Mini-Encyclopedia of Papermaking Wet-End Chemistry
Part Two: Definitions and Concepts

Consistency

When papermakers use the word "consistency" they usually mean the same thing as "solids" or "percent solids." Consistency is usually measured by collecting the slurry solids on a tared filter paper, drying the paper at 105 degrees Centigrade, and dividing the mass of the solids by the volume or original slurry. Consistency also can be estimated by light scattering and depolarization measurements at one or more wavelengths; however, it is recommended that optical data be frequently recalibrated with representative samples of furnish or white water from the system of interest.

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This page is maintained by Martin hubbe, Associate Professor of Wood and Paper Science, NC State University, m_hubbe@ncsu.edu .