The challenge for this forming-oriented cluster is to reduce the high level of variability in the structure of paper sheets. The use of newly developed methods for the characterization of sheet structure analysis has shown that the variability of paper structure and properties is much more severe than previously estimated.

 

In particular the variability on decimetre (or millisecond) scale has been largely unnoticed due to the lack of mill equipment capable of detecting such rapid variations. Nevertheless, the impact of this effect on the quality of the product, on the consumption of fibres and energy and on the runnability of the process is large.

 

This cluster studies forming strategies and novel concepts resulting in more robust forming processes with larger operational windows, more consistent product quality, improved dimensional stability, less in-plane sheet variations, increased efficiency when adding chemicals/fillers and better possibilities to scale-up chemical strategies from laboratory scale to mill scale.

 

Value

Increased paper machine production efficiency in terms of higher production rates and reduced production costs. Improved product performance in printing, converting and end-usage.