Mini-Encyclopedia of Papermaking Wet-End Chemistry
Part Three: Equipment & Unit Operations

Quill

Papermakers sometimes use the word "quill" when referring to pipe assemblies that discharge papermaking chemical solutions into the interior flow of fiber furnish within stock lines (large pipes). The purpose of a quill is to maximize mixing of the additives with fibers and minimize the chance of deposition on the walls of the stock line. Chemicals added with a quill tend to become adequately mixed over a wide range of pre-dilution. The cross-tubes or other structures used for quill injection are a potential site for accumulation of strings of fibers that later may break off and get into the product. Over time the surfaces of quill equipment tend to become polished due to the abrasive action of the furnish. It has been suggested that severe abrasion may eventually cause quill parts to come loose and damage other parts of the paper machine.

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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 .