FDA — Laboratory Automated Dynamic Handsheet Former
The uniqueness of the FDA resides in its handsheet formation principle which is completely different from classic handsheet formers and which enables the production in the laboratory of Handsheets with Fiber Orientation as well Multilayer handhseets.
To achieve these outstanding features the FDA uses a sheet forming process very similar to the industrial Paper Machine, whereas sheet is formed by the dynamic projection of pulp on a forming wire positioned on the internal diameter of a rotating cylindrical jar.
The Fiber Orientation MD/CD and Grammage of the sheet depends on the consistency of the pulp, the number of nozzle sweeps, the type of the nozzle, the pulp flow and speed, and, naturally, of the fiber quality ( hardwood, softwood, fibrillation degree, fines content, etc … ).
Applications
- Research & Development – Pulp fibers, alternative and non-cellulosic fibers.
- Process Optimization – Refiner energy and fiber development monitoring.
- Cross-industry use – Pulp refiners, chemical additives for pulp & paper.
Key Features & Highlights
- Size – produces large rectangular laboratory handsheets with 25 x 90 cm, suitable for further processing, like drying, calendering, coating and sizing, and further testing, like physical tests, printability tests, barrier tests, etc … .
- Grammage – large grammage range, from 20 fine papers up to 400 g/m² boards.
- Fibers – suitable for using any type of fibers, such as hardwood, softwood, recycled, alternative and synthetic.
- Formation – excellent formation, similar to the real paper machine, with excellent retention of fines, chemicals, dyes and fillers.
- Fiber orientation – adjustable jet to wire speed ratio enables the production of handsheets with controlled MD/CD ratio.
- Automated – the forming sequence is fully automated and adjustable trough a touch screen control panel and user-friendly interface.
- Accessories – a matching roll press and sheet dryer are available to complete the set-up, providing water removal and drying similar to the real paper machine.
Technical Specifications
FDA
- Room floor area : 180 × 90 cm
- Power supply : 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 3.000 W, Single Phase
- Water supply : filtered & tempered (max 3 bar)
- Drain : floor level, DN100
In Summary
The FDA has been designed by hands-on paper lab technicians and engineers to be easy to use and to produce in the laboratory handsheets under identical paper machine conditions. The FDA allows paper manufacturers, research centers and chemical suppliers to address end user requirements by exploring and developing new paper and board grades, simulating fiber substitutions and studying the impact of refining, chemical or filler on paper properties.
