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

Silo

When papermakers use the term "silo" they are usually referring to a white water chest within the primary flow circuit of a paper machine. The function of a silo is to provide substantially bubble-free water to the fan pump. The idea is that bubbles larger than a critical size will rise rapidly enough to stay ahead of the current, reach the surface, and pop. Often it is necessary to use an adequate amount of defoamer chemical so that very small bubbles coallesce into larger bubbles. The silo also provides sufficient volume such that there is always enough water to respond to momentary changes in the demand for dilution water.

Request from the webmaster: Our goals include brevity and accuracy. Hopefully we have succeeded with the first goal without sacrificing the second. Please let us know right away if you find an error or omition. Also, please indicate points that need a clearer description.

RETURN TO INDEX PAGE OF ENCYCLOPEDIA

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