Apparatus for liquid-based fiber separation

Abstract

An apparatus for treating fibrous material is disclosed. The apparatus may include a fiber separator, a de-liquefier, a dry-to-wet blender and a flash dryer. The fiber separator may be a liquid-based fiber separator. The de-liquefier is for removing liquid from the fibrous material. The blender downstream, which may be a dry-to-wet blender, is for adding a dry material to the de-liquefied fibrous material. The de-liquefier and a dry-to-wet blender are downstream from the fiber separator and the dry-to-wet blender may be downstream from the de-liquefier. The flash dryer, which is even further downstream, is for drying the treated fibrous material.

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         57 . A method for treating fibrous material, said method consisting of the steps of: 
 (a) providing a fibrous material precursor to a liquid-based fiber separator for substantially separating the fibrous material into individual fibers to create a fibrous material slush;    (b) removing at least a portion of the liquid from said fibrous material slush to yield a fibrous material;    (c) blending a dry material with said fibrous material to yield a treated fibrous material; and    (d) drying said treated fibrous material substantially separated into individual fibers in its separated state.    
     
     
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