Machine stability through “charge” management, and why starch consistency matters.
“The modern paper mill uses large amounts of energy, water, and wood pulp in a highly efficient and extremely complex series of processes, using modern and sophisticated controls technology to produce a sheet of paper that can be used in incredibly diverse ways.” — Paper mill, From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
The cost for failing to consistently control starch solids to a narrow target was discussed. This can amount to tens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of dollars in excess costs to a paper mill….
Wet-end starch use has become nearly universal in the packaging and graphic papers manufacturing process. It is generally accepted that wet end starch is good for drainage, retention, and strength development. What is less commonly appreciated is the extent of wet end starch’s impact on machine runnability, paper quality and cost….
