Optimizing flocculation and drainage for microparticle systems by controlling zeta potential

A laboratory system has been developed to measure simultaneously the zeta potential, flocculation, and drainage of pulp and filler suspensions under hydrodynamic shear flow. This instrument was used to optimize flocculation and drainage for single polymer systems and microparticle systems. Flocculation and drainage were affected by the order of chemical addition, the types of chemicals, and the type of furnish. Drainage increases that occurred with the addition of bentonite were strongly influenced by charge neutralization. Application : this study can help increase the speed of a paper machine.