Hazardous Dust Solutions Show Promise for Tissue Mills

Dust creates significant problems and risks for tissue mills. As consumer demand for softer, higher quality products have increased, so have the risks for more dust creation and accumulation. Dust and lint in tissue production can negatively impact operational safety, machine productivity and tissue quality. Implementing an effective mitigation program can help keep dangerous dust and lint to a minimum.

“Tissue producers use various approaches to mitigate problems related to dust and lint, including the use of dry strength resins (DSR),” stated Lucyna Pawlowska, Senior Application Specialist at Kemira. “DSR can bind loose cellulose fibers to the tissue sheet and make the sheet surface stronger and less prone to dusting and linting.”

In addition to using an effective DSR, tissue producers need a reliable method for quantifying dust and lint in the tissue sheet. Ms. Pawlowska will discuss a unique test method for quantifying dust on Tuesday, May 3 during the Tissue Track at TAPPICon 2022. Her presentation, Two-Prong Approach to Dust Control in Tissue, addresses why an effective DSR and the ability to quantify dust are two critical factors for a successful dust control program. She will also share case studies demonstrating the effectiveness of a two-pronged approached.

Dust Removal
Even with a strong dust control program, dust and lint can still accumulate in a paper manufacturing facility. Typically, dust accumulates on horizontal construction frames, crane assemblies and electrical cable support rails. This can create fire hazards and dangers for process lines underneath and threaten the safety of workers. Traditional methods for removing dust such as using scissor lifts and scaffolds can also be dangerous. A recent and creative alternative option is the utilization of drone technology.

“This new technology uses an integrated heavy-duty blower to remove dust. It is further equipped with sets of batteries which enable continuous flying and cleaning,” commented Bobby Hyde of Valmet. Hyde will demonstrate this new technology at TAPPICon 2022. His presentation, Safe and Clean Dust Removal in Tissue Mills Utilizing Drone Technology, is part of the Tissue Track and provides an overview of the features, benefits and initial results from drone cleaning methods in Tissue mills.

Tissue Track at TAPPICon 2022
TAPPICon 2022, May 1-4, 2022 in Charlotte, N.C., offers tissue professionals from across the supply chain the opportunity to meet and discuss issues, new advancements/technologies, and strategies for future success. The Conference includes a peer-reviewed tissue program featuring a mix of technical content and business insights.The 2022 Tissue program includes over 22 technical presentations focused on key areas:

Processes
Converting
Equipment
Water & Steam
Project Management
Tissue Structure

View the full 2022 Tissue Program

TAPPICon 2022 is designed to help mills identify technology solutions which address industry challenges often intensified by recruitment and retention issues. In addition to tissue, the Technical Conference addresses critical topics affecting nonwovens, paper, recycled paperboard, reliability & maintenance, women in industry and young professionals. The theme for TAPPICon 2022 is “Racing Towards a Smart Future.”

For questions about the Tissue track at TAPPICon 2022, please visit TAPPICon.org or contact Tissue Division Manager Hannah Peterson via email or by phone at 770-209-7243.

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