The Invisible Guardian in Papermaking Process: Laboratory Particle Charge Analyzer

In the complex process of papermaking production, there is an "invisible guardian" that always plays a key role quietly - it is the laboratory particle charge analyzer. From raw material processing to the birth of finished paper, it safeguards product quality, production efficiency and cost control by precisely controlling the charge balance of the wet-end system.

I. The complex process of papermaking production and the core position of the wet end

Papermaking production involves multiple key links, and the process is as follows:

Raw material processing: Wood, waste paper, etc. are used as the initial raw materials

Pulping process: Pulp is obtained through steps such as steaming or crushing, washing, and screening

Papermaking stage

The mesh dehydrates to form a wet paper sheet

Press for further dehydration

干Drying removes the remaining moisture and finally forms the finished paper

Among them, the wet-end stage in the papermaking process is the core link connecting pulping and drying, involving the mixing and interaction of fibers, fillers, and various chemical auxiliaries in the aqueous phase, which directly determines the performance and production stability of the subsequent paper.

Ii. Charge Balance: A core element of wet-end chemistry in papermaking

The essence of wet-end chemistry in papermaking is the charge interaction among fibers, fillers and additives in the aqueous phase.

Fibers and most fillers (such as calcium carbonate) usually carry a negative charge

Most of the various additives (such as cationic starch, cationic polyacrylamide, etc.) are positively charged substances

Charge balance is a prerequisite for the stability of wet-end systems, and its influence is mainly reflected in:

✅ When the positive and negative charges are properly matched: the retention rate of fibers and fillers is high, the water filtration efficiency is excellent, and the paper strength, uniformity and other properties are good

❌ When the positive charge is insufficient: Negative charge particles repel each other, resulting in a decrease in retention rate and causing waste of raw materials

❌ When the positive charge is excessive: the particles are overly coagulate, the water filtration speed decreases, the efficiency is affected, and the uniformity of the paper deteriorates

⚠️ Special risk: The accumulation of "anionic waste" (such as lignin, resin residues and other negatively charged colloidal substances) in the papermaking circulating water (white water) can disrupt the charge balance, leading to the failure of additives, production fluctuations and even paper breakage.

Iii. Core Functions of the Experimental Particle Charge Analyzer

The laboratory particle charge analyzer precisely measures the surface charge characteristics of particles in the pulp system, including:

Zeta potential

Charge density

The demand for anions and cations

This quantifies the charge balance state within the system, providing scientific data for judging the interactions between particles (adsorption, coagulation, dispersion, etc.), and serves as the "data engine" for achieving precise control of wet-end chemistry.

Iv. Core Applications of Laboratory Particle Charge Analyzers in the Papermaking Industry

1. Enhance the retention rate of fibers and fillers and reduce raw material consumption

By measuring the negative charge density of fibers and fillers in the pulp, the dosage of cationic additives can be precisely determined to ensure an appropriate match of positive and negative charges, thereby improving the utilization rate of raw materials and reducing waste.

2. Optimize the dosage of additives to enhance production efficiency

Strictly control the addition amount of cationic additives

Avoid cost increases and performance issues caused by overuse

To prevent the production effect from being affected by insufficiency, provide data basis for the optimization of the addition amount of additives, and achieve the maximization of benefits.

3. Monitor and control the anionic waste in white water to ensure stable production

Real-time monitoring of the negative charge density of white water enables timely grasp of the accumulation degree of "anionic waste", providing an accurate basis for adding anionic waste capture agents and avoiding serious problems such as production fluctuations and paper breakage.

Iv. Core Applications of Laboratory Particle Charge Analyzers in the Papermaking Industry

1. Enhance the retention rate of fibers and fillers and reduce raw material consumption

By measuring the negative charge density of fibers and fillers in the pulp, the dosage of cationic additives can be precisely determined to ensure an appropriate match of positive and negative charges, thereby improving the utilization rate of raw materials and reducing waste.

2. Optimize the dosage of additives to enhance production efficiency

Strictly control the addition amount of cationic additives

Avoid cost increases and performance issues caused by overuse

To prevent the production effect from being affected by insufficiency, provide data basis for the optimization of the addition amount of additives, and achieve the maximization of benefits.

3. Monitor and control the anionic waste in white water to ensure stable production

Real-time monitoring of the negative charge density of white water enables timely grasp of the accumulation degree of "anionic waste", providing an accurate basis for adding anionic waste capture agents and avoiding serious problems such as production fluctuations and paper breakage.

V. Summary: From experience to data, promoting high-quality development of the papermaking industry

The laboratory particle charge analyzer, through the precise quantification of the charge characteristics of the wet-end system, promotes the transformation of papermaking production from "experience-based" to "data-driven".

Its application in enhancing retention rate, optimizing the dosage of additives, and controlling anionic waste has effectively achieved:

Reduce production costs

Improve production efficiency

Stabilize product quality

As a key technical equipment for modern papermaking enterprises to achieve refined management and high-quality development, it is undoubtedly an indispensable "invisible guardian" in the papermaking process.