DETERMINATION OF A PROPERTY OF A FIBER SUSPENSION

Abstract

A method for determining a property of a fiber suspension comprises obtaining a sample and diluting the sample by a first dilution, thereby providing a diluted sample, while retaining essentially all of the sample, and mixing the diluted sample, thereby providing a mixed, diluted sample. By removing part of the mixed, diluted sample and retaining an amount of the mixed, diluted sample, further diluting the mixed, diluted sample by adding dilution water to the retained amount of the mixed, diluted sample, thereby providing a further diluted sample, while retaining essentially all of the mixed, diluted sample, mixing the further diluted sample, thereby providing a mixed, further diluted sample, and repeating these steps until the concentration is suitable for measuring the property of the further diluted sample, this property can be measured with high accuracy. A device for determining a property to be determined of a suspension is also provided.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. A method for determining a property to be determined of a fiber suspension, especially a pulp fiber suspension, comprising the following steps: a) obtaining a sample of the fiber suspension, b) diluting the sample by a first dilution by adding dilution water to the sample, thereby providing a diluted sample, while retaining essentially all of the sample, c) mixing the diluted sample in a single mixing chamber, thereby providing a mixed, diluted sample, and d) optionally, measuring the concentration of the mixed, diluted sample, characterized by the following steps: e) removing part of the mixed, diluted sample and retaining an amount of the mixed, diluted sample, f) further diluting the mixed, diluted sample by adding dilution water to the retained amount of the mixed, diluted sample, thereby providing a further diluted sample, while retaining essentially all of the mixed, diluted sample, g) mixing the further diluted sample in the single mixing chamber, thereby providing a mixed, further diluted sample, h) optionally, measuring the concentration of the mixed, further diluted sample, and i) repeating steps e)-h) until the concentration of the mixed, further diluted sample is suitable for measuring the property to be determined of the further diluted sample, j) measuring the property to be determined of the further diluted sample.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the property to be determined is any of the following: fiber length distribution, mean fiber length, content of fines and content of shives.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein, in step e), the amount of the mixed, diluted sample is retained in a mixing chamber (10).

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the step g) of mixing comprises imparting a reciprocating movement of a plunger (10a).

20. The method according to claim 16, wherein the step b) of diluting the samples by a first dilution comprises diluting the sample at a ratio of less than 100:1, preferably a ratio of less than 50:1, and even more preferably a ratio of less than 20:1.

21. The method according to claim 16, wherein the step f) of further diluting the samples comprises diluting the sample at a ratio of less than 10:1, preferably a ratio of less than and even more preferably a ratio of less than 3:1.

22. The method according to claim 16, wherein in step a) a sample of a fiber suspension is obtained batchwise.

23. A device for determining a property to be determined of a fiber suspension, especially a pulp fiber suspension, comprising: a dilution chamber (4) connectable to a process pipe (100) for obtaining a sample of a fiber suspension from the process pipe (100), the dilution chamber (4) comprising a dilution inlet (6) for dilution water, and an outlet (8; 14) for removing diluted sample from the dilution chamber (4), wherein a single mixing chamber (10; 10) different from the dilution chamber (4) and comprising means (10a; 10a) for mixing fluid in the mixing chamber (10), the mixing chamber (10) being connected to the dilution chamber (4).

24. The device according to claim 23, comprising a measuring cell (12) interconnecting the dilution chamber (4) and the mixing chamber (10; 10).

25. The device according to claim 23, wherein the means (10a) for mixing fluid in the mixing chamber (10) is a plunger adapted for reciprocal movement.

26. The device according to claim 23, wherein the means (10a) for mixing fluid in the mixing chamber (10) is a pump at a first side the pump is in fluid connection with the measuring cell (12) and at a second side opposite the first side is in direct fluid connection with the dilution chamber (4).

27. The device according to claim 23, wherein the dilution chamber (4) has a volume of less than 4 liters, preferably less than 2 liters, and even more preferably less than 1 liter.

28. The device according to claim 23, wherein the mixing chamber (10) has a volume of between 0.05 and 1.0 liters, preferably between 0.1 and 0.5 liters, and even more preferably between 0.2 and 0.3 liters.

29. The device according to claim 23, comprising a gate (2) in fluid connection with the dilution chamber (4) and adapted to be attached to a process pipe (100).

30. The device according to claim 29, wherein the gate (2) comprises a valve (2b) adapted to be controlled to regulate the amount of fiber suspension of the sample to be analyzed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] FIG. 1 is an overall diagram of a device for determining a property of a fiber suspension according to the invention,

[0026] FIG. 2a is a picture showing fibers in a fiber suspension with a relatively high concentration, such as directly after pre-dilution,

[0027] FIG. 2b is a picture showing fibers in a fiber suspension with a relatively low concentration after dilution, FIG. 2c is an enlarged picture showing a single fiber of a fiber suspension,

[0028] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of fiber length distribution, and

[0029] FIG. 4 an overall diagram of an alternative embodiment of a device for determining a property of a fiber suspension according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0030] In the following, a detailed description of a method and a device for determining a property of a fiber suspension, especially a pulp fiber suspension, will be given with reference mainly to FIG. 1.

[0031] The device for determining a property of a suspension is generally designated 1. The device 1 comprises a gate 2 which is adapted to be attached to an opening 102 of a process pipe 100. The process pipe may be a pulp process pipeline conveying a fiber suspension of a paper mill, for example. The gate 2 is shown schematically in FIG. 1 and comprises an attachment portion 2a adapted to be attached to the process pipe by means of for example bolts, covering an opening 102 in the process pipe 100. The gate 2 also comprises a valve or sluice 2b controlled to regulate the amount of fiber suspension, i.e., the volume, of the sample to be analyzed. This means that the valve 2b can be controlled in such way that the fiber suspension is supplied batchwise to the device. In a preferred embodiment, a sample of for example 25 ml is obtained from the process pipe 100, whereby a sample with a sufficient number of fibers, i.e., tens or hundreds of thousands of fibers, is obtained. It will be appreciated that the volume of the sample obtained from the process pipe 100 may vary widely, depending on the design of the device etc.

[0032] The sample obtained from the process pipe 100 is forwarded to a dilution chamber 4, in which the sample is diluted by a pre-dilution by adding dilution water to the sample, thereby providing a pre-diluted sample. To this end, a dilution inlet, generally designated 6, is provided in the dilution chamber 4. Although the dilution inlet 6 is shown to be in the upper portion of the dilution chamber 4, it is appreciated that it can be provided in other portions, such as in a side wall of the dilution chamber 4. The dilution inlet 6 comprises a pipe 6a connected to a source of water for dilution and a valve 6b controlled to regulate the amount of dilution water added to the sample.

[0033] A dilution overflow outlet 8 is also provided in the upper portion of the dilution chamber 4. The function of the overflow outlet 8 is to allow excess diluted sample to exit the dilution chamber in case it is filled. In addition to the overflow outlet 8, there is provided an outlet in the form of a drain 14 with a drain valve 14a in the bottom of the dilution chamber 4. By means of the drain valve 14a, controlled emptying of the dilution chamber 4 can be achieved.

[0034] Depending on pulp type and the pulp concentration in the process pipe, it is preferred that the pre-dilution of the sample is performed at a ratio of less than 100:1, preferably a ratio of less than 50:1, and even more preferably a ratio of less than 20:1

[0035] During this first pre-dilution process, it is important that essentially all of the sample is retained. For example, it is important that only a negligible portion of the sample leaves through the overflow outlet 8. In other words, a representative aliquot, i.e., mixed, pre-diluted sample must be obtained. In a preferred embodyment, in this pre-dilution process, the sample is diluted by a factor of about 20, although this may vary widely, depending on the circumstances. For example, the volume of the dilution chamber 4 is limited, which means that the degree to which a sample can be diluted in a single step is limited. In a preferred embodiment, the dilution chamber 4 has a volume of less than 4 liters, preferably less than 2 liters, and even more preferably less than 1 liter.

[0036] As an alternative to adding dilution water to a sample in the dilution chamber 4, a sample can be taken into the dilution chamber 4 which has been pre-filled with water and then optionally fill with additional dilution water until the fibers start to leave the dilution chamber through the outlet 8.

[0037] After the sample has been pre-diluted, it is mixed, thereby providing a mixed, diluted sample. The mixing ensures that the fibers in the diluted sample is essentially evenly distributed throughout the mixed, diluted sample. An example of a pre-diluted sample is shown in FIG. 2a. By means of the dilution process, the concentration is relatively lower in the mixed, diluted sample as compared to the sample obtained from the process pipe 100.

[0038] To achieve mixing, a mixing chamber 10 is provided. The mixing chamber 10 is connected to the dilution chamber 4 via a measuring cell 12. This means that the dilution chamber 4 and the mixing chamber 10 are different chambers. The mixing is achieved by means of a mixing device in the form of a plunger 10a adapted for reciprocating movement between a lower end position and an upper end position, as seen in FIG. 1. By means of the plunger, the volume of the mixing chamber 10 can be adjusted, whereby part of the diluted sample in the dilution chamber is brought into the mixing chamber 10 when the volume thereof increases, i.e., when the plunger 10a moves upward. During this phase, the sample passes the measuring cell 12 and the concentration of the mixed, diluted sample, may optionally be measured. When the plunger 10a moves downward towards its lower end position, the mixed, diluted sample is forced the other way, i.e., back into the dilution chamber 4. After a number of strokes of the plunger 10a, preferably about 3 strokes, the diluted suspension has been sufficiently mixed. In a preferred embodiment, the mixing chamber 10 has a volume of between 0.05 and 1.0 liters, preferably between 0.1 and 0.5 liters, and even more preferably between 0.2 and 0.3 liters

[0039] After this initial pre-dilution and mixing process, part of the mixed, diluted sample is removed and an amount of the mixed, diluted sample, is retained in the mixing chamber 10. To achieve this removal, the drain valve 14a is opened, allowing the mixed, pre-diluted sample in the dilution chamber 4 to leave. Alternatively or additionally, the dilution chamber 4 may be flushed with water from the dilution inlet 6 until essentially all of the diluted sample in the dilution chamber 4 has been flushed out through the overflow outlet 8. During this process, the part of the mixed, pre-diluted sample which is in the mixing chamber 10 and possibly also in the connecting pipe and the measuring cell 12 is retained there by the vacuum effect. Optionally, a valve (not shown) in the pipe interconnecting the dilution chamber 4 and the mixing chamber 10 may be provided to ensure that an amount of the mixed, diluted sample, is retained in the mixing chamber 10. It will be realized that the volume of the dilution chamber 4 must be larger than the volume of the mixing chamber 10. Otherwise, all of the mixed, diluted sample would be in the mixing chamber and adjoining parts, such as the measuring cell 12 and connecting pipes, and no part thereof would be removed through the drain 14. It will also be appreciated that the volume of the mixing chamber may be adjusted by means of the plunger 10a between a minimum volume when the plunger is in its lower end position as seen in FIG. 1 and a maximum volume when the plunger is in its upper end position as seen in FIG. 1.

[0040] It is important that the dilution process takes place essentially without fractionation, i.e., that the diluted suspension is divided into non-representative parts and that a non-representative part of the suspension is removed. With the above-described process, wherein the pre-diluted sample is thoroughly mixed before part of it is removed and an aliquot is retained, fractionation is essentially prevented.

[0041] The mixed, pre-diluted sample is further diluted by adding dilution water from the dilution inlet 6 to the dilution chamber 4. The diluted sample retained in the mixing chamber 10 is then mixed with the dilution water by means of the mixing device, i.e., the plunger 10a, as described above, thereby providing a mixed, further diluted sample. In order to keep track of the concentration of the mixed, further diluted sample, this can optionally be measured in the measuring cell 12.

[0042] These steps, i.e., removing part of mixed, diluted sample and retaining an amount of the mixed, diluted sample, further diluting the mixed, diluted sample retaining essentially all of the mixed, diluted sample, and mixing the further diluted sample are repeated until the concentration of the mixed, further diluted sample is suitable for measuring the property to be determined of the further diluted sample. This concentration is usually between 1000 and 10000 lower than the concentration of the original sample obtained from the process pipe 100, but it may be lower or higher, depending on the circumstances. In each of these the steps of further diluting the samples, the sample is preferably diluted at a ratio of less than 10:1, preferably a ratio of less than 5:1, and even more preferably a ratio of less than 3:1.

[0043] In a final step, the property to be determined of the further diluted sample is measured by means of the measuring cell. The measuring cell 12 is adapted to measure properties of the sample as well as optionally the concentration thereof. The measuring cell preferably comprises a camera by which pictures of the sample can be acquired, as in the examples of FIGS. 2a-2c, where it is seen that the sample contains fibers of different lengths, widths and surface structures. The dilution facilitates analyzing of the properties of the suspension in the process pipe 100 and an enlarged picture of a single fiber is shown in FIG. 2c. Thus, the properties to be measured may include, but are not limited to, the composition of fiber length distribution, mean fiber length, and content of fines and shives. An example of a diagram showing the fiber length distribution is given in FIG. 3.

[0044] A device according to the invention for determining a property to be determined of a suspension thus comprises a dilution chamber 4 connectable to a process pipe 100 for obtaining a sample of a suspension from the process pipe. Preferably, a gate 2 with an attachment portion 2a and a valve 2b facilitates the sampling of samples with a predetermined volume from the process pipe 100.

[0045] The dilution chamber 4 comprises a dilution inlet 6 for dilution water, and an overflow outlet 8 for removing diluted sample from the dilution chamber. A drain 14 with a drain valve 14a is provided in the lower portion of the dilution chamber 4 for the removal of diluted sample from the dilution chamber 4.

[0046] A mixing chamber 10 comprises means 10a for mixing fluid in the mixing chamber 10, preferably a plunger adapted for reciprocating movement, wherein the mixing chamber 10 is connected, either directly or indirectly via a measuring cell 12 and/or a valve, to the dilution chamber 4 If no measuring cell is provided in the pipe interconnecting the dilution chamber 4 and the mixing chamber 10, it may be provided for example in the mixing chamber itself.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment of a device according to the invention for determining a property to be determined of a suspension, shown in FIG. 4, the mixing chamber and the plunger have been replaced by a mixing pipe 10a which at a first end connects to the measuring cell 12, as in the first embodiment, and in a second end opposite the first end connects to the upper portion of the dilution chamber 4. A pump 10a replaces the plunger 10a and functions to circulate the diluted sample in the dilution chamber 4 to achieve mixing thereof. In this embodiment, the volume of the mixing pipe 10a corresponds to that of the mixing chamber 10 in the first embodiment. Thus, during the dilution process, an amount of the mixed, diluted sample is retained in the mixing pipe 10a while the dilution chamber 4 is emptied by means of the drain 14.

[0048] Preferred embodiments of a method and a device according to the invention for determining a property of a fiber suspension have been described. It will be realized that these may be modified within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the term mixing device is any device that accomplished mixing, such as a stirrer.