The Multiphase Paper Forming Pilot Facility, the only one of its kind in North America, dramatically reduces the amount of water needed in the paper production process. By using up to 70% less water, the system also significantly cuts down on the energy required for drying — traditionally one of the most energy-intensive steps in papermaking.
"The only one of its kind in North America, the idea of this innovative pilot facility was first supported by seed grants from International Paper, Kimberley Clark and Solenis followed by major projects supported by the Department of Energy” said Cyrus Aidun, Professor, PI and founder of the MP Forming Lab. This technology significantly reduces the amount of water required to produce paper. As a result, the heat and energy needed to dry the paper—typically an energy-intensive process—are also reduced. The Multiphase Forming Pilot Machine uses up to 70% less water, which substantially lowers the energy required for drying.
Available services include:
- Pilot trial for paper production with water or multiphase foam forming
- Testing of new online instruments under development
- Evaluation of the effect of various additives on product properties and forming processes
- Development of new fiber-based products
- Evaluate the drainage properties of forming fabric.
- Pilot trial to study the refining on forming process and sheet properties
Contact
Hanjiang (John) Xu
hanjiang.xu@me.gatech.edu
View Video Transcript
The Grand Opening of RBI’s Multiphase Forming Lab
Video Summary: The only one of its kind in North America, this innovative system significantly reduces the amount of water required to process paper. As a result, the heat and energy needed to dry the paper—typically an energy-intensive process—are also reduced. The Multiphase Forming Lab uses up to 70% less water, which substantially lowers the energy required for drying.
Speakers: Cyrus Aidun, Professor, Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering; and John Xu, Senior Research Engineer, Renewable Bioproducts Institute.
Cyrus Aidun, Professor, Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering: The multiphase forming is designed to develop a new technology that is based on replacing water in paper forming with high-density foam in order to reduce water usage and energy usage as well.
John Xu, Senior Research Engineer, Renewable Bioproducts Institute: First, it is a small scale, just one foot wide, and the whole system can be controlled from our control room. Here, it is much, much easier. We can very quickly change the trial conditions and test a lot of things in a short time.
Cyrus Aidun, Professor, Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering:This facility is designed to be a bridge between the theories and the concepts that we develop in the lab and taking these concepts to a commercial level.