TAPPI / ISO MANUAL/SEMIAUTOMATIC SHEET FORMING MACHINE - OpTest

For the production of standard paper sheets (Ø 159 mm / 6 ¼ inch). 24 grams of pulp are diluted in 2000 ml of distilled or deionized water and disintegrated in a standard disintegrator. Once disintegrated, water is added to a total of 8 liters. By gently shaking the suspension, 400 ml are extracted for each sheet to be manufactured.
To form a sheet of paper, the forming cylinder is half filled and the prepared sample is poured. Using the "Fill" switch, water is introduced up to the upper mark of the cylinder. Stop filling by acting on the switch again.
After that, acting on the "Agitation" switch, air is injected to stir the suspension. After the agitation time has elapsed, stop it by acting on the switch again.
Wait 5 seconds before acting on the "Drain" switch to evacuate the water. This evacuation by gravity, causes a small vacuum with which a greater amount of water is eliminated from the sheet of paper itself.
By means of the blotting paper and the roller, the formed sheet of paper is pulled out. We carry out this process as many times as sheets of test paper are needed in the laboratory.
The sheets obtained in the former are pressed with a laboratory press and subsequently dried, being ready to be tested.