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Bales of wood pulp or waste paper are conveyored into a large circular tank (hydrapulper) which contains water. The bales are broken up into smaller pieces and mixed with the water, then discharged into large storage tanks.
| The pulp is diluted with water and is then referred to as 'stock'. The cellulose fibres then have to be passed through a refining process. Before refining the fibres are stiff and inflexible and if this was made into paper it would result in a weak and bulky paper. The stock is pumped through a refiner which has a series of revolving discs. This violent process cuts and opens up the fibres and makes the ends divide (known as fibrillation). The fibres become more pliable and improves fibre bonding. |
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After refining, the stock is screened and cleaned to remove small impurities which could ruin the finished paper. The stock passes to a blending tank where chemicals and dyes can be added to obtain the required characteristics of the finished paper. After passing through a second cleaning system the stock is now ready for the paper machine.
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