Understanding of no‐load power in low consistency refiners

Low consistency refining is primary means of improving the paper quality by imparting energy to fibres through repeated fibre–bar interactions. Useful part of the energy modifies the morphology of fibres and the remaining, no-load power, overcomes the hydraulic, pumping and mechanical losses in the refiner. In this study, effect of consistency, operational and plate design parameters on no-load power was experimentally determined on two pilot scale refiners with different diameters. Obtained data were used to provide a statistical model for prediction of no-load power. To study the effect of diameter and groove depth, no-load power of some mills were collected.