Fiber Blend Homogeneity via Liquid Medium Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing fiber blends for cellulose derivatives and direct cellulose dissolution processes result in uneven distributions of wood-pulp and non-wood fibers, failing to meet specific property requirements such as viscosity, α-cellulose content, and metal ion content.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the blending of wood-pulp fibers and non-wood fibers in a liquid medium, allowing for the adjustment of fiber properties through treatments like washing, bleaching, and refining, which ensures a homogeneous distribution of fibers, optimizing their properties for cellulose derivative production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wood-pulp fibers and non-wood fibers are blended separately and then dry mixed, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the fiber distribution becomes uneven with clusters forming
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid medium is introduced as an intermediary to facilitate fiber blending. The wood-pulp fibers and non-wood fibers are suspended and mixed in the liquid medium, which prevents direct fiber-to-fiber contact that causes clustering. This intermediary medium enables uniform distribution while maintaining process simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blending process transitions from a dry state to a wet state by changing the physical parameter of the fiber mixture. Fibers are suspended in liquid medium at controlled concentrations, and the liquid phase enables homogeneous mixing. After blending, the liquid is removed to produce the final dry fiber mixture with uniform distribution.
2Manufacturing precision
If fibers are blended in liquid medium, then fiber distribution becomes homogeneous, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid medium blending process utilizes hydraulic principles to suspend and mix fibers. The liquid flow patterns and agitation mechanisms create homogeneous suspension without requiring complex mechanical mixing equipment. Standard hydrodynamic processes achieve the blending, reducing equipment complexity despite the liquid phase involvement.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to the manufacturing of a fiber blend. In order to provide a more even fiber blend, a first fiber of wood-pulp and an at least one second non-wood fiber are blended in a liquid medium. The invention also relates to a fiber blend.