Method of treating papermaking fibers for making tissue
AssigneeKimberly-Clark Corporation
InventorsMichael A. Hermans, Robert J. Makolin, Kristin A. Goerg-Wood, Fung-jou Chen
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Abstract
The throughdryability of dewatered, but wet, sheets made from papermaking fibers can be significantly increased by subjecting an aqueous suspension of the fibers at high consistency to elevated temperatures with sufficient working of the fibers. Such a treatment is particularly effective for improving the efficiency of throughdrying processes used in the manufacture of certain products, such as tissues and paper towels, made from furnishes having a significant amount of secondary or recycled fibers.
Claims40
A method for making tissue comprising (a) forming an aqueous suspension of papermaking fibers comprising at least 25 weight percent secondary fibers and having a consistency of about 20 or greater;
- (b) passing the aqueous suspension through a shaft disperser having a volume-to-working surface area ratio of about 1 centimeter or greater at a temperature of 150.degree. F. or greater with a power input of about 1 horsepower-day per ton of dry fiber or greater, wherein the TD Index of the fibers is increased about 25 percent or greater;
- (c) feeding the fibers through a tissue making headbox to form a wet web;
- and (d) drying the web to form a dried tissue.
A method for making tissue comprising:
- (a) forming an aqueous suspension of papermaking fibers having a consistency of about 20 percent or greater, said fibers containing about 7 weight percent fines or greater;
- (b) passing the aqueous suspension through a shaft disperser at a temperature of 150.degree. F. or greater with a power input of at least about 1 horsepower-day per ton of dry fiber, wherein the TD Index of the fibers is increased about 25 percent or greater;
- (c) feeding the fibers through a tissue making headbox to form a wet web;
- and (d) drying the web to form a dried tissue.
A method of making tissue comprising (a) forming an aqueous suspension of papermaking fibers comprising at least about 20 weight percent short fibers;
- (b) passing the aqueous suspension through a shaft disperser having a volume-to-working surface area ratio of about 1 centimeter or greater at a temperature of 150.degree. F. or greater with a power input of about 1 horsepower-day per ton of dry fiber or greater, wherein the TD Index of the fibers is increased about 25 percent or greater;
- (c) feeding the fibers through a tissue making headbox to form a wet web;
- and (d) drying the web to form a dried tissue.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.