Method of using a high consistency slurry containing high levels of crosslinked cellulosic fibers

Abstract

A process of using a high consistency slurry containing high levels of crosslinked cellulosic fibers is described. In the process the fibers in the high consistency slurry are dispersed in a screen with a rotor and the fibers which pass through the through the screen are formed on a foraminous support.

1 . A process for using a high consistency pulp comprising the steps of 
 forming at least one high consistency slurry of cellulosic fibers in an aqueous dispersion medium wherein said cellulosic fibers comprise crosslinked fibers    dispersing said fibers in a screen with a hole diameter of at least 2 mm by means of a rotor in said screen    passing said fibers through said screen    forming said cellulosic fibers on a foraminous support.    
   
   
       2 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the slurry consistency is at least 3 percent.  
   
   
       3 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said high consistency slurry comprises crosslinked cellulosic fibers at a level of at least 40 percent by dry weight of the total fiber in said high consistency slurry.  
   
   
       4 . The process of  claim 3  wherein the crosslinked fibers are present in the slurry at a level of at least 50 percent by dry weight of the total fiber in said high consistency slurry.  
   
   
       5 . The process of  claim 4  wherein the crosslinked fibers are present in the slurry at a level of at least 60 percent by dry weight of the total fiber in said high consistency slurry.  
   
   
       6 . (canceled)  
   
   
       7 . The process of  claim 1  wherein said screen hole diameter is at least 3 mm.  
   
   
       8 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the rotor is lobed.  
   
   
       9 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the rotor is a bump rotor.  
   
   
       10 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the foil rotor.  
   
   
       11 . The process of  claim 10  wherein said foil rotor has from 4 to 10 foils.