Pilot Paper Machine / Laboratory paper machines ( PILOT PAPER MAKING LINE )
As the name suggests, are miniaturized, precise, and multifunctional versions of large industrial paper machines. （ PILOT PAPER MAKING LIN）
It is not used for large-scale production of commodity paper, but serves fields such as scientific research, development, and quality control.
Its core value lies in simulating the forming, pressing, and drying processes of paper in a controllable laboratory environment, providing key data and samples for research and production. （ PILOT PAPER MAKING LINE）
The following are the main application areas of laboratory paper machines
1. Research and development
This is the core application area of laboratory paper machines.
Development and evaluation of new fiber raw materials:
Non wood pulp raw materials: Study the papermaking properties of non wood fibers such as bamboo pulp, straw pulp, sugarcane bagasse, and hemp pulp, and optimize their pulping and bleaching processes.
Special fibers: Evaluate the application of new materials such as synthetic fibers (such as aramid, carbon fiber), mineral fibers, nanocellulose, etc. in paper, and develop high-performance special paper.
Research and screening of chemical additives
Efficiency evaluation: Quickly test the effectiveness of adding different chemicals such as dry strength agents, wet strength agents, sizing agents, fillers, dyes, etc.
Formula optimization: Through a large number of small-scale experiments, find the optimal order and dosage of chemical addition, provide formula guidance for industrial production, and significantly reduce the cost and risk of industrial testing.
Simulation and optimization of process technology:
Research process parameters: Accurately control pulp concentration, beating degree, net dewatering speed, pressing pressure, drying temperature and other parameters, and study their effects on paper physical strength, breathability, smoothness, bulk thickness and other properties.
Fault diagnosis and solution: When problems occur on the production line (such as paper breakage or poor uniformity), simulations can be conducted in the laboratory using the same raw materials and process conditions to identify the root cause of the problem and test solutions. （ PILOT PAPER MAKING LINE )
2. Product quality control and raw material inspection
Inspection of commodity pulp boards by pulp mills: The pulp mill will use laboratory paper machines to remake the liquid pulp or pulp boards into standard handmade sheets, and then test their strength, whiteness, and other indicators to confirm the stability of product grade and quality.
Inspection of incoming raw materials by paper mills: When receiving raw materials such as pulp boards or waste paper, paper mills will use laboratory paper machines to make them and inspect whether they meet production requirements.
Production process monitoring: Regularly take samples from the production line, make slices on the laboratory paper machine, compare with standard samples, and monitor the stability of the production process.
3. Development of specialty paper and high-performance paper （ PILOT PAPER MAKING LINE ）
This field particularly relies on the flexibility and adjustability of laboratory paper machines.
Battery separator paper: Developing high-performance separators for lithium-ion batteries and studying their pore structure, breathability, strength, and electrolyte wettability.
Filter material: Develop filter paper for air, water, or industrial filtration, optimize its fiber ratio and structure to achieve specific filtration accuracy and dust holding capacity.
Electrical insulation paper: Study the electrical strength, thermal conductivity, and mechanical properties of paper.
Medical packaging and specialty paper: Developing paper with high barrier properties, antibacterial properties, or specific wet strength.
Information paper: development of base paper such as carbonless copy paper and thermal paper.
4. Teaching and Training
Higher education: In related majors such as light engineering, materials science and engineering, laboratory paper machines are an important teaching tool for students to intuitively understand the principles of papermaking, fiber characteristics, and paper structure.
Enterprise training: used to train technical personnel and operators on the production line, helping them understand how process parameters affect the final product and enhance their problem-solving abilities.
The main types of laboratory paper machines
According to the completeness of the simulation, it can be mainly divided into two types:
Batch type pilot paper machine
The various processes are independent and not linked, so there is ample time left for each process to operate, even if the operator’s skills are not very proficient, there is enough time to make adjustments.
Due to the lack of DCS, QCS and other systems, manual detection of concentration, flow rate, pressure, moisture and other parameters is required, making continuous production impossible.
Therefore, larger slurry tanks, mixers and other equipment are needed to obtain as much output as possible. At the beginning and end of production, the product quality is not very stable, and the commercialization ability of the production line is poor.
Continuous type pilot paper machine
Equipped with QCS, DCS system, and high-precision sensing components, it can automatically control equipment such as slurry pumps, valves, and transmission motors, requiring less manual intervention, higher automation requirements, and slurry water balance calculations, which are closer to actual production products.
Due to its high degree of automation, it can produce large quantities of continuous products, which can be used for product testing or small batch production. The commercial utilization rate of the experimental production line is higher.
laboratory paper machines are essential core equipment in modern paper industry and related material science research.
It builds a bridge between basic research and industrial production, solves big problems through small experiments, greatly promotes the development process of new raw materials, new processes, and new products, and is a key tool for enhancing industry innovation capabilities and product quality.
Its application can be summarized in one sentence: “Anticipate” the future of paper in the laboratory before it is mass-produced.
