EUCALYPTUS TRAINING:

June 2023
 Agenda

01 Theory of Pulp Refining

• BEKP typical refining curves – morphology
versus refining degree
• BEKP typical refining curves – physical
properties versus refining degree

02 Refining Control Parameters

• Influence of mass consistency on BEKP refining
curves
• Influence of pH on BEKP refining curves
• Total and no-load power, net specific energy
and – brief recap
• Influence of disks design

03 Refining Strategies
• Low and high intensity refining – BEKP behavior
versus other raw materials
• Refining strategies versus physical properties
• Serial and parallel refining
• Strategies to control pulp refining
• Suzano’s refining knowledge for BEKP
CHAPTER 01

EUCALYPTUS
MORPHOLOGY
 CONFIDENTIAL

WE HAVE... Belém

Maracanaú

98 years of life Imperatriz

Over 650k eucalyptus

seedlings planted every day
~1.4 million hectares of planted VERACEL (joint operation)

forests (10 times Roma city) Mucuri

~ 1 million hectares of conservation Aracruz

Três Lagoas
areas (9 times Hong Kong city) Ribas do Rio Pardo Cachoeiro de Itapemirim
(under construction)
Limeira

12 mills Suzano
Rio Verde
Jacareí

1 mill under construction

21 distribution centers
5 technology centers Planted areas

5 ports Plants
 CONFIDENTIAL

1.1 Suzano’s pulps - Typical morphology

Forest Genetics and Focus on developing adapted and high-performance genetic materials for
Breeding Suzano’s varying edaphoclimatic conditions.

CHALLENGES OPPORTUNITIES

Environment Diseases Insects Productivity

Drought Fungus (Ceratocystis) (Gall wasp) Wood Volume / Area

Disturbance Bacteria (Erwinia) Basic Density

“The idea” is combine in the hybrid the best genes from the parents focusing on
the resilience, productivity and sustainability of planted forests .

Clonal allocation takes into account the Genotyping x Phenotyping interaction.

• The wood that feed the process is a mix of clones planted in certain locations;
• Fiber morphology is monitored but not a controlled property;
• Analyzes demonstrate a small difference of morphological properties between clones
planted in different locations and also between products from different mills.
 1.1 Suzano’s pulps - Typical morphology

Fiber Length Fiber Width Cell Wall Fiber per Coarseness

Suzano’s Eucalyptus (mm) (mm) Thickness (mm) Gram (MM/g) (mg/100m)
Typical Morphology ~0.7 - 0.8 ~14.5 – 15.5 ~3.5 – 4.5 ~17 - 23 ~6.0 – 7.0

~47 ~42
~30 ~35 ~32 ~28
Width
Fiber

(mm)

~17-21 ~15 ~15 ~16 ~15

~4.8 ~4 ~2.2 ~2.9 ~2.1 ~2.2 ~3.8 ~3.1 ~3.3 ~4.5 ~4

Cell Wall Thickness(mm)
Length
(mm)
Fiber

Southern Coastal Spruce Scandi- Lodge- White Birch Acacia Acacia Eucalyptus Eucalyptus
Pine Douglas Fir Pine navian pole Spruce mangium mearnsii Globulus (SUZANO)
Pine Pine
~0.9-1.1 ~0.7 ~0.7 ~0.8 ~0.7 – 0.8
 CONFIDENTIAL

1.1 Suzano’s pulps - Typical morphology

Fiber Length Fiber Width Cell Wall Fiber per Coarseness

Suzano’s Eucalyptus (mm) (mm) Thickness (mm) Gram (MM/g) (mg/100m)
Typical Morphology ~0.7 - 0.8 ~14.5 – 15.5 ~3.5 – 4.5 ~17 - 23 ~6.0 – 7.0

Suzano’s Avg. Fiber Fiber Width CWT Fibers per Gram Coarseness Curl Index Fines – Britt
Pulp Length (mm) (mm) (mm) (MM/g) (mg/100m) (%) Jar (%)
IMP 0.75 14.6 3.8 21.6 6.4 16.1 10.2
JE3 0.82 15.3 4.4 17.3 6.9 15.4 9.3
VCL 0.76 15.5 3.9 20.4 6.8 13.5 9.6
TLS H1 0.77 14.9 4.2 19.4 6.6 15.5 10.8
TLS H2 0.77 15.1 3.9 20.0 6.7 16.3 11.2
MUC L1 0.74 14.8 3.5 22.8 6.5 14.3 11.2
D 0.01-0.08 0.1-0.9 0.1-0.9 0.4-5.5 0.1-0.5 0.1-2.8 0.0-1.9

No correlation is observed between the physical properties and the morphology of the Suzano’s products!

*Average of the 2021 quarterly quality analysis.

 1.3 Fiber morphology versus Paper properties

How does fiber morphology influence Pulp performance?

 How does each morphological parameter drive the paper formation and consolidation , so
the physical and surface properties?

~47 ~42
~30 ~35 ~32 ~28
Width
Fiber

(mm)

~17-21 ~15 ~15 ~16 ~15

~4.8 ~4 ~2.2 ~2.9 ~2.1 ~2.2 ~3.8 ~3.1 ~3.3 ~4.5 ~4

Cell Wall Thickness(mm)
Length
(mm)
Fiber

Southern Coastal Spruce Scandi- Lodge- White Birch Acacia Acacia Eucalyptus Eucalyptus
Pine Douglas Fir Pine navian pole Spruce mangium mearnsii Globulus (SUZANO)
Pine Pine
~0.9-1.1 ~0.7 ~0.7 ~0.8 ~0.7 – 0.8
 1.2 Fiber morphology versus Paper properties

FIBER LENGTH
 In general, longer fibers provide higher strength papers;
(-) Relationship: (+) Relationship:
 However, there is a limit to which increasing length allows an increase in
mechanical properties; • Opacity;
• Tensile
 In many cases, after a certain average length (2-3mm), there is normally no • Surface strength;
further increase, as the strength is also strongly influenced by the intrinsic smoothness;
strength of the fibers and their binding capacity; • Tear strength.
• Formation;
 In addition, very long fibers tend to impair formation, causing low uniformity in
the sheet structure and compromising the overall strength of the paper;
• Softness.

FINES CONTENT
 Fines are pulp elements that, either by natural origin or due to the processes to
which it was subjected, are retained in 200 mesh sieves (ie, 70 micrometer
(-) Relationship: (+)
openings) - they are debris or “weak parenchyma cells”; • Formation; Relationship:
 Fines are seen as a filler in the pulp supply; • Softness; • °SR
 Fines are very rich in ionic charges  Cationic demand of the machine, and • Bulk; • Strength;
consequently, additive retention are greatly influenced by the amount of fines ;
• Porosity; • Bonding.
 Drainability is also affected, as the fines are more easily deposited on the screen
due to their great mobility, increasing the resistance to drainage in the machine . • Absorption.
 1.2 Fiber morphology versus Paper properties

Fines and fiber debris in na Fines (parenchyma cells) in na

Eucalyptus Market pulp. Eucalyptus pulp.

Source: Techpap, CTP Grenoble Source: Queiroz (2002).

and Regmend – In: Foelkerl
(2007).

FINES CONTENT
 Fines are pulp elements that, either by natural origin or due to the processes to
which it was subjected, are retained in 200 mesh sieves (ie, 70 micrometer
(-) Relationship: (+)
openings) - they are debris or “weak parenchyma cells”; • Formation; Relationship:
 Fines are seen as a filler in the pulp supply; • Softness; • °SR
 Fines are very rich in ionic charges  Cationic demand of the machine, and • Bulk; • Strength;
consequently, additive retention are greatly influenced by the amount of fines ;
• Porosity; • Bonding.
 Drainability is also affected, as the fines are more easily deposited on the screen
due to their great mobility, increasing the resistance to drainage in the machine . • Absorption.
 1.2 Fiber morphology versus Paper properties
Source: Milanez (2007).

FIBER POPULATION / COARSENESS

 Fiber population (Nº fibers/g) is related to the weight of  Fiber Population (⇧) :
each individual fiber; ⇩ Cell wall thickness;
 Intrinsically related to the to the fiber wall thickness and ⇩ Cell wall fraction;
fraction considering the same fiber length; ⇩ Fiber length;
 Strong correlation between fiber population and coarseness. ⇩ Cross-sectional area.

 Fiber Population (⇧) :

 Better consolidation of the paper web;
 Better is the inter-linkage among fibers;
 Higher nº of fiber- to-fiber crossings in the web;
 Better paper formation;
 Better are the properties depending on bonding.

 Coarseness (⇧) :
 Associated with thicker walled fibers;
 Produce a more open and loosen paper structure;
 Fibers are rigid and difficult to be collapsed;
 Fiber bonding and fiber consolidation are not that favored;
 The corresponding papers are more porous and bulkier. Low coarseness and low wall High coarseness and high wall
fraction fibers. fraction fibers.
Source: Queiroz (2002).
 1.2 Fiber morphology versus Paper properties
Source: Milanez (2007).

FIBER POPULATION / COARSENESS

 Fiber population (Nº fibers/g) is related to the weight of  Fiber Population (⇧) :
each individual fiber; ⇩ Cell wall thickness;
 Intrinsically related to the to the fiber wall thickness and ⇩ Cell wall fraction;
fraction considering the same fiber length; ⇩ Fiber length;
 Strong correlation between fiber population and coarseness. ⇩ Cross-sectional area.

 Fiber Population (⇧) :

(+) Relationship: (-) Relationship:
 Better consolidation of the paper web;
• Tensile strength; • Bulk;
 Better is the inter-linkage among fibers;
 Higher nº of fiber- to-fiber crossings in the web; • Porosity;
• Burst strength;
 Better paper formation;
 Better are the properties depending on bonding. • Water
• Surface smoothness;
absorbency;
 Coarseness (⇧) : • Opacity; • Softness;
 Associated with thicker walled fibers; • Light scattering;
 Produce a more open and loosen paper structure; • Stiffness;
 Fibers are rigid and difficult to be collapsed; • WRV; • Tear strength;
 Fiber bonding and fiber consolidation are not that favored;
 The corresponding papers are more porous and bulkier. • °SR (unbeaten). • Drainage;
 1.2 Fiber morphology versus Paper properties

FIBER COLAPSABILITY
 Fiber resistance to collapse is associated to the wet paper sheet compactability, or to the  Fiber Colapsability (⇧) :
readiness the fiber surfaces are adapted and conformed to each other when the wet sheet is ⇩ Cell wall thickness;
pressed; ⇩ Cell wall fraction;
 Collapses convert cylindrical fibers into flat ribbon-like fibers with better contact surface; ⇩ Cell wall packing density;
 The lumen collapses because the fiber structure (cell wall and architecture) is unable to ⇩ Coarseness;
support or to absorb the energy applied by the papermaking pressures and forces; ⇩ Cross-sectional area.
 In most of the cases, the thick-walled fibers, with higher fiber wall fraction, are stiff, rigid,
and more resistant to collapse.

 Fiber Colapsability (⇧) :

 More ability to keep fibers together and conformed
after paper drying;
 Denser paper sheet and places the fiber walls closer to
each other during paper manufacturing;
Less compacted paper sheet. More s compacted paper sheet.
 Better consolidation of the paper web;
Source: Foelkel (2007).
 Better is the inter-linkage among fibers;
 Better are the properties depending on bonding.
 1.2 Fiber morphology versus Paper properties

FIBER COLAPSABILITY
 Fiber resistance to collapse is associated to the wet paper sheet compactability, or to the  Fiber Colapsability (⇧) :
readiness the fiber surfaces are adapted and conformed to each other when the wet sheet is ⇩ Cell wall thickness;
pressed; ⇩ Cell wall fraction;
 Collapses convert cylindrical fibers into flat ribbon-like fibers with better contact surface; ⇩ Cell wall packing density;
 The lumen collapses because the fiber structure (cell wall and architecture) is unable to ⇩ Coarseness;
support or to absorb the energy applied by the papermaking pressures and forces; ⇩ Cross-sectional area.
 In most of the cases, the thick-walled fibers, with higher fiber wall fraction, are stiff, rigid,
and more resistant to collapse.

 Fiber Colapsability (⇧) : (+) Relationship: (-) Relationship:

 More ability to keep fibers together and conformed • Bulk;
after paper drying; • Tensile strength;
• Porosity;
 Denser paper sheet and places the fiber walls closer to
each other during paper manufacturing; • Burst strength; • Opacity;
 Better consolidation of the paper web; • Water
• °SR (unbeaten). absorbency;
 Better is the inter-linkage among fibers;
 Better are the properties depending on bonding. • Softness.
 1.2 Fiber morphology versus Paper properties

FIBER BONDING ABILITY

 Better the fiber bonding, better is the paper sheet cohesiveness and dry strength;  Fiber Bonding (⇧) :
⇩ Cell wall thickness;
 Cohesiveness and bonding can be developed by beating (fibrillation and fiber collapsibility) ⇩ Cell wall fraction;
and by the presence of fines and fiber debris; ⇩ Coarseness;
⇧ Nº Fibers/g;
 In most of the cases, finer fibers with lower coarseness values and higher fiber
⇧ Fines content;
population make more cohesive, closer-formed and better printing-oriented sheets of
paper. ⇧ Fiber collapsability

 Fiber Bonding (⇧) :

 More bonded are the fibers and other anatomical and
chemical elements present in the paper structure;

 Denser paper sheet;

 Better is the inter-linkage among fibers;

 Better are the properties depending on bonding;

Source: Foelkel (2007).

 Negative impact on fiber drainability.

 1.2 Fiber morphology versus Paper properties

INDIVIDUAL FIBER STRENGTH WET FIBER FLEXIBILITY

 Related to the fiber wall resistance;  Correlates very well with the paper conformability, paper
 Usually determined by Zero Span analysis; consolidation, and fiber collapsibility;
 Fiber deformations (curl and kinks), micro-fractures in the  Is the opposite property when compared to fiber stiffness;
cell wall, and other fiber defects may contribute to  As a measure of flexibility, the condition is that a force be
reduction on the individual fiber strength. applied to bend the fiber in its length;
 Is affected by fiber deformations and cell wall damages;
 Fiber Strength (⇧) :  Fiber Strength (⇧) :  It is highly related with inter-fiber bonding (+) and fiber
⇧ Fiber wall integrity; ⇧ Pulp viscosity; lumen collapsing (+).
⇧ Cell wall packing density; ⇩ Cellulose chain
⇧ Cell wall fraction; degradation;  Fiber Flexibility (⇧) :  Fiber Flexibility (⇧) :
⇧ Fiber length; ⇧ Hysteresis. ⇩ Fiber wall integrity; • ⇧ Wet web strength;
⇩ Cell wall fraction; • ⇧ Tensile strength;
 Fiber Strength (⇧) : ⇩ Coarseness; • ⇧ Paper sheet density;
• ⇧ Wet web strength; • ⇧ WRV.
• ⇧ Dry paper strength.
Source: Foelkel (2007).

High coarseness
Eucalyptus fibers Low coarseness
Eucalyptus fibers

Source: Aracruz Celulose [Ergilio

Claudio-daSilva Jr & Braz
Demuner – In: Foelkel (2007).
 1.2 Fiber morphology versus Paper properties

FIBER DEFORMATIONS
 FIBER CURL refers to its gradual curvature, that is, it reflects how much the fibrous population is curved in on itself, or curled;
 KINKS are sudden changes in fiber curvature, measured in angle;
 Many factors contribute to the final curl and kink of a fiber as any process that imposes mechanical and even chemical friction can
affect this characteristic;
 Also the type of wood has an effect on the potential for generating and maintaining curl;
 This cell wall fragility enables the fibers to suffer more and to deform when mechanical forces are applied to them. More the fiber is
damaged during pulping and bleaching, more sensitive is the fiber wall to be deformed and collapsed.

 Fiber Deformations (⇧) :

 The pulp absorbs water more easily because the
microfibrils are more open, loosen and the fibril
network is more porous;
 These pulps have a fast beating response  °SR rises
quickly despite the lower initial value;
 However, this is not followed by an increase in pulp Curls and Kinks in fibers. NSKP – Untreated – NSKP – Mechanically treated
strength; 21% Curl | 3 cm3/g Bulk – 88% Curl | 7 cm3/g Bulk

Source: Gonçalves (2001).

 Fibers are weak, they are more easily broken and form
more fiber debris and fines.
 1.2 Fiber morphology versus Paper properties

FIBER DEFORMATIONS
 FIBER CURL refers to its gradual curvature, that is, it reflects how much the fibrous population is curved in on itself, or curled;
 KINKS are sudden changes in fiber curvature, measured in angle;
 Many factors contribute to the final curl and kink of a fiber as any process that imposes mechanical and even chemical friction can
affect this characteristic;
 Also the type of wood has an effect on the potential for generating and maintaining curl;
 This cell wall fragility enables the fibers to suffer more and to deform when mechanical forces are applied to them. More the fiber is
damaged during pulping and bleaching, more sensitive is the fiber wall to be deformed and collapsed.

 Fiber Deformations (⇧) : (-) Relationship: (+) Relationship:

 The pulp absorbs water more easily because the • Bulk;
microfibrils are more open, loosen and the fibril • Tensile strength;
network is more porous; • Porosity;
 These pulps have a fast beating response  °SR rises • Water
quickly despite the lower initial value; • Tear strength; absorbency;
 However, this is not followed by an increase in pulp • Structural
strength; • °SR (unbeaten). Softness;
 Fibers are weak, they are more easily broken and form • WRV.
more fiber debris and fines.
 1.3 Suzano’s pulps – Main properties

Fiber Length Fiber Width Cell Wall Fiber per Coarseness

Suzano’s Eucalyptus (mm) (mm) Thickness (mm) Gram (MM/g) (mg/100m)
Typical Morphology ~0.7 - 0.8 ~14.5 – 15.5 ~3.5 – 4.5 ~17 - 23 ~6.0 – 7.0

Short fiber Low coarseness

High fiber  ⇩ Tear strength

versus other HW population

Thick cell wall  ⇧ Smoothness

o Suzano’s pulp morphology is within a
NARROW RANGE, typical of Suzano’s  ⇧ Bulk  ⇧ Softness
Eucalyptus;
 Allows more  ⇧ Uniformity
o Attempts to differentiate pulp morphology fibrillation to
in the past proved technically and increase bonding
area
 ⇧ Opacity
economically unfeasible;
o Due this unsucessful scenario, Suzano chose  ⇧ Printability
to make the differentiation by means of
adaptations of process conditions.
1.4 Suzano’s pulps - Typical behavior
 1.4 Suzano’s pulps - Typical behavior Source: Suzano RD&I

HARDWOOD
REPLACEMENT

Increasing the Suzano’s pulp content, it’s possible to produce papers (lab handsheets) with:
 Same Burst Index and Stretch to achieve the same Tensile Index;
 Higher Tear Index to achieve the same Tensile Index.
 1.4 Suzano’s pulps - Typical behavior Source: Suzano RD&I

HARDWOOD
REPLACEMENT

Increasing the Suzano’s pulp content, it’s

possible to produce papers (lab handsheets)
with:
 Same or higher Bulk and same or lower
Apparent Density;
 Higher opacity and roughness to achieve
the same Tensile Index.
 1.4 Suzano’s pulps - Typical behavior Source: Suzano RD&I

HARDWOOD
REPLACEMENT

Increasing the Suzano’s pulp content, it’s possible to produce papers (lab handsheets) with:
 Increased opacity and strength;
 Improved quality for equal energy or equivalente quality with less energy.
 1.4 Suzano’s pulps - Typical behavior Source: Suzano RD&I

SOFTWOOD
REPLACEMENT

Increasing the Suzano’s pulp content, it’s possible to produce papers (lab handsheets) with:
 Same Tensile Index, Burst Index and Stretch;
 Lower Tear Index at low refining energies, but it increases with the refining energy as higher the Euca contet while decreases as
higher the SW content.
 1.4 Suzano’s pulps - Typical behavior Source: Suzano RD&I

SOFTWOOD
REPLACEMENT

Increasing the Suzano’s pulp content, it’s possible to produce papers (lab handsheets) with:
 Lower Bulk and higher Apparent Density;
 Same opacity and roughness (Bendtsen) with lower refining energy consumption.
 1.4 Suzano’s pulps - Typical behavior Source: Suzano RD&I

SOFTWOOD
REPLACEMENT

Increasing the Suzano’s pulp content, it’s

possible to produce papers (lab handsheets)
with:
 No significant diferences for Schopper-
Riegler or porosity;
 Same tensile strength x stretching
relationship, an indicator of good
runability (or wet web strength).
CHAPTER 01

EKP REFINING
CURVES
 2.1 Theory of refining

Stiff
Fibers

Flexible
Fibers

Water

1. Wad 2. Mechanical 3. Sliding wads 4. Mechanical 5. Fibers

gathering Pressure under pressure Release Dispersion
 Preliminary  Water expulsion  Water reabsorption
localized dewatering / Fiber hydration
 2.1 Theory of refining

Fibrillation

w Stapling of fibers on rotor

Fiber under compression

and shearing

Fiber under tesion loading

 2.2 Primary effects

PRIMARY EFFECTS

Cutting / Shortening External Fibrillation Internal Fibrillation

With Fines With Fines No Fines

 2.2 Primary effects

PRIMARY EFFECTS
 2.2 Primary effects

PRIMARY EFFECTS
 2.2 Primary effects

PRIMARY EFFECTS
Cutting / Shortening

With Fines
 2.3 Process measurements
°Schopper - Riegler Canadian Standard Freeness

More refined the More refined the

pulp - > °SR pulp - < CSF

Volume of the side orifice Volume of the side orifice

1000 mL = 0°SR (100% drainability) Read in mL – corrected by the
0 mL = 100°SR (0% drainability) consistency and temperature
 Source: OLIVEIRA, R. C. In: Apostila de curso de

2.4 Refining curves - °SR versus properties preparação de massa para a máquina de papel.
2009.
Variation pattern of refined cellulose properties

Gurley – Air permeance

Yield

Folding resistance
Relationship between properties
Burst Index varies according to the type of
Tensile Index fiber / raw material!
Schopper-Riegler

Elongation

Tear Index
Thickness

Refining Energy
 Source: FOEKEL, C. In: Eucalyptus Newsletter nº 89 – July 2021. p.29-65. 2021.

Example – BEKP:
1.1 Refining curves - °SR versus morphology  SEL: 0,6 Ws/m.

Coarseness (mg/100m)
Fines Content (%)

°Schopper-Riegler °Schopper-Riegler
 Formation of secondary fines (delamination of cell walls).  Loss of cell wall materials.
Fibers per Gram (MM/g)

Fiber Length (mm)

°Schopper-Riegler °Schopper-Riegler
 Fiber cutting and fragmentation of vessel elements.  Fiber deformations and vessel element fragmentation.
 Source: FOEKEL, C. In: Eucalyptus Newsletter nº 89 – July 2021. p.29-65. 2021.

Example – BEKP:
1.1 Refining curves - °SR versus properties  SEL: 0,6 Ws/m.

Burst Index (kPa.m2/g)

Tensile Index (Nm/g)
 Properties related to sheet consolidation.

°Schopper-Riegler °Schopper-Riegler
Tear Index (mN.m2/g)

Elongation (%)
°Schopper-Riegler °Schopper-Riegler
 Source: FOEKEL, C. In: Eucalyptus Newsletter nº 89 – July 2021. p.29-65. 2021.

Example – BEKP:
1.1 Refining curves - °SR versus properties  SEL: 0,6 Ws/m.
 Properties related to fiber collapsing and fines.

Opacity (%)
Bulk (cm3/g)

°Schopper-Riegler °Schopper-Riegler

Air Resistance (s/100 cm3) °Schopper-Riegler

CHAPTER 02

REFINING CONTROL
PARAMETERS
 2.1 Influence of mass consistency

 ⇧ Refining consistency  ⇩ refining energy consumption to

CONSISTENCY achieve target properties;
 better utilization of refining energy, especially when higher levels of
EFFECT net energy are required!
 The effect of refining depends on the mass of fibers present
between the bars of the refiner, which in turn is a relation of
consistency.

HIGHER CONSISTENCIES:
⇧ Amount of fibers between the disks: ⇧ Retention time in the refiner:
 Better stability of the "gap" (distance  ⇩ Volume of suspension to be treated by the
between the discs); refiner;
 Increase in the density of the wad;  ⇧ Number of impacts (of the same intensity;
 Shearing actions are favored through fiber-  ⇧ Energy transferred to the fibers.
to-fiber interaction.
 2.1 Influence of mass consistency

 The refining of chemical pulps is predominantly carried

CONSISTENCY out at low consistencies (usually between 3 and 6%).

EFFECT

HIGH CONSISTENCy: Low CONSISTENCy:

 Increases the probability of fiber mat  Little to no fiber mat between plates;
formation;  Inefficient refining;
 Fiber strength potential maximized;  Poor fiber development;
 Plate life potential maximized;  Fiber cutting;
 Variation is minimized.  Short plate life.
 2.1 Influence of mass consistency Source: MANFREDI, V. In: Eucalyptus
Newsletter nº 89 – July 2021. p.17-28. 2021

Tensile Index (Nm/g)

Bulk (cm3/g)
CONSISTENCY
EFFECT

Specific Energy (kWh/t) Specific Energy (kWh/t)

Tear Index (Nm2/kg)

Example – BEKP:
 pH: neutral;
 Double disk refiner (500 mm);
 Disk: 3,0 mm x 3,0 mm / 5º;
 1 pass;
 SEL: 0,6 Ws/m;
 Specific Energy controlled by refiner flow.

Specific Energy (kWh/t)

 2.1 Influence of mass consistency Source: MANFREDI, V. In: Eucalyptus
Newsletter nº 89 – July 2021. p.17-28. 2021

Elongation (%)

Schopper-Riegler
CONSISTENCY
EFFECT

Specific Energy
Specific (kWh/t)
Energy (kWh/t) Specific Energy (kWh/t)

Burst Index (kPam2/g)

Gurley (s/100 mL)

Specific Energy (kWh/t)

Specific Energy (kWh/t)
 2.1 Influence of mass consistency Source: Suzano RD&I

CONSISTENCY
EFFECT

Example – BEKP:
 Disk: 3,0 mm x 3,0
mm / 5º;
 Rpm = 1640;
 SEL: 0,5 Ws/m.
 2.1 Influence of mass consistency Source: Suzano RD&I

CONSISTENCY
EFFECT
 2.1 Influence of mass consistency Source: Suzano RD&I

CONSISTENCY
EFFECT

Better refining performance under higher consistencies,

OR
 Lower net refining energy is required to meet the same
pulp properties;
 More pronunced at higher refining energies
 2.2 Influence of mass flow

 All the refiners have a recommended flow range!

FLOW EFFECT  Operating in lower or higher flow values can causes a poor refining and
increase the costs with maintenance.

HIGH flow: Low flow:

 Short plate life;  Little to no fiber mat between plates;
 Pressure drop across the refiner;  Disks touchs frequently, decreasing plate life;
 Engine at full power;  Inefficient refining;
 Optimization of the disk area design is  Increasing in fines formation.
impaired.
 2.2 Influence of mass flow

FLOW EFFECT  Possible solutions:

HIGH flow: Low flow:

 Pump change;  Recirculation;
 Series to parallel;  Parallel to series;
 Pattern change;  Pattern change;
 Additional or larger refiner;  Holdback;
 Increase consistency.  Smaller refiner.
 2.3 Influence of pH

HYDRATION:
 Amount of acidic groups in the cell wall of the fibers and
their dissociation constants;
PH EFFECT  Type and amount of counter-ions in the cell wall of the
fibers;
 Ionic concentration of the liquid surrounding the fibers in
suspension;
 pH of the liquid surrounding the fibers in suspension;
 Degree of refining of the cellulose.

ALKALINE pH:
Favours the hydration – Lower refining energy to achieve the target properties!
 Fibrillation of the cell walls;
Internal fibriilation  ⇧ Fiber flexibility / ⇩
 External fibrillation  ⇧ Fibrillar fines: Intrinsic resistance (Lamelar fines / fibers colapsing):
⇧ Elongation; ⇧ °SR;
⇧ Tear index. ⇩ Porosity.

⇧ High bonding capacity  ⇧ Tensile and ⇧ Burst

 2.3 Influence of pH Source: MANFREDI, V. In: Eucalyptus
Newsletter nº 89 – July 2021. p.17-28. 2021

PH EFFECT

Example – BEKP:
 Mass consistency: 4%;
 Double disk refiner (500 mm);
 Disk: 3,0 mm x 3,0 mm / 5º;
 1 pass;
Under higher pH:  SEL: 0,6 Ws/m;
 Specific Energy controlled by
 Lower net refining
refiner flow.
energy is required to
meet the same Tensile
Index;
 It’s observed the higher formation of fibrillar fines in the early stages of refining, which is evidenced by the Tear Index profile with
the increase of the specific refining energy (related to the decrease of the intrinsic resistance of the fibers).
 2.3 Influence of pH Source: MANFREDI, V. In: Eucalyptus
Newsletter nº 89 – July 2021. p.17-28. 2021

PH EFFECT

Under higher pH:

 The Elongation shows the
highest external fibrillation
(fibrillary fines) even for
unrefined pulp (effect of
hydration by alkalinity);
 The °SR and Gurley porosity are only impacted at high specific energies, when the effects of hydration are already present causing fiber
collapse, disruption and closure of cell wall pores (formation of lamellar fines);
 As the Tensile Index, Burst is primarily dependent on the binding capacity between the fibers and, therefore, has the same profile with pH.
 2.4 Total and no-load power concept

Net Load (kW) = Total Load - No Load

TOTAL LOAD
Energy applied to fibers
REFINER LOAD
Energy absorbed by the refiner
NET LOAD
NO LOAD  Pulp slurry pumping
Energy required to spin the rotor in a pulp slurry

NO LOAD  Water pumping NO LOAD

NO LOAD  Refiner empty

No Load = k x [Plate diameter]4.3 x [Rotor speed]3

Total Load = 31/2 x [voltage] x [amperage] x [load fator] x 10-3

 2.4 Net specific energy and refining intensity (SEL)
“HOW” the energy is applied
Disk Size Rotational speed
 measures the severity of impact of refining bars on fibers and/or
fiber flakes, and is driven by the type of refining plate design.
Net Load = Total Load – No Load

Specific Edge Load [SEL] (W.s/m or J/m)= Refining Intensity = Net Refining Energy (kW)
Total Disk Length (km/s)

Disk Size Rotational speed Disk Design

“Quantity of applied energy

 amount of energy transferred from the refiner to the fiber,
usually controlled by opening and closing the gap of the refiner.

Specific Refining Energy [SER] (kWh/t) = Net Refining Energy (kW)

Production (t/h)

Volumetric Pulp Flow Pulp Consistency

 2.5 Influence of disks design

Disk pattern Design plays a key role on the refining intensity Plate design will be a function of:
 When refining properly with the recommended refining plate  Flow;  Refiner size;
design or SEL, the fiber is not cut and is rather fibrillated!  Consistency;  Speed;
 Type of fiber;  Target pulp properties.

Disk Size + Disk Design = Bars Length or Cutting Edge Length [cel] (km/rev)
Fuction of: > Cutting Edge Length = Lower Refining Intensity = more gentle refining
 Cutting Angle (°);  More fiber are treated;
 Groove width (mm); Number of bars  Higher sheet strength is achieved;
 Bar width (mm); (rotor and stator)  Reduced fines;
 Rotation speed.  Lower energy at the same freeness.

High Intensity Low Intensity

 Refining intensity = energy
< CEL
applied by the number of
bars that cross the fibers;
 It is the impact that each Wider angles
bar gives to the fibers as
Tighter angles
they pass through the discs.
Cutting
 Fewer bars = less
impacts, but more
Fibrillation > CEL
< CEL > CEL intense. Impact on
b = bar width g = groove width
Slurry Pumping
CHAPTER 03

REFINING
STRATEGIES
 3.1 Strategy of process - Low and high intensity refining

Intensity (SEL) measures the severity of impact of refining bars on fibers and/or fiber flakes

Same Load (kW)

Example

Low Intensity High Intensity

 High strength properties;  Less strength

 High paper density; development;
 Low fiber cutting.  High bulk;
 High porosity.

Fibrillation Cutting
 3.1 Strategy of process - Low and high intensity refining

Intensity (SEL) measures the severity of impact of refining bars on fibers and/or fiber flakes

LOWER THAN RECOMMENDED HIGHER THAN RECOMMENDED

 Potentially poor fiber development (all  Severe fiber cutting;

fibers require a certain intensity level
to break down their walls);  Plate clashing, exceed fiber threshold;

 Maintain fiber length;  Short plate life;

 Inefficient freeness drop.  Poor strength development.

 Source: ALBERT, K. (Voith). In:
3.1 Strategy of process - Low and high intensity refining Refining Overview. Telêmaco
Borba, 2016.

Pulps whose fibers have different morphologies have different behaviors with the intensity of refining:

0.3 Ws/m
0.6 Ws/m
1.2 Ws/m

0.3 Ws/m
0.6 Ws/m
1.2 Ws/m

Higher impact of refining intensity - Little impact of refining intensity on High impact of refining intensity on
better strength properties as lower the pulp strength for high refining intensity pulp strength, but in intermediate
refining intensity. values (between 1 and 4 Ws/m). value ranges.
 Source: BAKER, C. F. In: Fourth
3.1 Strategy of process - Low and high intensity refining Refininf Conference. PIRA: Fiuggi,
1997. p. 151-180.

Tensile Index (Nm/g)

Tensile Index (Nm/g)

< intensity < intensity

> intensity
> intensity

Specific Energy (kWh/t) Specific Energy (kWh/t)

(Nm/g)
Index (Nm/g)

Tensile Index (Nm/g)

< intensity < intensity
Tensile Index

> intensity
Tensile

> intensity

Specific Energy (kWh/t) Specific Energy (kWh/t)

 Source: BAKER, C. F. In: Fourth
3.1 Strategy of process - Low and high intensity refining Refininf Conference. PIRA: Fiuggi,
1997. p. 151-180.

> intensity
Bulk (cm3/g)

Bulk (cm3/g)
> intensity

< intensity < intensity

Specific Energy (kWh/t) Specific Energy (kWh/t)

Bulk (cm3/g)

> intensity

Bulk (cm3/g)
> intensity

< intensity
< intensity

Specific Energy (kWh/t) Specific Energy (kWh/t)

 3.1 Strategy of process - Low and high intensity refining

All short fibers have their properties benefited with the application of
refining at low intensities:

 Improvement of pulp quality;

 Better energy efficiency to reach the target properties.

Our experience shows that optimal refining conditions can be developed at

intensities below 0.5 Ws/m (examples for Suzano’s pulp in the next chapter).
 3.2 Refining strategies and results versus fiber morphology

Softwood Hardwood
SEPARATED
REFINING

Typical Refining Intensity: Typical Refining Intensity:

1,5-3,5 Ws/m 0,2-0,6 Ws/m
SW HW

X% y%
 3.2 Refining strategies and results versus fiber morphology Source: Suzano RD&I

SEPARATED
REFINING
Eucalyptus
behavior

Example – BEKP:
 CS: 4.5%;
 Disk: 2.5 mm x 3.5
mm / 5º;
 Rpm = 1185.
 3.2 Refining strategies and results versus fiber morphology Source: Suzano RD&I

SEPARATED
REFINING
Eucalyptus
behavior

Example – BEKP:
 CS: 4.5%;
 Disk: 2.5 mm x 3.5
mm / 5º;
 Rpm = 1185.
 3.2 Refining strategies and results versus fiber morphology Source: Suzano RD&I

SEPARATED
REFINING
Eucalyptus
behavior

Example – BEKP:
 CS: 4.5%;
 Disk: 2.5 mm x 3.5
mm / 5º;
 Rpm = 1185.
 3.2 Refining strategies and results versus fiber morphology Source: Suzano RD&I

SEPARATED
REFINING
Eucalyptus
behavior

Better refining performance under lower refining intensities, OR

Example – BEKP:  Lower net refining energy is required to meet the same pulp properties;
 CS: 4.5%;  Same pulp properties relationship regardless the refining intensity.
 Disk: 2.5 mm x 3.5
mm / 5º;
 Rpm = 1185.
 3.2 Refining strategies and results versus fiber morphology

Softwood Hardwood
COMBINED
REFINING

Typical Refining Intensity: Typical Refining Intensity:

1,0-3,0 Ws/m 0,2-0,6 Ws/m
If you can’t refine the y%
X%
furnishes separately, the
best way is:

Operate close than the y%

maximum Refining
Intensity to Hardwood
(~ 0,5 Ws/m)!
 3.2 Refining strategies and results versus fiber morphology Source: Suzano RD&I

COMBINED
REFINING
Increasing
BEKP in the
furnish:

Example – BEKP:
 CS: 4.5%;
 Disk: 3 mm x
3mm / 5º; Improves paper opacity Improves paper smoothness
 Rpm = 1185.
 3.2 Refining strategies and results versus fiber morphology Source: Suzano RD&I

COMBINED
REFINING
Increasing
BEKP in the
furnish:

Example – BEKP:
 CS: 4.5%;
 Disk: 3 mm x
3mm / 5º; Reduces paper porosity Up to 50% does not change density
 Rpm = 1185.
 3.2 Refining strategies and results versus fiber morphology Source: Suzano RD&I

COMBINED
REFINING
Increasing
BEKP in the
furnish:

Example – BEKP:
 CS: 4.5%;
 Disk: 3 mm x
3mm / 5º; Reduces tear strength, but there is a relationship with refinint intensity:
 Rpm = 1185.  Best results obtained with lower refining intensities.
 3.2 Refining strategies and results versus fiber morphology Source: Suzano RD&I

COMBINED
REFINING
Increasing
BEKP in the
furnish:

Tends to slightly reduce the stretch value Does not change the WRV
(for higher proportions | no difference for 50% substitution or less) (refined pulp)
3.2 Refining strategies and results versus fiber morphology Source: Suzano RD&I
 3.3 Strategy of process - Serial and parallel refining

For the same net energy applied (same properties achieved in refined pulp):
 Applied net power will be the same in both configurations;
 In the serial arrangement, the “no-load” power of each refining step are considered.

SERIAL
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

• Temperature increase
• Lower specific pressure
in each refiner;
Refined on the fibers lower;
pulp tank • Requires more
• Refining degree can be
SERIAL attention in control;
better controlled;
Screened pulp tank • Not recommended for
• Recommended for high
low refining and high
refining degrees.
production.

Parallel • Ease control; • Difficulty in getting a

good flow split;
• Longer retention of
mass (split flow); • Higher specific
PARALLEL
Refined pressure (power
• High productions and
applied per refining
pulp tank low degree of
hydration. area.
 3.4 Strategies to control pulp refining
1 POWER Control FREENESS (mL) =
INCONSTANT
 LOAD of the refiners is kept constant by
adjusting the gap between the plates;
MOTOR LOAD (kW) =
 Freeness is impacted by variations on fiber CONSTANT
properties, flow and consistency. PLATES GAP  ADJUSTED

2 SPECIFIC REFINING ENERGY Control FREENESS (mL) =

INCONSTANT
 SPECIFIC REFINING ENERGY is kept constant by FLOW (m3/h) CONTROLLED
CONSISTENCY (%)  CONTROLLED
measuring and controlling flow, consistency and the
MOTOR LOAD (kW) =
applied load; CONTROLLED
 Freeness is impacted by variations on fiber PLATES GAP  ADJUSTED SER (kWh/t) = CONSTANT
properties.

FREENESS (mL) =
3 FREENESS Control CONSTANT / CONTROLLED
FLOW (m3/h) CONTROLLED
 FREENESS is kept constant by measuring it and CONSISTENCY (%)  CONTROLLED
controlling the applied load; MOTOR LOAD (kW) =
 Best way to assure the target physical properties. CONTROLLED
PLATES GAP  CONTROLLED SER (kWh/t) = CONTROLLED
 3.5 Suzano’s refining knowledge for BEKP

REFINING APPROACH
FOR BEKP
1) Separated refining of BEKP from other fibers;

2) Low intensity refining plates;

 SEL for Eucalyptus is much lower than for SW;
 Specific refining plates avoids cutting the fiber and preservers bulk;
 Refining in lower SEL fibrillates more the fiber and increases bonds sites to promote higher
tensile strength;

3) Optimized refining consistency AND pH;

4) Refining arrangement:
 Suzano utilizes parallel refining, which means the fiber has a single pass through one refiner;
 Multiple refiners in order to supply adequate stock flow;
 Net refining energy of one refiner (KwHr/Ton) at a given Specific Edge Load.
 CONFIDENTIAL

3.5 Suzano’s refining knowledge for BEKP

REFINING APPROACH
FOR P&W APPLICATIONS Suzano benchmarks:

Coated Papers
Offset Paper Cut Size (I) Cut Size (II) Paperboard
(Once Dried)
Refining Intensity
0.35 < 0.30 < 0.25 0.30 – 0.35 0.35
(SEL, Ws/m)
Refining Energy (KwHr/Ton) 120 75 80 110-130 50
30 – 35 °SR 38 ± 2 °SR 34 – 36 °SR 32 ± 2 °SR
Final Freeness
425 – 360 CSF 310 CSF 380 – 350 CSF 410 – 380 CSF 400 CSF
Refining Arrangement Parallel Parallel Parallel Parallel Parallel
8.5
pH 8.0 (headbox) 8.0 8.0 8.0
(headbox)
Mass Consistency (%) > 5.0 4.5 4.0 4.8 5.0
 CONFIDENTIAL

3.5 Suzano’s refining knowledge for BEKP

REFINING APPROACH FOR

TISSUE APPLICATIONS Suzano benchmarks:

Refining Intensity (SEL, Ws/m) 0.23-0.26 Disc Diameter (in) 32"

CEL (km/rev) 183-186
Width (mm) 1.5
Refining Energy (KwHr/Ton) ~24-25
Distance (mm) 2
Final Freeness 515 – 510 CSF
Height (mm) 8
pH -7
Slope (°) 12°30'
Mass Consistency (%) ~ 5.0
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