A Model for Simulation of Fiber Suspension Flows

Abstract: The fiber suspensions in the production line from wood topaper are subjected to many types of chemical and mechanicalprocesses, in which the flow of the suspension is of vitalimportance. The flow of the suspension determines the degree ofuniformity of the fibers through the processing, which inreturn affects the properties of the fiber suspension. In orderto optimise the process, thorough knowledge of the suspensionflow is necessary, both on the level of suspension, fibernetworks and individual fibers. Knowledge of the fibersuspension behaviour combined with commercial CFD simulationprovides an efficient design method for any unit operation inthe papermaking process.This work concentrates on macroscopic modeling of thebehaviour of fiber suspensions from 0.5-5% dry content, purefiber suspensions without fillers or additives. Any mechanismscausing the characteristic behaviour of the pulp suspensionhave not been included, they are only included through theirinfluence on the suspension parameters. Excluded mechanismsare, for instance, the fiber-fiber coupling mechanisms that arethe reason for the formation of fiber networks and parts offiber network, flocs.By combining a rheology model for the bulk suspension, awall function that accounts for the slip layer and finallyintroducing turbulence, a model has been created that is ableto simulate the flow of most fiber suspensions. The flow of thesuspension is not constrained to any particular flowconditions; the models discussed in this work aim at describingthe behaviour of the suspension for all flow rates and flowtypes. The models are developed under simple flow conditions,where all variables can be controlled, but the models areintended for usage within the industry-based flows in real pulpand papermaking applications.Keywords:rheology, fiber, suspension, CFD, model, wall,slip, turbulence