UoM Laboratory Papermachine

Papermachine trials using highly controlled conditions require access to very expensive pilotscale paper machines located in the Northern Hemisphere. Prior to this research, it was not possible to produce paper sheets in the laboratory with properties that meaningfully match those of papers produced on commercial scale papermachines at conditions that resemble commercial scale papermaking. The stationary wire laboratory former developed by Dr Helmer reproduced much of the behaviour of fibre and other paper components in the forming section of a papermachine enabling trials with much lower cost and using less than a kilo of pulp, (much less than the tonne quantities required by typical pilot-scale machines). The PhD work led to successful development of a practical device for laboratory papermaking using conditions very similar to that found on commercial machines and realistic paper properties. Subsequent studies enabled a deeper understanding of the papermaking process including the first ever high speed film of a papersheet being formed and a dimensionless equation relating process conditions and paper properties. The technology was transferred to CSIRO in 2000 and was used for commercial research with Australian and New Zealand paper manufacturers. Much of the research, over 30 publications, was communicated through industry association’s journals and annual conferences.