shaft 72 during operation of the disc grinder 10. The shaft 72 has a central axis 72A that is generally coaxial with the rotation axis of the second and third grinding members 30, 40. The shaft 72 can be rotatably mounted to the fixed support frame 66 so that the first and second grinding members 30, 40 are associated with the main support frame. According to the present disclosure, the support 70 can be axially movable along the shaft 72, for example, substantially axially movable along the central axis 72A relative to the first and fourth grinding components 20, 50. The fourth grinding component 50 can be fixed to the movable support frame 68 by bolts or other suitable fasteners (not shown). Therefore, the support 70 and the shaft 72 can define a rotor associated with the main support frame, so that the second and third grinding components can define a rotating rotor component, and the first and fourth grinding components 20, 50 can define a non-rotating stator component. The rotation of the rotor causes the second and third grinding components 30, 40 to move relative to the first and fourth grinding components 20, 50, respectively.

[0059] The movable support frame 68 can be mounted in the second housing component 14 and coupled to a second motor 76, which can include a fixed-position reversible electric motor. The second motor 76 moves the movable support frame 68 in a substantially horizontal (i.e., axial) direction indicated by arrow A. The grinding machine 10 can include, for example, a screw jack (not shown) coupled to the second motor 76 and the movable support frame 68, and the second motor 76 can rotate the screw jack to move the movable support frame 68 to which, for example, the fourth grinding component 50 is attached. This movement adjusts the size of the gap defined between the first and second grinding members 20, 30 and between the third and fourth grinding members 40, 50, i.e., the size of the first and second grinding spaces 60, 62 (see also Figure 8 and Fig. 9 ). In other embodiments (not shown), control of the gap size may be achieved by one or more magnetic bearings. The magnetic bearings control the axial position of the shaft 72, which may be used to control the position of a rotating rotor component fixed to the shaft 72. The magnetic bearings may be used to control the axial position of one or more other movable sections (i.e., movable support frame 68) of the main support frame to which one or more non-rotating stator components are attached.

[0060] As further discussed in the present disclosure, wood pulp slurry containing wood fibers passes through the grinding spaces 60, 62. When the jack screw rotates in a first direction, it causes the movable support frame 68 and the fourth grinding member 50 to move inwardly toward the third grinding member 40. The fourth grinding member 50 then applies an axial force to the wood pulp slurry passing through the second grinding space 62, which in turn applies an axial force to the third grinding member 40, causing the third grinding member 40, the support 70, and the second grinding member 30 to move inwardly toward the first grinding member 20. When the jack screw rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, it causes the movable support frame 68 and the fourth grinding member 50 to move outwardly away from the third grinding member 40. This reduces the axial force applied by the fourth grinding member 50 to the wood pulp slurry passing through the second grinding space 62, which in turn reduces the axial force applied by the wood pulp slurry to the third grinding member 40. The axial force applied by the wood pulp slurry passing through the first grinding space 60 is then sufficient to move the second grinding member 30, the support 70 and the third grinding member 40 toward the fourth grinding member 50. This situation continues until the axial forces applied by the wood pulp passing through the first and second grinding spaces 60, 62 on the second and third grinding members 30 and 40 are approximately equal.

[0061] In some embodiments (not shown), the disc grinder 10 may further include another motor and a second rotating shaft, and the first and / or fourth grinding members 20, 50 may be coupled to the second rotating shaft so that the first and / or fourth grinding members 20, 50 can rotate in the opposite direction relative to the second and / or third grinding members 30, 40, respectively. In other embodiments (not shown), the disc grinder 10 may include only one pair of grinding members, one of which is a non-rotating stator member and the other is a rotating rotor member. In further embodiments (not shown), the disc grinder may include three or more pairs of grinding members. In further embodiments (not shown), the disc grinder 10 may include a conical grinder having one or more pairs of grinding members.

[0062] Figure 2 and Figure 3 2 is a top view of the grinding surfaces 24, 34 of the first grinding body 22 and the second grinding body 32, respectively, used in a wood pulp grinding machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Although not discussed in detail herein, the structure of the grinding surfaces 44, 54 of the third and fourth grinding bodies 42, 52 (see Figure 1 ) can be substantially similar to the grinding surfaces 24, 34 of the first and second grinding bodies 22, 32, respectively.

[0063] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the first grinding body 22 may include multiple parts, such as parts 22A-22C, which are bolted or otherwise attached together to form a disc-shaped grinding body 22 including a radial outer edge 27. The grinding surface 24 includes a plurality of elongated grinder strips 26 separated from each other by grinder grooves 28. Although in Figure 2 2, but it is understood that other components (not labeled) of the first grinding body 22 will similarly include grinder strips 26 and grinder grooves 28. The grinder strips 26 extend radially outward from the radially inner portion 23 of the first grinding body 22 toward the radially outer edge 27. The grinder strips 26 may be as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown inclined at various angles, each of the components 22A-22C may include one or more sections (not individually labeled) of the grinder bar 26 that are inclined in different directions. Figure 2 The grinder bars 26 and grinder grooves 28 within each of the components 22A-22C may otherwise be similar in structure.

[0064] like Figure 3As shown, the second grinding body 32 may similarly include multiple components, such as components 32A-32C, which are bolted or otherwise attached together to form a disc-shaped grinding body 32 including a radial outer edge 37. The grinding surface 34 includes a plurality of elongated grinder strips 36 separated from each other by grinder grooves 38. Although in Figure 3 3. Although not shown in the figure, it is understood that other components (not labeled) of the second grinding body 32 may similarly include grinder strips 36 and grinder grooves 38. The grinder strips 36 extend radially outward from the radially inner portion 33 of the second grinding body 32 toward the radially outer edge 37. The grinder strips 36 may be as shown in FIG. Figure 3 Shown inclined at various angles, each component 32A-32C may include two or more sections (not individually labeled) of the grinder bar 36 that are inclined in different directions. Figure 3 The grinder bars 36 and grinder grooves 38 within each of the components 32A-32C may otherwise be similar in structure.

[0065] The path of the wood pulp slurry containing wood fibers through the grinder 10 is Figure 1 Indicated by arrow B. Figures 1 to 3, wood pulp slurry enters the disc grinder 10 through the inlet 16 and enters the grinder cavity 64 via the central hole 21 in the first grinding member 20. The grinder cavity 64 can be defined in part by a fixed support frame 66 and a movable support frame 68. The grinding surface 24, 34 can include one or more rows of additional grinder bars (not labeled), such as grinder bars located near the center of the grinding body 22, 32 (e.g., near the central hole 21). These additional grinder bars can be wider and more spaced apart than the other grinder bars 26 to break up large fiber bundles before they enter the grinding space 60. The wood fibers travel radially outward between the grinding members 20, 30, 40, 50. The first grinding space 60 defined between the first and second grinding members 20, 30 and the second grinding space 62 defined between the third and fourth grinding members 40, 50 define separate paths along which the wood fibers can travel from the inlet 16 to the outlet 18. It can be considered that the wood fibers pass through only one of the first and second grinding spaces 60, 62 at a time. The grinder grooves 28, 38 can be considered as part of the grinding space 60 defined between the first and second grinding members 20, 30. It can be considered that most of the flow of wood fibers passing through the grinding space 60 passes through the grinder grooves 28, 38. Similarly, the grinder grooves (not shown) of the third and fourth grinding members 40, 50 can be considered as part of the grinding space 62 defined between the third and fourth grinding members 40, 50. It can be considered that most of the flow of wood fibers passing through the grinding space 62 passes through the grinder grooves (not labeled) of the third and fourth grinding members 40, 50. After processing, the wood fibers leave the grinder 10 via the outlet 18 at least partially under the action of centrifugal force.

[0066] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a detailed view of a portion of the grinding surface 24 of the first grinding body 22 . Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a detailed view of a corresponding portion of the grinding surface 34 of the second grinding body 32. Fig. 6A and 6B 6A-6A and 6B-6B are partial cross-sectional views of the grinding bodies 22 and 32, respectively, showing Figure 4A , 4B 5A and 5B show two embodiments of grinder bars 26, 36. Figure 7 is along Figure 4A , 4B , a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in 5A and 5B.

[0067] exist Figure 4A , 5AIn the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6A and 7, each grinder strip 26, 36 may include a first grinder strip 26A, 36A and a second grinder strip 26B, 36B. The first grinder strips 26A, 36A may be separated from each other by first grinder grooves 28A, 38A, and the second grinder strips 26B, 36B may be separated from each other by second grinder grooves 28B, 38B. The first and second grinder grooves 28A, 38A, 28B, 38B may have a width W of about 2 mm to about 6 mm. G .like Fig. 6A and 7 As shown, the first grinder strips 26A, 36A include a first maximum height H1 extending upward from the bottom F1 of the adjacent first grinder grooves 28A, 38A, and the second grinder strips 26B, 36B include a second maximum height H2 extending upward from the bottom F2 of the adjacent second grinder grooves 28B, 38B, wherein the second maximum height H2 is less than the first maximum height H1. The minimum height difference between H1 and H2 is Fig. 6A In some examples, the radially outer portion RO1 of the first grinder bar 26A, 36A may include a step from the first maximum height H1 to the second maximum height H2.

[0068] In some examples, the second maximum height H2 may be at least 0.35 mm less than the first maximum height H1. In other examples, the second maximum height H2 may be at least 0.70 mm less than the first maximum height H1. In further examples, the first maximum height H1 of the first grinder strips 26A, 36A may be about 4 mm to about 10 mm when measured from the bottom F1 of the adjacent first grinder grooves 28A, 38A. In one specific example, the second maximum height H2 of the second grinder strips 26B, 36B may be about 0.35 mm to about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height H1 when measured from the bottom F2 of the adjacent second grinder grooves 28B, 38B. In another specific example, the second maximum height H2 of the second grinder strips 26B, 36B may be about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height H1 when measured from the bottom F2 of the adjacent second grinder grooves 28B, 38B. In other examples, the first and second grinder strips 26A, 36A, 26B, 36B may include a width W extending between the side edges of the respective grinder strips 26A, 36A, 26B, 36B. 26 , which is about 2 mm to about 8 mm.

[0069] Each of the first grinder strips 26A, 36A extends from a radially inner position P1 on the grinding surface 24, 34 to a first radially outer position P2 on the grinding surface 24, 34. Each of the second grinder strips 26B, 36B extends to a second radially outer position P3 on the grinding surface 24, 34. The second radially outer position P3 may be closer to the outermost portion of the grinding body 22, 32, e.g., the radially outer edge 27, 37, than the first radially outer position P2. In some examples, the radially inner position P1 may include a position at or near the radially inner portion 23, 33. The second grinder strips 26B, 36B may include a longitudinal length L1 of about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm, preferably about 2 cm to about 10 cm.

[0070] In some embodiments, Figure 4A , 5A As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6A , the second grinder strips 26B, 36B may be integral with the first grinder strips 26A, 36A, so that the second grinder strips 26B, 36B extend from the first radially outer position P2 to the second radially outer position P3. In a specific embodiment, the second grinder strips 26B, 36B may be continuously inclined downward from the first radially outer position P2 to the second radially outer position P3. Fig. 6A As shown, the height of the second grinder bars 26B, 36B may decrease continuously from a second maximum height H2 to a second minimum height H along substantially the entire longitudinal length L1. 2' In another specific embodiment, Fig. 6A As shown in dashed lines, the second grinder strips 26B, 36B may extend substantially horizontally from the first radially outer position P2 to the second radially outer position P3, with the second grinder strips 26B, 36B being at the second maximum height H2 along substantially the entire longitudinal length L1 of the second grinder strips 26B, 36B. In other embodiments (not shown), the first grinder strips 26A, 36A may be radially spaced a distance from the second grinder strips 26B, 36B.

[0071] Reference Figure 4A , Figure 5A and Figure 7 , the grinding surface 24, 34 may include a dam 29, 39 disposed in at least a portion of the first grinder groove 28A, 38A. The dam 29, 39 may include a height substantially equal to or less than the height of the adjacent first grinder strips 26A, 36A. The dam 29, 39 is used to divert wood fibers from the first grinder groove 28A, 38A to engage with the first and second grinder strips 26A, 36A, 26B, 36B.

[0072] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 4A , Figure 5A and Fig. 6AWhen a wood pulp slurry containing wood fibers is supplied to a frame 66 (e.g., the inlet 16 of the grinder 10), the first grinder bars 26A, 36A are suitable for grinding the fibers in the wood pulp slurry, while the second grinder bars 26B, 36B are suitable for breaking up or separating fiber bundles. Grinding can be used to break up and reduce small fiber flocs, cause external or internal fibrillation to achieve fiber bonding, and / or cut off a large number of long wood fibers in the wood pulp slurry to reduce the length of the long wood fibers. However, the grinding process also causes some wood fibers to reform into small dense fiber bundles ("flocs"), especially in the process of grinding long fibers (such as cork). The fiber bundles may have an adverse effect on the tensile strength, forming, etc. of the final paper product, the seed crystal formation of the wood pulp fiber filaments that clog downstream components, and / or inhibit the discharge of fluids / water from the fibers during the production of paper products. Therefore, the flocs should be broken up after grinding in a process called "deflaking". The term "deflaking" as used in this article is used to refer to the process of breaking up the fiber bundles formed during the grinding process. When grinding involves a conventional wood pulp grinder, deflaking generally occurs in one or more subsequent grinders, which are often operated at low power and are referred to as "tickler" grinders or deflakers. The use of separate grinders or deflakers increases the cost and complexity of the system. In addition, the tickler grinder and associated pipelines and water tanks and downstream machine chests may accumulate a certain amount of fiber remaining from previous runs and may continue to form fiber bundles. When different wood pulp slurries are ground together, processing in the tickler grinder may reduce the properties of the fibers. It is believed that the grinding members 20, 30, 40, 50 according to the present disclosure solve these problems by incorporating grinder bars 26A, 26B, 36A, 36B having different heights so that grinding and deflaking can be performed within a single grinder 10.

[0073] The first maximum height H1 of the first grinder strips 26A, 36A is greater than the second maximum height H2, which means that when the wood fibers pass through the grinding space 60 at least partially defined by the first grinder grooves 28A, 38A and the first grinder strips 26A, 36A on the first and second opposite grinding surfaces 24, 34 (see also Figure 8 and Fig. 9) is engaged with the cutting side edges 126A, 136A of the grinding bodies 22, 32, the wood fibers are subjected to high shear and compression forces. Therefore, the portion of the grinding space 60 at least partially defined by the first grinder grooves 28A, 38A and extending from the radially inner position P1 on the grinding surface 24, 34 to the first radially outer position P2 on the grinding surface 24, 34 can at least partially define the grinding zone. In some examples, the radially inner portion 23, 33 of each grinding body 22, 32 can define the starting point of the grinding area. When the ground fibers enter the portion of the grinding space 60 at least partially defined by the second grinder grooves 28B, 38B (for example, from Fig. 6A The second grinder bars 26B, 36B include a second maximum height H2 when the second grinder bars 26B, 36B are at about the first radially outer position P2 to about the second radially outer position P3, and the intensity of the force applied to the fiber decreases in response to the height decrease (see also Figure 8 and 9 ). Thus, the portion of the grinding space 60 at least partially defined by the second grinder grooves 28B, 38B and extending from the first radially outer position P2 to the second radially outer position P3 on the grinding surface 24, 34 can at least partially define a deflaking zone. The reduced force applied to the fibers in the deflaking zone can be considered to break up the fiber bundles formed during the grinding process without further grinding, or only minimally grinding the fibers. Fig. 6A In the illustrated embodiment, the second grinder bar 26B, 36B forms an annular ring that defines a deflaking zone around radially outer portions (not separately labeled) of the first and second grinding bodies 22, 32. It is believed that in order to stop grinding of the fibers and begin deflaking, the second maximum height H2 of the second grinder bar 26B, 36B should be at least about 0.35 mm less than the first maximum height H1 of the first grinder bar 26A, 36A. The grinding zone may occupy 60% or more of the total area defined by the grinding zone and the deflaking zone on each grinding surface 24, 34.

[0074] exist Figure 4B , Figure 5B and Figure 6B In the illustrated embodiment, each grinder bar 26', 36' may include a first grinder bar 26A', 36A', a second grinder bar 26B', 36B', a third grinder bar 26C, 36C, and a fourth grinder bar 26D, 36D. The first grinder bar 26A', 36A' and the second grinder bar 26B', 36B' may be connected to Figure 4A , 5A , 6A and Figure 7The first grinder strips 26A, 36A and the second grinder strips 26B, 36B shown and described in the present disclosure are substantially similar, however, the first and second grinder strips 26A', 36A', 26B', 36B' may extend radially outwardly a shorter distance. The first grinder strips 26A', 36A' may be separated from each other by first grinder grooves 28A', 38A', and the second grinder strips 26B', 36B' may be separated from each other by second grinder grooves 28B', 38B'. The first and second grinder grooves 28A', 38A', 28B', 38B' may have a width W of about 2 mm to about 6 mm. G The third grinder strips 26C, 36C may be separated from each other by third grinder grooves 28C, 38C, and the fourth grinder strips 26D, 36D may be separated from each other by fourth grinder grooves 28D, 38D. Figure 6B As shown, the third grinder strips 26C, 36C include a third maximum height H3 extending upward from the bottom F3 of the adjacent third grinder grooves 28C, 38C, and the fourth grinder strips 26D, 36D include a fourth maximum height H4 extending upward from the bottom F4 of the adjacent fourth grinder grooves 28D, 38D, wherein the fourth maximum height H4 is less than the third maximum height H3. The third maximum height H3 may be substantially equal to the first maximum height H1, and the fourth maximum height H4 may be substantially equal to the second maximum height H2. The minimum height difference between H3 and H4 is Figure 6B In some examples, the radially outer portion RO2 of the third grinder strip 26C, 36C may include a step from the third maximum height H3 to the fourth maximum height H4. The third and fourth grinder grooves 28C, 38C, 28D, 38D may have a width W of about 2 mm to about 6 mm. G .

[0075] In some examples, the fourth maximum height H4 may be at least 0.35 mm less than the third maximum height H3. In other examples, the fourth maximum height H4 may be at least 0.70 mm less than the third maximum height H3. In further examples, the third maximum height H3 of the third grinder strips 26C, 36C may be about 4 mm to about 10 mm when measured from the bottom F3 of the adjacent third grinder grooves 28C, 38C. In one specific example, the fourth maximum height H4 of the fourth grinder strips 26D, 36D may be about 0.35 mm to about 1.5 mm less than the third maximum height H3 when measured from the bottom F4 of the adjacent fourth grinder grooves 28D, 38D. In another specific example, the fourth maximum height H4 of the fourth grinder strips 26D, 36D may be about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm less than the third maximum height H3 when measured from the bottom F4 of the adjacent fourth grinder grooves 28D, 38D. In a further example, the third and fourth grinder strips 26C, 36C, 26D, 36D may include a width (not separately labeled) extending between side edges of the respective grinder strips 26C, 36C, 26D, 36D that is about 2 mm to about 8 mm.

[0076] Each first grinding machine strip 26A', 36A' is formed from a radially inner position P on the grinding surface 24, 34. 1' The first radially outer position P extending to the grinding surface 24, 34 2' Each second grinding machine bar 26B', 36B' extends to a second radially outer position P on the grinding surface 24, 34 3' Each third grinder strip 26C, 36C extends to a third radially outer position P4 on the grinding surface 24, 34. Each fourth grinder strip 26D, 36D extends to a fourth radially outer position P5 on the grinding surface 24, 34. The fourth radially outer position P5 may be greater than the first, second, and third radially outer positions P 2' , P 3' , P4 is closer to the outermost portion of the grinding body 22, 32, such as the radially outer edge 27, 37. The fourth grinder strip 26D, 36D may include a longitudinal length L1 from about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm and preferably from about 2 cm to about 10 cm.

[0077] In some embodiments, Figure 4B , 5B As shown in FIG. 6B , the second grinder strips 26B′, 36B′ and the first grinder strips 26A′, 36A′ may be integrated so that the second grinder strips 26B′, 36B′ are located from the first radially outer position P 2' Extending to the second radially outer position P 3' In some embodiments, Figure 4B ,5B As shown in FIG. 6B , the third grinder strips 26C, 36C and the second grinder strips 26B′, 36B′ may be integrated so that the third grinder strips 26C, 36C are located from the second radially outer position P 3' The fourth grinder strips 26D, 36D and the third grinder strips 26C, 36C may be integral, so that the fourth grinder strips 26D, 36D extend from the third radially outer position P4 to the fourth radially outer position P5. In a specific embodiment, the second grinder strips 26B', 36B' may extend from the first radially outer position P4 to the fourth radially outer position P5. 2' Continue to tilt downward to the second radially outer position P 3' .like Figure 6B As shown, the second grinder bar 26B', 36B' may include a longitudinal length L1 from about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm, preferably from about 2 cm to about 10 cm. The height of the second grinder bar 26B', 36B' may continuously decrease from a second maximum height H2 to a second minimum height H along substantially the entire longitudinal length L1. 2' In another specific embodiment, Figure 6B As shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1 , the second grinding machine bar 26B′, 36B′ can be substantially horizontal from the first radially outer position P 2' Extending to the second radially outer position P 3' , so that the second grinder strip 26B', 36B' is at the second maximum height H2 substantially along the entire longitudinal length L1 of the second grinder strip 26B', 36B'. In a specific embodiment, the fourth grinder strip 26D, 36D can be continuously tilted downward from the third radially outer position P4 to the fourth radially outer position P5. Figure 6B As shown, the height of the fourth grinder strip 26D, 36D may decrease continuously from a fourth maximum height H4 to a fourth minimum height H5 along substantially the entire longitudinal length L2. 4' In another specific embodiment, Figure 6B As shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1 , the fourth grinder strip 26D, 36D may extend substantially horizontally from the third radially outer position P4 to the fourth radially outer position P5, such that the fourth grinder strip 26D, 36D is at a fourth maximum height H4 along substantially its entire longitudinal length L2. In other embodiments (not shown), the third grinder strip 26C, 36C may be radially spaced a distance from the fourth grinder strip 26D, 36D.

[0078] See also Figure 4B , Figure 5B and Figure 7According to the present disclosure, the grinding surface 24, 34 may include a dam 29, 39 disposed in at least a portion of the first and / or third grinder grooves 28A', 38A', 28C, 38C.

[0079] If targeted Figure 4A , Figure 5A and Fig. 6A As described in the first and second grinder bars 26A, 36A, 26B, 36B, Figure 4B , Figure 5B and Figure 6B The first grinding machine bar 26A', 36A' is suitable for grinding wood fibers, and Figure 4B , Figure 5B and Figure 6B The second grinder bar 26B', 36B' in the embodiment is adapted to break up wood fibers. According to the present disclosure, the third grinder bar 26C, 36C is adapted to break up wood fibers (similar to the first grinder bar 26A', 36A'), and the fourth grinder bar 26D, 36D is adapted to break up fiber bundles (similar to the second grinder bar 26B', 36B').

[0080] See also Figure 1 , Figure 4B , Figure 5B and Figure 6B According to the present disclosure, the grinding space 60 is at least partially defined by the first grinder grooves 28A', 38A' and the third grinder grooves 28C, 38C and is formed on the grinding surfaces 24, 34 from the radially inner position P 1' Extending to the first radially outer position P 2' and from the second radially outer position P 3' The portions extending to the third radially outer position P4 may at least partially define the first and second grinding zones, respectively. According to the present disclosure, the grinding space 60 is at least partially defined by the second grinder grooves 28B', 38B' and the fourth grinder grooves 28D, 38D and extends from the first radially outer position P4 on the grinding surface 24, 34. 2' Extending to the second radially outer position P 3'and those portions extending from the third radially outer position P4 to the fourth radially outer position P5 may at least partially define the first and second deflaking zones, respectively. It is believed that in order to stop grinding the fibers and start deflaking, the second maximum height H2 of the second grinder bars 26B', 36B' should be at least about 0.35 mm less than the first maximum height H1 of the first grinder bars 26A', 36A'. Similarly, it is believed that in order to stop grinding the fibers and start deflaking, the fourth maximum height H4 of the fourth grinder bars 26D, 36D should be at least about 0.35 mm less than the third maximum height H3 of the third grinder bars 26C, 36C. The first and second grinding zones may occupy 60% or more of the total area defined by the first and second grinding zones and the deflaking zone on each grinding surface 24, 34.

[0081] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of the first and second grinding bodies 22, 32 / 132 of the first and second grinding members 20, 30 / 130 according to the present disclosure. The first grinding member 20 is spaced apart from the second grinding member 30 and is positioned adjacent to and opposite to the second grinding member 30 (see Figure 1 ).exist Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the grinding body according to the present invention, such as the first grinding body 22, is paired with a conventional grinding body 132. The first grinding body 22 includes a first grinding machine strip 26A, a first grinding machine groove 28A, a second grinding machine strip 26B and a second grinding machine groove 28B, which may correspond to the present disclosure for Figure 4A , 4B , 6A, 6B and Figure 7 The first and second grinder strips 26A, 26B and the first and second grinder grooves 28A, 28B are described. It can be understood that Figure 8 The features described in the foregoing for the first and second grinder strips 26A, 26B and the first and second grinder grooves 28A, 28B are equally applicable to the present disclosure (see Figure 4B , 5B and 6B) of the third and fourth grinder strips 26C, 26D and the third and fourth grinder grooves 28C, 28D. The conventional grinding body 132 includes conventional grinder strips 136 and grinder grooves 138, and the conventional grinder strips 136 have a uniform height along substantially the entire longitudinal length thereof. In other embodiments (not shown), the non-rotating stator component (e.g., the first grinding component 20) can include conventional grinder strips having a uniform height along substantially the entire length, and the rotating rotor component, such as the second grinding machine component 30, can include grinder strips 26A, 26B and grinder grooves 28A, 28B according to the present disclosure (see Figure 1 ).

[0082] exist Figure 8The outer surface S of the first grinder strip 26A is defined in 26A and the outer surface S of the conventional grinder bar 136 136 In an example where the second grinder bar 26B is continuously inclined downward, the outer surface S of the second grinder bar 26B may be 26B A second gap G2 is defined between the outer surface of the conventional grinder bar 136, wherein G2 is greater than G1. The second grinder bar 26B extends substantially horizontally (at Figure 8 In the example shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1 , the outer surface S of the second grinder strip 26B may be 26B' and the outer surface S of the conventional grinder bar 136 136 A third gap G3 is defined between the two, wherein G3 is greater than G1. Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment where the second grinder strips (eg, the second grinder strip 26B) are inclined, the outer surface S of the second grinder strip 26B is 26B Compared with the outer surface S of the conventional grinding machine bar 136 136 The distance between the second grinder strip 26B can be along at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the second grinder strip 26B (not labeled; see Fig. 6A and 6B ) increases continuously from a minimum distance corresponding to the third gap G3 to a maximum distance corresponding to the second gap G2.

[0083] exist Fig. 9 In the embodiment shown, one grinding body according to the present invention (e.g., the first grinding body 22) is paired with another grinding body according to the present invention (e.g., the second grinding body 32). The first grinding body 22 includes a first grinder strip 26A, a first grinder groove 28A, a second grinder strip 26B, and a second grinder groove 28B, which may correspond to the embodiment of the present disclosure directed to Figure 4A , 4B , 6A, 6B and Figure 7 The first and second grinder strips 26A, 26B and the first and second grinder grooves 28A, 28B described above. The second grinding body 32 includes a first grinder strip 36A, a first grinder groove 38A, a second grinder strip 36B and a second grinder groove 38B, which may correspond to the first and second grinder strips 26A, 26B and the first and second grinder grooves 28A, 28B of the present disclosure. Figure 5A , 5B , 6A, 6B and Figure 7 The first and second grinder strips 36A, 36B and the first and second grinder grooves 38A, 38B are described. It can be understood that Fig. 9Those features described in connection with the first and second grinder strips 26A, 26B, 36A, 36B and the first and second grinder grooves 28A, 28B, 38A, 38B, respectively, are equally applicable to the third and fourth grinder strips 26C, 26D and the third and fourth grinder grooves 28C, 28D described in the present disclosure (see Figure 4B , 5B , 6B).

[0084] The first gap G1 is defined on the outer surface S of the first grinding strip 26A of the first grinding body 22. 26A and the outer surface S of the first grinding machine strip 36A of the second grinding body 32 36A In an example where the second grinding strip 26B of the first grinding body 22 and the second grinding strip 36B of the second grinding body 32 are both continuously inclined downward, the outer surface S of the second grinding strip 26B may be 26B The outer surface S of the second grinding machine strip 36B of the second grinding body 32 36B A gap G4 is defined between the two grinding bodies, wherein G4 is greater than G1. One of the second grinding bars (e.g., the second grinding bar 26B of the first grinding body 22) is continuously inclined downward and the other of the second grinding bars (e.g., the second grinding bar 36B of the second grinding body 32) extends substantially horizontally ( Fig. 9 In the example shown in the dashed line in the middle, the outer surface S of the second grinding machine strip 26B can be 26B The outer surface S of the second grinding machine strip 36B 36B' A gap G5 is defined between the first grinding body 22 and the second grinding body 32, wherein G5 is greater than G1. The second grinding machine strip 26B of the first grinding body 22 and the second grinding machine strip 36B of the second grinding body 32 both extend substantially horizontally ( Fig. 9 In the example shown in the dashed line in the middle, the outer surface S of the second grinding machine strip 26B can be 26B' and the outer surface S of the second grinder strip 36B 36B' A gap G6 is defined between the two electrodes, wherein G6 is larger than G1. In some specific examples, G4 is larger than G5, and G5 is larger than G6.

[0085] like Fig. 9 As shown, in the embodiment where one or both of the second grinder strips 26B, 36B are inclined, the outer surface S of the second grinder strips 26B, 36B is inclined. 26B , S 26B' , S 36B , S 36B' The distance between the second grinder bars 26B and 36B can be along at least a portion of the longitudinal length of one or both of the respective second grinder bars 26B, 36B (not labeled; see Fig. 6A and 6B) continuously increases. For example, when one grinding body (eg, the first grinding body 22) includes an inclined second grinding machine strip 26B, the outer surface S of the second grinding machine strip 26B, 36B 26B , S 36B' The distance between the two grinding bodies 22 and 32 can increase from the minimum distance corresponding to the gap G6 to the maximum distance corresponding to the third gap G5. When both grinding bodies 22 and 32 include inclined second grinding machine strips 26B and 36B, the outer surface S of the second grinding machine strips 26B and 36B is 26B , S 36B The distance therebetween may increase from a minimum distance corresponding to gap G6 to a maximum distance corresponding to gap G4.

[0086] exist Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In all of the embodiments depicted, as the rotatable grinding member (e.g., first grinding member 20; see Figure 1 ) relative to a stationary grinding member (e.g., a second grinding member 30 / 130; see Figure 1 ) rotates, and the wood pulp slurry including wood fibers is supplied to the grinding mill 10 (see Figure 1 ) frame 66, such as the inlet 16, and enters the grinding space 60 defined between the first and second grinding bodies 22, 32 / 132. Figure 8 As the wood fibers enter the portion of the grinding space 60 at least partially defined by the first grinder groove 28A of the first grinding body 22 and the grinder groove 138 of the second grinding body 132, the first and second grinding bodies 22, 132 are spaced apart to define a first gap G1 between the first grinder strip 26A of the first grinding body 22 and the conventional grinder strip 136 of the second grinding body 132, so that the grinder strips 26A and 136 interact with each other to grind the wood fibers as described in the present disclosure. It is believed that in order for grinding to occur, the first gap G1 should be less than about 0.9 mm, preferably between about 0.2 mm and about 0.9 mm.

[0087] Continue to see Figure 8As the wood fibers enter the portion of the grinding space 60 at least partially defined by the second grinder groove 28B of the first grinding body 22 and the grinder groove 138 of the second grinding body 132, the distance between the second grinder strip 26B of the first grinding body 22 and the grinder strip 136 of the second grinding body 132 increases, so that it can be considered that grinding stops and deflaking begins. In an embodiment where the second grinder strip 26B continuously slopes downward, the distance increases from the first gap G1 to the second gap G2. In an embodiment where the second grinder strip 26B extends substantially horizontally, the distance increases from the first gap G1 to the third gap G3. It can be considered that in order for deflaking to occur, the distance between the second grinder strip 26B of the first grinding body 22 and the grinder strip 136 of the second grinding body 132, i.e., G2 or G3, should be between about 0.9 mm and about 1.5 mm.

[0088] See also Fig. 9 As the wood fibers enter the portion of the grinding space 60 at least partially defined by the first grinder grooves 28A, 38A of the first and second grinding bodies 22, 32, respectively, the first and second grinding bodies 22, 32 are spaced apart to define a first gap G1 between the first grinder strips 26A, 36A, so that the grinder strips 26A, 36A interact with each other to grind the wood fibers as described in the present disclosure. As the wood fibers enter the portion of the grinding space 60 at least partially defined by the second grinder grooves 28B, 38B of the first and second grinding bodies 22, 32, respectively, the distance between the second grinder strips 26B of the first grinding body 22 and the second grinder strips 36B of the second grinding body 32 increases to one of the gaps G4, G5, or G6, so that grinding stops and deflaking begins. It is believed that for grinding to occur, the first gap G1 should be less than about 0.9 mm, preferably between about 0.2 mm and about 0.9 mm, and for debonding to occur, the gaps G4, G5, G6 should be between about 0.9 mm and about 1.5 mm.

[0089] See also Figure 1 , Fig. 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 8 and Fig. 9, the gaps G1 and G2, G3, G4, G5, G6 defined between the grinding bodies 22, 32 / 132 can be adjusted by applying axial pressure to at least one of the first or second grinding members 20, 30, for example, by means of a second motor 76 coupled to the movable support frame 68 via a jack screw (not shown). For a single disc grinder, the second grinding member 30 can be directly coupled to the movable support frame 68 so that as the movable support frame 68 is moved via the second motor 76 and the jack screw, the second grinding member 30 moves with the movable support frame 68. For a dual disc grinder 10, the second grinding member 30 moves as described above, i.e., as the jack screw rotates in a first direction, causing the movable support frame 68 and the fourth grinding member 50 to move inwardly toward the third grinding member 40. The fourth grinding member 50 then applies an axial force to the slurry passing through the second grinding space 62 , which in turn applies an axial force to the third grinding member 40 , causing the third grinding member 40 , the support 70 , and the second grinding member 30 to move inwardly toward the first grinding member 20 .

[0090] By adjusting the positioning of the second grinding member 30 relative to the first grinding member 20 via the second motor 76 (manually controlled or controlled via a controller / processor coupled to the second motor 76) and the jack screw, the gap G1 defined between the grinder bars 26A, 36A, 136 is maintained at a substantially constant gap value so that the amount of power required to be input / generated by the first motor 74 (manually controlled or controlled via a controller / processor coupled to the first motor 74) operating at a predetermined speed to process a certain amount of wood pulp passing through the grinding space 60 is maintained at a predetermined input power level, which is monitored by an operator or controller / processor controlling the first motor 74. For example, if wood pulp is passed through a 20-inch diameter mill at a flow rate of 151 gpm, the mill will have a predetermined input power level. The grinding space 60 of the Twinflo IIIB low consistency grinder is set, and the first motor 74 is operated at a constant speed of 800 RPM, then the second motor 76 is controlled to move the second grinding member 30 relative to the first grinding member 20 until the power input of the first motor 74 is equal to 114 kilowatts. When the power input of the first motor 74 is equal to 114 kilowatts, it is estimated that the gap size between the first and second grinding members 20, 30 is 0.57 mm.

[0091] Continue to see Figure 1 , Fig. 6A , Figure 6B , Figure 8 and Fig. 9It can be considered that the gaps G2, G3, G4, G5, G6 required to achieve deflaking can be changed depending on the load or flow rate (i.e., liters / minute of wood pulp slurry flowing through the grinding space 60) to which the grinding bodies 22, 32 / 132 are subjected. For example, when the grinding bodies 22, 32 / 132 are lightly loaded, when the fibers enter the portion of the grinding space 60 at least partially defined by the second grinder grooves 28B / 28B', 38B / 38B', for example, when the wood fibers move through Fig. 6A and 6B The first radially outer position P2 / P 2' When the grinding body 22, 32 / 132 is heavily loaded, some grinding of the wood fibers continues at least along that portion of the grinding space 60 which is at least partially defined by the second grinder grooves 28B / 28B', 38B / 38B'.

[0092] Embodiments in which one or both of the second grinder strips 26B / 26B' of the first grinding body 22 and the second grinder strips 36B / 36B' of the second grinding body 32 are continuously inclined downwardly may be particularly advantageous for ensuring that sufficient distance between the grinder strips 26B / 26B' and 136 / 36B / 36B' is achieved at least along that portion of the grinding space 60 at least partially defined by the second grinder grooves 28B / 28B', 38B / 38B' to allow grinding to stop and deflaking to begin, when the grinding bodies 22, 32 / 132 are heavily loaded. In addition, the grinding surfaces 24, 34 of the grinding bodies 22, 32 may wear and degrade over time. In particular, the first and third grinding bars 26A / 26A', 26C, 36A / 36A', 36C, which perform most of the high intensity, high energy grinding, may wear faster than the second and fourth grinding bars 26B / 26B', 26D, 36B / 36B', 36D, which perform deflaking, which is generally less intense and energy than grinding. The position of the grinding bodies 22, 32 / 132 can be adjusted as described in the present disclosure so that when the outer surface S 26A , S 36AThe first gap G1 between the first and third grinder strips 26A / 26A', 26C, 36A / 36A', 36C is maintained at a substantially constant value at the beginning of wear. However, the gaps G2, G3, G4, G5, G6 between the second and fourth grinder strips 26B / 26B', 26D, 36B / 36B', 36D may not be adjustable. Therefore, embodiments in which one or both of the second grinder strips 26B / 26B', 36B / 36B' and / or one or both of the fourth grinder strips 36B / 36B, 36D are tilted are considered to be such that as the first and third grinder strips 26A / 26A', 26C, 36A / 36A', 36C wear, the transition between the grinding zone and the deflaking zone is along the longitudinal length (not labeled; see FIG. 2 ) of the second and fourth grinder strips 26B / 26B', 26D, 36B / 36B', 36D. Fig. 6A and 6B ) moves radially outward.

[0093] Fig.10 and Fig.11 2 and 3 are top views of partial grinding surfaces of a first grinding body 22' and a second grinding body 32' according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 The first and second grinding bodies 22', 32' can be respectively a part of the grinding components (such as the first and second grinding components 20, 30) described in the present disclosure, and are used in Figure 1 The invention relates to a wood pulp grinding machine for use in a wood pulp grinding machine such as the disc grinder 10 shown in FIG. Each grinding member 20, 30, including first and second grinding bodies 22', 32', respectively, can be associated with a main support frame, which includes a fixed support frame 66 fixed to the first housing member 12 and a movable support frame 68. One grinding member, such as the first grinding member 20 including the first grinding body 22', can be mounted to the support frame 66 of the grinding machine 10 so as to define a non-rotating stator member. Another grinding member, such as the second grinding member 30 including the second grinding body 32', can be mounted to a support 70 that rotates with the shaft 72 and defines a rotor associated with the main support frame, so that rotation of the rotor causes the second grinding member 30 to move relative to the first grinding member 20. Third and fourth grinding members (not shown) can also be provided, which have third and fourth grinding bodies similar to the first and second grinding bodies 22', 32'.

[0094] like Fig.10As shown, the first grinding body 22' includes a plurality of parts 22A'-22C', which can be bolted or otherwise attached together to form a disc-shaped grinding body 22' including a radial outer edge 27'. Each part 22A'-22C' includes a plurality of elongated grinder strips 26' separated from each other by grinder grooves 28'. Although in Fig.10 2 , but it is understood that other components (not labeled) of the first grinding body 22' will similarly include grinder strips 26' and grinder grooves 28'. The grinder strips 26' extend radially outward from the radially inner portion 23' of the first grinding body 22' to the radially outer edge 27'. Each component 22A'-22C' of the first grinding body 22' can include one or more radially extending pie-shaped segments, including at least one first pie-shaped segment 22B-1 and at least one second pie-shaped segment 22B-2.

[0095] like Fig.11 As shown, the second grinding body 32' includes a corresponding plurality of parts 32A'-32C', which can be bolted or otherwise attached together to form a disc-shaped grinding body 32' including a radial outer edge 37'. Each part 32A'-32C' includes a plurality of elongated grinder strips 36' separated from each other by grinder grooves 38'. Although in Fig.11 3. Although not shown, it is understood that other components (not labeled) of the second grinding body 32' will similarly include grinder strips 36' and grinder grooves 38'. The grinder strips 36' extend radially outward from the radially inner portion 33' of the second grinding body 32' to the radially outer edge 37'. Each component 32A'-32C' of the second grinding body 32' can include one or more radially extending pie-shaped segments, including at least one first pie-shaped segment 32B-1 and at least one second pie-shaped segment 32B-2. Although not discussed in detail herein, Figure 1 The structures of the third and fourth grinding bodies 42, 52 can be substantially similar to the first and second grinding bodies 22', 32' described in the present disclosure, respectively.

[0096] Fig.10 and Fig.11 At least one of the first and second grinding bodies 22', 32' includes one or more parts 22A'-22C', 32A'-32C' having at least one radially extending grinder bar 26', 36' pie-shaped segment (e.g., 22B-1 and 32B-1), and one or more features included in these grinder bars are different from the grinder bars 26', 36' in the adjacent radially extending pie-shaped segments (e.g., 22B-2 and 32B-2), respectively. Fig. 12A and 12B is a partial cross-sectional view, where Fig.10 and Fig.11 The first and second grinding bodies 22', 32' are spaced apart from each other and positioned adjacent to and facing each other (see Figure 1 ).exist Fig. 12A In the embodiment, the first grinder strip 26-1 may be located on the grinding surface 24-1 (also referred to herein as the first grinding surface) of at least one first pie-shaped segment 22B-1 of the first grinding body 22', which is spaced apart from, positioned adjacent to, and facing the third grinder strip 36-1, and the third grinder strip 36-1 may be located on the grinding surface 34-1 (also referred to herein as the third grinding surface) of at least one third pie-shaped segment 32B-1 of the second grinding body 32'. Fig. 12B In the embodiment, the second grinder strip 26-2 may be located on the grinding surface 24-2 (also referred to herein as the second grinding surface) of at least one second pie-shaped segment 22B-2 of the first grinding body 22', which is spaced apart from the fourth grinder strip 36-2 and positioned adjacent to and facing the fourth grinder strip 36-2, and the fourth grinder strip 36-2 may be located on the grinding surface 34-2 (also referred to herein as the fourth grinding surface) of at least one fourth pie-shaped segment 32B-2 of the second grinding body 32'.

[0097] See also Fig.10 , 11 and 12A, the first grinder strips 26-1 are separated from each other by the first grinder grooves 28-1, and may include a bottom F from each adjacent first grinder groove 28-1. 1' The first maximum height H extending upward 1' The third grinder strips 36-1 are separated from each other by third grinder grooves 38-1 and may include a bottom F of each adjacent third grinder groove 38-1. 3' The third maximum height H extending upward 3' .like Fig. 12A As shown, the first and third grinder bars 26-1, 36-1 may be substantially similar to each other, and the first and third maximum heights H 1' , H 3' Can be essentially equal.

[0098] See also Fig.10 , 11 and 12B, the second grinder strips 26-2 are separated from each other by second grinder grooves 28-2, and may include a bottom F from adjacent second grinder grooves 28-2. 2' The second maximum height H extending upward 2' The fourth grinder strips 36-2 are separated from each other by fourth grinder grooves 38-2 and may include a bottom F from adjacent fourth grinder grooves 38-2. 4' The fourth maximum height H extending upward4' .like Fig. 12B As shown, the second and fourth grinder bars 26-2, 36-2 may be substantially similar to each other, and the second and fourth maximum heights H 2' , H 4' All of the grinder bars 26-1, 26-2, 36-1, 36-2 within each pie-shaped segment 22B-1, 22B-2, 32B-1, 32B-2 may comprise the same height relative to one another.

[0099] The second maximum height H of the second grinder bar 26 - 2 2' It may be less than the first maximum height H of the first grinder bar 26 - 1 1' In some examples, when the bottom F of the adjacent second grinder groove 28-2 is 2' When measuring, the second maximum height H 2' Can be higher than the first maximum height H 1' In other examples, when the bottom F of the adjacent second grinder groove 28-2 is 2' When measuring, the second maximum height H 2' Can be higher than the first maximum height H 1' In another example, when the bottom F of the first adjacent grinding machine groove 28-1 is 1' During measurement, the first maximum height H of the first grinding machine bar 26-1 is 1' It can be about 4 mm to about 10 mm. In a specific example, when the bottom F of each adjacent second grinder groove 28-2 is 2' During measurement, the second maximum height H of the second grinding machine bar 26-2 is 2' Can be higher than the first maximum height H 1' In another specific example, when the bottom F of the second grinder groove 28-2 adjacent to each other is 2' During measurement, the second maximum height H of the second grinding machine bar 26-2 is 2' Can be higher than the first maximum height H 1' In a further example, the first grinder strip 26-1 and the second grinder strip 26-2 may include a width extending between the side edges of the respective grinder strips 26-1, 26-2 that is about 2 mm to about 8 mm (not shown; see Figure 7 ). The fourth maximum height H of the fourth grinding machine bar 36-2 4' It can correspond to the second maximum height H 2' , which may be less than the third maximum height H of the third grinder bar 36 - 1 3' , the third maximum height H 3'It may correspond to the first maximum height H 1' .

[0100] See also Figure 1 , Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B , when the second grinding member 30 rotates relative to the first grinding member 20, the grinding surface 34-1 of at least one third pie-shaped segment 32B-1 of the second grinding body 32' will pass through the grinding surface 24-1 of at least one first pie-shaped segment 22B-1 of the first grinding body 22', and the grinding surface 34-2 of at least one fourth pie-shaped segment 32B-2 of the second grinding body 32' will pass through the grinding surface 24-2 of at least one second pie-shaped segment 22B-2 of the first grinding body 22'. When the wood pulp slurry is supplied to the frame 66 (e.g., the inlet 16) of the grinding mill 10 and passes through the grinding space 60, and the grinding surface 34-1 of at least one third pie-shaped segment 32B-1 of the second grinding body 32' passes through the grinding surface 24-1 of at least one first pie-shaped segment 22B-1 of the first grinding body 22', the third maximum height H is included. 3' The third grinding machine bar 36-1 will be positioned to include a first maximum height H 1' The first grinding machine strip 26-1 is opposite to the third grinding machine strip 36-1, so that the first grinding machine strip 26-1 and the third grinding machine strip 36-1 grind a large amount of wood fibers. When the grinding surface 34-2 of at least one fourth pie-shaped segment 32B-2 of the second grinding body 32' passes the grinding surface 24-2 of at least one second pie-shaped segment 22B-2 of the first grinding body 22', the fourth maximum height H 4' The fourth grinding machine bar 36-2 will be positioned to include the second maximum height H 2' The second grinding bar 26-2 of the second grinding body 32' is opposite to the fourth grinding bar 36-2, so that the second grinding bar 26-2 and the fourth grinding bar 36-2 break up or separate the plurality of wood fiber bundles in the wood pulp slurry as described in the present disclosure. When the grinding surface 34-1 of at least one third pie-shaped segment 32B-1 of the second grinding body 32' passes over the grinding surface 24-2 of at least one second pie-shaped segment 22B-2 of the first grinding body 22', and the grinding surface 34-2 of at least one fourth pie-shaped segment 32B-2 of the second grinding body 32' passes over the grinding surface 24-1 of at least one first pie-shaped segment 22B-1 of the first grinding body 22', low-intensity grinding can occur.

[0101] like Fig.10 and Fig.11As shown, in some examples, one or more of the parts 22A'-22C', 32A'-32C' of each grinding body 22', 32' can each include three radially extending pie-shaped segments 22B-1, 22B-2, 22B-3 and 32B-1, 32B-2, 32B-3. In some specific examples, two segments (e.g., 22B-1, 22B-3 and 32B-1, 32B-3) can include a first or second maximum height H 1' , H 2' and a section (e.g., 22B-2 and 32B-2) may include a grinder bar having a first or second maximum height H 1' , H 2' Another grinding machine bar, wherein the second maximum height H 2' Less than the first maximum height H 1' . For example, the segments 22B-1, 22B-3 may include a first grinder strip 26-1, the segments 32B-1, 32B-3 may include a third grinder strip 36-1, the segment 22B-2 may include a second grinder strip 26-2, and the segment 32B-2 may include a fourth grinder strip 36-2. In other examples (not shown), one or more of the components 22A'-22C', 32A'-32C' may each include only two segments of a grinder strip, or may each include a grinder strip of four or more segments. In further examples (not shown), one or more of the components 22A'-22C', 32A'-32C' may not include separate segments, such that the entire component includes a grinder strip having one height. It will be appreciated that a grinding body according to the present disclosure (e.g., one of the grinding bodies 22', 32') may be paired with a grinding body including conventional grinder strips (e.g., grinder strips that all have the same height).

[0102] It is believed that for grinding to occur, the gap between the opposing first and third grinder bars 26-1, 36-1 should be less than about 0.9 mm, preferably between about 0.2 mm to about 0.9 mm, while for debonding to occur, the gap between the opposing second and fourth grinder bars 26-2, 36-2 should be from about 0.9 mm to about 1.5 mm.

[0103] Fig.13 and Fig.14 2 and 3 are partial plan views of a first grinding surface 224 of a first grinding body 222 and a second grinding surface 234 of a second grinding body 232 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 , Fig.13 and Fig.14 The first and second grinding bodies 222 and 232 can be parts of grinding components such as grinding components 20 and 30 described in the present disclosure, respectively, for example, Figure 1 1. The present invention relates to a wood pulp grinding machine 10, such as the disc grinder 10 shown in FIG. Each grinding member 20, 30, including first and second grinding bodies 222, 232, respectively, can be associated with a main support frame including a fixed support frame 66 fixed to the first housing member 12 and a movable support frame 68. One grinding member (e.g., the first grinding member 20 including the first grinding body 222) can be mounted to the support frame 66 of the grinder 10 to define a non-rotating stator member. Another grinding member (e.g., the second grinding member 30 including the second grinding body 232) can be mounted to a support 70 that rotates with the shaft 72 and defines a rotor associated with the main support frame, so that rotation of the rotor causes the second grinding member 30 to move relative to the first grinding member 20.

[0104] like Fig.13 As shown, the first grinding body 222 includes a plurality of parts (not individually labeled; see Figure 2 and 3 ), these components may be bolted or otherwise attached together to form a disc-shaped grinding body 222 including a radial outer edge 227. The first grinding surface 224 includes a plurality of elongated first grinding machine strips 226 separated from each other by first grinding machine grooves 228. The first grinding machine strips 226 extend radially outward from the radial inner portion 223 of the first grinding body 222 toward the radial outer edge 227. The first grinding machine strips 226 may be as shown in FIG. Fig.13 The first grinding body 222 is shown to be inclined at various angles, and each part of the grinding body 222 may include one or more sections (not labeled) of grinder strips 226 inclined in different directions. The first grinding body 222 also includes one or more annular rows or rings of teeth 400 located between the first grinder strips 226 and the radial outer edge 227 of the first grinding body 222. Although in Fig.13 Not shown, but understood, the other components (not labeled) of the first grinding body 222 will similarly include the grinder strip 226 , grinder grooves 228 , and teeth 400 .

[0105] like Fig.14 As shown, the second grinding body 232 includes multiple parts (not individually labeled; see Figure 2 and 3 ), these parts can be bolted or otherwise attached together to form a disc-shaped grinding body 232 including a radial outer edge 237. The second grinding surface 234 includes a plurality of elongated second grinding machine strips 236 separated from each other by second grinding machine grooves 238. The second grinding machine strips 236 extend radially outward from the radial inner portion 233 of the second grinding body 232 toward the radial outer edge 237. The second grinding machine strips 236 can be as shown in FIG. Fig.14The second grinding body 232 is shown to be inclined at various angles, and each part of the grinding body 232 may include one or more sections (not labeled) of grinder strips 236 inclined in different directions. The second grinding body 232 also includes one or more annular rows or rings of teeth 400 located between the second grinder strips 236 and the radial outer edge 237 of the second grinding body 232. Although in Fig.14 2, but it is understood that the other components (not labeled) of the second grinding body 232 will similarly include the grinder strip 236, the grinder groove 238, and the teeth 400. In addition, although not discussed in detail herein, Figure 1 The structures of the grinding surfaces 44, 54 of the third and fourth grinding bodies 42, 52 may respectively include structures substantially similar to the grinding surfaces 224, 234 of the first and second grinding bodies 222, 232 described in the present disclosure.

[0106] Fig.15 and Fig.16 They are Fig.13 and Fig.14 Detailed view of a portion of the first and second grinding surfaces 224, 234. Fig.17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the first grinder bar 226 and the teeth 400B and the second grinder bar 236 and the teeth 400A, 400C. The first grinder bar 226 and the teeth 400B may be located at Fig.13 and Fig.15 The second grinding machine strip 236 and the teeth 400A, 400C may be located on the first grinding body 222. Fig.14 and Fig.16 The first grinding body 222 is spaced apart from the second grinding body 232 and is positioned adjacent to and facing the second grinding body 232 so as to define a grinding space 260 therebetween. Figure 15-17 , the first grinding surface 224 includes first grinder strips 226 separated from each other by first grinder grooves 228, and the second grinding surface 234 includes second grinder strips 236 separated from each other by second grinder grooves 238. According to the present disclosure, one or both of the first and second grinding surfaces 224, 234 may include dams 229, 239 disposed in at least a portion of the first and second grinder grooves 228, 238. Each of the first and second grinder strips 226, 236 is radially inner from the respective first and second grinding surfaces 224, 234. 100 Extending to a first radially outer position P 200 In some examples, the radially inner position P 100 can be included in the respective radially inner portions 223, 233 (see Fig.13 and 14) at or near a position. The first and second grinder strips 226, 236 may each include a width W extending between the side edges of the respective grinder strips 226, 236. 226 , W 236 , which is about 2 mm to about 8 mm.

[0107] The first grinding surface 224 includes a first grinding strip 226 located at a radially outer edge RO 226 The first tooth 400B extends to a third radially outer position on the first grinding surface 224, for example, 400 , wherein the third radially outer position P 400 than the first radially outer position P of the first grinding bar 226 200 The second grinding surface 234 includes a radial outer edge RO of the second grinding strip 236. 236 The second teeth 400A, 400C are located between the radial outer edge 237 of the second grinding body 232. The second teeth 400A, 400C extend on the second grinding surface 234 to a second or fourth radially outer position, such as P 300 or P 500 , wherein the second and fourth radially outer positions P 300 , P 500 than the first radially outer position P of the second grinding machine bar 236 200 Closer to the outermost portion of the second grinding body 232 , such as the radial outer edge 237 .

[0108] Continue to see Figure 15-17 The teeth 400A-400C may be arranged in concentric circles and may project substantially perpendicularly toward each other from the respective grinding surfaces 224, 234. The circle including the first tooth 400B is radially adjacent to the outer edge RO of the first grinding bar 226. 226 The first substantially flat region 282 is spaced apart from the radially outer edge 227 of the grinding body 222 and the second substantially flat region 284 is spaced apart from the radially outer edge 227 of the grinding body 222. The ring including the second teeth 400A and the radially outer edge RO of the second grinding machine bar 236 236 The first substantially flat area 286 is spaced apart from the ring including the second teeth 400C and the second substantially flat area 288 is spaced apart from the ring including the second teeth 400C. Figures 15 to 17In the illustrated embodiment, the first grinding surface 224 of the first grinding body 222 includes one concentric row / circle of first teeth 400B, and the second grinding surface 234 of the second grinding body 232 includes two concentric rows / circles of second teeth 400A, 400C, wherein the first and second teeth 400A-400C are arranged on the respective grinding surfaces 224, 234 such that the first teeth 400B intermesh with the second teeth 400A, 400C. In other embodiments (not shown), the first grinding surface 224 may include two or more concentric circles, and the second grinding surface 234 may include one concentric row of teeth, or three or more concentric circles of teeth. In all embodiments, one of the grinding bodies will include one less circle of teeth than the other grinding body, and the teeth are arranged on each grinding body such that the teeth from one grinding body intermesh with the teeth of the other grinding body, as is known in the art.

[0109] It will be appreciated that the teeth 400A-400C may include any suitable shape and / or size known in the art. Fig.17 As shown with respect to tooth 400A, in some examples, each of the first and second teeth 400A-400C can include a substantially pyramidal or trapezoidal shape having a base 402, a radially inward surface 404, a radially outward surface 406, sides (not separately labeled) that are slightly inclined inwardly toward a central axis (not labeled) of the tooth 400A, and a generally flat outer surface 408. The radially inward and outward surfaces 404, 406 of each tooth 400A-400C can be inclined from the base 402 toward its respective outer surface 408. The outer surface 408 of each tooth 400A-400C can be substantially parallel to a plane of the respective substantially flat region 282, 284, 288 that is opposite the tooth 400A-400C. In other examples (not shown), each of the first and second teeth 400A-400C can include a substantially triangular, rectangular, or any other suitable geometric shape. As shown in FIG. Figure 15-17 As shown, the base 402 of the teeth 400A-400C can include a radial dimension that is greater than the circumferential dimension, but in other embodiments (not shown), the base 402 can include a radial dimension that is less than the circumferential dimension. In some cases, at least a portion of the base 402 of the teeth 400A-400C can include a longitudinal length (not labeled) of at least 0.6 cm, i.e., in the radial direction, and in some specific cases, the longitudinal length can be between about 0.6 cm and about 2 cm. In other cases, at least a portion of the base 402 of the teeth 400A-400C can include a width (not labeled) in the circumferential direction that is substantially equal to the width of one grinder bar 226, 236 (e.g., W 226 , W 236 ) and the width W of an adjacent groove 228, 238G The combined width of G It can be about 2mm to about 6mm. For example, the base 402 of the tooth 400A-400C can be at least about 10mm in the circumferential direction. In other cases, the base 402 of the tooth 400A-400C can be about 10mm to 20mm in the circumferential direction. In addition, one or more radially inward and outward surfaces 404, 406 or sides of one or more teeth 400A-400C may include one or more radially extending protrusions that can affect the interaction of the tooth 400A-400C with the wood fiber so as to separate the wood fiber bundles. The tooth 400A-400C may have a structure similar to that shown in U.S. Patent No. 8,342,437B2, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0110] like Fig.17 As shown, the first grinder strip 226 includes a first grinder groove 228 extending from the bottom F 100 The first height H extending upward 100 The second grinder strip 236 includes a second grinder groove 238 having a bottom F 200 The second height H extending upward 200 In some examples, the first height H of the first grinder bar 226 and the second grinder bar 236 is 100 and the second height H 200 The first grinding body 222 and the second grinding body 232 are substantially equal to each other and can be about 4 mm to about 10 mm. 226 and the outer surface S of the second grinder strip 236 236 The first gap G 100 Separated. Second gap G 200 defined between the generally planar outer surface 408 of the tooth 400A-400C and a corresponding one of the generally planar regions 282, 284, 288 opposite the tooth 400A-400C, wherein G 200 Can be greater than G 100 In some examples, the height (not labeled) of the teeth 400A-400C extending upward from the adjacent respective first or second grinder grooves 228, 238 may be approximately 8 to 10 mm. Fig.17 As shown, the teeth 400A-400C mesh with each other so that a portion of one or both of the radially inward or outward surfaces 404, 406 of each tooth 400A-400C is axially (e.g., Figure 1The overlapping portion(s) of the teeth 400A-400C may be formed by a third gap G defined between the respective radially inward or outward surfaces 404, 406 of the teeth 400A-400C. 300 In some examples, G 300 Can be basically equal to G 200 In other examples, G 300 Can be smaller or larger than G 200 .

[0111] See also Figure 1 and Fig.17 When wood pulp slurry is supplied to the frame of the grinder 10 (e.g., the inlet 16), wood fibers enter the grinding space 260 at least partially defined by the first and second grinder grooves 228, 238, for example, from about the first radially inner position P 100 to approximately a first radially outer position P 200 According to the present disclosure, the first grinding machine bar 226 and the second grinding machine bar 236 interact with each other to grind a large number of wood fibers in the wood pulp. It can be considered that in order for the grinding to occur, the first gap G 100 The ground wood fibers then enter the portion of the grinding space 260 at least partially defined by the respective first and second substantially flat areas 282, 284, 286, 288, for example, from about the first radially outer position P 200 to approximately a fourth radially outer position P 500 It can be considered that in order for the decongestion to occur, the second gap G 200 and the third gap G 300 It should be between about 0.9 mm and about 1.5 mm. According to the present disclosure, the teeth 400A-400C are suitable for breaking or separating multiple fiber bundles in a wood pulp slurry. 200 Greater than G 100 , so it can be considered that at about the first radially outer position P 200 Grinding stops and delamination begins.

[0112] See also Figure 1 and Figure 15-17 The grinding surfaces 224, 234 of the grinding bodies 222, 232, in particular the outer surfaces S of the first and second grinding bars 226, 236 226 , S 236The outer surfaces 408 of the teeth 400A-400C may wear and degrade over time. To compensate for this wear, the spacing between the first and second grinding members 20, 30, including the first and second grinding bodies 222, 232, respectively, may be readjusted as described in the present disclosure so that the first gap G 100 This adjustment of the first and second grinding bodies 222, 232 can result in the second gap G 200 The second gap G is reduced because the grinder bars 226, 236 perform a more intensive grinding function than the teeth 400A-400C and generally wear more quickly. This difference in wear can be factored into the selection of the teeth 400A-400C (e.g., the type of metal (one or several) used for the teeth 400A-400C, the second gap G 200 The initial size of the teeth 400A-400C, the shape of the teeth 400A-400C, etc.) so that when the wood fiber enters the portion of the grinding space 260 at least partially defined by the corresponding first and second substantially flat areas 282, 284, 286, 288, a sufficient second gap G can be maintained. 200 To ensure that grinding stops and delamination begins. When the grinding bodies 222, 232 are new, the third gap G 300 can be substantially equal to or greater than the second gap G 200 As the grinding surfaces 224, 234 wear and the grinding members 20, 30 move closer together, the third gap G 300 can be reduced until the third gap G 300 Smaller than the second gap G 200 .

[0113] In all embodiments described in this disclosure, Figure 1 The grinder 10 may be coupled to a controller (not shown) which receives information from a fiber analyzer (e.g. The MAP Pulp Analyzer (Valmet Corp.) receives data regarding one or more fiber properties measured at one or more locations downstream of the grinder 10, such as the number, size, etc. of fiber bundles (also referred to as "broad chips"), fibrillation, Canadian standard freeness, fiber length, fiber width, kinks, curl, coarseness, fineness, etc. Based on this data, the controller can control the operation of the grinder 10 as part of a feedback loop. For example, the controller can adjust the spacing between one or more pairs of grinding members 20, 30, 40, 50 to maintain one or more fiber properties within a predetermined target range. In some examples, it is contemplated that the controller can also increase or decrease the rotational speed of one or more rotating rotor members (e.g., the second and third grinding members 30, 40) of the grinder 10 based on this data. In other examples, the controller can control the operation of the grinder 10, such as by changing the grinding gaps G1, G2, G4, G5, G6, G7, G8, G9, G10, G11, G12, G13, G14, G15, G16, G17, G18, G19, G20, G21, G30, G31, G42, G33, G34, G45, G36, G37, G38, G39, G40, G41, G42, G43, G44, G45, G46, G47, G48, G49, G40, G49, G40, G41, G4 100and relief gaps G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, G 200 , G 300 The size of the grinder 10 is used to control the operation of the grinder 10 to produce a ground softwood pulp having less than a predetermined number (e.g., 1,000 ppm) of fiber bundles of a specific size (e.g., about 150 to 2,000 microns wide and 0.3 to 40 mm long).

[0114] In other examples, the grinding members 20, 30, 40, 50 according to the present disclosure may be installed in one or more of a plurality of grinding machines arranged in series, wherein each grinding machine may be substantially similar to Figure 1 The controller can control one or more operations of the plurality of grinders to maintain one or more fiber properties within a predetermined target range. In some specific examples, the grinding member 20, 30, 40, 50 according to the present disclosure can be installed only in the last grinder of the series, while in other examples, the grinding member 20, 30, 40, 50 according to the present disclosure can be installed in two or more grinders.

[0115] Fig.18 is a flow chart showing an exemplary method for processing wood fibers. Although reference is made to Figure 1 Components of the grinder 10 in the embodiment of the present invention are shown, but it is understood that the method is not limited to this structure. The method can start from step 500, providing a grinder 10 including at least a first pair of grinding members 20 and 30, 40 and 50. The at least one pair of grinding members can include a first grinding member 20 and a second grinding member 30, the first grinding member 20 including a first grinding body 22 having a first grinding surface 24, and the second grinding member 30 including a second grinding body 32 having a second grinding surface 34. The first grinding surface 24 can include a first grinder strip 26A separated by a first grinder groove 28A and a second grinder strip 26B separated by a second grinder groove 28B, wherein the first grinder strip 26A has a first maximum height H1 extending upward from the bottom F1 of the adjacent first grinder groove 28A, and the second grinder strip 26B has a second maximum height H2 extending upward from the bottom F2 of the adjacent second grinder groove 28B. The second grinding surface 34 can include a second member grinder strip 36 separated by a second grinder groove 38. The first grinding member 20 may be spaced apart from the second grinding member 30 so as to define a grinding space 60 therebetween. At least a portion of the second member grinder strip 36 may be positioned to face the second grinder strip 26B of the first grinding member 20 such that gaps G2, G3, G4, G5, G6 are defined between the portion of the second member grinder strip 36 and the second grinder strip 26B.

[0116] The method may continue by rotating at least one of the first grinding member 20 or the second grinding member 30 in step 510 so that the first grinding member 20 and the second grinding member 30 move relative to each other, and then supplying a wood pulp slurry containing wood fibers to the grinder 10 in step 520 so that the slurry passes through the grinding space 60. In step 530, an axial pressure may be provided to at least one of the first grinding member 20 or the second grinding member 30 while supplying the slurry so that the gap G2, G3, G4, G5, G6 between the portion of the second member grinder bar 36 and the second grinder bar 26B is between about 0.9 mm and about 1.5 mm, wherein at least a portion of the wood fiber bundles passing through the gap G2, G3, G4, G5, G6 are separated, and the method may then terminate.

[0117] Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that all these changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the present invention are included in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for processing wood fiber, comprising: A grinding machine is provided comprising at least a first pair of grinding members, the first pair of grinding members comprising: a first grinding member including a first grinding body, the first grinding body including a first grinding surface, the first grinding surface including: first grinder strips separated by first grinder grooves and having a first maximum height extending upward from the bottom of adjacent first grinder grooves; and second grinder strips separated by second grinder grooves and having a second maximum height extending upward from the bottom of adjacent second grinder grooves; a second grinding member including a second grinding body, the second grinding body including a second grinding surface, the second grinding surface including second member grinder strips separated by second member grinder grooves, wherein the first grinding member is spaced apart from the second grinding member to define a grinding space therebetween, and at least a portion of the second member grinder strip is positioned opposite the second grinder strip to define a gap between the portion of the second member grinder strip and the second grinder strip; rotating at least one of the first grinding member or the second grinding member such that the first grinding member and the second grinding member move relative to each other; supplying a wood pulp slurry including wood fibers to a grinder such that the slurry passes through a grinding space; and When supplying slurry, axial pressure is applied to at least one of the first grinding member or the second grinding member so that the gap between the portion of the second member grinder bar and the second grinder bar is between 0.9 mm and 1.5 mm, wherein at least a portion of the wood fiber bundles passing through the gap are separated.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The second grinder bar has a longitudinal length of 0.6 cm to 10 cm, and a second maximum height that is at least 0.35 mm less than the first maximum height.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The longitudinal length of the second grinder bar is 2 cm to 10 cm.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The second component grinding machine strip includes: a third grinder bar; and A fourth grinder strip, the third grinder strip having a third maximum height extending upward from the bottom of the adjacent groove, the fourth grinder strip having a fourth maximum height extending upward from the bottom of the adjacent groove, the fourth maximum height being at least 0.35 mm less than the third maximum height.

5. A grinding member for a wood pulp grinding machine, the grinding member comprising: The grinding body comprises a plurality of radially extending pie-shaped segments, wherein the pie-shaped segments comprise: at least one first pie-shaped segment comprising a first grinding surface, the first grinding surface comprising first grinder strips separated by first grinder grooves, the first grinder strips having a first maximum height extending upwardly from the bottom of adjacent first grinder grooves; at least one second pie-shaped segment comprising a second grinding surface, the second grinding surface comprising second grinder strips separated by second grinder grooves, the second grinder strips having a second maximum height extending upward from the bottom of adjacent second grinder grooves, the second maximum height being at least 0.35 mm less than the first maximum height; and The first grinder bar is suitable for grinding wood fibers and the second grinder bar is suitable for breaking up fiber bundles.

6. The grinding member according to claim 5, wherein: The first maximum height of the first grinder strips, when measured from the bottom of adjacent first grinder grooves, is 4 mm to 10 mm.

7. The grinding member according to claim 6, wherein: The second maximum height of the second grinder strip is 0.35 mm to 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height when measured from the bottom of an adjacent second grinder groove.

8. The grinding member according to claim 6, wherein: The second maximum height of the second grinder strip is 0.7 mm to 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height when measured from the bottom of an adjacent second grinder groove.

9. A wood pulp grinding machine comprising: frame; At least a first pair of grinding members comprising: a first grinding member associated with the frame and comprising a first grinding body, the first grinding body comprising a plurality of radially extending pie-shaped segments, the pie-shaped segments comprising: at least one first pie-shaped segment and at least one second pie-shaped segment, the first pie-shaped segment comprising a first grinding surface, the first grinding surface comprising first grinder strips separated by first grinder grooves, the first grinder strips having a first maximum height extending upward from the bottom of adjacent first grinder grooves, the second pie-shaped segment comprising a second grinding surface, the second grinding surface comprising second grinder strips separated by second grinder grooves, the second grinder strips having a second maximum height extending upward from the bottom of adjacent second grinder grooves, the second maximum height being at least 0.35 mm less than the first maximum height; a second grinding member associated with the frame and comprising a second grinding body including a second member grinding surface including second member grinder strips separated by second member grinder grooves; The first grinding member is spaced apart from the second grinding member so as to define a grinding space therebetween; a rotor associated with the frame and coupled to one of the first grinding member or the second grinding member such that rotation of the rotor causes movement of the first grinding member and the second grinding member relative to each other; When wood pulp slurry including wood fibers is supplied to the frame, the wood pulp slurry passes through the grinding space, so that a large amount of wood fibers in the wood pulp slurry are ground and a plurality of wood fiber bundles in the wood pulp slurry are separated.

10. The wood pulp grinding machine according to claim 9, wherein: The second maximum height of the second grinder strip is 0.35 mm to 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height when measured from the bottom of an adjacent second grinder groove.

11. The wood pulp grinding machine according to claim 9, wherein: The second maximum height of the second grinder strip is 0.7 mm to 1.5 mm less than the first maximum height when measured from the bottom of an adjacent second grinder groove.

12. The wood pulp grinding machine according to claim 9, wherein: The second grinding body includes a plurality of radially extending pie-shaped segments, the pie-shaped segments including: at least one third pie-shaped segment, the third pie-shaped segment comprising a third grinding surface, the third grinding surface comprising third grinder strips separated by third grinder grooves, the third grinder strips having a third maximum height extending upwardly from the bottom of adjacent third grinder grooves; and at least one fourth pie-shaped segment, the fourth pie-shaped segment comprising a fourth grinding surface, the fourth grinding surface comprising fourth grinder strips separated by fourth grinder grooves, the fourth grinder strips having a fourth maximum height extending upward from the bottom of adjacent fourth grinder grooves, the fourth maximum height being at least 0.35 mm less than the third maximum height, wherein the third and fourth grinder strips define a second member grinder strip, and the third and fourth grinder grooves define a second member grinder groove.

13. The wood pulp grinding machine according to claim 9, wherein: The first grinding member is a non-rotating stator member and the second grinding member is a rotating rotor member.

14. A method for processing wood fiber, comprising: providing a single grinder including a grinding member, the grinding member including a grinding body having a grinding surface, the grinding surface including a first grinder strip separated by a first grinder groove and having a first maximum height extending upward from the bottom of adjacent first grinder grooves and a second grinder strip separated by a second grinder groove and having a second maximum height extending upward from the bottom of adjacent second grinder grooves, the second maximum height being at least 0.35 mm less than the first maximum height; The first grinder bar grinds the wood fibers; as well as The second grinder bar deflagrates the wood fibers, wherein: The deflaking and grinding occur in a single grinder.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein: Deflaking of the wood fibers occurs in the deflaking zone of the grinding plates located in the single grinder.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: Grinding of the wood fibers occurs in the grinding zone of a grinding plate located within the single grinder.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: Compared to the grinding step, the defibrination of the wood fibers takes place radially outwardly on the grinding plates of the individual grinders.

18. The method according to claim 14, wherein: Each first grinder strip extends from a radially inner position on the grinding surface to a first radially outer position on the grinding surface, and each second grinder strip extends to a second radially outer position on the grinding surface, the second radially outer position being closer to the outermost portion of the grinding body than the first radially outer position.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: Each second grinder bar has a longitudinal length of 0.6 cm to 10 cm.

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