ATLANTA, GA — An article by T.J. Becker in Research Horizons magazine describes work done by Cyrus Aidun at the Institute of Paper Science and Technology (IPST) in the field of fibre network formatio…
ATLANTA, GA — An article by T.J. Becker in Research Horizons magazine describes work done by Cyrus Aidun at the Institute of Paper Science and Technology (IPST) in the field of fibre network formation. Aidun’s work is called a “redesign of the flow mechanism in the fibre-network forming process.” A device is retrofitted into an existing paper machine headbox. It disperses fibres uniformly in all directions, strengthening the paper. Called Vortigen, the technology is said to have two major benefits: paper products become stronger and more uniform; savings are realized in raw materials — fibre water, energy, additives. The technology can be applied to all paper grades but initial commercialization efforts are focusing on packaging grades. In 1998, IPST granted an exclusive worldwide license of the technology to Fluidix Microforming Systems. A full-scale commercial device is being constructed by Fluidix through a project funded by a consortium of 30 paper companies. The first installation will be in a Smurfit-Stone mill in Florence, SC.
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