The pulp and paper industry and suppliers to the industry use the FEX paper machine to carry out process optimization and product development as well as to evaluate new technologies and raw material potential.
Extensive stock supply
The capacity of the
stock system has recently been increased. After addition of two large tanks, the stock storage system now includes seven tanks, with a total capacity of 540 m³, allowing up to 20 tons of stock.
Up-to-date wet end
The FEX paper machine can be configured for 1-, 2- or 3-ply forming, using either conventional or special headboxes. The design of the
forming section includes a twin-wire unit and a Fourdrinier unit, which can be used individually or in combination.
The paper machine is balanced for speeds up to 2500 m/min, and samples have been so far rolled up to 1500 m/min.
Closed white-water system
The
white-water system includes two short circulations, an is closed material-wise with a disc filter, so that all material ends up in the product. Therefore, industrial conditions can be replicated and studied on the FEX paper machine. The white-water system was designed to minimize its volume. This implies that steady state conditions can be reached within 60 - 90 min after start-up with a water-filled system.
Advanced chemical additive system
In the
chemical additives system, up to seven different chemical components (retention aids, strength additives, hydrofobation chemicals etc.) can be added simultaneously. The addition positions can be chosen from second level up to 8 minutes before the headbox.
The proces is completely computer controlled, including white-water sampling at a large number of positions. Relevant white water flow rates are recorded. Quick changes between different furnish combinations and machine set-ups allow a wide range of trial alternatives.
Compentence
A highly qualified machine crew is backed by experienced laboratory personell with access to the extensive pulp and paper testing resources at Innventia. Professors in research areas ranging from paper technology and fluid mechanics to paper chemistry and paper physics are also actively involved in research and development projects focused on the FEX paper machine.