Apparatus and method for processing wood fibers

Abstract

To provide an apparatus and method for refining wood fibers and for breaking up fiber bundles.SOLUTION: In one aspect of the invention, the refining member includes a refining body portion with a refining surface that includes first and second refiner bars separated by first and second refiner groove sections, respectively. The first refiner bar extends from a radially inward position to a first radially outward position. The second refiner bar extends to a second radially outward position, the second radially outward position being closer to the outermost part of the refining body section than the first radially outward position. The second refiner bar has a longitudinal length of about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm. The first refiner bar is adapted to refine wood fibers and the second refiner bar is adapted to break up fiber bundles.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Related applications This application relates to the following application, which was filed concurrently and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 860,006, entitled "APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING WOOD FIBERS" by Dwight Anderson (TEC-120257-US).

[0002] This disclosure relates, in general, to processing wood fibers in a refiner, and more specifically, to apparatus and methods for refining wood fibers and for breaking down fiber bundles. [Background technology]

[0003] Disc-type refiners have traditionally been used in the papermaking process to process wood fibers. Such refiners include first and second refining members, the first and second refining members having a refining space between them. Each of the first and second refining members includes a plurality of refiner bars separated by refiner grooves, the refiner bars defining a cutting surface for cutting wood fibers. During operation, at least one of the first and second refining members is rotated relative to the other, and the rotation of the cutting surface of the refiner bars cuts the wood fibers being processed in the refiner. Once the wood fibers are processed in the refiner, the processed wood fibers can be further processed in subsequent papermaking processes to produce paper products. In some cases, the wood fibers can undergo additional processing, for example, in a separate tickler refiner or deflaker. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a refining member for a pulp refiner is provided. The refining member includes a refining body portion including a refining surface, the refining surface including a first refiner bar separated by a first refiner groove and a second refiner bar separated by a second refiner groove. Each of the first refiner bars extends from a radially inward position on the refining surface to a first radially outward position on the refining surface. Each of the second refiner bars extends to a second radially outward position on the refining surface. The second refiner bars have a longitudinal length of about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm, and the second radially outward position is closer to the outermost part of the refining body portion than the first radially outward position. The first refiner bar has a first maximum height extending upward from the floor of an adjacent first refiner groove, and the second refiner bar has a second maximum height extending upward from the floor of an adjacent second refiner groove. The second maximum height is at least 0.35 mm smaller than the first maximum height. The first refiner bar is adapted for refining wood fibers, and the second refiner bar is adapted for breaking down fiber bundles.

[0005] The first maximum height of the first refiner bar can be approximately 4 mm to 10 mm when measured from the floor of the adjacent first refiner groove. The second maximum height of the iner bar can be approximately 0.35 mm to 1.5 mm smaller than the first maximum height when measured from the floor of the adjacent second refiner groove. The second maximum height of the second refiner bar can be approximately 0.7 mm to 1.5 mm smaller than the first maximum height when measured from the floor of the adjacent second refiner groove.

[0006] The longitudinal length of the second refiner bar can be approximately 2 cm to 10 cm. The second refiner bar can be integrated with the first refiner bar, and the second refiner bar extends from a first radially outward position to a second radially outward position. Each of the second refiner bars can be continuously inclined downward from a first radially outward position to a second radially outward position.

[0007] The first and second refiner bars can have a width of approximately 2 mm to 8 mm, extending between their side edges. At least a portion of the first refiner groove can provide a dam.

[0008] The refining member may further include a third refiner bar separated by a third refiner groove and a fourth refiner bar separated by a fourth refiner groove. Each of the third refiner bars may extend to a third radially outward position on the refining surface, and each of the fourth refiner bars may extend to a fourth radially outward position on the refining surface. The fourth refiner bar may have a longitudinal length of approximately 0.6 cm to approximately 10 cm. The fourth radially outward position is closer to the outermost part of the refining body than the third radially outward position. The third refiner bar may have a third maximum height extending upward from the floor of an adjacent third refiner groove, and the fourth refiner bar may have a fourth maximum height extending upward from the floor of an adjacent fourth refiner groove. The fourth maximum height can be at least 0.35 mm smaller than the third maximum height. The third refiner bar may be adapted for refining wood fibers, and the fourth refiner bar may be adapted for breaking down fiber bundles.

[0009] A third refiner bar can be integrated with a second refiner bar, and the third refiner bar extends from a second radially outward position to a third radially outward position. A fourth refiner bar can be integrated with a third refiner bar, and the fourth refiner bar extends from a third radially outward position to a fourth radially outward position.

[0010] A pulp refiner is provided according to a second aspect of the present disclosure. The pulp refiner includes a frame, at least a first pair of refining members, and a rotor associated with the frame. The refining members include a first refining member associated with the frame and including a first refining body, and a second refining member associated with the frame and including a second refining body. The first refining body includes a first refining surface, the first refining surface includes a first refiner bar separated by a first refiner groove, each extending from a radially inward position on the refining surface to a first radially outward position on the refining surface, and a second refiner bar separated by a second refiner groove, each extending to a second radially outward position on the refining surface. The refiner bar includes a second refiner bar, which can have a longitudinal length of approximately 0.6 cm to approximately 10 cm. The second radially outward position can be closer to the outermost part of the refining body than the first radially outward position. The first refiner bar has a first maximum height extending upward from the floor of the adjacent first groove, and the second refiner bar has a second maximum height extending upward from the floor of the adjacent second groove. The second maximum height is at least 0.35 mm smaller than the first maximum height. The second refining member includes a second refining surface, which includes a second member refiner bar separated by a second member refiner groove. The first refining member is spaced apart from the second refining member, defining a refining space between them. The rotor is connected to either a first or second refining member, and the rotation of the rotor enables the movement of one of the refining members relative to the other. When a wood pulp slurry containing wood fibers is supplied to the frame, the wood pulp slurry passes through the refining space, and a significant number of wood fibers in the wood pulp slurry are refined, and multiple bundles of wood fibers in the wood pulp slurry are separated.

[0011] The second maximum height can be at least 0.7 mm smaller than the first maximum height. The longitudinal length of the second refiner bar can be approximately 2 cm to 10 cm.

[0012] The second member refiner bar may include a third refiner bar extending from a radially inward position on the second refining surface to a first radially outward position on the second refining surface, and a fourth refiner bar extending to a second radially outward position on the second refining surface. The second radially outward position may be closer to the outermost part of the second refining body than the first radially outward position. The third refiner bar may have a third maximum height extending upward from the floor of the adjacent groove, and the fourth refiner bar may have a fourth maximum height extending upward from the floor of the adjacent groove. The fourth maximum height may be at least 0.35 mm smaller than the third maximum height.

[0013] The first refining member can be a non-rotating stator member, and the second refining member can be a rotating rotor member. A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for processing wood fibers. The method includes the step of providing a refiner comprising at least a first pair of refining members. The refining members comprise a first refining member comprising a first refining body and a second refining member comprising a second refining body. The first refining body comprises a first refining surface, the first refining surface comprising a first refiner bar separated by a first refiner groove and having a first maximum height extending upward from the floor of an adjacent first refiner groove, and a second refiner bar separated by a second refiner groove and having a second maximum height extending upward from the floor of an adjacent second refiner groove. The second refining body comprises a second refining surface, the second refining surface comprising a second member refiner bar separated by a second member refiner groove. The first refining member is positioned at a distance from the second refining member, defining a refining space between them. At least a portion of the second member refiner bar is positioned directly opposite the second refiner bar, and between a portion of the second member refiner bar and the second refiner bar A gap is defined. The method further includes the steps of: rotating at least one of the first or second refining members so that the first and second refining members move relative to each other; supplying a slurry of wood pulp containing wood fibers to the refiner so that the slurry passes through a refining space; and applying axial pressure to at least one of the first or second refining members as the slurry is supplied, such that the gap between a portion of the second member refiner bar and the second refiner bar is between about 0.9 mm and about 1.5 mm, and at least a portion of the wood fiber bundle passing through the gap is separated.

[0014] The second refiner bar can have a longitudinal length of approximately 0.6 cm to approximately 10 cm, and the second maximum height can be at least 0.35 mm smaller than the first maximum height. The longitudinal length of the second refiner bar can be approximately 2 cm to approximately 10 cm.

[0015] The second member refiner bar may include a third refiner bar and a fourth refiner bar. The third refiner bar may have a third maximum height extending upward from the floor of the adjacent groove, and the fourth refiner bar may have a fourth maximum height extending upward from the floor of the adjacent groove. The fourth maximum height may be at least 0.35 mm smaller than the third maximum height.

[0016] A refining member for a pulp refiner is provided according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure. The refining member includes a refining body portion including a plurality of radially extending pie-shaped segments, the plurality of radially extending pie-shaped segments including at least one first pie-shaped segment and at least one second pie-shaped segment. The at least one first pie-shaped segment includes a first refining surface including a first refiner bar separated by a first refiner groove. The first refiner bar has a first maximum height extending upward from the floor of an adjacent first refiner groove. The at least one second pie-shaped segment includes a second refining surface including a second refiner bar separated by a second refiner groove. The second refiner bar has a second maximum height extending upward from the floor of an adjacent second refiner groove. The second maximum height can be at least 0.35 mm smaller than the first maximum height. The first refiner bar is adapted for refining wood fibers, and the second refiner bar is adapted for breaking down fiber bundles.

[0017] The first maximum height of the first refiner bar can be approximately 4 mm to 10 mm when measured from the floor of the adjacent first refiner groove. The second maximum height of the second refiner bar can be approximately 0.35 mm to 1.5 mm smaller than the first maximum height when measured from the floor of the adjacent second refiner groove.

[0018] The second maximum height of the second refiner bar can be approximately 0.7 mm to 1.5 mm smaller than the first maximum height when measured from the floor of the adjacent second refiner groove.

[0019] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides a pulp refiner. The pulp refiner includes a frame, at least a first pair of refining members, and a rotor associated with the frame. The refining members are associated with the frame and include a first refining body, and are associated with the frame The first refining member includes a second refining body, which includes a second refining body. The first refining body includes a plurality of radially extending pie-shaped segments, each of which includes at least one first pie-shaped segment and at least one second pie-shaped segment. The at least one first pie-shaped segment includes a first refining surface including a first refiner bar separated by a first refiner groove. The first refiner bar may have a first maximum height extending upward from the floor of an adjacent first refiner groove. The at least one second pie-shaped segment includes a second refining surface including a second refiner bar separated by a second refiner groove. The second refiner bar has a second maximum height extending upward from the floor of an adjacent second refiner groove. The second maximum height can be at least 0.35 mm smaller than the first maximum height. The second refining body includes a second member refining surface which includes a second member refiner bar separated by a second member refiner groove. The first refining member is spaced apart from the second refining member, defining a refining space between them. A rotor is connected to either the first or second refining member, and the rotation of the rotor enables the movement of the first and second refining members relative to each other. When a wood pulp slurry containing wood fibers is supplied to the frame, the wood pulp slurry passes through the refining space, so that a considerable number of wood fibers in the wood pulp slurry are refined and multiple bundles of wood fibers in the wood pulp slurry are separated.

[0020] The second maximum height of the second refiner bar can be approximately 0.35 mm to 1.5 mm smaller than the first maximum height when measured from the floor of the adjacent second refiner groove.

[0021] The second maximum height of the second refiner bar can be approximately 0.7 mm to 1.5 mm smaller than the first maximum height when measured from the floor of the adjacent second refiner groove.

[0022] The second refining body may include a plurality of radially extending pie-shaped segments, each 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 refining surface including a third refiner bar separated by a third refiner groove. The third refiner bar may have a third maximum height extending upward from the floor of an adjacent third refiner groove. The at least one fourth pie-shaped segment may include a fourth refining surface including a fourth refiner bar separated by a fourth refiner groove. The fourth refiner bar may have a fourth maximum height extending upward from the floor of an adjacent fourth refiner groove. The fourth maximum height may be at least 0.35 mm smaller than the third maximum height. The third and fourth refiner bars can define the second member refiner bar, and the third and fourth refiner grooves can define the second member refiner groove.

[0023] The first refining member can be a non-rotating stator member, and the second refining member can be a rotating rotor member. A sixth aspect of the present disclosure provides a refining member for a pulp refiner. The refining member includes a refining body portion including a refining surface, the refining surface being separated by refiner bars by refiner grooves. The refiner comprises a refiner bur extending from a radially inward position on the refining surface to a first radially outward position on the refining surface, and teeth extending to a second radially outward position on the refining surface. The second radially outward position is closer to the outermost part of the refining body than the first radially outward position. The refiner bur is adapted for refining wood fibers, and the teeth are adapted for breaking down fiber bundles.

[0024] The refiner bar can have a first maximum height of approximately 4 mm to approximately 10 mm when measured from the floor of the adjacent refiner groove. The refiner bar can have a width of approximately 2 mm to 8 mm, extending between its side edges.

[0025] At least a portion of the refiner groove may be equipped with a dam. A pulp refiner is provided according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure. The pulp refiner includes a frame, at least a first pair of refining members, and a rotor associated with the frame. The refining members include a first refining member associated with the frame and including a first refining body portion including a first refining surface, and a second refining member associated with the frame and including a second refining body portion including a second refining surface. The first refining surface includes a first refiner bar separated by a first refiner groove, each including a first refiner bar extending from a radially inward position on the first refining surface to a first radially outward position on the first refining surface, and a first tooth extending to a further radially outward position on the first refining surface. Further radially outward positions are closer to the outermost part of the first refining body than the first radially outward position. The first refining member is spaced apart from the second refining member, defining a refining space between them. A rotor is associated with the frame and connected to either the first or second refining member, and the rotation of the rotor enables the movement of the first and second refining members relative to each other. When a wood pulp slurry containing wood fibers is supplied to the frame, the wood pulp slurry passes through the refining space, so that a considerable number of wood fibers in the wood pulp slurry are refined, and multiple bundles of wood fibers in the wood pulp slurry are separated.

[0026] The second refining member may include a second refining body including a second refining surface, the second refining surface including a second refiner bar separated by a second refiner groove, each including a second refiner bar extending from a radially inward position on the second refining surface to a first radially outward position on the second refining surface, and a second tooth extending to a second radially outward position on the second refining surface. The second radially outward position may be closer to the outermost part of the second refining body than the first radially outward position.

[0027] The second refining surface may include a first row of second teeth extending to a second radially outward position on the second refining surface, and a second row of second teeth extending to a fourth radially outward position on the second refining surface. The first teeth mesh with the second teeth.

[0028] The first refining member can be a non-rotating stator member, and the second refining member can be a rotating rotor member. This specification concludes with claims that specifically point to and clearly assert the present invention, but the present invention will be better understood from the following description together with the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals in the drawings identify similar components. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the discriminator. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of the first refining unit. [Figure 3] This is a plan view of the second refining unit. [Figure 4A] Figure 2 is a plan view of the refining surface section of the first refining unit. [Figure 4B] Figure 2 is a plan view of the refining surface section of the first refining unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5A is a plan view of the refining surface section of the second refining body in Figure 3. Figure 5B is a plan view of the refining surface section of the second refining body in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6A is a partial cross-sectional view of the refining body as seen along line 6A-6A in Figures 4A and 5A. Figure 6B is a partial cross-sectional view of the refining body as seen along line 6B-6B in Figures 4B and 5B. [Figure 7] This is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in Figures 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B. [Figure 8] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a refiner bar on the first refining body, positioned at a distance above the corresponding refiner bar on the second refining body. [Figure 9] This is a partial cross-sectional view of a refiner bar on the first refining body, positioned at a distance above the corresponding refiner bar on the second refining body. [Figure 10] This is a plan view of a portion of the first refining body, which includes multiple radially extending pie-shaped segments. [Figure 11] This is a plan view of a portion of the second refining body, which includes multiple radially extending pie-shaped segments. [Figure 12] Figure 12A is a partial cross-sectional view of a refiner bar from the pie-shaped segments of Figures 10 and 11, where one refining body is positioned above another refining body with a gap between them. Figure 12B is a partial cross-sectional view of a refiner bar from the pie-shaped segments of Figures 10 and 11, where one refining body is positioned above another refining body with a gap between them. [Figure 13]This is a plan view of the first refining body, including the teeth. [Figure 14] This is a plan view of the second refining body, including the teeth. [Figure 15] Figure 13 is a plan view of the refining surface section of the first refining body. [Figure 16] Figure 14 is a plan view of the refining surface section of the second refining body. [Figure 17] This is a partial cross-sectional view of the refiner bar and teeth on the first refining body, which is positioned at a distance above the second refining body, which includes the refiner bar and teeth. [Figure 18] This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for processing wood fibers. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] In the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, accompanying drawings forming part thereof are referenced, in which specific preferred embodiments in which the invention can be put into practice are shown as illustrations, not as limitations. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0031] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a disc refiner 10 according to the present disclosure. The disc refiner 10 includes a housing comprising a first housing section 12 and a second housing section 14, the first housing section 12 and the second housing section 14, which may be bolted together or otherwise fixed together. The housing sections 12 and 14 define an inlet 16, an outlet 18, and an internal refiner cavity 64, the internal refiner cavity 64 containing one or more pairs of refining members. The embodiment shown in Figure 1 is a double disc refiner 10 including two pairs of refining members, for example, a first refining member 20 paired with a second refining member 30, and a third refining member 40 paired with a fourth refining member 50. The first refining member 20 includes a first refining body 22 having a first refining surface 24, and the second refining member 30 includes a second refining body 32 having a second refining surface 34. The third refining member 40 includes a third refining body 42 and a third refining surface 44, and the fourth refining member 50 includes a fourth refining body 52 and a fourth refining surface 54. Each of the refining members 20, 30, 40, and 50 is associated with a main support frame, which includes a fixed support frame 66 fixed to the first housing section 12 and a movable support frame 68, as described herein.

[0032] The first, second, third, and fourth refining body sections 22, 32, 42, and 52 can be generally disc-shaped with substantially the same outer diameter (see Figures 2 and 3). The first and second refining members 20 and 30 are arranged such that the first refining surface 24 faces the second refining surface 34, and the third and fourth refining members 40 and 50 are arranged such that the third refining surface 44 faces the fourth refining surface 54. The first refining member 20 is spaced apart from the second refining member 30 and defines a first refining space 60 between their respective refining surfaces 24 and 34. The third refining member 40 is spaced apart from the fourth refining member 50 and defines a second refining space 62 between their respective refining surfaces 44 and 54. The disc refiner 10 may have a structure similar to that illustrated in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0037728A1, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0033] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the first and fourth refining members 20, 50 are stationary, while the second and third refining members 30, 40 rotate relative to the first and fourth refining members 20, 50. The first refining member 20 can be fixed to a support frame 66 by bolts or other suitable fasteners (not shown). The second and third refining members 30, 40 can be attached to a support 70, which is connected to a rotatable shaft 72 and extends radially outward from the rotatable shaft 72. The support 70 is connected to the shaft 72 and is configured to rotate with the shaft 72 and is also axially movable along the shaft 72. The shaft 72 is driven by a first motor 74, causing the support 70 and the second and third refining members 30, 40 to rotate with the shaft 72 during the operation of the disc refiner 10. The shaft 72 is center The shaft 72 has an axis 72A, which is generally coaxial with the axis of rotation of the second and third refining members 30, 40. The shaft 72 may be rotatably mounted on a fixed support frame 66, so that the first and second refining members 30, 40 are associated with the main support frame. The support 70 may be axially movable along the shaft 72, for example substantially along the central axis 72A, relative to the first and fourth refining members 20, 50, as described herein. The fourth refining member 50 may be fixed to a movable support frame 68 by bolts or other suitable fasteners (not shown). Thus, the support 70 and the shaft 72 are capable of defining a rotor associated with the main support frame, the second and third refining members are capable of defining a rotating rotor member, and the first and fourth refining members 20, 50 are capable of defining a non-rotating stator member. The rotation of the rotor enables the movement of the second and third refining members 30 and 40 relative to the first and fourth refining members 20 and 50, respectively.

[0034] The movable support frame 68 may be mounted within the second housing section 14 and connected to a second motor 76, which may include a reversible electric motor, and the reversible electric motor is fixed in place. The second motor 76 moves the movable support frame 68 in a substantially horizontal (i.e., axial) direction indicated by arrow A. The refiner 10 may include, for example, a jackscrew (not shown) connected to the second motor 76 and the movable support frame 68, the second motor 76 being able to rotate the jackscrew and move the movable support frame 68, for example, a fourth refining member 50 attached to the movable support frame 68. This movement adjusts the size of the gap, i.e., the size of the first and second refining spaces 60, 62 defined between the first and second refining members 20, 30 and the third and fourth refining members 40, 50 (see also Figures 8 and 9). In other embodiments (not shown), control of the gap size may be achieved by one or more magnetic bearings. A magnetic bearing controlling the axial position of the shaft 72 may be used to control the position of a rotating rotor member fixed to the shaft 72. Magnetic bearings may be used to control the axial position of one or more additional movable sections of the main support frame (i.e., movable support frame 68) to which one or more non-rotating stator members are attached.

[0035] As will be further discussed herein, a wood pulp slurry containing wood fibers passes through refining spaces 60, 62. When the jackscrew rotates in the first direction, it causes the movable support frame 68 and the fourth refining member 50 to move inward toward the third refining member 40. The fourth refining member 50 then applies an axial force to the pulp slurry passing through the second refining space 62, which in turn applies an axial force to the third refining member 40, causing the third refining member 40, the support 70, and the second refining member 30 to move inward toward the first refining member 20. When the jackscrew rotates in the second direction, opposite to the first direction, it causes the movable support frame 68 and the fourth refining member 50 to move outward toward the third refining member 40. This reduces the axial force applied by the fourth refining member 50 to the pulp slurry passing through the second refining space 62, which in turn reduces the axial force applied by the pulp slurry to the third refining member 40. The axial force applied by the pulp slurry passing through the first refining space 60 then causes the second refining member 30, the support 70, and the third refining member 40 to move toward the fourth refining member 50. This is sufficient to cause the following: This occurs until the axial forces applied against the second and third refining members 30 and 40 by the wood slurry passing through the first and second refining spaces 60 and 62 are approximately equal.

[0036] In some embodiments (not shown), the disc refiner 10 may further include a further motor and a second rotatable shaft, and the first and / or fourth refining members 20, 50 may be connected to the second rotatable shaft, so that the first and / or fourth refining members 20, 50 can be counter-rotatable relative to the second and / or third refining members 30, 40, respectively. In other embodiments (not shown), the disc refiner 10 may include only one pair of refining 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 refiner may include three or more pairs of refining members. In yet another embodiment (not shown), the disc refiner 10 may include a conical refiner with one or more pairs of refining members.

[0037] Figures 2 and 3 are plan views of the refining surfaces 24, 34 of a first refining body 22 and a second refining body 32 for use in a pulp refiner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively. Although not discussed in detail herein, the structures of the refining surfaces 44, 54 of a third and fourth refining body 42, 52 (see Figure 1) can be substantially similar to those of the refining surfaces 24, 34 of the first and second refining body 22, 32, respectively.

[0038] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the first refining body 22 may include multiple sections, for example, sections 22A to 22C, which are bolted together or otherwise attached to form a disc-shaped refining body 22 including a radially outer edge 27. The refining surface 24 includes multiple elongated refiner bars 26, which are separated from each other by refiner grooves 28. Although not shown in Figure 2, it is understood that other sections (unlabeled) of the first refining body 22 would similarly include refiner bars 26 and refiner grooves 28. The refiner bars 26 extend radially outward from radially inward locations 23 toward the radially outer edge 27 of the first refining body 22. The refiner bar 26 can be angled at various angles as shown in Figure 2, and each section 22A to 22C can contain one or more segments (not separately labeled) of the refiner bar 26 that are angled in different directions. The refiner bar 26 and refiner groove 28 in each section 22A to 22C in Figure 2 can otherwise have similar structures.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the second refining body 32 may also include multiple sections, for example, sections 32A to 32C, which are bolted together or otherwise attached to form a disc-shaped refining body 32 including a radially outer edge 37. The refining surface 34 includes multiple elongated refiner bars 36, which are separated from each other by refiner grooves 38. Although not shown in Figure 3, it is understood that other sections (unlabeled) of the second refining body 32 will also include refiner bars 36 and refiner grooves 38. The refiner bars 36 are located radially inward from the second refining surface 33. The refiner bar 36 extends radially outward toward the radially outer edge 37 of the main body 32. The refiner bar 36 can be oblique at various angles as shown in Figure 3, and each section 32A to 32C can contain two or more segments (not separately labeled) of the refiner bar 36 oblique in different directions. The refiner bar 36 and refiner groove 38 in each section 32A to 32C in Figure 3 can otherwise have similar structures.

[0040] The path of the wood pulp slurry containing wood fibers through the refiner 10 is illustrated via arrow B in Figure 1. Referring to Figures 1-3, the pulp slurry enters the disc refiner 10 through the inlet 16 and passes through the central aperture 21 in the first refining member 20 into the refiner inner cavity 64. The refiner inner cavity 64 may be partially defined by a fixed support frame 66 and a movable support frame 68. The refining surfaces 24, 34 may include one or more additional rows (unlabeled) of refiner bars, such as those positioned near the center of the refining body sections 22, 32 (for example, near the central aperture 21). These additional refiner bars are wider than the other refiner bars 26 and are spaced further apart, allowing larger fiber bundles to break them down before they enter the refining space 60. The wood fibers travel radially outward between the refining members 20, 30, 40, and 50. The first refining space 60 defined between the first refining member 20 and the second refining member 30, and the second refining space 62 defined between the third refining member 40 and the fourth refining member 50 define separate paths along which the wood fibers can travel from the inlet 16 to the outlet 18. It is conceivable that the wood fibers pass through only one of the first and second refining spaces 60, 62 at a time. The refiner grooves 28, 38 can be considered as part of the refining space 60 defined between the first refining member 20 and the second refining member 30. It is conceivable that the majority of the flow of wood fibers through the refining space 60 passes through the refiner grooves 28, 38. Similarly, the refiner grooves (not shown) of the third and fourth refining members 40 and 50 can be considered as part of the refining space 62 defined between the third refining member 40 and the fourth refining member 50.It is conceivable that the majority of the wood fiber flow through the refining space 62 passes through the unlabeled refiner grooves of the third and fourth refining members 40 and 50. After processing, the wood fibers exit the refiner 10 through the outlet 18, at least partially under the action of centrifugal force.

[0041] Figures 4A and 4B are detail views of one portion of the refining surface 24 of the first refining body 22, and Figures 5A and 5B are detail views of the corresponding portion of the refining surface 34 of the second refining body 32. Figures 6A and 6B are partial cross-sectional views of the refining body 22, 32 as seen along lines 6A-6A and 6B-6B, respectively, illustrating two embodiments of the refiner bars 26, 36 as shown in Figures 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B. Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view as seen along line 7-7 in Figures 4A, 4B, 5A, and 5B.

[0042] In the embodiments shown in Figures 4A, 5A, 6A, and 7, each refiner bar 26, 36 may include first refiner bars 26A, 36A and second refiner bars 26B, 36B. The first refiner bars 26A, 36A may be separated from each other by first refiner grooves 28A, 38A, and the second refiner bars 26B, 36B may be separated from each other by second refiner grooves 28B, 38B. They can be separated. The first and second refiner grooves 28A, 38A, 28B, and 38B have a width W of approximately 2 mm to approximately 6 mm. GIt is possible to have the following: As shown in Figures 6A and 7, the first refiner bars 26A, 36A include a first maximum height H1 extending upward from the floor F1 of adjacent first refiner grooves 28A, 38A, and the second refiner bars 26B, 36B include a second maximum height H2 extending upward from the floor F2 of adjacent second refiner grooves 28B, 38B, the second maximum height H2 being smaller than the first maximum height H1. The minimum height difference between H1 and H2 is shown as D1 in Figure 6A. In some examples, the radially outer portion RO1 of the first refiner bars 26A, 36A may include a step-down from the first maximum height H1 to the second maximum height H2.

[0043] In some examples, the second maximum height H2 can be at least 0.35 mm smaller than the first maximum height H1. In other examples, the second maximum height H2 can be at least 0.70 mm smaller than the first maximum height H1. In further examples, the first maximum height H1 of the first refiner bars 26A, 36A can be about 4 mm to about 10 mm when measured from the floor F1 of the adjacent first refiner grooves 28A, 38A. In certain examples, the second maximum height H2 of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B can be about 0.35 mm to about 1.5 mm smaller than the first maximum height H1 when measured from the floor F2 of the adjacent second refiner grooves 28B, 38B. In another specific example, the second maximum height H2 of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B can be about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm smaller than the first maximum height H1 when measured from the floor F2 of the adjacent second refiner grooves 28B, 38B. In a further example, the first refiner bars 26A, 36A and the second refiner bars 26B, 36B have a width W of about 2 mm to about 8 mm extending between the side edges of each refiner bar 26A, 36A, 26B, 36B. 26 It is possible to include this.

[0044] Each of the first refiner bars 26A, 36A extends from a radially inward position P1 on the refining surfaces 24, 34 to a first radially outward position P2 on the refining surfaces 24, 34. Each of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B extends to a second radially outward position P3 on the refining surfaces 24, 34. The second radially outward position P3 can be closer to the outermost parts of the refining body portions 22, 32 (e.g., radially outer edges 27, 37) than the first radially outward position P2. In some examples, the radially inward position P1 can include a position at or near a radially inward location 23, 33. The second refiner bars 26B, 36B can include a longitudinal length L1 of about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm, preferably about 2 cm to about 10 cm.

[0045] In some embodiments, the second refiner bars 26B, 36B can be integrated with the first refiner bars 26A, 36A, as shown in Figures 4A, 5A, and 6A, and the second refiner bars 26B, 36B extend from a first radially outward position P2 to a second radially outward position P3. In certain embodiments, the second refiner bars 26B, 36B can be continuously inclined downward from the first radially outward position P2 to the second radially outward position P3. As shown in Figure 6A, the height of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B ranges from a second maximum height H2 to a second minimum height H2. 2’ It is possible that the height decreases substantially along the entire longitudinal length L1. In another particular embodiment, the second refiner bars 26B, 36B may extend substantially horizontally from a first radially outward position P2 to a second radially outward position P3, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 6A, and the second refiner bars 26B, 36B may have a second maximum height H2 along the substantially longitudinal length L1 of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B. In other embodiments (not shown), the first refiner bars 26A, 36A may be radially separated from the second refiner bars 26B, 36B by a predetermined space.

[0046] Referring to Figures 4A, 5A, and 7, the refining surfaces 24, 34 may include dams 29, 39 provided within at least a portion of the first refiner grooves 28A, 38A. The dams 29, 39 may have a height substantially the same as or less than the height of the adjacent first refiner bars 26A, 36A. The dams 29, 39 serve to divert wood fibers from the first refiner grooves 28A, 38A so that they are engaged by the first and second refiner bars 26A, 36A, 26B, 36B.

[0047] Referring to Figures 1, 4A, 5A, and 6A, when a wood pulp slurry containing wood fibers is supplied to the frame 66 of the refiner 10 (e.g., the inlet 16), the first refiner bars 26A, 36A are adapted to refine the wood fibers in the pulp slurry, while the second refiner bars 26B, 36B are adapted to break down or separate the fiber bundles. Refining can be used to break down and reduce small clumps of fibers, induce external or internal fibrillation to achieve fiber bonding, and / or cut a significant number of long wood fibers in the wood pulp slurry so that the length of the long wood fibers is reduced. However, the refining process also causes some of the wood fibers to reform into smaller, denser fiber bundles ("flakes") during the refining of long fibers, such as softwood. Fiber bundles can negatively impact the formation of a series of pulp seeds that clog downstream components, such as the tensile strength and formation of the finished paper product, and / or inhibit the discharge of fluid / water from the fibers during paper product production. Therefore, flakes should be broken down after refining in a process called deflakening. As used herein, the term “deflakening” is used to describe the process of breaking down fiber bundles formed during refining. When refining is accompanied by a conventional pulp refiner, deflakening typically occurs in one or more subsequent refiners, which often operate at low power and are referred to as “tickler” refiners or deflakers. The use of separate refiners or deflakers increases the cost and complexity of the system. In addition, tickler refiners and associated lines and tanks, as well as downstream machine chests, are capable of accumulating residual amounts of fiber from previous runs, allowing for the continuous formation of fiber bundles. The processing within the tickler refiner can degrade the properties of fibers when dissimilar pulp slurries are refined together.The refining members 20, 30, 40, and 50 of this disclosure can be thought to solve these problems by incorporating refiner bars 26A, 26B, 36A, and 36B of different heights so that refining and defracking can be performed within a single refiner 10.

[0048] The first maximum height H1 of the first refiner bars 26A, 36A, which is greater than the second maximum height H2, means that the wood fibers are subjected to high shear and compressive forces as they pass through a portion of the refining space 60, which is at least partially defined by the first refiner grooves 28A, 38A and engaged by the cutting side edges 126A, 136A of the first refiner bars 26A, 36A on the opposing first and second refining surfaces 24, 34 (see also Figures 8 and 9). Thus, the first radially inward position P1 on the refining surfaces 24, 34 is at least partially defined by the first refiner grooves 28A, 38A and is engaged by the cutting side edges 126A, 136A of the first refiner bars 26A, 36A on the refining surfaces 24, 34. A portion of the refining space 60 extending outward-facing position P2 can at least partially define the refining zone. In some examples, radially inward locations 23, 33 of each refining body 22, 32 can define the beginning of the refining zone. As the refined fiber passes through the portion of the refining space 60 at least partially defined by the second refiner grooves 28B, 38B (for example, from approximately the first radially outward-facing position P2 to approximately the second radially outward-facing position P3 in Figure 6A), the second refiner bars 26B, 36B include a second maximum height H2, and the intensity of the force applied to the fiber decreases in response to the reduced height (see also Figures 8 and 9). Therefore, a portion of the refining space 60, at least partially defined by the second refiner grooves 28B, 38B and extending from a first radially outward position P2 to a second radially outward position P3 on the refining surfaces 24, 34, can at least partially define a deflake zone. The reduction in force applied to the fibers within the deflake zone is thought to break down the fiber bundles formed during refining without further refining the fibers, or with minimal refining of the fibers. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6A, the second refiner bars 26B, 36B form an annular ring that defines a deflake zone around the radially outward portions (not separately labeled) of the first and second refining bodies 22, 32. It is conceivable that the second maximum height H2 of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B should be at least approximately 0.35 mm smaller than the first maximum height H1 of the first refiner bars 26A, 36A in order to stop refining the fibers and to begin deflake. The refining zone can include more than 60% of the total area defined by both the refining zone and the deflake zone on each refining surface 24, 34.

[0049] In the embodiments shown in Figures 4B, 5B, and 6B, each refiner bar 26', 36' may include a first refiner bar 26A', 36A', a second refiner bar 26B', 36B', a third refiner bar 26C, 36C, and a fourth refiner bar 26D, 36D. The first refiner bars 26A', 36A' and the second refiner bars 26B', 36' may be substantially similar to the first refiner bars 26A, 36A and the second refiner bars 26B, 36B as shown in Figures 4A, 5A, 6A, and 7, and as described herein, but the first and second refiner bars 26A', 36A', 26B', 36B' may extend radially outward over shorter distances. The first refiner bars 26A', 36A' can be separated from each other by the first refiner grooves 28A', 38A', and the second refiner bars 26B', 36B' can be separated from each other by the second refiner grooves 28B', 38B'. The first and second refiner grooves 28A', 38A', 28B', 38B' have a width W of approximately 2 mm to approximately 6 mm. G It is possible to have the following: The third refiner bars 26C, 36C may be separated from each other by the third refiner grooves 28C, 38C, and the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D may be separated from each other by the fourth refiner grooves 28D, 38D. As shown in Figure 6B, the third refiner bars 26C, 36C include a third maximum height H3 extending upward from the floor F3 of adjacent third refiner grooves 28C, 38C, and the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D include a fourth maximum height H4 extending upward from the floor F4 of adjacent fourth refiner grooves 28D, 38D, the fourth maximum height H4 being lower than the third maximum height H3. 1’It is possible for the fourth maximum height H4 to be substantially equal to the second maximum height H2. The minimum height difference between H3 and H4 is shown as D2 in Figure 6B. In some examples, the radially outer portion RO2 of the third refiner bars 26C, 36C is a step from the third maximum height H3 to the fourth maximum height H4. It is possible to include um. The third and fourth refiner grooves 28C, 38C, 28D, and 38D have a width W of approximately 2 mm to approximately 6 mm. G It is possible to have it.

[0050] In some examples, the fourth maximum height H4 can be at least 0.35 mm smaller than the third maximum height H3. In other examples, the fourth maximum height H4 can be at least 0.70 mm smaller than the third maximum height H3. In further examples, the third maximum height H3 of the third refiner bars 26C, 36C can be approximately 4 mm to approximately 10 mm when measured from the floor F3 of the adjacent third refiner grooves 28C, 38C. In certain examples, the fourth maximum height H4 of the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D can be approximately 0.35 mm to approximately 1.5 mm smaller than the third maximum height H3 when measured from the floor F4 of the adjacent fourth refiner grooves 28D, 38D. In another specific example, the fourth maximum height H4 of the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D can be about 0.7 mm to about 1.5 mm smaller than the third maximum height H3 when measured from the floor F4 of the adjacent fourth refiner grooves 28D, 38D. In further examples, the third refiner bars 26C, 36C and the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D can include a width of about 2 mm to about 8 mm (not separately labeled) extending between the side edges of each refiner bar 26C, 36C, 26D, 36D.

[0051] Each of the first refiner bars 26A' and 36A' is positioned radially inward on the refining surfaces 24 and 34 at position P. 1’ From the first radially outward position P on the refining surfaces 24, 342’ extends to. Each of the second refiner bars 26B', 36B' extends to a second radially outward position P on the refining surfaces 24, 34 3’ extends to. Each of the third refiner bars 26C, 36C extends to a third radially outward position P4 on the refining surfaces 24, 34. Each of the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D extends to a fourth radially outward position P5 on the refining surfaces 24, 34. The fourth radially outward position P5 can be near the outermost parts (e.g., the radially outer edges 27, 37) of the refining body portions 22, 32 than the first, second, and third radially outward positions P 2’ , P 3’ , and P4. The fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D can include a longitudinal length L2 of about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm, preferably about 2 cm to about 10 cm.

[0052] In some embodiments, the second refiner bars 26B', 36B' can be integral with the first refiner bars 26A', 36A' as shown in FIGS. 4B, 5B, and 6B, such that the second refiner bars 26B', 36B' extend from the first radially outward position P 2’ to the second radially outward position P 3’ extends to. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 4B, 5B, and 6B, the third refiner bars 26C, 36C can be integral with the second refiner bars 26B', 36B', such that the third refiner bars 26C, 36C extend from the second radially outward position P 3’ to the third radially outward position P 4’The fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D are configured to extend from the third radially outward position P4 to the fourth radially outward position P5. In a particular embodiment, the second refiner bars 26B', 36B' extend from the first radially outward position P 2’ From the second radially outward position P 3’ It is possible for them to be continuously inclined downward. As shown in Figure 6B, the second refiner bars 26B' ​​and 36B' can have a longitudinal length L1 of about 0.6 cm to about 10 cm, preferably about 2 cm to about 10 cm. The height of the second refiner bars 26B' ​​and 36B' ranges from a second maximum height H2 to a second minimum height H2. 2’ Effectively longer It is possible for the length L1 in the direction to decrease continuously along the entire length. In another particular embodiment, the second refiner bars 26B', 36B' are located at the first radially outward position P, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 6B. 2’ From the second radially outward position P 3’ The second refiner bars 26B', 36B' can extend substantially horizontally, and the second refiner bars 26B', 36B' have a second maximum height H2 along substantially the entire longitudinal length L1 of the second refiner bars 26B', 36B'. In certain embodiments, the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D can be continuously inclined downward from a third radially outward position P4 to a fourth radially outward position P5. As shown in Figure 6B, the height of the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D ranges from a fourth maximum height H4 to a fourth minimum height H 4’It is possible for the length to decrease substantially continuously along the entire longitudinal length L2. In another particular embodiment, the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D can extend substantially horizontally from the third radially outward position P4 to the fourth radially outward position P5, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 6B, so that the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D have a fourth maximum height H4 along the substantially longitudinal length L2 of the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D. In other embodiments (not shown), the third refiner bars 26C, 36C can be radially separated from the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D by a certain amount of space.

[0053] Referring to Figures 4B, 5B, and 7, the refining surfaces 24, 34 may include dams 29, 39 provided within at least a portion of the first and / or third refiner grooves 28A', 38A', 28C, 38C, as described herein.

[0054] As described with respect to the first and second refiner bars 26A, 36A, 26B, and 36B in Figures 4A, 5A, and 6A, the first refiner bars 26A' and 36A' in Figures 4B, 5B, and 6B are adapted for refining wood fibers, and the second refiner bars 26B' ​​and 36B' in Figures 4B, 5B, and 6B are adapted for breaking down fiber bundles. The third refiner bars 26C and 36C are adapted for refining wood fibers (similar to the first refiner bars 26A' and 36A'), while the fourth refiner bars 26D and 36D are adapted for breaking down fiber bundles (similar to the second refiner bars 26B' ​​and 36B'), as described herein.

[0055] Referring to Figures 1, 4B, 5B, and 6B, the radially inward position P on the refining surfaces 24, 34 is at least partially defined by the first refiner grooves 28A', 38A' and the third refiner grooves 28C, 38C. 1’ From the first radially outward position P 2’ to, and the second radially outward position P 3’ The portion of the refining space 60 extending from to a third radially outward position P4 can at least partially define the first and second refining zones, respectively, as described herein. The first radially outward position P4 is at least partially defined by the second refiner grooves 28B', 38B' and the fourth refiner grooves 28D, 38D on the refining surfaces 24, 34. 2’ From the second radially outward position P 3’ The portions of the refining space 60 extending from the third radially outward position P4 to the fourth radially outward position P5 can, as described herein, at least partially define the first and second deflake zones, respectively. It is conceivable that the second maximum height H2 of the second refiner bars 26B', 36B' should be at least about 0.35 mm smaller than the first maximum height H1 of the first refiner bars 26A', 36A' in order to stop refining the fibers and to begin deflake. Similarly, the fourth maximum height H4 of the fourth refiner bars 26D, 36D should be smaller than the first maximum height H1 of the fibers It is conceivable that the third refiner bar 26C, 36C should be at least approximately 0.35 mm smaller than the third maximum height H3 in order to stop flaking and to begin defrackling. The first and second refining zones may include more than 60% of the total area defined by both the first and second refining zones and the defrackling zone on their respective refining surfaces 24, 34.

[0056] Figures 8 and 9 are partial cross-sectional views of the first and second refining body portions 22, 32 / 132 of the first and second refining members 20, 30 / 130 according to the present disclosure. The first refining member 20 is positioned at a distance from the second refining member 30, adjacent to the second refining member 30, and directly opposite the second refining member 30 (see Figure 1). In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the refining body portion according to the present invention, for example, the first refining body portion 22, is paired with a conventional refining body portion 132. The first refining body 22 includes a first refiner bar 26A, a first refiner groove 28A, a second refiner bar 26B, and a second refiner groove 28B, which can correspond to the first and second refiner bars 26A, 26B and the first and second refiner grooves 28A, 28B, as described herein with respect to Figures 4A, 4B, 6A, 6B, and 7. It is understood that the features described in Figure 8 with respect to the first and second refiner bars 26A, 26B and the first and second refiner grooves 28A, 28B are equally applicable to the third and fourth refiner bars 26C, 26D and the third and fourth refiner grooves 28C, 28D, respectively, as described herein (see Figures 4B, 5B, and 6B). A conventional refining body 132 includes a conventional refiner bar 136 and a refiner groove 138, wherein the conventional refiner bar 136 has a uniform height substantially along its entire longitudinal length. In other embodiments (not shown), a non-rotating stator member, for example, a first refining member 20, may include a conventional refiner bar, wherein the conventional refiner bar has a uniform height substantially along its entire length, and a rotating rotor member, for example, a second refining member 30, may include the refiner bars 26A, 26B and refiner grooves 28A, 28B according to the present disclosure (see Figure 1).

[0057] The first gap G1 is the outer surface S of the first refiner bar 26A in Figure 8. 26A and the outer surface S of the conventional refiner bar 136 136 It is defined between the two. In the example where the second refiner bar 26B is continuously inclined downward, the second gap G2 is defined between the outer surface S of the second refiner bar 26B. 26B A gap G2 may be defined between the outer surface of the conventional refiner bar 136 and the outer surface of the second refiner bar 26B, and G2 is greater than G1. In the case where the second refiner bar 26B extends substantially horizontally (shown by the dotted line in Figure 8), the third gap G3 is defined between the outer surface S of the second refiner bar 26B. 26B’ and the outer surface S of the conventional refiner bar 136 136 The boundary can be defined between and , and G3 is greater than G1. In an embodiment in which one of the second refiner bars (for example, the second refiner bar 26B) is inclined, as shown in Figure 8, the outer surface S of the second refiner bar 26B 26B and the outer surface S of the conventional refiner bar 136 136 The distance between the two can be continuously increased along at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the second refiner bar 26B (unlabeled; see Figures 6A and 6B), from a minimum distance corresponding to the third gap G3 to a maximum distance corresponding to the second gap G2.

[0058] In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, one refining body according to the present invention, for example, the first refining body 22, is another refining body according to the present invention, for example For example, it is paired with a second refining body 32. The first refining body 22 includes a first refiner bar 26A, a first refiner groove 28A, a second refiner bar 26B, and a second refiner groove 28B, which can correspond to the first and second refiner bars 26A, 26B and the first and second refiner grooves 28A, 28B, as described herein with respect to Figures 4A, 4B, 6A, 6B, and 7. The second refining body 32 includes a first refiner bar 36A, a first refiner groove 38A, a second refiner bar 36B, and a second refiner groove 38B, which can correspond to the first and second refiner bars 36A, 36B and the first and second refiner grooves 38A, 38B, as described herein with respect to Figures 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, and 7. The features described in Figure 9 with respect to the first and second refiner bars 26A, 26B, 36A, 36B and the first and second refiner grooves 28A, 28B, 38A, 38B are understood to apply equally to the third and fourth refiner bars 26C, 26D and the third and fourth refiner grooves 28C, 28D, respectively, as described herein (see Figures 4B, 5B, and 6B).

[0059] The first gap G1 is the outer surface S of the first refiner bar 26A of the first refining body 22. 26A and the outer surface S of the first refiner bar 36A of the second refining body 32 36A It is defined between the two. In the example where both the second refiner bar 26B of the first refining body 22 and the second refiner bar 36B of the second refining body 32 are continuously inclined downward, the gap G4 is defined between the outer surface S of the second refiner bar 26B. 26B and the outer surface S of the second refiner bar 36B of the second refining body 32 36BG4 may be defined between and , and G4 is greater than G1. In an example where one of the second refiner bars (for example, the second refiner bar 26B of the first refining body 22) is continuously inclined downward and the other of the second refiner bars (for example, the second refiner bar 36B of the second refining body 32) extends substantially horizontally (shown in Figure 9 by a dotted line), the gap G5 is the outer surface S of the second refiner bar 26B 26B and the outer surface S of the second refiner bar 36B 36B’ The gap G5 may be defined between and , and G5 is greater than G1. In the example where both the second refiner bar 26B of the first refining body 22 and the second refiner bar 36B of the second refining body 32 extend substantially horizontally (shown by the dotted line in Figure 9), the gap G6 is the outer surface S of the second refiner bar 26B 26B’ and the outer surface S of the second refiner bar 36B 36B’ It can be defined between G6 and G1, where G6 is greater than G1. In some specific examples, G4 is greater than G5, and G5 is greater than G6.

[0060] As shown in Figure 9, in embodiments where one or both of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B are inclined, the outer surface S of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B 26B S 26B’ S 36B S 36B’ The distance between them can be continuously increased along at least a portion of the longitudinal length (unlabeled; see Figures 6A and 6B) of one or both of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B. For example, when one refining body, e.g., the first refining body 22, includes inclined second refiner bars 26B, the outer surface S of the second refiner bars 26B, 36B 26B S 36B’The distance between them can be increased from the minimum distance corresponding to the gap G6 to the maximum distance corresponding to the third gap G5. When both refining body sections 22 and 32 include inclined second refiner bars 26B and 36B, the outer surface S of the second refiner bars 26B and 36B 26B S 36B The distance between them can be increased from the minimum distance corresponding to gap G6 to the maximum distance corresponding to the second gap G4.

[0061] In all embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 9, as a rotatable refining member (e.g., a first refining member 20; see Figure 1) rotates relative to a stationary refining member (e.g., a second refining member 30 / 130; see Figure 1), a pulp slurry containing wood fibers is supplied to the frame 66 of the refiner 10 (e.g., the inlet 16) (see Figure 1) and enters the refining space 60 defined between the first refining body 22 and the second refining body 32 / 132. Referring to Figure 8, when wood fibers enter the portion of the refining space 60 that is at least partially defined by the first refiner groove 28A of the first refining body 22 and the refiner groove 138 of the second refining body 132, the first and second refining bodies 22 and 132 are spaced apart to define a first gap G1 between the first refiner bar 26A of the first refining body 22 and the conventional refiner bar 136 of the second refining body 132, so that the refiner bars 26A and 136 interact with each other to refine the wood fibers, as described herein. The first gap G1 should be smaller than about 0.9 mm, and preferably between about 0.2 mm and about 0.9 mm, in order for refining to occur.

[0062] Continuing to refer to Figure 8, it is conceivable that when wood fibers pass through the portion of the refining space 60, which is at least partially defined by the second refiner groove 28B of the first refining body 22 and the refiner groove 138 of the second refining body 132, the distance between the second refiner bar 26B of the first refining body 22 and the refiner bar 136 of the second refining body 132 increases, causing refining to stop and defracking to begin. In embodiments where the second refiner bar 26B is continuously inclined downward, the distance increases from the first gap G1 to the second gap G2. In embodiments where the second refiner bar 26B extends substantially horizontally, the distance increases from the first gap G1 to the third gap G3. It is conceivable that the distance between the second refiner bar 26B of the first refining body 22 and the refiner bar 136 of the second refining body 132, i.e., G2 or G3, should be between approximately 0.9 mm and approximately 1.5 mm in order for defracking to occur.

[0063] Referring to Figure 9, when wood fibers enter the portion of the refining space 60 that is at least partially defined by the first refiner grooves 28A, 38A of the first and second refining body portions 22, 32, the first and second refining body portions 22, 32 are spaced apart to define a first gap G1 between the first refiner bars 26A, 36A, so that the refiner bars 26A, 36A interact with each other and refine the wood fibers, as described herein. As wood fibers pass through the portion of the refining space 60 that is at least partially defined by the second refiner grooves 28B and 38B of the first and second refining body sections 22 and 32, respectively, the distance between the second refiner bar 26B of the first refining body section 22 and the second refiner bar 36B of the second refining body section 32 increases to one of the gaps G4, G5, or G6, at which point refining stops and deflake begins. The first gap G1 should be smaller than about 0.9 mm, preferably between about 0.2 mm and about 0.9 mm, in order for refining to occur, and the gaps G4, G5, and G6 should be between about 0.9 mm and about 1.5 mm, in order for deflake to occur.

[0064] Referring to Figures 1, 6A, 6B, 8, and 9, the gaps G1 and G2, G3, G4, G4, G5, G6 defined between the refining body sections 22, 32 / 132 can be adjusted, for example, by applying axial pressure to at least one of the first or second refining members 20, 30 via a second motor 76 connected to a movable support frame 68 via a jackscrew (not shown). With respect to a single-disc refiner, the second refining member 30 may be directly connected to the movable support frame 68 so that the second refining member 30 moves with the movable support frame 68 when the movable support frame 68 is moved via the second motor 76 and jackscrew. With respect to the double disc refiner 10, when the second refining member 30 is moved as described above, i.e., when the jackscrew rotates in the first direction, it causes the movable support frame 68 and the fourth refining member 50 to move inward toward the third refining member 40. The fourth refining member 50 then applies an axial force to the wood slurry passing through the second refining space 62, which applies an axial force to the third refining member 40, causing the third refining member 40, the support 70, and the second refining member 30 to move inward toward the first refining member 20.

[0065] The gap G1 defined between the refiner bars 26A, 36A, and 136 can be maintained at a substantially constant gap value by adjusting the positioning of the second refining member 30 relative to the first refining member 20 via a second motor 76 (controlled manually or via a controller / processor connected to the second motor 76) and a jackscrew, so that the amount of power required to be input / generated by a first motor 74 (controlled manually or via a controller / processor connected to the first motor 74) operating at a predetermined rotational speed to process a certain amount of pulp flowing through the refining space 60 is maintained at a predetermined input power level, which is monitored by the operator or the controller / processor controlling the first motor 74. For example, if the pulp is 0.572 m 3 When a (151 gallons) flow rate is moving through the refining space 60 of a 50.8 cm (20 inch) diameter Andritz® Twinflo IIIB low-consistency refiner, and the first motor 74 is operating at a constant rotational speed of 800 RPM, the second motor 76 is controlled to move the second refining member 30 relative to the first refining member 20 until the power input by the first motor 74 is equal to 114 kilowatts. When the power input by the first motor 74 is equal to 114 kilowatts, the gap size between the first refining member 20 and the second refining member 30 is estimated to be 0.57 mm.

[0066] Continuing to refer to Figures 1, 6A, 6B, 8, and 9, it can be seen that the gaps G2, G3, G4, G4, G5, and G6 required to achieve deflake can vary depending on the load or flow rate to which the refining body 22, 32 / 132 is subjected (i.e., liters per minute of pulp slurry flowing through the refining space 60). For example, when the refining body 22, 32 / 132 is lightly loaded, when the fibers pass into the portion of the refining space 60 at least partially defined by the second refiner grooves 28B / 28B', 38B / 38B', for example, when the wood fibers move through the first radially outward position P2 / P2' and / or the third radially outward position P4, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the refining of the wood fibers can stop almost immediately and deflake can begin. When sections 22, 32 / 132 are heavily loaded, some refining of the wood fibers can continue along at least a portion of the refining space 60 which is at least partially defined by the second refiner grooves 28B / 28B', 38B / 38B'.

[0067] In situations where the refining bodies 22, 32 / 132 are heavily loaded, embodiments in which one or both of the second refiner bars 26B / 26B' of the first refining body 22 and the second refiner bars 36B / 36B' of the second refining body 32 are continuously inclined downward may be particularly advantageous in ensuring that a sufficient distance between the refiner bars 26B / 26B' and the refiner bars 136 / 36B / 36B' is realized along at least a portion of the refining space 60 which is at least partially defined by the second refiner grooves 28B / 28B', 38B / 38B, allowing refining to stop and deflake to occur. In addition, the refining surfaces 24, 34 of the refining bodies 22, 32 may wear and deteriorate over time. In particular, the first and third refiner bars 26A / 26A', 26C, 36A / 36A', 36C, which perform most of the high-intensity, high-energy refining, may wear out faster than the second and fourth refiner bars 26B / 26B', 26D, 36B / 36B', 36D, which perform deflake (deflake is generally of lower intensity and energy than refining). The positions of the refining bodies 22, 32 / 132 are adjusted as described herein to create a first gap G1 between the first and third refiner bars 26A / 26A', 26C, 36A / 36A', 36C, and their outer surfaces S 26A S 36AIt is possible to maintain a virtually constant value when it starts to wear down. However, the gaps G2, G3, G4, G5, G6 between the second and fourth refiner bars 26B / 26B', 26D, 36B / 36B', 36D may not be adjustable. Therefore, embodiments in which one or both of the second refiner bars 26B / 26B', 36B / 36B' and / or one or both of the fourth refiner bars 36B / 36B', 36D are inclined are considered to allow the transition between the refining zone and the defracking zone to shift radially outward along the longitudinal length (unlabeled; see Figures 6A and 6B) of the second and fourth refiner bars 26B / 26B', 26D, 36B / 36B', 36D as the first and third refiner bars 26A / 26A', 26C, 36A / 36A', 36C wear down.

[0068] Figures 10 and 11 are plan views of portions of the refining surfaces of a first refining body 22' and a second refining body 32, respectively, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 1, 10, and 11, the first and second refining body 22', 32' can be parts of a refining member (e.g., first and second refining members 20, 30) for use in a pulp refiner, such as the disc refiner 10 shown in Figure 1, as described herein. Each of the refining members 20, 30, including the first and second refining body 22', 32', may be associated with a main support frame, the main support frame including a fixed support frame 66 fixed to the first housing section 12 and a movable support frame 68. One refining member (for example, a first refining member 20 including a first refining body 22') is fixed to the support frame 66 of the refiner 10 and can define a non-rotating stator member. Another refining member (for example, a second refining member 30 including a second refining body 32') may be fixed to a support 70, which rotates with the shaft 72 and defines a rotor associated with the main support frame, and the rotation of the rotor relative to the first refining member 20 The second refining member 30 is made movable. Furthermore, third and fourth refining members (not shown) having third and fourth refining body sections similar to the first and second refining body sections 22' and 32' may also be provided.

[0069] As shown in Figure 10, the first refining body 22' comprises several sections 22A' to 22C', which may be bolted together or otherwise assembled, forming a disc-shaped refining body 22' including a radially outer edge 27. Each section 22A' to 22C' comprises several elongated refiner bars 26', which are separated from each other by refiner grooves 28'. Although not shown in Figure 10, it is understood that other sections (unlabeled) of the first refining body 22' will similarly include refiner bars 26' and refiner grooves 28'. The refiner bars 26' extend radially outward from a radially inward location 23' toward the radially outer edge 27' of the first refining body 22'. Each section 22A' to 22C' of the first refining body 22' may include one or more radially extending pie-shaped segments, each including at least one first pie-shaped segment 22B-1 and at least one second pie-shaped segment 22B-2.

[0070] As shown in Figure 11, the second refining body 32' includes a plurality of corresponding sections 32A' to 32C', which may be bolted together or otherwise assembled to form a disc-shaped refining body 32' including a radially outer edge 37'. Each section 32A' to 32C' includes a plurality of elongated refiner bars 36', which are separated from each other by refiner grooves 38'. Although not shown in Figure 11, it is understood that other sections (unlabeled) of the second refining body 32' will similarly include refiner bars 36' and refiner grooves 38'. The refiner bars 36' extend radially outward from a radially inward location 33' toward the radially outer edge 37' of the second refining body 32'. Each section 32A' to 32C' of the second refining body 32' may include one or more radially extending pie-shaped segments, each 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, the third and fourth refining body 42, 52 of Figure 1 may include structures substantially similar to those of the first and second refining body 22', 32', respectively, as described herein.

[0071] At least one of the first and second refining body sections 22', 32' in Figures 10 and 11 includes one or more sections 22A'-22C', 32A'-32C' of the refiner bar 26', 36', each having one or more radially extending pie-shaped segments (e.g., 22B-1 and 32B-1) of the refiner bar 26', 36' that have one or more characteristics different from the refiner bar 26', 36' in adjacent radially extending pie-shaped segments (e.g., 22B-2 and 32B-2). Figures 12A and 12B are partial cross-sectional views, where the first and second refining body sections 22', 32' of Figures 10 and 11 are spaced apart from each other, adjacent to each other and directly opposite each other (see Figure 1). In Figure 12A, the first refiner bar 26-1 may be positioned on the refining surface 24-1 (also referred to herein as the first refining surface) of at least one first pie-shaped segment 22B-1 of the first refining body 22', and the first refiner bar 26-1 is positioned at a distance from the third refiner bar 36-1, and the third refiner The third refiner bar 36-1 is positioned adjacent to the bar 36-1 and directly opposite the bar 36-1, and the third refiner bar 36-1 may be positioned on the refining surface 34-1 (also referred to herein as the third refining surface) of at least one third pie-shaped segment 32B-1 of the second refining body 32'. In Figure 12B, the second refiner bar 26-2 may be positioned on the refining surface 24-2 (also referred to herein as the second refining surface) of at least one second pie-shaped segment 22B-2 of the first refining body 22', the second refiner bar 26-2 is positioned at a distance from the fourth refiner bar 36-2, adjacent to the fourth refiner bar 36-2 and directly opposite the fourth refiner bar 36-2, the fourth refiner bar 36-2 may be positioned on the refining surface 34-2 (also referred to herein as the fourth refining surface) of at least one fourth pie-shaped segment 32B-2 of the second refining body 32'.

[0072] Referring to Figures 10, 11, and 12A, the first refiner bars 26-1 are separated from each other by the first refiner grooves 28-1, and the floor F of each adjacent first refiner groove 28-1 1’ A first maximum height H extending upward from there 1’ It is possible to include the third refiner bar 36-1, which is separated from each other by the third refiner groove 38-1, and the floor F of each adjacent third refiner groove 38-1 3’ A third maximum height H extending upward from there 3’ It is possible to include the following. As shown in Figure 12A, the first and third refiner bars 26-1, 36-1 can be substantially similar to each other, and the maximum heights H of the first and third bars can be 1’ H 3’ It is possible for them to be substantially equal.

[0073] Referring to Figures 10, 11, and 12B, the second refiner bar 26-2 is separated from each other by the second refiner groove 28-2, and the floor F of the adjacent second refiner groove 28-2 2’ A second maximum height H extending upward from there 2’ It is possible to include the following. The fourth refiner bar 36-2 is separated from each other by the fourth refiner groove 38-2, and the floor F of the adjacent fourth refiner groove 38-2 4’ A fourth maximum height H extending upward from there 4’ It is possible to include the following. As shown in Figure 12B, the second and fourth refiner bars 26-2, 36-2 can be substantially similar to each other, and the maximum heights H of the second and fourth bars can be 2’ H 4’ It is possible for them to be substantially equal. All of the refiner bars 26-1, 26-2, 36-1, and 36-2 within each pie-shaped segment 22B-1, 22B-2, 32B-1, and 32B-2 can have the same height relative to one another.

[0074] Second maximum height H of the second refiner bar 26-2 2’ The first maximum height H of the first refiner bar 26-1 is 1’ It is possible to have a second maximum height H. 2’ This is the floor F of the adjacent second refiner groove 28-2. 2’ When measured from, the first maximum height H 1’ It is possible to make it at least 0.35 mm smaller than that. In other examples, a second maximum height H 2’ This is the floor F of the adjacent second refiner groove 28-2. 2’ When measured from, the first maximum height H 1’ It is possible to make it at least 0.70 mm smaller than that. In a further example, the first maximum height H of the first refiner bar 26-1 1’ This is the floor F of each adjacent first refiner groove 28-1. 1’When measured from, it can be approximately 4mm to approximately 10mm. In a specific example, the second maximum height H of the second refiner bar 26-2 2’ This is the floor F of each adjacent second refiner groove 28-2. 2’ When measured from, the first maximum height H 1’ It is possible to make it approximately 0.35 mm to approximately 1.5 mm smaller than that. In another specific example, the second maximum height H of the second refiner bar 26-2 2’ This is the floor F of each adjacent second refiner groove 28-2. 2’ When measured from, the first maximum height H 1’ It is possible to be approximately 0.7 mm to approximately 1.5 mm smaller than this. In further examples, the first refiner bar 26-1 and the second refiner bar 26-2 may include a width of approximately 2 mm to approximately 8 mm extending between the side edges of each refiner bar 26-1 and 26-2 (not shown; see Figure 7). The fourth maximum height H of the fourth refiner bar 36-2 4’ (That is the second maximum height H 2’ (This can be accommodated) the third maximum height H of the third refiner bar 36-1. 3’ (That is the first maximum height H 1’ It is possible to have something smaller than (it is possible to accommodate this).

[0075] Referring to Figures 1, 10, 11, 12A, and 12B, as the second refining member 30 rotates relative to the first refining member 20, the refining surface 34-1 of at least one third pie-shaped segment 32B-1 of the second refining body 32' passes over the refining surface 24-1 of at least one first pie-shaped segment 22B-1 of the first refining body 22', and the refining surface 34-2 of at least one fourth pie-shaped segment 32B-2 of the second refining body 32' passes over the refining surface 24-2 of at least one second pie-shaped segment 22B-2 of the first refining body 22'. When the wood pulp slurry is supplied to the frame 66 (for example, the inlet 16) of the refiner 10 and passes through the refining space 60, and the refining surface 34-1 of at least one third pie-shaped segment 32B-1 of the second refining body 32' passes the refining surface 24-1 of at least one first pie-shaped segment 22B-1 of the first refining body 22', the third maximum height H 3’ A third refiner bar 36-1 having a first maximum height H 1’ The first refiner bar 26-1 is positioned on the opposite side of the first refiner bar 26-1, and the first and third refiner bars 26-1 and 36-1 are positioned to refine a considerable number of wood fibers. When the refining surface 34-2 of at least one fourth pie-shaped segment 32B-2 of the second refining body 32' passes the refining surface 24-2 of at least one second pie-shaped segment 22B-2 of the first refining body 22', the fourth maximum height H 4’ A fourth refiner bar 36-2 having a second maximum height H 2’It will be positioned on the opposite side from the second refiner bar 26-2 having it, and the second and fourth refiner bars 26-2 and 36-2 are adapted to break down or separate a plurality of wood fiber bundles in the wood pulp slurry as described herein. When the refining surface 34-1 of at least one third pie-shaped segment 32B-1 of the second refining body portion 32' passes through the refining surface 24-2 of at least one second pie-shaped segment 22B-2 of the first refining body portion 22', and when the refining surface 34-2 of at least one fourth pie-shaped segment 32B-2 of the second refining body portion 32' passes through the refining surface 24-1 of at least one first pie-shaped segment 22B-1 of the first refining body portion 22', low-intensity refining may occur.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, one or more of the sections 22A' to 22C', 32A' to 32C' of each refining body portion 22', 32' can each include three pie-shaped segments 22B-1, 22B-1, 22B-3 and 32B-1, 32B-2, 32B-3 extending in the radial direction in some examples. In some specific examples, two segments (e.g., 22B-1, 22B-3 and 32B-1, 32B-3) can include a refiner bar having one of the first or second maximum heights H 1’ , H 2’ , and one segment (e.g., 22B-2 and 32B-2) can include a refiner bar having the other of the first or second maximum heights H 1’ , H 2’ , and the second maximum height H 2’ is smaller than the first maximum height H 1’ . For example, segments 22B-1, 22B-3 are the It is possible to include one refiner bar 26-1, segments 32B-1 and 32B-3 may include a third refiner bar 36-1, segment 22B-2 may include a second refiner bar 26-2, and segment 32B-2 may include a fourth refiner bar 36-2. In other examples (not shown), one or more of sections 22A'-22C' and 32A'-32C may each include only two segments of a refiner bar, or each may include four or more segments of a refiner bar. In further examples (not shown), one or more of sections 22A'-22C' and 32A'-32C' may not include separate segments, and the entire section may include a refiner bar of one height. It will be understood that the refining body provided in this disclosure (for example, one of the refining body parts 22', 32') may be paired with a refining body that includes a conventional refiner bar (for example, a refiner bar that is all the same height).

[0077] The gap between opposing first and third refiner bars 26-1, 36-1 should be smaller than about 0.9 mm, preferably between about 0.2 mm and about 0.9 mm, in order for refining to occur, and the gap between opposing second and fourth refiner bars 26-2, 36-2 should be between about 0.9 mm and about 1.5 mm, in order for defracking to occur.

[0078] Figures 13 and 14 are plan views of portions of the first refining surface 224 of the first refining body 222 and the second refining surface 234 of the second refining body 232, respectively, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 1, 13, and 14, the first and second refining body 222, 232 can be parts of refining members (e.g., refining members 20, 30, respectively) for use in a pulp refiner, such as the disc refiner 10 shown in Figure 1, as described herein. Each of the refining members 20, 30, including the first and second refining body 222, 232, respectively, may be associated with a main support frame, the main support frame including a fixed support frame 66 fixed to the first housing section 12 and a movable support frame 68. One refining member (for example, a first refining member 20 including a first refining body 222) is fixed to the support frame 66 of the refiner 10 and can define a non-rotating stator member. Another refining member (for example, a second refining member 30 including a second refining body 232) may be fixed to a support 70, which rotates with a shaft 72 and defines a rotor associated with the main support frame, such that the rotation of the rotor enables the movement of the second refining member 30 relative to the first refining member 20.

[0079] As shown in Figure 13, the first refining body 222 comprises several sections (not individually labeled; see Figures 2 and 3) which can be bolted together or otherwise assembled, forming a disc-shaped refining body 222 including a radially outer edge 227. The first refining surface 224 comprises several elongated first refiner bars 226, which are separated from each other by first refiner grooves 228. The first refiner bars 226 extend radially outward from radially inward locations 223 toward the radially outer edge 227 of the first refining body 222. The first refiner bars 226 can be angled at various angles, as shown in Figure 13, and each section of the refining body 222 is The first refining body 222 may include one or more segments (unlabeled) of the refiner bar 226 that are angled in different directions. The first refining body 222 further includes one or more annular rows or rings of teeth 400 positioned between the first refiner bar 226 and the radially outer edge 227 of the first refining body 222. Although not shown in Figure 13, it is understood that other sections (unlabeled) of the first refining body 222 would similarly include the refiner bar 226, the refiner groove 228, and the teeth 400.

[0080] As shown in Figure 14, the second refining body 232 comprises several sections (not individually labeled; see Figures 2 and 3) which can be bolted together or otherwise assembled to form a disc-shaped refining body 232 including a radially outer edge 237. The second refining surface 234 comprises several elongated second refiner bars 236, which are separated from each other by second refiner grooves 238. The second refiner bars 236 extend radially outward from radially inward locations 233 toward the radially outer edge 237 of the second refining body 232. The second refiner bar 236 can be angled at various angles, as shown in Figure 14, and each section of the refining body 232 can include one or more segments (unlabeled) of the refiner bar 236 that are angled in different directions. The second refining body 232 further includes one or more annular rows or rings of teeth 400 positioned between the second refiner bar 236 and the radially outer edge 237 of the second refining body 232. Although not shown in Figure 14, it is understood that other sections (unlabeled) of the second refining body 232 will similarly include the refiner bar 236, the refiner groove 238, and the teeth 400. In addition, although not discussed in detail herein, the structures of the refining surfaces 44, 54 of the third and fourth refining bodies 42, 52 in Figure 1 can include substantially the same structures as those of the refining surfaces 224, 234 of the first and second refining bodies 222, 232, respectively, as described herein.

[0081] Figures 15 and 16 are, respectively, detailed views of one portion of the first and second refining surfaces 224, 234 of FIGS. 13 and 14. FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the first refiner bar 226 and teeth 400B, and the second refiner bar 236 and teeth 400A, 400C. The first refiner bar 226 and teeth 400B can be positioned on the first refining body portion 222 of FIGS. 13 and 15. The second refiner bar 236 and teeth 400A, 400C can be positioned on the second refining body portion 232 of FIGS. 14 and 16. The first refining body portion 222 is spaced apart from the second refining body portion 232 and is positioned adjacent to and directly opposite the second refining body portion 232, defining a refining space 260 therebetween. Referring to FIGS. 15-17, the first refining surface 224 includes the first refiner bar 226, which is separated from each other by the first refiner groove portion 228. The second refining surface 234 includes the second refiner bar 236, which is separated from each other by the second refiner groove portion 238. One or both of the first and second refining surfaces 224, 234 can include dams 229, 239, which are provided in at least a portion of the first and second refiner groove portions 228, 238 as described herein. Each of the first and second refiner bars 226, 236 extends from a radially inward position P 100 to a first radially outward position P 200 on each of the first and second refining surfaces 224, 234. In some examples, the radially inward position P 100 can include a position at or near each radially inner location 223, 233 (see FIGS. 13 and 14). The first and second refiner bars 226, 236 each have a width W extending between the side edges of each refiner bar 226, 236 of from about 2 mm to about 8 mm226 , W 236 It is possible to include this.

[0082] The first refining surface 224 includes the first teeth 400B, which are located on the radially outer edge of the first refiner bar 226. 226 It is positioned between the radially outer edge 227 of the first refining body 222. The first teeth 400B are located at a third radially outward position on the first refining surface 224 (for example, P 400 It extends to a third radially outward position P. 400 This is the first radially outward position P of the first refining bar 226. 200 Rather, it is closer to the outermost part of the first refining body 222 (for example, the radially outer edge 227). The second refining surface 234 includes second teeth 400A, 400C, which are located on the radially outer edge RO of the second refiner bar 236. 236 It is positioned between the radially outer edge 237 of the second refining body 232. The second teeth 400A, 400C are located at second or fourth radially outward positions on the second refining surface 234 (for example, P 300 or P 500 It extends to the second and fourth radially outward positions P. 300 , P 500 This is the first radially outward position P of the second refining bar 236. 200 It is closer than the outermost part of the second refining body 232 (for example, the radially outer edge 237).

[0083] Continuing to refer to Figures 15-17, the teeth 400A-400C may be arranged in a concentric ring and may project substantially perpendicularly toward each other from their respective refining surfaces 224, 234. The ring containing the first tooth 400B is formed by a first substantially planar area 282, which is located at the radially outer edge RO of the first refiner bar 226. 226The ring containing the second teeth 400A is positioned at a distance from the first substantially planar area 286, and is also positioned at a distance from the radial outer edge 227 of the refining body 222 by the second substantially planar area 284. 236 The first refining surface 224 of the first refining body 222 includes one concentric row / ring of first teeth 400B, and the second refining surface 234 of the second refining body 232 includes two concentric rows / rings of second teeth 400A, 400C, with the first and second teeth 400A-400C positioned on their respective refining surfaces 224, 234 such that the first tooth 400B meshes with the second teeth 400A, 400C. In other embodiments (not shown), the first refining surface 224 may include two or more concentric rings of teeth, and the second refining surface 234 may include one concentric row of teeth or three or more concentric rings of teeth. In all embodiments, one of the refining bodies includes one fewer ring of teeth than the other refining body, and the teeth are arranged on each refining body so that the teeth from one refining body mesh with the teeth of the other refining body as is known in the art.

[0084] It is understood that teeth 400A to 400C can include any suitable shape and / or dimensions known in the art. As illustrated with respect to tooth 400A in Figure 17, in some examples, each of the first and second teeth 400A to 400C can include a substantially pyramidal or trapezoidal shape, with a base 402, half It comprises a radially inward-facing surface 404, a radially outward-facing surface 406, a side (not separately labeled) slightly angled inward toward the central axis (not labeled) of the tooth 400A, and a generally planar outer surface 408. The radially inward and outward-facing surfaces 404, 406 of each tooth 400A-400C can be inclined from the bottom surface 402 toward their respective outer surfaces 408. The outer surfaces 408 of each tooth 400A-400C can be substantially parallel to the planes of the respective substantially planar areas 282, 284, 288 opposite the tooth 400A-400C. In other examples (not shown), each of the first and second teeth 400A-400C can include a certain shape, which is substantially triangular, rectangular, or any other suitable geometric shape. As shown in Figures 15 to 17, the bottom surface 402 of teeth 400A to 400C may include a radial dimension greater than the circumferential dimension, but in other embodiments (not shown), the bottom surface 402 may include a radial dimension smaller than the circumferential dimension. In some cases, at least a portion of the bottom surface 402 of teeth 400A to 400C may include a longitudinal length (unlabeled) of at least 0.6 cm (i.e., radially), and in some specific cases, the longitudinal length may be 0.6 cm to about 2 cm. In other cases, at least a portion of the bottom surface 402 of teeth 400A to 400C may include a width (unlabeled) in the circumferential direction, and the width may be (for example, the width of one refiner bar 226, 236) 226 , W 236 , and the width W of one adjacent groove 228, 238 G The combined width is substantially equal to the width W. GThe circumferential length can be approximately 2 mm to approximately 6 mm. For example, the bottom surface 402 of teeth 400A to 400C can have at least approximately 10 mm in the circumferential direction. In other cases, the bottom surface 402 of teeth 400A to 400C can have a circumferential length between approximately 10 mm and 20 mm. In addition, one or more radially inward and outward facing surfaces 404, 406 or sides of one or more of the teeth 400A to 400C may include one or more radially extending projections that affect the interaction between the teeth 400A to 400C and the wood fibers, and can separate the wood fiber bundles. Teeth 400A to 400C may have a structure similar to that illustrated in U.S. Patent No. 8,342,437B2, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0085] As shown in Figure 17, the first refiner bar 226 is located in the floor F of the adjacent first refiner groove 228. 100 A first height H extending upward from there 100 The second refiner bar 236 includes the floor F of the adjacent second refiner groove 238. 200 A second height H extending upward from there 200 This includes the first and second refiner bars 226, and the first and second heights H of 226. 100 H 200 These can be substantially equal to each other and can have a gap of approximately 4 mm to approximately 10 mm. The first and second refining body sections 222, 232 are the first gap G 100 They are spaced apart by the first gap G 100 This is the outer surface S of the first refiner bar 226. 226 and the outer surface S of the second refiner bar 226 236 The second gap G is defined between the two. 200 It is defined between the generally planar outer surface 408 of teeth 400A-400C and one of each of the substantially planar areas 282, 284, and 288 on the opposite side of teeth 400A-400C, G200 G 100 Larger than this is possible. In some examples, the height (unlabeled) of teeth 400A-400C extending upward from each adjacent first or second refiner groove 228, 238 can be approximately 8-10 mm. As shown in Figure 17, the teeth 400A-400C are meshed, and a portion of one or both of the radially inward or outward facing surfaces 404, 406 of each tooth 400A-400C is axially aligned with the adjacent tooth 400A-400C, for example in the direction of the arrow in Figure 1. The overlapping portion of teeth 400A to 400C overlaps with a portion of surfaces 404 and 406 that face radially inward or outward. 300 They may be arranged with a gap between them, and a third gap G 300 It is defined between the radially inward or outward facing surfaces 404, 406 of teeth 400A to 400C. In some examples, G 300 G 200 It is possible to have something that is practically equivalent to this. In other examples, G 300 G 200 Smaller than or G 200 It is possible to achieve something even greater.

[0086] Referring to Figures 1 and 17, when the wood pulp slurry is supplied to the frame of the refiner 10 (for example, the inlet 16), the wood fibers are positioned, for example, at a position P approximately in the first radially inward direction. 100 From approximately the first radially outward position P 200 The first and second refiner bars 226, 226 pass through a portion of the refining space 260 which is at least partially defined by the first and second refiner grooves 228, 238. The first and second refiner bars 226, 226 interact with each other as described herein, refining a considerable number of wood fibers in the wood pulp. 100It is thought that the thickness should be smaller than approximately 0.9 mm, preferably between approximately 0.2 mm and approximately 0.9 mm, in order for refining to occur. The refined wood fibers are then placed, for example, at a position P approximately in the first radially outward direction. 200 Approximately the fourth radially outward position P from there. 500 This leads into portions of the refining space 260 that are at least partially defined by the first and second substantially planar areas 282, 284, 286, and 288, respectively. The second and third gaps G 200 and G 300 It is thought that the spacing should be between approximately 0.9 mm and approximately 1.5 mm in order for deflake to occur. Teeth 400A to 400C are adapted to decompose or separate multiple wood fiber bundles in the wood pulp slurry, as described herein. 200 G 100 It is larger than and is approximately in the first radial outward direction at the first position P 200 At this point, it is thought that refining stops and defracking begins.

[0087] Referring to Figures 1 and 15-17, the refining surfaces 224, 234 of the refining body sections 222, 232, and in particular the outer surfaces S of the first and second refiner bars 226, 236. 226 S 226 Furthermore, the outer surfaces 408 of teeth 400A to 400C may wear and deteriorate over time. To compensate for this wear, the spacing between the first and second refining members 20, 30, which include the first and second refining body portions 222, 232 respectively, may be readjusted as described herein, and the first gap G 100 This remains virtually constant. When the refiner burs 226, 236 perform a more aggressive refining function and typically wear faster than the teeth 400A-400C, this adjustment of the first and second refining bodies 222, 232 affects the second gap G 200This can lead to a decrease in wear. This difference in wear can be incorporated into the selection of teeth 400A-400C (for example, the type of metal used for teeth 400A-400C, the second gap G 200 A sufficient second gap G is provided to ensure that refining stops and deflake begins when wood fibers enter the portion of the refining space 260 that is at least partially defined by the first and second substantially planar areas 282, 284, 286, and 288, respectively, with respect to the initial size of the teeth (such as the shape of teeth 400A-400C). 200 This is maintained. When the refining body sections 222 and 232 are new, the third gap G 300 This is the second gap G 200 Substantially equal to or second gap G 200 A larger gap G is possible. When the refining surfaces 224, 234 wear down and the refining members 20, 30 move closer to each other, a third gap G 300 The second gap G 200 The third gap G until it becomes smaller than 300 It is possible to reduce it.

[0088] In all embodiments described herein, the refiner 10 of Figure 1 may be connected to a controller (not shown) that receives data from a fiber analyzer (e.g., Valmet® MAP Pulp Analyzer (Valmet Corp.)) regarding one or more fiber properties measured at one or more locations downstream of the refiner 10, such as the number and size of fiber bundles (also referred to as "Wide Shives"), fibrillation, Canadian standard filtration rate, fiber length, fiber width, kink, curl, roughness, and number of fines. Based on this data, the controller can control the operation of the refiner 10 as part of a feedback loop. For example, the controller can adjust the spacing between one or more pairs of refining members 20, 30, 40, 50 to maintain one or more fiber properties within a given target range. In some examples, the controller may also be able to increase or decrease the rotational speed of one or more rotating rotor members of the refiner 10 (e.g., second and third refining members 30, 40) based on this data. In other examples, the controller may, for example, control the refining gaps G1, G 100 and deflake gaps G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, G 200 , G 300 By changing the size of the fibers, the operation of the refiner 10 can be controlled to produce refined softwood pulp with a number of fiber bundles smaller than a predetermined number (e.g., 1,000 ppm) of a specific size (e.g., approximately 150 to 2,000 microns in width and 0.3 mm to 40 mm in length).

[0089] In other examples, the refining members 20, 30, 40, and 50 of this disclosure may be installed in one or more of a series of refiners, each of which may be substantially similar to the refiner 10 in Figure 1. A controller may control the operation of one or more of the refiners to maintain one or more fiber properties within a given target range. In some specific examples, the refining members 20, 30, 40, and 50 of this disclosure may be installed only in the last refiner of a series, while in other examples, the refining members 20, 30, 40, and 50 of this disclosure may be installed in two or more of the refiners.

[0090] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for processing wood fibers. While the components of the refiner 10 in Figure 1 are referenced, it should be understood that the method is not limited to this structure. The method can be initiated in step 500 by providing a refiner 10 including at least a first pair of refining members 20 and 30, 40 and 50. The at least one pair of refining members may include a first refining member 20 including a first refining body 22 including a first refining surface 24, and a second refining member 30 including a second refining body 32 including a second refining surface 34. The first refining surface 24 may include a first refiner bar 26A separated by a first refiner groove 28A and a second refiner bar 26B separated by a second refiner groove 28B, wherein the first refiner bar 26A has a first maximum height H1 extending upward from the floor F1 of an adjacent first refiner groove 28A, and the second refiner bar 26B has a second maximum height H2 extending upward from the floor F2 of an adjacent second refiner groove 28B. The second refining surface 34 may include a second member refiner bar 36 separated by a second member refiner groove 38. The first refining member 20 may be spaced apart from the second refining member 30 to define a refining space 60 between them. - At least a portion of 36 may be positioned directly opposite the second refiner bar 26B of the first refining member 20, thereby defining gaps G2, G3, G4, G5, and G6 between a portion of the second member refiner bar 36 and the second refiner bar 26B.

[0091] The method allows, in step 510, to continue rotating at least one of the first refining member 20 or the second refining member 30 so that the first and second refining members 20, 30 move relative to each other, and in step 520, to supply a wood pulp slurry containing wood fibers to the refiner 10 so that the slurry passes through the refining space 60. In step 530, axial pressure may be supplied to at least one of the first refining member 20 or the second refining member 30 as the slurry is supplied, such that the gaps G2, G3, G4, G5, G6 between a portion of the second member refiner bar 36 and the second refiner bar 26B are between approximately 0.9 mm and approximately 1.5 mm, and the gaps G2, G3, G 4、 At least a portion of the wood fiber bundle passing through G5 and G6 is separated, after which the method can be terminated.

[0092] While 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 invention. Accordingly, it is intended that all such variations and modifications within the scope of the invention be covered within the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for processing wood fibers, Defraking the aforementioned wood fibers, Refining the aforementioned wood fibers, Includes, The defracking and refining described above occur within a single refiner. The aforementioned method, The single refiner further includes comprising at least a first pair of refining members, The at least first pair of refining members are A first refining member comprising a first refining body portion including a first refining surface, wherein the first refining surface includes a first refiner bar separated by a first refiner groove portion and having a first maximum height extending upward from the floor of an adjacent first refiner groove portion, and a second refiner bar separated by a second refiner groove portion and having a second maximum height different from the first maximum height, A second refining member including a second refining body including a second refining surface and A method for processing wood fibers, including

2. The method for processing wood fibers according to claim 1, wherein the defracking of the wood fibers occurs within the defracking zone of the refining plate of the first refining body, and the refining plate is located within the single refiner.

3. The method for processing wood fibers according to claim 1, wherein the refining of the wood fibers occurs in the refining zone of the refining plate of the first refining body, and the refining plate is located within the single refiner.

4. The method for processing wood fibers according to claim 1, wherein the defracking of the wood fibers is performed on the refining plate of the first refining body at a position radially outward compared to the refining step.

5. A method for processing wood fibers, Defraking the aforementioned wood fibers, Refining the aforementioned wood fibers, Includes, The defracking and refining described above occur within a single refiner. The aforementioned method, The single refiner further includes comprising at least a first pair of refining members, The at least first pair of refining members are A first refining member comprising a first refining body portion including a first refining surface, wherein the first refining surface includes a first refiner bar separated by a first refiner groove portion and having a first maximum height extending upward from the floor of an adjacent first refiner groove portion, and a second refiner bar separated by a second refiner groove portion and having a second maximum height extending upward from the floor of an adjacent second refiner groove portion, A second refining member comprising a second refining body portion including a second refining surface, wherein the second refining surface includes a second member refiner bar separated by a second member refiner groove, the first refining member being spaced apart from the second refining member and defining a refining space between them, at least a portion of the second member refiner bar being positioned directly opposite the second member refiner bar, and a gap being defined between the portion of the second member refiner bar and the second member refiner bar, and Includes, The aforementioned method, Rotating at least one of the first or second refining member so that the first and second refining members move relative to each other, A slurry of wood pulp containing wood fibers is supplied to the refiner such that the slurry passes through the refining space, Applying axial pressure to at least one of the first or second refining member when the slurry is supplied, such that the gap between the portion of the second member refiner bar and the second refiner bar is between 0.9 mm and 1.5 mm, and such pressure is applied that at least a portion of the wood fiber bundle passing through the gap is separated. A method for processing wood fibers, further including the following.

6. The method for processing wood fibers according to claim 5, wherein the second refiner bar has a longitudinal length of 0.6 cm to 10 cm, and the second maximum height is at least 0.35 mm smaller than the first maximum height.

7. The method for processing wood fibers according to claim 6, wherein the longitudinal length of the second refiner bar is between 2 cm and 10 cm.

8. The second member refiner bar is, The third refiner bar, A fourth refiner bar, wherein the third refiner bar has a third maximum height extending upward from the floor of the adjacent groove, and the fourth refiner bar has a fourth maximum height extending upward from the floor of the adjacent groove, the fourth maximum height being at least 0.35 mm smaller than the third maximum height. A method for treating wood fibers according to claim 5, including the method described in claim 5.

9. A method for processing wood fibers, Defraking the aforementioned wood fibers, Refining the aforementioned wood fibers, Equipped with, The defracking and refining occur within a single refiner, and the refiner is A first refining member comprising a first refining body and a first refining surface, wherein the first refining surface comprises a first refiner bar separated by a first refiner groove and having a first maximum height extending upward from the floor of an adjacent first refiner groove, and a second refiner bar separated by a second refiner groove and having a second maximum height different from the first maximum height, and A second refining member having a second refining body and a second refining surface, Equipped with, A method for processing wood fibers, wherein the defracking of the wood fibers is performed on the first and second refining surfaces at a position radially outward compared to the refining step.

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