Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

This research program will result in the ability to design high-performance pulp processing systems that can tailor fibre properties by removing debris, and by fractionating and selectively refining fibres to create high-value paper products. The program objectives include development of fundamental screening knowledge, understanding of how novel features of the screen cylinder and rotor increase debris removal, and the development of a fractionation and refining model that predicts the effects of varying old corrugated cardboard treatments on linerboard properties. This research supports the Canadian pulp and paper industry and builds on the existing partnership between UBC and Aikawa Fiber Technologies (AFT), producer of pulp screening components. It extends the group's previous research work and expertise in the areas of fluid dynamics of screening, low consistency (LC) refining, pressure screen fractionation, and fractionation-LC refining systems. The proposed research program consists of one PhD project and one Master's project with two parts. The PhD project will focus on modeling and simulation of screening and LC refining specialty products. The master's project, with two consecutive students, will focus on screen cylinder design and optimization through the simulation of fibre and debris trajectory, as well as modelling of screen efficiency and capacity. Innovative high performance pulp processing system design will be trialed at pilot and mill scale and later implemented in the Canadian industry, which will enable Canadian pulp and paper companies to improve the quality and value of the products they produce. This new understanding will lead to advanced cylinder designs that will ensure the long term competitive advantage of AFT, an advanced global manufacturing company with major a manufacturing facility in Sherbrooke, Quebec.