Development of the Fibres inside a High Consistency Refiner

SEM micrographs of samples from the refining zone of a pilot refiner stopped while under load showed that the pulp appeared as aggregates or nodules with a near random local fibre orientation They were loosely connected in rope like entities which had an orientation close to the radial direction Cross sectional images illustrated how a rolling action leading to a combination of longitudinal and transverse compassion as well as rubbing and abrasion of the single fibres, could be a very likely mechanism for transfer of stresses These images will enhance the understanding of the fibre properties as developed in high consistency refining