OPERATION MANUAL. Fiber Quality Analyzer Code LDA02

Transcription

1 OPERATION MANUAL Fiber Quality Analyzer Code LDA02

2 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY Manufacturer s Name: Manufacturer s Address: OpTest Equipment Inc. 900 Tupper St. Hawkesbury, ON Canada K6A 3S3 Declares that the product: Fiber Quality Analyzer [Code LDA02] Conforms to the following standards: EMC: EN (IEC Standards: CISPR , CISPR , CISPR , CISPR 22 - Class A) Following the provisions of Council Directive 89/336/EEC (EMC). Roland Trepanier, President Supplementary Information: Warning: This is a class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

3 OpTest Equipment Inc. 900 Tupper, Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada K6A 3S3 Phone: (613) Fax: (613) The Fiber Quality Analyzer Code LDA Bit Software Operation Manual Version 1.5-BSVCF, Release RK837 Table of Contents 1.0 OPTEST PRODUCT CODE LDA SERIAL NUMBER DESCRIPTION Overview Fiber Properties Measured by the FQA Fiber Length Fiber Width Fiber Coarseness Fiber Curl and Kink Operating Principles The Optics Box The Flow Cell The Light Source and Polarizers The CCD Camera Equipment Specifications SERVICES REQUIRED LIST OF EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED WITH THE FIBER QUALITY ANALYZER UNPACKING AND SET-UP Installation Site Connections Start-Up Procedure Set-Up Menu PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION Initial System Check Performance Check SAMPLE PREPARATION Dry Pulp Samples SAMPLE IDENTIFICATION TEST PROCEDURE Saving Electronic Data Files and Printing Results Purge Graph and Print Settings Menu Results Output Format Fiber Count Limit Dilution Changing Test Limits Values of Factory Set Test Limits Selecting and Creating Predefined Settings Coarseness HW/SW Mix Shive Analysis Vessel Element Analysis Interpretation of Results Reported Fiber Length Reported % Fines Reported Fiber Curl Reported Fiber Kink Reported Fiber Width Reported Shives Results Reported Vessel Elements Results Capture Mode i -

4 11.0 OPTIONAL EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION Network Connection Pathway Using a USB Memory Device SAFETY MAINTENANCE & SERVICE RECOMMENDED SPARE PARTS WARRANTY APPENDIX 1 - ISO Coarseness Testing Method APPENDIX 2 - Hardwood/Softwood Mix Calculation APPENDIX 3 - Drawings APPENDIX 4 - Literature Summary Flow Sheets on How Fiber Characteristics Impact Paper Properties APPENDIX Preparing the Rayon Fiber Calibration Check Samples for the FQA Preparing Samples for the Measurement of Curl and Kink on the FQA APPENDIX 6 - Network Information Questionnaire APPENDIX 7 - Re-Install Operating System and FQA Software APPENDIX 8 - Installing a USB Memory Device if the HiRes FQA does not Recognize It ii -

5 Page OPTEST PRODUCT CODE LDA SERIAL NUMBER: 3.0 DESCRIPTION 3.1 Overview The OpTest Laboratory Fiber Quality Analyzer (FQA) is an instrument which rapidly, accurately and automatically measures the quality of cellulose fibers. The fiber qualities measured by the laboratory FQA are:! Fiber length! Fiber width! Coarseness! Fiber curl! Fiber kink! % Fines! Shive Analysis! Vessels Elements Coarseness along with Hardwood/Softwood Ratio, plus Shive Analysis and Vessel Element Analysis are software options that are available. How the FQA measures fiber qualities is described in Section 3.2 of this manual. For a description of how these fiber characteristics affect paper properties please refer to Appendix 4. The FQA is a fully integrated system which contains optics, control and measurement electronics, as well as pneumatic and liquid systems. One of the unique features of the FQA is its patented flow cell [1] which is fouling and plugging resistant. This feature enables the FQA to characterize fibers in mill flows containing contaminants such as ink, extractives and pitch. For details on the design of the flow cell refer to Section of this manual. The FQA is controlled by a touch screen with user friendly menus. The operator can select the desired result output and can obtain mean fiber length as an arithmetic (L N ), length weighted (L W ), and weight weighted average (L WW ), the mean fiber width, the Curl Index as an arithmetic mean (CI N ), the length weighted mean (CI w ), the average Kink Index (KI) and the mean kink angle (θ). Distribution histograms and tables for each parameter are also available. For details on how the FQA calculates these reported values refer to Section 3.2 of this manual. The data can be printed, saved onto memory stick devices, or transmitted via an RG45 ethernet connection to an external computer or a mill-wide data acquisition system. For details on the transfer of data to an external computer refer to Section 11.0 of this manual. The FQA software is located on the C: hard drive. Results files can be saved on the D: (data drive). The results data D: drive can be accessed via a network connection. For details on how to set-up the FQA to transfer information from the D: drive refer to Sections & Files can also be saved to a memory stick or to a remote computer using a transfer path. 3.2 Fiber Properties Measured by the FQA Fiber Length: Fiber length is an important fiber characteristic which impacts paper properties. An increase in fiber length can increase the tear, tensile and folding resistance of paper. Also, an increase in fiber length can have negative impacts, such as increasing the risk of flocculation which can decrease formation quality. For more information on how fiber length affects paper properties refer to Appendix 4. There are two ways of measuring fiber length; true contour length ( L ) 1 Olson, J.A., Robertson, A.G., Finnigan,T.D., Turner, R.R.H., An Analyzer for Fibre Shape and Length, JPPS 21(11) p.j367 (1995)

6 Page 2 or projected length ( l ). The Fiber Quality Analyzer (FQA) measures and reports the true contour length of the fiber, L. The contour length, L and the projected length, l are very similar for straight fibers. But L and l are very different for curled fibers Fiber Width Individual fibre widths are reported to an accuracy of 1 μm. The HiRes FQA optical pixel resolution for width is 7 μm. However, at the edges of a fiber, the software uses a dithering technique that takes into account fractional pixel sizes. The width of each fiber is measured multiple times along its length Fiber Coarseness (Optional) Fiber coarseness measured by the laboratory FQA is defined as the mass of oven dried (OD) weight of pulp in mg divided by the total contour fiber length, L T, (m) of all the fibers measured by the FQA, during a coarseness test. Coarseness (mg/m) = Mass of oven dried fiber tested (mg) Fiber Total x Ln (mm) x 1m/1000 mm where: Total fiber length, L T (m) = Fiber Total x Ln (mm) x 1m/1000mm Fiber Curl and Kink Fiber curl and kink are important fiber characteristics which impact paper properties. An increase in fiber curl and kink (all other factors held constant) has positive and negative impacts on paper properties: 1) Positive Impacts: Curl and kink increase out-of-plane tear, bulk, wet web stretch, porosity and absorbency of paper. These properties are desirable to towelling and tissue mills. 2) Negative Impacts: Curl and kink decrease tensile strength, burst, and bending stiffness. These properties are very undesirable for high speed paper machines. For more information on how fiber curl affects paper properties refer to Appendix 4. Definition of Curl Index: Curl is the gradual and continuous curvature of a fiber. The FQA reports curl as an index. The definition of Curl Index (CI) is the ratio of the true contour length L of the fiber divided by the projected length, l of the fiber minus 1. The curl index is calculated for each individual fiber. Curl Index (CI ): Cl = L - 1 l

7 Page 3 If L = 2.3 mm and l = 1.9 mm then: CI = 2.3 mm - 1 = mm Definition of Kink Index: Kink is the abrupt change in fiber curvature. The most widely used definition for Kink is Kibblewhite s equation. Kibblewhite found that large kinks in fibers had more impact on paper properties i.e. tensile, tear than small kinks. Therefore, Kibblewhite s equation places more weight (importance) on the kinks with higher angles (severity of kink). For more information on how fiber kink affects paper properties, refer to Appendix 4. Sample Calculation for Overall Kink Index: For simplicity, the example given below only uses 2 fibers. Each of the fibers shown below, have 4 kinked spots on them. Each kink angle on the fibers, will fall in to one of the 4 bins in Kibblewhite s equation. Fiber 1: Number of kinks with angles between o, N (21-45) = 2 Number of kinks with angles between o, N (46-90) = 1 Number of kinks with angles between o, N (91-180) = 0 L for fiber 1 = 3.2 mm Fiber 2: Number of kinks with angles between o, N (21-45) = 2 Number of kinks with angles between o, N (46-90) = 2 Number of kinks with angles between o, N (91-180) = 0 L for fiber 2 = 3.6 mm Kink Index = [ 2(4) + 3(3) + 4(0) ] = 2.50 ( ) mm (For the above fibers) When calculating the overall kink index, all the fibers are grouped together in the one term. However, the FQA does provide a distribution table that shows the kink index for individual fibers, refer to Section 10.1 on how to print out the kink distribution table. NOTE: Fiber Quality Analyzer uses a modified form of Kibblewhite s equation. Thus the FQA reports kink index according to the following equation. Kink Index = [ 2N (21-45) + 3N (46-90) + 4N (91-180) ] L total Definition of Average Total Kink Angle: The sum of the Total Kink Angle for each fiber (where kink angles are greater than 20 degrees) divided by the total number of fibres longer than 0.5 mm. For example: Fibers 1 & 2 have an Average Kink Angle = ( ) + ( ) = 176 o 2

8 Page Operating Principles The Optics Box The optics box is the heart of the Fiber Quality Analyzer (FQA) and requires minimal maintenance. Special training and knowledge in optics is required before making any changes to an optics box. This means maintenance of this portion of the equipment needs to be handled strictly by the supplier. The optics box in the FQA contains the following components: - The flow cell - Light source - Circular Polarizing Filters - CCD Camera The Flow Cell The flow cell consists of three ports at the bottom of the flow cell, Figure 3-1. Fibers immersed in clean water enter the centre port at the bottom of the flow cell. The fibers entering the center port pass through a thin planar channel. This channel helps to gently orient the fiber 2-dimensionally (without affecting their shape), so that the fiber is fully viewed by the camera. High quality water enters the two side ports at the bottom of the flow cell. These planes of water sandwich the thin plane containing the fiber. The purpose of these two layers of pure water is to: (a) help to orient the fiber and (b) protect the flowcell from contaminants, making the flowcell fouling resistant. Exit from flow cell > Flow cell window > Water sheath flow entrance > Fibre in water entrance > Water sheath flow entrance > Figure 3-1: Sketch of the FQA flow cell design The Light Source and Polarizers The far-red spectrum light source is located on the left hand side of the flow cell, Figure 3-2. The far-red spectrum light passes through a circular polarizing filter. The polarized light then passes through the window of the flow cell. If the polarized light strikes a fiber, a phase shift will occur which will allow the light to pass through the second circular polarizing filter and reach the camera located on the right hand side of the flow cell. Only highly organized crystalline structures (i.e. cellulose in fibers), are able to cause a phase shift in circular polarized light. Therefore the FQA will not detect inks, pitch, scale etc. that would otherwise affect results.

9 Page 5 Figure 3-2: Profile view of the FQA optics box The CCD Camera The CCD camera and light source are matched to minimizing noise. The camera pixels are zero cross talk, (which means when one pixel is excited it does not affect any of the adjacent pixels), zero defect, with 256 grey levels, and a pixel resolution of 7 μm for width, and 14 μm for length. It is vital that dust not be allowed to enter the optics box. Under no circumstances should the screws for the lid of the optics box be removed. All work on the optics box needs to be done by a fully trained OpTest representative. 3.4 Equipment Specifications The Fiber Quality Analyzer was originally developed as a joint effort between the University of British Columbia, PAPRICAN Vancouver and OpTest. OpTest commercialized the FQA in 1993 and would like to thank these establishments for their excellent research support and validation studies. Hardware: The sensor unit incorporates the optics, the detector, the interface boards and the processor which collects and analyzes the fiber images. Features:! CCD detector with zero cross talk, 256 grey levels, and a 7μm/pixel width, 14μm/pixel length resolution! 100 mm² field of view! Diffuse illuminator with solid-state components for precision, reliability and ease of maintenance. Software Features:! All menus are operated from the touch screen! The sensor image is displayed on screen during the test! 70 μm is the minimum default fiber or fine length reported! 41 μm is the minimum fiber or fine size reported! Reports average width to 1 μm using pixel fraction dithering! Results can be sent to a network, host computer and/or to an optional printer! Supports a library of optional printers: HP Laser Jet, HP Desk Jet and Epson dot matrix or equivalent printers which emulate their fonts and graphics, using Windows 2000 printer drivers.

10 Page SERVICES REQUIRED Power: The FQA requires 120 Volts at 60 Hz or 240 Volts at 50 Hz, single phase, 700 watt minimum. The equipment must be supplied with power that is stable, within ± 5% and with transients less than 10%. NOTE: These stated power requirements do not include the printer or other accessories. Water: Supply clean, mineral free water (less than 50 mg/l residue after evaporation) with a min. pressure of 275 kpa (40 psi) to a max. pressure of 600 kpa (87 psi), air-free (less than 0.05% free and bound air by volume), min 150 kpa (22 psi) filtered at 5 microns or less. Ensure that connections to FQA are made with braided hose that can withstand these pressures. Drain: Air: A drain at least six inches (6"/18 cm) below the level of the FQA drain outlet. Clean compressed instrument air (oil and water free) regulated to 690 KPa (100 psi). 5.0 LIST OF EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED WITH THE FIBER QUALITY ANALYZER A. Sensor unit (P/N 87000) B. Sample Beakers (2) (P/N ) C. Filter Cartridges (2) (P/N ) D. Instruction Manual E. Calibration Check Fiber (P/N ) NOTE: The customer must supply a printer in order to make print-out copies of the results. See Section UNPACKING AND SET-UP 1. BEFORE REMOVING THE CONTENTS, VISUALLY INSPECT THE CRATE FOR DAMAGE, WHICH MAY HAVE OCCURRED DURING TRANSPORT. REPORT ANY DAMAGE TO THE TRANSPORT COMPANY IMMEDIATELY. 2. Remove the screws on the front side flap. Once the screws have been removed the front and top sides can be opened by folding the carton backwards. 3. All sustained or suspected damage should be reported to the carrier immediately. 4. Two persons must remove the FQA from the box. The unit must be held on the underside of the stainless steel tank and under the base. CAUTION: Never lift the unit by the rear fittings. This may cause serious damage to the instrument. 5. Remove the foam behind the LCD screen (save for re-packing). 6. Allow the entire unit to reach room temperature before turning it on. 6.1 Installation Site Place the equipment in a level, vibration-free location near an air supply, water supply, and a drain.

11 Page Connections Air Pressure: Water Supply: Connect a 1/4" OD polyethylene tube to the air input. This connection is in the middle of the lower right service shelf while looking at the rear of the instrument, see Figure 6-1. A quick connect fitting is supplied for connection to a 3/8" ID hose, Figure 6-1. To release the connector, depress the metal latch and pull off the coupling. Ensure that the hose is rated for the water pressure in the line and that a gear clamp is used at the connector end. The pressure must be between 150 and 600 kpa (22-78 psi). Connect the water supply to the plug labelled "water" at the rear of the unit. WARNING: ENSURE THAT THE WATER SUPPLY CONNECTION IS PROPERLY MADE. WATER MUST NOT ENTER THE PNEUMATIC OR DRAIN SYSTEM! Drain: A drain hose assembly is provided with the FQA. The assembly consists of a ½" quick connect fitting coupled to a 3/8" quick connect fitting. Connect the 3/8" fitting to the plug labelled drain on the service shelf and the ½" fitting to the ball valve at the rear of the tank, Figure 6-1. Place a ½" hose on the barbed tee and lead it to a floor drain. The drain must be at least six inches below the level of the FQA drain outlet. Cable Connections: If an optional printer is to be used, then connect the optional printer cable to the DB25 female receptacle labelled "printer" at the rear of the FQA or use the USB connector if the printer is equipped with one. Ensure that your printer is listed in Setup Menu described in Section 6.4. Please see Sections 6.4 and 11.0 for details on setting up communications to a memory stick, an external computer or network. 6.3 Start-Up Procedure 1. Connect the FQA to an air supply, water supply and drain, as illustrated in Figure Plug in the power cable. (i)turn the power on by flipping the small rocker switch on the back of the unit. (ii)then press the larger momentary switch "SW8" located on the lower left when facing the rear of the instrument. The monitor will light up and the program will start automatically at the Main Menu, Figure 6-2. NOTE: If the screen saver comes on, press any portion of the touch screen and the Main Menu will be restored. 3. Once the water is made available to the unit and it is verified that water is flowing to the unit open the water tank manual drain valve and allow water to flow through the input filter for 10 minutes. 4. Close the water tank manual drain valve and allow the FQA water tank to fill up. This takes approximately 5 minutes. NOTE: Make sure the drain for the FQA tank is fully closed otherwise the water tank will not fill. 5. When the FQA is first powered up, after a few moments, the Start-Up Main Menu will be displayed, Figure 6-2. Please note that the Measure button on the Main Menu will not function when you first start up the unit. Only the HELP, SET-UP and CHECK buttons will function. 6. Press the CHECK button. This will bring up a box with two buttons. One to START the CHECK, and the other to CANCEL, Figure 6-9. Press the CANCEL button to bring the full Main Menu with all the buttons active as shown in Figure Press the SET-UP button on the Main Menu. This will bring the Set-Up Menu on to the screen, Figure 6-4. In the Set-Up Menu there are fifteen buttons displayed including a Return Arrow button. Press the IO Board button. The I/O Work Bench screen is displayed, Figure 6-5. It shows a list and the status of a number of inputs and outputs. When the indicators for the top and bottom level sensor inputs (No. 2 and 3) are both red, then the water tank is full. Press the return arrow button to go back to the Set-Up Menu screen.

12 Page 8 Figure 6-1: Hosing connections to the laboratory FQA 8. To remove air from the OUT filter housing: Locate the red air escape button on top of the filter housing lid at the back of the FQA. Press the filter De-air button on the Set-Up Menu. A small window will appear with the message: Please insert an empty beaker and press OK when ready, press the red button on the output filter until water comes out. Insert the empty beaker, press OK, and the red air escape button on the filter. If the beaker becomes full before all the output filter air is removed, a message will appear The beaker is full. Touch the OK button, and empty the beaker. If water did not leak out through the red button, put the empty beaker back on the beaker holder. Press the filter De-air button a second time, and press OK, and the red air escape button on the filter again. 9. To flush the system: Press the Flush button. A small window will appear with the message Please insert a beaker half filled with clean water in the beaker holder, and press OK. Water will travel up the flow cell, and the beaker will fill at the same time. Allow the water to circulate for 5 minutes, and press the stop button. Press the Return Arrow button on the Set-Up screen to bring the Main Menu back to the screen, Figure 6-3.

13 Page 9 Figure 6-2: Main Menu 10. Press the MEASURE button on the Main Menu, Figure 6-3. A Sample Identification Menu will now appear, Figure 9-2. Press any character on the keyboard displayed on the screen. After at least one character has been entered on the first line, press the OK key. The Select Test Limit Settings Menu, Figure 10-1, should now be displayed. 11. From the list of Predefined Test Settings, select the OpTest Default Test Limit settings, and press the OK button. The FQA Start Test Menu Figure 10-3 is displayed. 12. Place an empty beaker in the beaker holder, and touch the PURGE button. A Dialogue Box will appear. Press the START button in the dialogue box. The system will purge itself, and the beaker will fill with water. 13. Place a clean beaker containing 600 ml of clean water in the FQA beaker holder. Press the START button, Figure The beaker holder will raise the beaker, and the water will travel up the uptake tube, and up the flowcell. This will remove any air that may be located in the tubing leading to the FQA flowcell. 14. When the water level is below the bottom beaker level probe the test will stop automatically, the beaker holder will lower the beaker, and there will be 100 ml left in the beaker. A box with three buttons will appear, Figure Select the PREVIOUS button, and the Main Menu will appear. 15. Repeat Steps 10, 11, and Place a clean beaker containing 600 ml of clean water in the FQA beaker holder. The water used should be the same water the mill will use to dilute the pulp samples for testing in the FQA. Press the START button, Figure This will check the quality of the dilution water. If the total fiber count is greater than 100 for a 600 ml beaker please contact the Service department at OpTest. 17. Before running any fibre measurement tests, ensure that the power has been on for at least 3 hours after the instrument has reached room temperature. Touch the CHECK button in the Main Menu and initiate a system check. For details on how to run a system check refer to Section 7.0.

14 Page 10 Figure 6-3: Main Menu 6.4 Set-Up Menu Set-Up Menu: From the Main Menu touch the SET-UP button on the screen, Figure 6-3. The Set-Up Menu will appear, Figure 6-4. Changing the Time and Date To change the date and time touch the Time and Date button. A window with a clock and calendar will appear which can be updated. Selecting a Printer To select a printer, touch the Printer button. A window will appear, and a printer can be selected, or a new printer may be added to the list. To select the Printer [driver] listed in the Printer Set-Up window, touch the desired printer icon, touch File, then Set as Default Printer. A small black circle with a white check mark identifies which printer has been selected. Set-Up for Data Transfer to an External Computer via a Network The operator may choose to use an external computer or data acquisition system to store and analyse the data with third party software (i.e. EXCEL). See Section 11.0 for hardware set-up information. Set-Up for Data Transfer using the USB port For details on how to save to a memory stick refer to Section Set-Up for Data Transfer to the Hard Drive The FQA can save results data onto the hard D: drive in the data folder, see Section 10.1 Saving Electronic Data Files and Printing Results. Water Tank Refill The status of the upper, lower, and overflow level sensors in the tank are displayed in the list of inputs on the I/O Work Bench screen, Figure 6-5. If the indicators are red, water is in contact with the sensor. If an indicator is grey, no water is in contact with that sensor. The tank will automatically start to refill when the half-full position is reached. The tank does not refill during fibre analysis. The operator can choose to refill the tank at any time by touching the 8 - Tank Refill

15 Page 11 button located in the list of Outputs. A black tick mark will appear. The operator can stop the refill by touching the 8 - Tank Refill button a second time. Figure 6-4: Set-up Menu Parameters Figure 6-5: I/O Work Bench screen The Parameters button displays the Parameters screen. There is no need to change the parameter values unless a new parameter is added in new releases of software. An access code is required to allow changes to be made. In such a case please call OpTest service for information on how to change parameter values. Touch the button with the lock. A menu with an electronic keyboard will appear. To change the parameter values, OpTest personnel will ask for the code already displayed in the left side of the screen and provide a corresponding access code to enter. Each time the Parameters screen appears, the displayed code changes so a different access code would be required in order to change parameter values.

16 Page 12 Show CCD Button This feature will allow the user to determine if: a) There is a fiber stuck in the window of the flow cell b) Any of the light emitting diodes from the diffuse light source have aged excessively. With the polarizers in place, the screen should appear uniformly dark under normal conditions. If there is a bright spot a fiber has become stuck in the window and the operator should do at least 4 purges to try to flush the flow cell out. If the problem persists, contact your local service representative or the Service department at OpTest Equipment. It is possible to view the screen without the polarizers in place, turn the LED s on and off as well as illuminate one LED at a time, and check illumination levels. Service Report Touching the Service Print Report button will cause a four page report to be printed. The report contains current and target light levels for the LED s in the light source. A list of 101 parameters, and their values is printed as well. Software Add-on Button This button is used to activate add-on software that has been purchased. Additional software that is available includes: Vessel Element Testing, Shive Analysis, Coaseness plus HWD/SWD Ratio testing, and AutoFeeder software. Each HiRes FQA has a unique Master Key. After submitting the Master Key to the service department, a corresponding code will be issued that will enable the additional purchased software to operate. Figure 6-6. Figure 6-6: Add-on Software Menu Lock Button Touching the lock button brings up the Lock Menu screen, Figure 6-7. In this Menu screen it is possible to make certain buttons inoperative or limit access to certain areas of the HiRes FQA software program. It is also possible to change the password. The initial start-up password is OPTEST. To change the password, touch the first window, and use the electronic keyboard to delete the current password. Type in the desired new password, and retype it in the Confirm window and press OK. The following describes what becomes locked for each possible selection.

17 Page 13 Setup: The following five buttons become inoperative: - Time and Date - Printer - IO Board - AutoFeeder - Lock Selection Settings: Locking the Settings fixes the Test Limits used for each test, so that they can no longer be changed. The following selections in the Settings Selection Menu Section 10.1 are fixed: - The Delete and Add Settings buttons, Figure The Modify Settings button, Figure The Test Limits Settings Menu, Figure 10-9 and the Lock Button in the Setup Menu is inoperative. Results Settings Locking the Results Settings makes the print selections constant. Each print-out will have the same number of pages, tables or graphs selected to print and will use the same print limit settings. The following selections in the Graph and Print Settings Menu Section 10.3 are fixed: - The Change Print Settings button is disabled, Section 10.3, Figure 10-9 and the Lock Button in the Setup Menu is inoperative. To choose any of the three possible lock selections, in the Lock Menu Figure 6-7, touch the small box beside it, and a black tic mark will appear. To deselect touch the small box to remove the tic mark. Confirm the password, and press OK after making the desired selection. Figure 6-7: Lock Menu When any lock selection has been made, a small key icon will appear in the top right hand corner of the Menu screens. Figures 6-4 & 10.1 show the key icon. The lock selections can be removed by touching the key button, and entering the password in the screen that automatically appears, Figure 6-8.

18 Page 14 Modify Header Button Figure 6-8: Unlock Screen To change the header, which appears at the very top of the printed results, touch the Modify Header Button, Figure 6-9. The Header window with a keyboard will appear allowing the header lines to be changed. For details on how to use the touch screen video keyboard refer to Section 9.0. Figure 6-9: Header Screen

19 Page PERFORMANCE VERIFICATION The Fiber Quality Analyzer has been calibrated at the factory and will not require calibration during normal use. Automatic diagnostic routines periodically check the equipment calibration and will warn the operator if service is required. NOTE: Before the first use of the system, the operator must perform a System Check. 7.1 Initial System Check During a System Check, several diagnostic routines take place automatically. The Led light levels are checked, and the flow rates are measured. 1) Ensure that the power is on for at least 3 hours after the instrument has reached room temperature. 2) Perform a water blank Section 6-2, step 16 so that flow rate measurements can be made. 3) Press the CHECK button in the Main Menu. The instrument will then request that a beaker of clean filtered water be inserted into the beaker holder, Figure ) Fill a clean beaker with the filtered water used for diluting pulp samples. 5) Select the Print Report option. A tic mark will appear in the box. 6) After the system check, a one page report will print automatically. Should a problem exist the operator will be warned. Send a copy of the results to the nearest service representative or to the OpTest service department. 7.2 Performance Check Figure 6-10: System Check Ensure that the power is on for at least 3 hours after the instrument has reached room temperature. A rayon fiber check pulp sample has been provided to check the operation of the FQA. Place a small amount of the fiber into a beaker (approximately the size of a pencil tip). Add 600 ml of water to the beaker. Follow the procedure outlined in Section Ensure that the EPS is in the 20 to 40 range. The average length Ln, and Lw should be within the tolerances indicated on the bottle. NOTE: Do not over use the rayon sample! Only a very small amount (the size of a pencil tip per 600 ml beaker) is necessary for this check. Performance checks are usually made once every 100 hrs of use.

20 Page SAMPLE PREPARATION The aim is to achieve a fiber frequency of events per second (EPS) during the test depending on the type of pulp. As a rule of thumb, if the Lw for a given pulp is below 1.3 mm, the desirable EPS range is For pulps with Lw greater than 1.3 mm dilute in such a way as to target an EPS range of The EPS value is displayed in the Measure Menu. At the EPS ranges given above, the fiber concentrations run in the FQA will be approximately 2 mg/l for whole softwoods and 0.75 mg/l for whole hardwoods. These values are only guidelines as the exact sample weight is dependent on wood species and treatment the fibers have undergone. Never-dried pulps are preferred for fiber quality analysis. This is because disintegration and beating of dried samples can affect fiber shape and fines content [2,3]. The system will not allow a test to take place if the EPS is above the maximum at the appropriate operating range. The unit will stop the test and an error message Fiber frequency too high will be displayed in a dialogue box on the screen Figure WARNING! No organic solvents, alcohols, or caustic agents should be mixed with the pulp sample. These agents can damage the binding agent and/or the plastic used in the flowcell. If the customer wishes to use organic solvents, alcohols or caustic chemicals please contact OpTest to discuss this issue prior to running any such tests on the FQA. 8.1 Dry Pulp Samples If the operator is interested in fiber curl and kink measurements, try to use the gentlest form of disintegration possible. The gentler the disintegration, the less likely fiber shape and fines content will be altered [2,3]. It is also important to remember that if fiber curl and kink comparisons are made to other samples, that exactly the same sample preparation technique should be used on all the samples being compared. For difficult to disintegrate samples, use TAPPI T 205 or PAPTAC C4 "Forming Handsheets for Physical Test of Pulp" to disperse a sample of pulp in a disintegrator. Dry pulp samples must be disintegrated without cutting or damaging the fibers. Never cut the samples from the sheet! Cutting shortens the fibers. The sample should be gently pulled away from a wet sheet after the sheet has been soaked in clean water for at least 4 hours. All cut edges (sides of the sheet) should be discarded. Make sure that fibers are properly separated, and that no fiber bundles or fiber-to-fiber bonds remain in the sample. Dilute a part of the sample to verify that it is completely dispersed. If it is, dilute the sample to the necessary testing concentration, or EPS value. 2 Mohlin, U-B., Dahlborn, J., Fibre Deformation and Sheet Strength, Tappi 79(6) p. 105 (1996) 3 Page, D., Seth, R., Jordon, B., Papermaking Raw Materials:Tansactions of the 8th Fund. Res. Sym. Oxford (1985) p.183

21 Page SAMPLE IDENTIFICATION From the Main Menu enter the testing routine by touching the MEASURE button. A video keyboard automatically will appear, Figure 9-1. Touch any of the blank rows, and type in the sample identification information. A File Prefix can be added. The File Prefix will appear as part of the electronic results files that are saved. Once the sample identification information has been typed in, press the OK button to proceed to the next menu. For details on how to start a test refer to Section 10.0 of this manual. How to Make Changes to Sample Identification Information: To modify one of the four lines, touch the desired line. To delete one character at a time, use the 7 (back space) button in the upper right hand corner of the keyboard. To delete all the characters on a line, use the *Z (delete) button in the second row on the right side of the keyboard. To delete the complete sample ID, press the eraser button. It is possible to return to the Main Menu at any time, by pressing the i(cancel) button. Figure 9-1: Sample Identification Keyboard Storing Frequently Used Sample Identification Titles: Sample identifications can be stored and retrieved for frequently used names. To load a previously stored Sample Identification touch the LOAD button; to store the current Sample Identification touch the STORE button. An Identification Index screen will appear, that contains the LOAD/STORE TABLE Figure 9-2. If you are loading a previously stored sample ID, touch one of the 12 bars containing the desired name. If you are storing a new name, touch a blank bar or overwrite an existing name by touching the desired bar.

22 Page 18 Figure 9-2: Identification Index a sample identification example

23 Page TEST PROCEDURE How to Start a Test: Once the sample identification information has been entered the FQA Settings Selection Menu screen will appear, Figure For details on how to enter the sample identification information refer to Section 9. Select the settings from the list of Predefined settings. Additional Preferred settings can be created for particular pulp samples. For details on adding or deleting additional preferred settings refer to Changing Test Limits Section After pressing the OK button, the Test Menu Figure 10-3 will appear. Place the beaker filled with the sample in the beaker holder and touch the START button, or place a partially filled beaker in the beaker holder, and press the FILL & START button Figure The beaker holder will raise the beaker. A flow stabilization sequence will start, then the sample will be drawn up the intake tube, and into the flowcell for analysis. Figure 10-1: FQA Select Test Limit Settings Menu Figure 10-2: FQA Select Test Limit Settings Menu to test the total beaker

24 Page 20 Figure 10-3: FQA Start Test Menu Auto Dilution: If the measured concentration is higher than 60 fibers per second, and below 180 fibers per second, then the volume of excess sample to remove will be calculated and removed, then water will be added to dilute the remainder of the sample. The test will then automatically take place. Beaker Concentration too High: If the fiber concentration in the beaker is too high, (greater than 180 fibers per second) a warning message will appear, Figure Divide the sample in the beaker, and dilute the sample portion. Refer to Section 8.0 Sample Preparation. How to Stop a Test: Figure 10-4: High Fiber Frequency warning The FQA will stop a test if any one of the following three things occurs: a) The STOP button has been touched b) Or the beaker is drained.

25 Page 21 c) Or the total fiber count selected has been reached. The total fiber count can be increased in the Settings selection menu, Figure To decrease the Fiber Limit associated with a Settings selection refer to the Fiber Count Limit Section If the test was stopped by pressing the STOP button or stopped because the beaker was empty, the operator will be given the following options, Figure 10-5: a) Press the RESULTS button. This stops testing and the final test results are tabulated. b) Press the PREVIOUS button. A window will appear with a message, a CANCEL button, and a PREVIOUS button. The message reads Warning all data will be lost! Press cancel to recover data. Press the CANCEL button, and the software returns the previous screen as displayed in Figure The user can select either to display the test result, or to continue the test. Press the PREVIOUS button, the Main Menu will appear, the test has been aborted, and the data is lost. c) Press the CONTINUE button. This continues the test (i.e. if a new beaker containing some more of the same pulp sample is placed in the beaker holder) Figure 10-5: Displayed after a test After selecting and touching the RESULTS button the FQA averaged results will be displayed on the Results Menu screen, Figure Figure 10-6: FQA Results Menu

26 Page 22 Graphs Screen Touching the GRAPHS button allows the user to display one histogram at a time of the following measurements: Ln, Lw, Lww, Curl, Kink, Width, Figure Beside each of the histograms that are displayed, is a window that shows the corresponding numerical values of all the binned data for the measurement. In addition to the individual histograms, it is possible to display a length versus width plot and a bar chart of average widths (plus their standard deviation) for different fibre lengths for the sample that has just been tested. Figure 10-7: Ln Histogram and Binned Data 10.1 Saving Electronic Data Files and Printing Results The TRANSFER Button: When the final test results are displayed on the Results screen, Figure 10-6, touching the TRANSFER button will automatically transfer the data to the Data folder on the D: drive. This drive destination is factory set. If an alternate Transfer Path is used, the data will be transferred there. In order for the Results and Raw data files (Res and Lc) to be saved, Res and Lc under the Transfer heading have to be selected on the Settings Selection Menu Figure When they are selected, tic marks are displayed in the boxes. Files saved on the D:\DATA\ drive can be accessed remotely through a Network Neighbourhood by double clicking on the icon for the HiResFQA., and entering a password. The HiRes FQA icon name is the serial number for the instrument, LDA02xxx. Where xxx is the three digit number unique to each instrument. The Change Transfer Path Button: It is possible to transfer the electronic data files to an alternate drive. This drive may be accessed through a LAN connection, or by memory stick. Memory Stick: Insert a USB memory stick in the instrument. The memory stick will automatically be allocated with the next available drive, e.g. "E". To change the Transfer Path from the "Settings Selection Menu", Figure 10-1, press "MODIFY", this will open the "LIMIT SETTINGS MENU", Figure Select "CHANGE PATH", this will open the "TRANSFER PATH" window, Figure Use the electronic keyboard to enter a new transfer path. For example, to change the transfer path from the internal "D" drive to an external USB stick "E" drive, delete the path setting an retype: E:\. This will save directly to the USB stick. If a directory called "DATA" has already been created on the USB stick then data can be transferred to E:\DATA\. For instructions regarding data transfer using a LAN connection and additional information on using a USB stick please refer to section 11.0.

27 Page 23 Figure 10-8: Change Transfer Path Menu NOTE: more than one Res file can be generated per test. More than one Res file may be saved if the user wishes to change the upper and lower ranges or the bin sizing for the data, Section It is not necessary to test duplicate samples using different measurement limits. If the user wishes to generate several Res files each from the same test result, it will not be necessary to change the sample ID name. Instead, each Res file will automatically be saved with a different file name. Res files have RES as a prefix in their file names. Lc files have LC as a prefix. The file names for both lc and res files contain the day, month, year, hour, min, sec. of when the test was performed plus a 2 digit number. The file names also include any prefix that was included on the Sample ID Menu, Figure 9-1. Each time more than one res file is saved per test, the two digit number at the end of the file name increases. (ie _01.txt, _02.txt, _03.txt, etc.) Automatic Data Transfer: If the Auto transfer selection is made in the Transfer window on the Settings Selection Menu, Figure 10-1 a tic mark will appear, and the data files of each test will be automatically saved when the return button on the Results Menu is pushed, Figure The PRINT Button: The printer needs to have been selected in the Set-Up Menu, Figure 6-4, see Section 6.4 to select a printer. When the final test results are displayed on the Results Menu, Figure 10-6, touching the PRINT button will print the results. Only the data selected in the Print Options Tab Figure in the Options Menu will be printed. The same test results can be reprinted or re-transferred but with several different length, curl and kink range settings (cut-offs), Section The user can generate several print-outs, each from the same test results but with different measurement ranges. The axis limits for the graphs and bin sizes can be changed as well. To make these changes, follow the steps listed below: 1) Press the Settings button in the Result menu, Figure ) Make changes to the measurement ranges for length, curl, kink, width, shives, or vessels by pressing the appropriate tab: Length and Width, Curl and Kink, or Shives and Vessels, Figure and/or 3) Make changes to the graph axis limits, and bin sizes by pressing the Change Print Settings button on the Limit Settings Menu, Figure The Graph and Print Settings Menu will appear, Figure ) Select the appropriate tab: Length Curl and Kink, Shive and Vessels, or Width to make changes to the graph axis limits and bin sizes. The screen for the Length Curl and Kink tab is shown in Figure

28 Page 24 5) Press the return arrow to go back to the Limit Settings Menu, and press the return button to go back to the Results Menu. Press the PRINT button to print out the altered results. 6) Repeat steps 1 through 5 to make any more desired changes to the ranges, axis limits, and bin sizes, and print the altered results Purge The purge sequence is a rigorous cleaning of the FQA. A purge should be done when switching between sample types. It is not necessary to perform a purge if the samples to be tested are from the same species. The purge is also useful in clearing away any debris or air bubbles that may have accumulated on the windows in the imaging path. To purge, simply place an empty beaker on the beaker holder and touch the PURGE button. Press the Start button on the small window that appears. The PURGE button is displayed on the Test Menu and Results Menu screens, Figure 10-3 & Graph and Print Settings Menu Changing the Scale Size and Bin Size on the Histogram Graphs: Touching the GRAPHS button on the Results Menu Figure 10-6 permits the assessment of the number of graphs associated with the test results. (The Shive and Vessel results are options that can be made available.) To adjust the X&Y axis scales, and bin sizes of a graph: 1) Touch the Settings button on the right side of the selected graph. A "Settings" button is shown in Figure 10-7 the Lww histogram. The Graph and Print Settings menu, LENGTH, CURL, KINK tab Figure will appear. 2) If the user wants to adjust the print limits for length, curl, or kink, touch the numerical value of the axis or bin limit for the measurement that the user wants to change, use the numeric keys on the screen to change the axis limit and bin values. Figure After pressing the Return arrow button, the Ln histogram will appear. 3) If the user wants to adjust the print limits of the shive and vessel, or the width graphs, touch the appropriate Change Print Limits tab (either SHIVE AND VESSEL ANALYSIS, or WIDTH) located at the top of the screen, see Figure After pressing the Return arrow button, the Ln histogram will appear. The changes made on the print limits will set the upper and lower limits of each of the x-axis Length, Length Weighted Fiber Length, Weight Weighted Fiber Length, Curl Index, and Kink Index and set the upper limit for each of the y-axis the % Frequency of all the graphs. The Bin Size for each of the graphs can also be changed from the Auto or default setting. For example, in Figure 10-11, the Bin Size for the Length Weighted Fiber Length could be increased from the default Auto setting of 0.05 to 0.10 mm. Each histogram is limited to a maximum of 200 bins. This affects the combination of x-axis print limits, and bin sizes that are selected. Similar changes can be made to the graph limits on the Shive and Vessels screen, and the Width screen. Changes made to the x-axis, and y-axis, limits, and bin sizes will also affect the Tables that are printed out. The changes will also alter the appearance of the software displayed graphs, see Figure The changes made to the Bin Size and x-axis of Length, Width, Curl, and Kink will affect the histogram data that is saved in the electronic Res file. The contents of the Res file reflects the nature of the Print-outs.

29 Page 25 Figure 10-9: FQA Test Limit Settings Menu Figure 10-10: Print Tab

30 Page Results Output Format Figure 10-11: Change Length Curl and Kink Print Limits To select the desired output format touch the Change Print Settings button on the right side of the Test Limits Settings Menu, Figure 10-9, and touch the appropriate button under the Print Table and Graph Print headings which are displayed Figure A check mark will appear next to the chosen format option. To return to the Test Limits Setting Menu, touch the Return Arrow button. The Results Menu Figure 10-6 will appear after touching the Return Arrow button on the Test Limits Setting Menu. Tables and Graphs: If all fifteen fibre measurement Table and Graph selections are made, then the six histogram graphs for Ln, Lw, Lww, curl, kink, and width, plus the two width-length combination graphs and the associated tables will be included in the FQA results print-outs. When a shive analysis has been performed, the three histogram graphs and their associated Tables can be selected and printed as well. A small black check mark will appear next to the button to confirm that the selection was activated. It is possible to pick and choose any combination of Tables and Graphs to be included in the print-out. If none of the items are selected, the print-out will consist of one page of Accumulated Test Results for fibre, (plus a page each for either Shive or Vessel Analysis results if either test was performed). An example of the Ln distribution histogram is shown in Figure The Ln, Lw, Lww, curl, kink, and width distribution curves plus the width-length combination graphs can be viewed prior to printing or transferring a test result by touching the GRAPHS button in the Results menu, Section 10, Figure Special Tests: Under the Special Measurements heading on the Settings Selection Menu Figure 10-1 are four possible selections: Coarseness, HW/SW Ratio, Vessels, and Shive Analysis. The Special Measurements are software options that are available. Coarseness (optional software): Selecting the coarseness calculation will enable the calculation of coarseness in mg/m of fiber. When the coarseness calculation is selected and the OK button is touched, a new screen will appear that requests the weight of fibre used for the coarseness test. See Figure In addition to the normal HiRes FQA coarseness result (L = 0.07 to 10 mm), a second coarseness result (L = 0.20 to 10 mm) can be obtained. The length test measurement limits for the second result are the same length limits recommended by the ISO Coarseness Method. One coarseness test is able to generate two coarseness results. After entering the sample mass, selecting the coarseness, and pressing the return key, the Test Menu will appear. Pressing the start button will begin the coarseness test.

31 Page 27 Figure 10-12: Enter Sample Mass, and Select Coarseness Test Limits Menu Once the coarseness test is complete, the Results menu will automatically appear, and the coarseness result along with the Limits that were selected are displayed see Figure In order to display the second coarseness result, touch the SETTINGS button. The Limit Settings menu will appear. Figure Figure 10-13: Coarseness Results Menu, L = 0.07 to 10 mm On the Limit Settings menu, Figure it is possible to select either coarseness. After touching the arrow button, the selected coarseness is displayed on the Results menu. See Figure

32 Page 28 Figure 10-14: Limit Settings Menu with Coarseness Selection Which ever coarseness result is displayed in the Result menu can be saved and or printed. Figure 10-15: Coarseness Results Menu, L = 0.20 to 10 mm The value for the coarseness with the length limits (0.20 to 10 mm) will be slightly higher than the coarseness with the length limits (0.07 to 10 mm). HW/SW Ratio (available with Coarseness optional software): Selecting the HW/SW test will enable the calculation of the hardwood to softwood ratio of a pulp. Immediately after selecting this option and touching the OK button, a new screen will appear that requests information about the coarseness and Lw length of the hardwood and softwood species used in the mixture, Figure After entering the species information, and pressing the return key, the Test Menu will appear. Pressing the start button will begin the HW/SW Ratio test. The HW/SW ratio calculation works best when pure species of hardwood and softwood are mixed. For details on how HW/SW ratio is calculated refer to Appendix 2.

33 Page 29 Vessels (optional software): Selecting the Vessel Element test means that the vessels in a hardwood sample will be counted and characterized by their effective length, effective width, and their area. Refer to Section It is possible to perform vessel element testing and shive analysis at the same time. The Vessel Element test results are also saved in the files that have SH as a prefix. Shive Analysis (optional software): Selecting the Shive Analysis test means that the shives in a sample will be counted and characterized by their effective length, area, and shive branch index (or degree of branchiness ). Refer to Section Shive Analysis results are saved in files that have SH as a prefix. Figure 10-16: HWD & SWD Coarseness and Lw Values Transfer: Selecting LC and/or Res permits the user to save either individual raw fiber data file LC and/or LC and RES the average results file RES by touching the appropriate buttons in the Settings selection menu, files: Figure The LC file contains Curl Index, Kink Index, Kink Angle, No. of kinks, and Width information on each tracked fiber while the RES (results) file contains the average results along with the Ln, Lw, Lww, Curl Index, Kink Index, width distribution tables. These LC and RES text files can be easily imported into a spreadsheet software like Excel. The files are automatically stored in the D:/Data drive, or the selected transfer path destination. The results files stored in D:\Data can be accessed using a network. To save the electronic data files, touch the TRANSFER button on the Results Menu, Figure 10-6 at the end of a test. Auto Transfer: If Auto transfer is selected in the Settings selection menu Figure 10-1, the electronic data Lc and Res files are automatically saved after a test when the Return button is pressed in the Results Menu, Figure Fiber Count Limit To test the complete beaker without a fiber count limit, select the small box labelled "All" in the Measurement fiber count window located on the lower left side in Figure The test will terminate when the fiber count limit is reached. To increase the counting limit touch the up arrows in the Fiber Count Limit in the Settings selection menu Figure To make large changes in the Fiber Count Limit value, hold the up or down arrows for a few seconds. Each of the Predefined Settings has a Fibre Count Limit. The Fibre Count Limit for each Predefined Setting can not be decreased in the Settings selection menu.

34 Page 30 To decrease the Fibre Count Limit of a Predefined Setting, press the Modify button. The FQA Test Limit Settings menu will appear, Figure In this menu, it is possible to decrease the Fiber Count Limit to a value lower than the Predefined Setting Fiber Count Limit. If the Fiber Count Limit is higher than the fiber content of the beaker, then the test will continue until the level in the beaker is below the beaker lower level sensor. (About 100 ml will be left in the beaker.) What Fiber Limit Should be Selected? Experience has shown that in most cases after a few thousand fibers have been counted the results do not significantly change. However, there are always exceptions to the rule. Exceptions to the Rule: When measuring fiber curl and kink it is important to remember that curl and kink are only measured on fibers longer than 0.5 mm. It is recommended that at least 2000 fibers with lengths greater than 0.5 mm be measured by the FQA, to ensure accurate curl and kink index calculation for a pulp. This means that if a pulp sample contains a lot of short fiber, even though the total fiber count was 4000, it is possible that fewer than 2000 fibers were utilized for the curl and kink calculation. In this case it is recommended that the total fiber count be increased until at least 2000 fibers are used for the curl and kink calculations. To make sure that more than 2000 fibers have been counted check the Accumulated Test Results that can be printed out after each test. The number of fibers counted for curl and kink calculations is printed directly under the titles Mean curl and Mean kink on the Accumulated Test Results print out. Below is the portion of the Accumulated Test Results print out that contains the curl and kink information: Mean curl (count = 2804, L = mm, CI = ) Arithmetic = 0.162±0.023 Length weighted = Mean kink (count = 2804, L = mm, KI = ) Kink index = 1.76 l/mm Average kink angle = 71.4 o NOTE: There are several reasons why the fiber count limit may not be reached. 1) The eps is too high and will cause the FQA to automatically stop the test. The user must dilute the test sample before continuing the test. 2) The FQA fiber range limits discussed in Section must be at factory standards. If they are not then the FQA total fiber count may be less than the fiber limit set in the Test Limits Settings menu Dilution The operator can add fresh water to the beaker by touching the DILUTE button. The DILUTE button is displayed on the Test Menu and Results Menu screens, Figure 10-3 & Touching the DILUTE button will cause the beaker holder to raise the beaker and water to flow out of the dilution tube. The dilution will continue until the upper level sensor has been reached. To stop the dilution prior to the upper level sensor being reached, touch the DILUTE button a second time Changing Test Limits The test limits for length, fines, width, shives, curl and kink, can be accessed from the Limit Settings menu Figure To change the Curl and Kink test limits, touch the Curl and kink tab. To change the Shive and Vessel limits, touch the Shive and Vessel tab. To change a limit, touch the small window that displays the numeric value of the limit. Use the Z (delete) button key to erase the entire value, or the 7 (back space) button (above the number 9 key) to erase one digit at a time. Enter new values using the number keys. Press the large Return Arrow button to return to the Settings Selection menu, Figure 10-1 before a test has been done. After a test, pressing the Return Arrow button will display the Results Menu, Figure 10-6.

35 Page 31 Test Limits: The purpose of the length test range limits is to allow the user to: 1) Redefine which fibers will be included in the Ln, Lw, and Lww calculation. For example: If the user wishes to know the Ln, Lw, Lww of fibers in the range of 1.0 mm and 5.0 mm then all that needs to be done is change the lower limit up from 0.07 mm to 1.0 mm and change the upper limit from 10.0 mm down to 5.0 mm. The purpose of the fines test range limits is to allow the user to: 1) Define the length of a fine. NOTE: the maximum upper limit setting is 0.2 mm for the definition of a fine. However, the user can decrease or increase the upper limit and redefine what they consider to be a fine. The purpose of the curl test range limits is to allow the user to: 1) Define the length of the fibers which will be used for the curl calculation. For example: The user many wish to only calculate the curl of the long fiber fraction (i.e. > 2.0 mm). In this case all the user needs to do is change the lower limit from 0.5 mm up to 2.0 mm. In this case all fibers shorter than 2.0 mm will not be included in the curl index calculation. 2) Define the curl index range of the fibers which will be included in the final curl calculations. For example: The user may only wish to investigate the curliest fibers. In this case the lower limit of the curl index can be increased from 0 up to a higher curl index setting such as 1.0. This will mean all fibers with a curl index of less than 1.0 will not be included in the final reported curl index calculation. The purpose of the kink test range limits is to allow the user to: 1) Define the length of the fibers which will be used for the kink calculation. For example: The user may wish to only calculate the kink of the long fiber fraction (i.e. > 2.0 mm). In this case all the user needs to do is change the lower limit from 0.5 mm up to 2.0 mm. In this case all fibers shorter than 2.0 mm will not be included in the kink index, kink angle and kinks/mm calculation. 2) Define the kink index range of the fibers which will be included in the final kink calculations. For example: The user may only wish to investigate the most kinked fibers. In this case the lower limit of the kink index can be increased from 0 up to a higher kink index setting such as 1.5. This will mean all fibers with a kink index of less than 1.5 will not be included in the final reported kink index calculation. The purpose of the width test range limits is to allow the user to: 1) Define the length of the fibers which will be used for the width calculation. For example: The user many wish to only calculate the width of the long fiber fraction (i.e. > 2.0 mm). In this case all the user needs to do is change the lower length limit from 0.5 mm up to 2.0 mm. In this case all fibers shorter than 2.0 mm will not be included in the width calculation. 2) Define the width range of the fibers which will be included in the width calculation. For example: The user may only wish to investigate wide fibers. In this case the lower width limit can be increased from 7 μm up to a higher setting such as 40 μm. This will mean all fibers with widths less than 40 μm will not be included in the included in the mean width calculation. Changing the ranges will affect the results. The selected ranges will be displayed on the Test Menu screen Figure 10-3, and will be printed in the header above each result section. Very Important Notes About Test Limits: After an FQA test has been run, the user can change the range limits as many times as is desired without having to re-test the sample. This allows the user to easily play with the data after running a test. However, it is important to note that these range limits do not reset themselves to the factory standard settings when the machine is re-booted. Therefore, it is advisable to check to make sure the range limits and bin size settings are where you desire them to be before transferring or printing data.

36 Page Values of Factory Set Test Limits All the properties have their own independent test limits. The factory default setting are: Fiber Length mm Fines mm Length Limits for Width mm Fiber Width 7-60 μm Length limits for Curl mm Curl Index 0-5 Length limits for Kink mm Kink Index 0-20 Shive Length mm Shive Width μm Vessel Length mm Vessel Width μm These limits are included in the OpTest default predefined settings shown in Figure Some properties have test range limits that are wider than the default limit values: Fiber Length mm Fines mm Length Limits for Width mm Fiber Width μm Shive Width μm Vessel Length mm Vessel Width μm Selecting and Creating Predefined Settings To select and save different fibre count limits and test limit settings, touch the Modify button in the Settings selection menu Figure 10-1, and select the desired settings in the Limit Settings menu Figure Press the return key to return to the Settings selection menu Figure 10-1, and press the Add button located in the lower left side of the screen. The Group filename screen will appear, Figure Use the software keyboard to name the selected test limit settings, and press OK. The name will appear in the list of Predefined settings on the Settings selection menu Figure 10-1 Figure 10-17: Name Group of Selected Test Limit Settings screen

37 Page Coarseness (optional software) Coarseness measurements will be performed if it has been selected in the Settings selection menu Figure Touch the COARSENESS button to activate this feature. A black check mark will appear next to the button, indicating that the option has been activated. Pressing the return arrow button will bring up a screen that prompts the user to enter the OD mass of the sample fibers. The coarseness result is greatly influenced by the accuracy of the mass measurement. Depending upon the precision of the weight measurement, four to five coarseness tests may be necessary to ensure satisfaction of a 95% confidence interval. Enter the value by typing on the numeric keypad. Once the mass is entered, and the return arrow key is pressed, the Test Menu screen will appear. The fiber count limit will be disabled during a coarseness measurement. The FQA will go through 3 cycles of drawing out most of the sample and diluting the remaining contents. The auto dilution will ensure that only a negligible amount of fibers is left in the beaker at the end of the test. Once the test is complete, the Results Menu will appear. The coarseness will be calculated and displayed on the screen. CAUTION: Sample preparation can introduce significant errors to the coarseness measurement. Refer to Appendix 1 for details. To start another test the operator will be prompted to enter another sample identification, followed by a sample mass. Should the operator wish to run a standard test (without coarseness), simply deselect the coarseness test in the Settings selection Menu HW/SW Mix (available with Coarseness optional software) Hardwood/Softwood ratio is a calculation based on the Lw of a given test. In order to calculate the percentage the operator must input the coarseness and Lw of the pure parent species. This information is entered in the same way as described previously in the coarseness section. Refer to Appendix 2 for details Shive Analysis (optional software) The shive analysis routine is intended for shive morphology characterization. Definition of a Shive: The FQA detects a shive based on a user defined minimum width and length. If a fiber image has both a width and a length greater than those defined by the user the fiber image will be classified as a shive. The user can enter into the FQA shive width values greater or equal to 100 μm, and shive length values greater or equal to 0.35 mm. If values smaller than these are entered into the FQA, the FQA will default back to a minimum width of 150 μm, and a minimum length of 0.35 mm. The Shive Analysis Results: The shive analysis software provides three results: 1. Effective Length: When a shive is detected a box is placed around the extreme edges of the shive. The box can either be rectangular or square depending on the shape of the shive, Figure Due to the very complex shape of most shives it is very difficult to track the exact length of a shive, especially when there are many long branches extending from the shive, Figure In the case of Figure 10-19, the tracker can not determine which branch to travel down and use as the true length of the shive. To avoid this problem the software takes the diagonal of the box that is placed around the shive. This diagonal is called the effective length, Leff.

38 Page 34 Figure 10-18: Simple Shive Figure 10-19: Branched Shive 2. Area of the Shive: The area of the shive is a measurement of its size and likely a strong indicator of the degree of impact the shive will have on the paper making process. When used in combination with the length measurement it can be an indicator of how compact the shive is. 3. Shive Branch Index: The FQA captures and analyzes images of the shives. The area and perimeter of the shive image is determined. Next the software generates a model of a stick which has the same perimeter and area as the shive image, Figure Figure 10-20: Shive Branch Index determination The shive analysis software first calculates the moment of inertia of the shive image, I actual. Next the software calculates the moment of inertia of the stick, the ideal moment of inertia, I ideal. Finally the Shive Branch Index is determined by taking the ratio of the I ideal / I actual Shive Branch Index = I ideal / I actual

39 Page 35 The Shive Branch Index will increase as a shive becomes more branched. This is because as a shive becomes more branched its perimeter increases and when its perimeter increases, the stick generated to determine Iideal becomes longer. A longer stick causes the Iideal value to become larger. To Access the Shive Analysis Software: Select the Shive Analysis among the special measurements listed on the Settings Selection menu, Figure To change the minimum shive width and shive length limits, touch the Modify button, see section for details. The FQA default minimum width and length settings are 150 μm, and 0.35 mm respectively. Only shives with width and lengths greater than these lower limits will be analyzed. At the end of a Shive Analysis test, the Test Result screen will include the Shive Analysis Test Results, Figure Caution: Both fiber analysis (length, % fines, curl, kink, and width) and shive analysis ( No. of shives, effective shive length, shive area, and shive branch index) can be measured at the same time. However, due to the low frequency of shives in most pulp samples, it may be necessary to test several beakers of pulp in order to measure enough shives for the shive results to be statistically significant. One alternative would be to isolate shives from a pulp sample using a Somerville or Pulmac device. Then dilute and perform a shive analysis on the material that does not pass through the Somerville or Pulmac screens. It can also be helpful to obtain a special flared uptake tube for the FQA. A flared (trumpet like) uptake tube helps the shives to enter the FQA with greater ease Vessel Element Analysis (optional software) Vessel element detection relies on the differences between vessel element and hardwood fibre morphology. Vessel elements are often much wider than fibres. As a rule, vessel elements are shorter than fibres. The Vessel Element Results: The vessel element analysis software provides three results: 1. Effective Length: As described in Section , effective length (Leff) is the diagonal length of a box that surrounds the vessel element. 2. Area of the Vessel Element: 3. Effective Width: The vessel element effective width (Weff) is equal to the Area divided by the effective length. The effective aspect ratio is Leff/Weff. Combining the vessel element aspect ratio with the Area can indicate which vessels are most likely to pick out. This is because vessels with large areas and low aspect ratios do not incorporate into the sheet structure as well. To Access the Vessel Element Analysis Software: Select the Vessel Element Analysis among the optional measurements listed on the Settings Selection menu, Figure To increase the vessel element count, It is recommended that the "All" box is selected so that most of the contents of the whole beaker is tested. Touching the "OpTest default" Predefined settings adjusts all the Test Limits to their default values. Refer to Section To change the minimum vessel width and vessel length limits, touch the Change Limits button, see Section for details. Only vessel elements within the selected Test Limits will be analyzed. Test Limits can also be changed after a test has occurred by touching the "Settings" button in the Results screen Figure With the Vessel Element option selected, touch the "OK" button in the Settings selection Menu Figure 10-2, and the Vessel Determination Menu will appear, see Figure To include Vessels/gram in the Vessel Test results, touch the square next to Vessels/gram, touch the space under

40 Page 36 the Coarseness value label, and use the numeric keypad to enter the predetermined Coarseness value of the pulp fiber sample. If the "Run 3 Cycles" option is selected, almost all of the beaker contents will be measured, but the test will take more time. The FQA will run the first cycle, auto dilute, run a second cycle, auto dilute, and run a third cycle. If the "Run 3 Cycles" option is not selected only one cycle (500 ml) will be tested. If the Vessels/gram result is not desired, deselect it by touching the box beside Vessels/gram, see Figure Figure 10-21: Vessel Analysis Menu with pre-measured Coarseness Value and Run 3 Cycles Option Figure 10-22: Vessel Analysis Menu where Vessels/gram result will not be included but Run 3 Cycles is an Option At the end of a Vessel Element Analysis test, the Test Result screen will include the Vessel Element Analysis Test Results. Caution: Both fiber analysis (length, % fines, curl, kink, and width) and vessel element analysis ( No. of vessels, effective vessel length, vessel area, and effective vessel width ) can be measured at the same time. However, due to the low frequency of vessel elements in most pulp samples, it may be necessary to test several beakers of pulp in order to measure enough vessel elements for the vessel element results to be statistically significant.

41 Page Interpretation of Results Once the desired number of fibers have been measured, the accumulated results can be viewed by touching the RESULTS button, Figure Kink index, kink angle and No. of kinks/mm are displayed in the Results screen, Figure Touching the TRANSFER button transfers the results selected in the Option menu with the sample identification to the hard drive, or a network, or an external computer. A print-out of the results can be obtained by touching the PRINT button. Refer to Section 11 on how to communicate with a network, the hard data drive, a memory stick, and an external computer. Figure 10-23: Results Menu with Shive Analysis Test Result Fiber Count: The total number of fibers tracked by the FQA during a test run, N. Run Time: EPS The duration of the test. Events per Second. This is the average number of fibers and fines which are being analyzed by the FQA per second Reported Fiber Length Not only is it important to know how fiber length is being measured, it is also important to know how it is being reported. The FQA classifies a fiber as anything longer than 70 μm (0.07 mm). The FQA has a reported fiber length of L š 0.07mm. Mean Length - Arithmetic, Ln: Mean Length - Length Weighted, Lw: Mean Length - Weight Weighted, Lww: The average contour length of all the detected fibers in a given sample. The presence of fines will significantly affect this value. The length weighted average (L W ) of detected fibers. This value is most often used to compare differences between samples. Fines tend to have only a minor effect on this result. The weight weighted average (L WW ). Longer fibers have a significant impact on the result. The reported length value which is most widely used in the pulp and paper industry, is Lw. Lw is preferred since it places more weight on to the fibers and reduces the impact fines may have on the length measurement. This is because by squaring or cubing a value (i.e. L) larger numbers become larger and smaller values become relatively smaller. By de-emphasizing the fines fraction, it is easier to compare the papermaking potential of different pulps. For example:

42 Page 38 Take two fibers, L 1 = 2.3 mm and L 2 = 0.9 mm. When L 1 2 = (2.3) 2 = 5.29 mm 2 and L 2 2 = (0.9) 2 = 0.81 mm 2. Taking the cube of a number further amplifies this effect; L 1 3 = (2.3) 3 = 12.2 mm 3 and L 2 3 = (0.9) 3 = 0.73 mm 3. Using the default FQA settings, fines are L fines # 0.2 mm. Considering that L fines 2 = (0.2) 2 =0.04 mm 2, and L fines 3 = (0.2) 3 = mm 3, it is clear that the impact of fines on the length measurement is greatly reduced, and more weight is placed on the longer fiber fraction in the pulp sample. Mean values of Ln, Lw, and Lww are calculated as follows: Arithmetic length, Ln Length Weighted Length, Lw Weight Weighted Length, Lww Where: i = 1,2,..N categories (bins) n = fiber count in the i th category L = contour length - histogram class center length in the i th category Reported % Fines Typically any cellulose containing material, shorter than 0.2 mm (200 μm) as a fine. However, the upper limit used to define a fine can be adjusted on the FQA. Please refer to Section for information on how to adjust the fines limit. Fines information is reported in two ways; as arithmetic fines and as length weighted fines. % Fines - Arithmetic: Is the portion of fibers by number which are shorter than a specified length (e.g. 0.2mm). This value can be modified in the Change Limits section of the Option Menu. % Fines - Length Weighted This is an estimate of the weight fraction of the fines, assuming that coarseness Is constant for all L classes. It is the length percentage contributed by fines compared to the length contribution of fibres plus fines. % Fines - Arithmetic % Length Weighted Fines Where: n = no. of fibers < 0.2mm (selectable) N = total number of fibers L i = fines class midpoint length L T = total fiber length

43 Page Reported Fiber Curl Mean Arithmetic Curl: Mean Curl Length weighted: The Curl Index (CI) of fibers greater than 0.5 mm in length and within the selected range limits and is calculated as described in Section 3.2. The sum of individual CI of each fiber multiplied by its contour length divided by the summation of the contour lengths: Reported Fiber Kink Kink Index: The weighted sum of the number, N x, of kinks within a range of "x" kink angles [deg], divided by the total fiber length of all the fibers, L T : Average Total Kink Angle: The sum of the Total Kink Angle for each fiber (where kink angles are greater than 20 degrees) divided by the total number of fibres longer than 0.5 mm. Kinks per meter: The total number of kinks detected with angles greater than 20 degrees divided by the total fiber length, L T Reported Fiber Width Mean Width: Using the default range limits, the Mean Width of fibres longer than 0.5 mm and shorter than 10 mm, wider than 7 μm, and thinner than the default value of 60 μm. Other range limits can be selected, see Section Reported Shives Results (optional software) Shive Analysis: The results include: the number of shives counted, the Mean Area, Mean Effective Length, Mean Shive Branch Index, the Number of shives per metre of fiber, and the Percent Uncertainty associated with the shive count. The number of shives counted by the FQA will all depend on how the minimum shive width and length is defined, see Section Reported Vessel Elements Results (optional software) Vessel Element Count: The results include: the number of Vessel elements counted during a vessel element test, the Mean Area, Mean Effective Width, Mean Effective Length, the Number of vessel elements per metre of fibre, and the Percent Uncertainty associated with the vessel element count. If a nominal coarseness value of the sample is entered, the results will include the No. of vessels per gram. The number of vessel elements counted by the FQA will all depend on how the minimum vessel element width and length is defined, see Section Capture Mode How Start the Image Capture: The capture mode captures fiber images. This allows for detailed observation of individual fiber images. To run the capture mode follow the steps listed below: 1) Place the sample in the beaker on to the FQA beaker holder. 2) Touch the CAPTURE button on the Test Menu screen, Figure An Image Identification screen with a keyboard will automatically appear, Figure ) The hardwired transfer path for the image files is D:\Images. The image files will be saved on the hard

44 Page 40 data drive, and can be retrieved via a network. 4) Use the keyboard to enter a Sample Identification name. Each image will be saved in its own file, and the name of each file will be made up of the Sample Identification name plus a three digit number. The three digit number increases sequentially as more and more images are captured. 5) To start collecting images touch the OK key on the electronic keyboard. The number of images that are being captured is displayed in the top left quadrant of the screen. 6) Image capture will stop if: the user presses the STOP button, the beaker level reaches the low level mark, or the memory space where the images are transferred to becomes full. The capture rate is approximately one image per second. Hint: Doubling the normal test fibre concentration increases the chance of having multiple fibers per image, which decreases the total number of images to be captured. Viewing the Captured Images: Figure 10-24: Capture Image Sample Identification To look at the fiber images captured in each frame, each image file can be opened using a number of different graphic software programs.

45 Page OPTIONAL EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION The recommended pathway for accessing electronic results files is using the network connection pathway Network Connection Pathway The network connection can be used to connect to a network, or to an external computer. The specifications for connecting to a network are: Software: Hardware: FQA Computer name: Workgroup: User name: Default password: Microsoft Windows XP embedded: Protocol, TCP/IP Network Dynamic IP capability 10/100 mbs through an RJ45 interface connector and twisted pair cable LDA02xxx (Where xxx are the last three digits of the unit s stamped serial number, LDA02xxx.) OPTEST fqa_user optest The optest password allows access to the Data and Images folders on the D:\ drive inside the FQA. NOTE 1: NOTE 2: When the FQA is booted up the first time, use the password optest, not the user selected password. If the user network does not meet the HiRes network requirements, have the network administrator fill out the Network Questionnaire in Appendix 6, and contact OpTest for detailed instructions Using a USB Memory Device Once the HiRes FQA recognizes the USB Memory Device, the contents of the device will be found on an available drive. If the memory device is attached to the USB port for the first time, and the HiRes FQA does not recognize it, follow the numerous Windows Hardware Wizard steps in Appendix 8, and a driver for the memory device will be installed if one is available.

46 Page SAFETY Always turn off the power and unplug the power cable, but leave the air pressure ON prior to performing service on the equipment. If the equipment is stored or transported at colder temperatures, allow the equipment to reach room temperature for at least 8 hours BEFORE turning on the power or plugging the FQA in. This will minimize any problems with condensation on the electronics or optics. Keep hands clear of beaker holder at all times. CAUTION: NEVER operate the instrument with the pump shelf retracted or the flip cover open MAINTENANCE & SERVICE OpTest endeavours to provide the longest product life possible. We design critical components for our instruments to ensure quality and longevity. Consequently, service support for available mechanical parts is a minimum of 10 years from the date of purchase. Service support for available electronic components and software is a minimum of 5 years from date of purchase. Service support continues in the event the product is discontinued or new model is introduced. Whenever a new model is introduced it is usually possible to have the existing model upgraded at a fraction of the price of the new model. Replacing a Filter Cartridge: There are two filters located on the pump shelf at the rear of the FQA. The left hand filter (when viewed from the rear, Figure 6-1) screens water prior to entering the Flowcell. The second filter screens the water and fiber prior to passing through the second pump and flowmeter to the drain. The filters cartridges should be replaced after 1000 hours of use. The replacement frequency will depend on the frequency of FQA use. During regular use, the left (inlet) filter cartridge should be replaced every 3 months while the other (outlet) should be replaced once a month. 1) Soak new filter cartridges in water for 12 hours prior to replacement. 2) In order to access the filters it is necessary to unscrew the pump shelf screw. This screw fastens the shelf onto the FQA housing. It is located at the back of the unit between, and just above the two filter housings. Use the special torx screw driver (OpTest P/N ) supplied with the FQA to remove the tamper proof screw. Slide out the pump shelf. Unscrew the two clear plastic filter bowls from the pump shelf. 3) Once the old filters have been removed it is vital to fully clean both the clear plastic bowl and the black cap of the filter housing. If dirt from the filters remains in the bowl or cap of the filter housing this dirt could enter the inside of the filter and cause damage to the FQA. Therefore, carefully wash with water and wipe with a lint free cloth the surfaces of the bowl and cap. 4) Shake the soaking filters (from step 1) under water to dislodge remaining air bubbles Continue to soak and shake until the majority of the air has been released. 5) Fill each of the clean filter bowls with 250 ml of clean filtered water. Carefully place the soaked filters in the center of the filter bowl. If all of the 250 ml of water stays in the filter bowl, it should be enough to fill the filter bowl to the top once the soaked filters have been inserted. It is important to have the filter bowl full of water because this reduces the amount of air that needs to be removed from the system. Ensure that the filter bowl is screwed on tightly enough that air can not leak in during operation. 6) Push the pump shelf back to its original position, and reattach the tamper proof screw. CAUTION: Always clean and dry the filter housing bowl thoroughly. Any contamination present will block the flowmeters and render the unit non-operational. Never clean the filter cartridge, replace it!

47 Page 43 Switching the Power OFF: The FQA operates in a Windows environment. When the rocker switch at the back of the instrument is switched off, the power down process will take about 30 seconds. It is not possible to restart the FQA until it has completely powered down. Power Outages: If a power outage occurs, the FQA will automatically start to power down. It takes about 30 seconds for the unit to complete the power down sequence. When the power down period is complete, and the FQA is receiving power again the FQA can be restarted. First switch the rocker on/off switch at the back of the FQA to the OFF position. Then push the switch back to the ON position. This will reboot the FQA software. If the power has been interrupted for less than 15 minutes, testing can continue without a warm up period. If the power interruption has been longer than 15 minutes, once the FQA software is back on, use a 15 minute warm up period to ensure the LED light source has warmed up sufficiently before resuming testing. Replacing a Fuse: The fuse holder is located next to the power switch at the rear of the unit. Ensure that the power is turned off and the unit is unplugged. Insert a screwdriver in the notch of the fuse carrier. Turn the carrier counterclockwise for a 1/4 turn. This will disengage the carrier and allow it to be removed. Replace the fuse, re-insert the fuse carrier in the fuse holder. Lock it in position by making a 1/4 clockwise turn with the screwdriver. Replacing a Solenoid Valve: Ensure that the power is off and the unit is unplugged. Use the special tool supplied with the FQA to remove the non tamper screw on the lower service shelf. Slide out the shelf. Remove the solenoid's power connector. Unscrew the upper left and lower right screws on top of the solenoid. Replace the defective solenoid with a new one. Re-tighten the screws and replace the power connector. Do NOT remove the upper right and lower left screws (marked with red). This will disassemble the valve assembly! Replacing a Pump: Ensure that the power is off and the unit is unplugged. Slide out the lower service shelf. Unplug the connector on the base plate. Unscrew the fittings and screws holding the pump in place. Replace the pump, connect to base connection and ensure that no leaks exist near the fittings.

48 Page RECOMMENDED SPARE PARTS Description Part Number Level Sensor Micro-Pump Flowmeter Filter Cartridge (6) Air Valve - 3 way Air Valve - 4 way Water Valve - tank Water Valve - Manifold Beaker (10) Fuse 3A, Slow Blo WARRANTY Our Company warrants that the equipment supplied by us will be in accordance with the manufacturer's stated literature and specifications at the time of shipment and that it is free from defects in material and workmanship. The warranty is conditional on the equipment being installed, operated and maintained according to the manufacturer s written specifications. Our obligation under this warranty is limited to repairing or replacing, F.O.B. our plant, any parts which are defective in the equipment, provided the purchaser gives us written notice immediately upon discovery thereof, or in any event, not to exceed one year from the date the equipment is delivered. Consumable parts, such as bulbs, which have a service life of less than one (1) year, are not covered by the standard warranty. Warranty will not be honoured if unauthorized repairs are made to equipment during this warranty period. The warranty is not transferrable without prior written approval from OpTest Equipment Inc. If the purchaser so selects, a factory service technician, or authorized service representative, can be sent to their facility during the warranty period. Labour and parts costs will be free, but travelling and living expenses will be charged. OpTest will provide, within reason, all technical information that is available so that the purchaser can service and maintain the equipment in good operating condition at their facility. Other than the obligations of OpTest expressly set forth herein and except to the extent prohibited by applicable laws, all conditions and warranties, expressed or implied, statutory or otherwise, are hereby excluded. OpTest shall not be responsible for direct or consequential damages.

49 Page 45 APPENDIX 1 - ISO Coarseness Testing Method FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 23713:2005(E) Pulps Determination of fibre coarseness by automated optical analysis Polarized light method 1 Scope This International Standard specifies a method for determining fibre coarseness using polarized light. The method is applicable to all kinds of pulp that polarize light. However fibrous particles shorter than are not regarded as fibres for the purposes of this International Standard and therefore are not to be included in the results. 2 Normative references The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. ISO 638, Pulps Determination of dry matter content ISO 4119, Pulps Determination of stock concentration ISO , Pulps Laboratory wet disintegration Part 1: Disintegration of chemical pulps ISO , Pulps Laboratory wet disintegration Part 2: Disintegration of mechanical pulps at 20 C ISO , Pulps Laboratory wet disintegration Part 3: Disintegration of mechanical pulps at W 85 C ISO , Pulps Preparation of laboratory sheets for physical testing Part 1: Conventional sheet-former method ISO 7213, Pulps Sampling for testing ISO , Pulps Determination of fibre length by automated optical analysis Part 1: Polarized light method 3 Terms and definitions For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply. 3.1 unpolarized light light composed of light waves whose planes of vibration are randomly oriented 3.2 polarizer material which only transmits that component of a light wave which is vibrating in a particular direction, the direction of polarization of the material ISO 2005 All rights reserved ISO/FDIS 23713:2005(E)

50 Page plane polarized light light composed of light waves which all vibrate in the same plane 3.4 crossed polarizers pair of polarizers placed in a light path such that the direction of polarization of one is at right angles to the direction of polarization of the other, thus resulting ideally in none of the light which has passed directly from one polarizer to the other being transmitted through this second polarizer 3.5 birefringence property of certain materials, such as cellulose fibres, which have a crystalline structure that results in the refractive index varying with the direction of polarization of the light NOTE This has the effect of rotating the direction of polarization of a plain polarized beam of light resulting in light which has passed through this material being transmitted through the second polarizer of a crossed pair. 3.6 total fibre length L T total length of all fibres in the test portion See Equation (4) 3.7 fibre coarseness oven-dry mass of fibres in the test portion divided by the total fibre length of the same test portion See Equation (5). 3.8 fines particles shorter than 0.2 mm 4 Principle A known mass of fibres, suspended in water, is passed through a fibre orienting cell (FOC). The projected lengths of individual fibres are measured automatically. A crossed-polarizer set-up is used to discriminate between birefringent material like fibres with oriented cellulose molecules and non-birefringent material like air bubbles and filler particles, which do not rotate the plane of polarization. The total fibre length and the mean fibre coarseness of the pulp are calculated. 5 Apparatus and materials Ordinary laboratory equipment and the following are required. 5.1 Fibre length analyzer, as described in ISO , consisting of a measurement section and a sample transport system. 5.2 Disintegrator, as described in ISO , ISO or ISO ISO 2005 All rights reserved

51 Page 47 ISO/FDIS 23713:2005(E) 5.3 Sheet former, as described in ISO Balance, with ± 0.1 mg accuracy. 5.5 Balance, with a capacity exceeding 5 kg and with ± 0.1 g accuracy. 5.6 Vials, for storing test portions, volume 50 ml, with caps and labels. 5.7 A reference pulp 1). 6 Sampling and preparation of specimen 6.1 Sampling If the test is being made to evaluate a pulp lot, the sample shall be selected in accordance with ISO If the test is made on another type of sample, report the source of the sample and, if possible, the sampling procedure used. From the sample received, select specimens so that they are representative of the whole sample. 6.2 Disintegration Sample in dried form For samples in dried form, take at least 30 g oven-dry mass and soak for a minimum of 4 h in water. Tear the pieces, do not cut into pieces as this will cause fibre shortening. Disintegrate the pulp according to ISO , ISO or ISO , depending on the pulp. Determine the concentration of the disintegrated pulp according to ISO Sample in never-dried form Disintegrate the pulp according to ISO , ISO or ISO , depending on the pulp. Determine the concentration of the disintegrated pulp according to ISO NOTE It is preferable to measure never-dried pulps with minimal disintegration, because excessive disintegration may generate fines and reduce fibre length in some pulps. 6.3 Removal of fines and preparation of test portion Removal of fines Place approximately 0.50 g oven-dry mass of the disintegrated pulp into a laboratory sheet former and form a wet sheet as described in ISO NOTE 1 Forming a 0.50 g oven-dry laboratory sheet ensures that most fines are washed out. Visually inspect the wet laboratory sheet for debris (i.e. shives, fibre bundles, contaminants). If debris is found (e.g. in recycled pulp, in mechanical pulps), then carefully remove 1 g (approx. 10 mg* oven-dry) of wet pulp from parts of the wet sheet that do not contain debris. Any debris removal shall be mentioned in the test report. NOTE 2 Debris introduces inaccuracy in the mass measurement, which in turn causes inaccuracy in the final coarseness result. ISO 2005 All rights reserved * This value was changed. It used to be 0,50 mg.

52 Page 48 ISO/FDIS 23713:2005(E) Place the 1 g debris-free wet pulp into a tared vial (5.6) and determine the mass of the wet pulp to an accuracy of ± 0.1 mg. 1) Reference pulp is available, for example, from the National Institute of Science & Technology (NIST), Gaithersburg, MD, USA, or the Pulp and Research Institute of Canada (Paprican), Pointe Claire, QC, Canada. The reference pulp is provided in sheet form. This information is given for the convenience of users of this International Standard and does not constitute an endorsement by ISO of this product. Determine the dry matter content of the remaining wet laboratory sheet, after removing the debris, as described in ISO 638. Make sure that the dry matter content over the wire area is uniform. Use this value to calculate the oven-dry mass of fibre in the vial. Record the result as the oven-dry fibre mass in the vial ( = m 1 ). If the debris-free wet pulps are to be stored, place them in a refrigerator at 4 NC ± 2 NC until testing begins. Never allow the sample to freeze, since fibre damage will change the results. If some other standardized or well-established method is used for fines removal, the method shall be mentioned in the test report. The precision statements in 8.3 are specific only to the method described in If other methods of removing fines are used, these precision statements are not valid Preparation of the test portion by mass and dilution To obtain at least 3 test portions for coarseness testing from the fibres in the debris-free pulp (from 6.3.1), perform the following procedure: Tare a clean 5 litre container to an accuracy of 0.1 g. Pour the contents of the vial into the tared container. Rinse the vial and cap to ensure that all the fibres have been transferred to the container. Add about ml of distilled, or de-ionized, water to the container and weigh the contents (= m 2 ). NOTE 1 Plastic containers, with handles, are recommended to facilitate handling. The concentration ca expressed in milligrams per gram, is calculated using the equation m 1 ca = m 2 (1) where m 1 m 2 is the oven-dry mass of fibres in the vial, in milligrams; is the mass of the fibres and water mixture in the container, in grams. Tare a clean beaker, to within 0.1 g. The beaker, or other container, should conform to the manufacturers' requirements. NOTE 2 Typically a 600 ml beaker is used. Calculate the mass (m 3 ), expressed in grams, of the fibre/water mixture to be transferred to the beaker using the equation cbm m 3 = ca (2) where ISO 2005 All rights reserved

53 Page 49 ISO/FDIS 23713:2005(E) M cb is the final, total suspension mass in the beaker, in grams; is the gravimetric concentration as specified by the manufacturer of the analyzer, in milligrams per gram. NOTE 3 Typically for softwoods the fibre concentration cb = 0,002 4 mg/g, and for hardwoods cb = 0,001 0 mg/g. Treat mixed stocks as hardwood samples. M depends on the beaker volume. For example: the value of M for a beaker 600 ml would be up to 600 ml. Place the empty tared beaker on the balance. Ensure that the fibres in the fibre/water mixture are well dispersed when drawing a test portion for testing. Draw the test portion and fill the beaker on the balance with the amount of fibre/water mixture needed (m 3 ) to within 10 %. Record the mass of fibre/water mixture in the beaker to an accuracy of 0.1 g, and calculate the mass of oven-dry fibre in the beaker: NOTE 4 A recommended procedure is to pour the fibre/water mixture rapidly back and forth, without splashing, between two clean 5 litre containers. After the last transfer and before the fibres have a chance to settle, add a mass of about m 3 the mixture to the beaker. Calculate and record the mass of oven-dry fibre in the beaker (m 4 ), expressed in milligrams, using the equation m 4 = cam 3 (3) Prepare at least two more beakers, using the remainder of the fibre/water mixture in the 5 litre container, as described above. The test portions should be tested soon after preparation. 7 Measurement and verification procedures 7.1 Measurement procedure For the most precise results, all fibres in each test portion shall be detected and analysed. Add water to the fibre/water mixture in the beaker until the correct mass (M) of the suspension in the beaker is reached, so that the concentration is equal to or less than that required by the manufacturer for coarseness testing (cf. concentration cb ). Follow the instructions to enter the oven-dry mass of the test portion into the analyzer and then start the test. 7.2 Verification procedure Check the performance of the analyzer regularly and always after cleaning. A verification procedure shall include a calibration check every week, and a performance check every month. Follow the procedures as presented in ISO Calculation and expression of results 8.1 Total fibre length The total length of fibres in the test portion L T, expressed in metres, is calculated using the equation L T = 3 l i (4) where l i is the length of the ith fibre, in metres. ISO/FDIS 23713:2005(E) ISO 2005 All rights reserved

54 Page Fibre coarseness The fibre coarseness of the test portion Ck, expressed in milligrams (oven-dry mass) per metre, is calculated using the equation Ck = m 4 L T (5) where Ck m 4 is the fibre coarseness of the th test portion is the mass of the oven-dry fibres in the test portion (from Equation (3)), in milligrams Calculate the mean fibre coarseness, using the equation 3Ck C = n (6) where n is the number of test portions tested. 8.3 Precision General A precision statement for this International Standard is based on work published in a peer reviewed journal (see reference [3]). The estimates of precision are based on hardwood and softwood reference pulps available from NIST. There is no indication that the precision should be different between chemical and mechanical pulps, because the fines are washed out in (see reference [3]). Eleven laboratories participated with 17 instruments representing the different manufacturers whose apparatus met the apparatus specifications of ISO Repeatability The hardwood and softwood pulps were tested in 11 different laboratories according to this International Standard. The pooled repeatability was determined and the results are shown in Table 1. Table 1 Pooled repeatability for determination of mean fibre coarseness Sample Mean fibre coarseness mg/m Coefficient of variation % Reproducibility Hardwood Softwood The hardwood and softwood chemical pulps were tested in 11 different laboratories according to this International Standard. The results are shown in Table 2.

55 Page 51 ISO/FDIS 23713:2005(E) Table 2 Reproducibility for determination of mean fibre coarseness Sample Mean fibre coarseness mg/m Coefficient of variation % Hardwood Softwood Test report The test report shall give the following information: a) reference to this International Standard; b) the date and place of testing; c) all information for complete identification of the sample; d) the type of instrument used; e) the total amount of fibres; f) the total fibre length (the other measures, length-weighted and mass-weighted fibre length are not defined in this method); g) the mean sample coarseness; h) debris removal, if relevant; i) any operations not specified in this International Standard, e.g. measurement with fines retained, or in the International Standards to which reference is made, or regarded as optional, which might have affected the results. Bibliography [1] Clark, J. D A. Pulp Technology and Treatment for Paper, Second edition Miller Freeman Publications Inc., San Francisco, Chapter 17 [2] Ilvessalo-Pfäffli, M-S., V. Alfthan, G. The Measurement of Fibre Length With a Semi-Automatic Recorder. In Paperi ja Puu 39:11 (1957), pp. 509 to 516 [3] Robertson, A.G., Olson, J.A., Allen, P., Chan, B., Seth, R. Measurement of fiber length, coarseness, and shape with the fiber quality analyzer. In Tappi J., 82:10 (1999), pp. 93 to 98 ISO 2005 All rights reserved

56 Page 52 APPENDIX 2 - Hardwood/Softwood Mix Calculation Four parameters are required of the user before the test can proceed. These are: : Length weighted mean length of the softwood sample. (user entered). : Length weighted mean length of the hardwood sample. (user entered). : Coarseness of hardwood. (user entered). : Coarseness of softwood. (user entered). These are determined from the pure parent species. From a run of the mixed pulp the length weighted mean is obtained: : Length weighted mean length of mixture. (calculated during a run). With the 4 numbers entered, and the measured L wm, the FQA can calculate the fraction of both hardwood and softwood in a sample that contains a mixture of both, where: : Fraction of hardwood in the mixture. This is calculated according to the formulae below. : Fraction of softwood in the mixture. This is calculated according to the formulae below. Such that, F sw = C sw (L wm - L wh ) / [ C sw (L wm - L wh ) + C hw (L ws - L wm )]

57 Page 53 APPENDIX 3 - Drawings Components Location Diagram Instrument Hook-up Sensor Interface PCB Motor Control PCB Pump Shelf Components Location, View 1 Pump Shelf Components Location, View 2 Pump Shelf Components Location, View 3 Air Pressure and Oil Feed Adjustments, View 1 Air Pressure and Oil Feed Adjustments, View 2

58 Page 54 COMPONENTS LOCATION DIAGRAM

59 Page 55 INSTRUMENT HOOK-UP

60 Page 56 SENSOR INTERFACE PCB

61 Page 57 MOTOR CONTROL PCB

62 Page 58 PUMP SHELF COMPONENTS LOCATION, VIEW 1

63 Page 59 PUMP SHELF COMPONENTS LOCATION, VIEW 2

64 Page 60 PUMP SHELF COMPONENTS LOCATION, VIEW 3

65 Page 61 AIR PRESSURE AND OIL FEED ADJUSTMENTS, VIEW 1

66 Page 62 AIR PRESSURE AND OIL FEED ADJUSTMENTS, VIEW 2

67 APPENDIX 4 - Literature Summary Flow Sheets on How Fiber Characteristics Impact Paper Properties Page 63

68 Page 64

69 Page 65 Fiber Curl and Kink Reference List: 1. Hakanen, A., Hartler, N., Paper and Timber 77(5) 1995 p Mohlin, U-B., Alfredsson C., Nordic Pulp and Paper Res. J. (4) 1990 p DeGrace, J., Page, D., Tappi 59(7) 1976 p Mohlin, U-B., Dahlbom, J., Fiber deformation and sheet strength, Tappi 79(6) 1996 p Barbe, M., Seth, R., Page, D., Pulp and Paper Canada 85(3) T44 (1984) 6. Hartler, N., Svensk Papperstidn 71(1968):21 p Page,D., Seth, R., Jordan, B., Papermaking Raw Materials: Transactions of the 8th Fundamental Research Symposium, Oxford 1985 p Green, H., Pulp and Paper Canada 63(3) 1962 p. T Thorton, D., Nunn, B., Tappi Proceedings Engineering Conference (1978) p Helle, T. Progress in Paper Physics-A Seminar (1996) p Mohlin, U-B., Miller, J., Proceedings of 4th International Conference on New Available Techniques and Current Trends, SPCI, Stockholm, 1992, p Frolander, U., Hartler, N., Cellulose Chem. Techn. 3(1969):5 p Page, D.H., Seth, R.S., De Grace, J.H., Tappi 62(9) p Brauns, O., Svensk Papperstidn 75(3), Giertz, H., Proceedings of EUCEPA Symposium, Helsinki Vol. III No. 20 (1980) 16. Barnet, A., Leask, R., Shaw, A., Pulp and Paper Canada 81(10) T Bentley, S., Pye, I., Transactions Technical Sec. CPPA 5(4) TR77 (1979) 18. Page, D.H., Barbe, M.C., Seth, R.S., Jordan, B.D., JPPS May 1984 p.j Kibblewhite, R.P., Tappi 57(8), p. 120 (1974). 20. Retulainen, E., Moss, P., Nieminen, K., Tenth Fund. Res. Sym. Oxford, 1993, p Corson, S., Lobben, T., Int. Paper Physics Conf. Harrison Hot Springs BC Canada 1979 p Seth, R.S., Page, D.H., Barbe, M.C. and Jordon, B.D., 1983 Tappi Int Paper Physics Conference. 23. Seth, R.S., Optimizing reinforcement pulps by fracture toughness, Tappi J., 79(1) p.170 (1996) 24. Seth, R.S., Page, D.H., Fiber Properties and Tearing Resistance, Tappi J. 71(2) p.103 (1988) 25. Stone,J.E., Scallan,A.M., Trans. of the Fund. Res. Sym.-Cambridge Sept p Kibblewhite, R.P., Kerr,A.J., Tappi J. 62(10) p.119 (1979) 27. Kibblewhite, R.P., Tappi J., 60(10) p.141 p. 141 (1977) 28. Ellis, M.J., Duffy, G.G., Allison,R.W., Kibblewhite, R.P., Appita J. January p.t210 (1998) 29. Seth, R.S., Bennington, C.P., Tappi J. 78(12) p.152 (1995)

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71 Page 67 Softwood Kraft Coarseness Reference List: 1. Seth, R.S., Fibre Quality Factors in Papermaking: The importance of fibre coarseness, Material Research Symposium Proceedings, vol. 197 (1990) p Paavilainen, L., Importance of cross-dimensional fiber properties and coarseness for the characterisation of softwood sulphate pulp, Paper and Timber 75(5) 1993 p Retulainen, E., Fibre properties as control variables in papermaking? Part 1. Fiber properties of key importance in the network, Paper and Timber 78(4) 1996 p Seth, R.S., Page, D.H., Fibre properties and tearing resistance, International Paper Physics Conference 1987 p.9 5. Paavilainen, L., Effect of sulphate cooking parameters on the papermaking potential of pulp fibres, Paper and Timber 71(4) 1989 p Laine, J., Stenius, P., Effect of charge on the fibre and paper properties of bleached industrial kraft pulps, Paper and Timber 79(4) 1997 p Retulainen, E., Effects of fines on the properties of fibre networks, Tenth Fundamental Research Symposium Oxford (1993) p Kibblewhite, P., Effects of pulp drying and refining on softwood fiber wall structural organization, Ninth Fundemental Research Symposium Cambridge (1989) p Kerekes, R.J., Schell, C.J., Effects of fiber length and coarseness on pulp flocculation, Tappi 78(2) p.133 (1995) 10. Kerekes, R.J., Soszynski, R.M., Tam Doo, P.A., The flocculation of pulp fibres, Transactions of the Eighth Fundemental Research symposium Vol. I Mechanical Engineering Publications London 1985, p Kerekes, R.J., Schell, C.J., JPPS 18(1) p.32 (1992) 12. Kerekes, R.J., Schell, C.J., Tappi 78(2) p.133 (1995) 13. Dodson,C.T.J., JPPS 16(4) p. J136 (1990) 14. Seth, R., Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings 197 p.143 (1990) 15. Soszynski, R.M. and Kerekes, R.J., Nordic Pulp and Paper Res. J. 4 p.172 (1988)

72 Page 68

73 Page 69 Bleached Kraft Fiber Length Reference List: 1. Hietanen, S., The role of fiber flocculation in chemical pulp refining, Paper and Timber 73(3) 1991 p Seth, R.S., Page, D.H., Fibre Properties and Tearing Resistance, International Paper Physics Conference 1987 p.9 3. Paavilainen, L., Importance of particle size-fibre length and fines-for the characterization of softwood kraft pulp, Paper and Timber 72(5) 1990 p Retulainen, E., Fibre properties as control variables in papermaking? Part 1: Fibre properties of key importance in the network, Paper and Timber 78(4) Dadswell,H., Watson,A., Influence of the morphology of wood pulp fibres on paper properties. The Formation and Structure of Paper Vol. 2. Ed. F. Bolam. British Paper and Board Makers Association. London 1962 p Paavilainen, L., Effect of sulphate cooking parameters on the papermaking potential of pulp fibres, Paper and Timber (4) 1989 p Abitz, P., Luner,P., The effect of refining on wet fiber flexibility and its relationship to sheet properties, Ninth Fundemental Research Symposium, Cambridge 1989 p Clark, J. Pulp Technology and Treatment for Paper, Miller Freeman Inc., Publishers, San Francisco, Evans, K., Gibson, A., Composites Science and Technology (25) 1986 p Hakanen, A., Hartler, N., Fiber Deformations and Strength Potential of Kraft Pulp, Paper and Timber 77(5) 1995 p MacLeod, J., Pelletier, L., Basket cases:kraft pulps inside digesters, Tappi 70(11) 1987 p Jokinen, O., Ebeling, K., Paperi Puu 67(5) p. 317 (1985) 13. Kerekes, R.J., Schell, C.J., JPPS 18(1) p.32 (1992) 14. Kerekes, R.J., Schell, C.J., Tappi 78(2) p.133 (1995) 15. Dodson,C.T.J., JPPS 16(4) p. J136 (1990) 16. Caulfield, D.F., Passaretti, J.D., Sobczynski, S.F., Fiber Quality Factors in Papermaking-The Importance of Fiber Length and Strength Materials Research Society Symposium Proceedings San Francisco, CA, April 18-20, Vol.197 p (1990)

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75 Page 71 Bleached Kraft Fines Reference List: 1. Retulainen, E., Moss, P., Nieminen, K., Effect of fines on the properties of fibre networks, Tenth Fundemental Research Symposium Oxford 1993 p Laine, J., Stenius, P., Effect of charge on the fibre and paper properties of bleached industrial kraft pulps, Paper and Timber 79(4) 1997 p Paavilainen, L., Importance of particle size-fibre length and fines-for the characterization of softwood kraft pulp, Paper and Timber 72(5) 1990 p Hartman, R., Higgins, B., Mechanical treatment of pulp fibres for sheet property development. International Paper Physics Conf. Cape Code, MA, 1983 p Hietanen, S., Ebe;omg. K., Homogeneity in refining action. Effects on fibre and paper structure, International Paper Physics Conf. Cape Code, MA, 1983 p Retulainen, E., Nieminen, K., Fibre properties as control variables in papermaking? Part 2: Strengthening interfibre bonds and reducing grammage, Paper and Timber 78(5) 1996 p Mohlin, U.B., Alfredsson, C., Fiber deformation and its implications in pulp characterization, Nordic Pulp and Paper Res. J. (4) 1990 p Corson, S.R., Lobben, T.H., On the influence of fines on wet web strength, International Paper Physics Conference, Harrison Hot Springs BC Canada, 1979 p Lee, J., Roy, D., Hong, M., Whiting, P., Relationship between Properties of Pulp Fibre and Paper, Tenth Fundamental Research Symposium Oxford 1993 p Hietanen, S., The role of fiber flocculation in chemical pulp refining, Paper and Timber 73(3) 1991 p.249

76 Page 72

77 Page 73 Understanding the Factors that Affect Tear: 1. Page, D.H., Note on the Mechanism of Tearing Strength, Tappi J. 77(3), p.201 (1994) 2. Seth, R.S., Page, D.H., Fiber Properties and Tearing Resistance, Tappi J. 71(2) p.103 (1988) 3. Mohlin, U-B., Alfredsson, C., Fiber deformation and its implications in pulp characterization, Nordic Pulp and Paper Res. J., 4 p.172 (1990) 4. Helle, T., Svensk Papperstid. 66(24) 1015 (1963) 5. Page,D., Seth, R., Jordan, B., Curl, Crimps, Kink and Microcompressions in Pulp Fibers- Their origin measurement and significance, Papermaking Raw Materials: Transactions of the 8th Fundamental Research Symposium, Oxford 1985 p Hakanen, A., Hartler, N., Fiber Deformations and Strength Potential of Kraft Pulp, Paper and Timber 77(5) 1995 p. 339

78 Page 74

79 Page 75 How Refining Affects Fiber Curl and Kink: 1. DeFoe, R.J., Optimal refining conditions of development of OCC pulp properties, Tappi J. 76(2) p. 157 (1993) 2. Mohlin, U-B., Dahlbom, J., Fiber deformation and sheet strength, Tappi 79(6) 1996 p Page,D., Seth, R., Jordan, B., Curl, Crimps, Kink and Microcompressions in Pulp Fibers- Their origin measurement and significance, Papermaking Raw Materials: Transactions of the 8th Fundamental Research Symposium, Oxford 1985 p Mohlin, U-B., Low consistency beating-laboratory evaluation contra industrial experience, Current and Future Technologies of Refining, PIRA, Leatherhead, UK, Peakes, D. E., Combined High and Low Consistency Refining of Bleached Kraft Pulp, Tappi J., 50(9) Page, D.H., Pulp and Paper Canada 67(1) p.t2 (1966) 7. Jackson, M., Svensk Papperstid 70(16) p.507 (1967) 8. Kibblewhite, R.P., Tappi 57(8) p.120 (1974) 9. Kibblewhite, R.P., and Brookes, D., Appita 28(4) p.227 (1975) 10. Mohlin, U-B., Miller,J., Influence of industrial beating on fibre swelling and fibre shape, Proceedings of 4th International Conference on New Available Techniques and Current Trends, SPCI, Stockholm, p (1992) 11. Hietanen, S., The role of fiber flocculation in chemical pulp refining, Paper and Timber 73(3) 1991 p Page, D.H., Barbe, M.C., Seth, R.S., Jordon, B.D., The mechanism of curl creation, removal and retention in pulp fibres, JPPS May p.j75 (1984).

80 Page 76

81 Page 77 Wet-End Runnability of Chemical Pulps: 1. Page, D.H., A qualitative Theory of the Strength of Wet Webs, JPPS 19(4) p.j175 (1993) 2. Seth, R.S., The effect of fiber length and coarseness on the tensile strength and wet webs: a statistical geometry explanation, Tappi J. 78(3) p.99 (1995) 3. Williams, D.G.Tappi J. 66(3) p.159 (1983) 4. Seth, R.S., Page, D.H., Barbe, M.C., Jordon, B.D., Mechanism of the Strength and Extensibility of Wet Webs, 1983 Tappi International Paper Physics Conference p Page,D., Seth, R., Jordan, B., Curl, Crimps, Kink and Microcompressions in Pulp Fibers- Their origin measurement and significance, Papermaking Raw Materials: Transactions of the 8th Fundamental Research Symposium, Oxford 1985 p Seth, R.S., Optimizing reinforcement pulps by fracture toughness, Tappi J., 79(1) p.170 (1996) 7. Kerekes, R.J., Nordic Pulp and Paper Res. J. 5(1) p.3 (1990). 8. Leblanc, J., Light,J., Annual Meeting Preprints CPPA Technical Section Montreal Canada (1993) p.a DeFoe, R.J., Optimal refining conditions of development of OCC pulp properties, Tappi J. 76(2) p. 157 (1993) 10. Helle, T. Quantification of Fiber Kink Curvature Characteristics, Progress in Paper Physics-A Seminar (1996) p Mohlin, U-B., Dahlbom, J., Fiber deformation and sheet strength, Tappi 79(6) 1996 p Seth, R.S., Robertson,G., Mai, Y-W., Hoffmann,J.D., Plane stress fracture toughness of paper, Tappi J. 76(2) p.109 (1993). 13. Rosium, D.R., Runnability of Paper Part 2: troubleshooting web breaks, Tappi J., 73(2) p.101 (1990) 14. Rosium, D.R., Runnability of Paper Part 1: predicting runnability, Tappi J. 73(1) p.97 (1990) 15. Korteoja, M., Salminen, L.I., Niskanen, K.J., Alava, M., Statistical Variation of Paper Strength, JPPS 24(1) p Corson, S.R., Lobben, T.H., On the influence of fines on wet web strength, International Paper Physics Conf., Harrison Hot Springs, BC, Canada, Sept p

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83 Page 79 Dry-End Runnability of Chemical Pulps: 1. Laine, J., Stenius, P., Effect of charge on the fibre and paper properties of bleached industrial kraft pulps, Paperi Ja Puu -Paper and Timber 79(4) p. 257 (1997) 2. Kerekes, R.J., Schell,C.J., Effect of fiber length and coarseness on pulp flocculation, Tappi 78(2) p.133 (1995) 3. Seth,R.S.,Material Res. Soc. Sym. Proc. Vol. 197 p (1990) 4. Seth, R.S., Page, D.H., Barbe, M.C., Jordon, B.D., Mechanism of the Strength and Extensibility of Wet Webs, 1983 Tappi International Paper Physics Conference p Page,D., Seth, R., Jordan, B., Curl, Crimps, Kink and Microcompressions in Pulp Fibers- Their origin measurement and significance, Papermaking Raw Materials: Transactions of the 8th Fundamental Research Symposium, Oxford 1985 p Seth, R.S., Optimizing reinforcement pulps by fracture toughness, Tappi J., 79(1) p.170 (1996) 7. Page, D.H., Seth,R.S., DeGrace, J.H., The elastic modulus of paper:the controlling mechanisms, Tappi 62(9) p.99 (1979) 8. Baum,G.A., Subfracture Mechanical Properties, Trans. Of 10th Fundamental Res. Sym. Oxford Sept p DeFoe, R.J., Optimal refining conditions of development of OCC pulp properties, Tappi J. 76(2) p. 157 (1993) 10. Thorpe, J.L, Mark,R.E., Eusufzai,A.R., Perkins,R.W., Tappi J. 59(5) p.96 (1976) 11. Mohlin, U-B., Dahlbom, J., Fiber deformation and sheet strength, Tappi 79(6) 1996 p Retulainen, E., Ebeling,K., Effect of paper on the load elongation behaviour of fiber to fiber bonds, Transactions of the 8th Fundamental Research Symposium-Oxford Sept p Rosium, D.R., Runnability of Paper Part 2: troubleshooting web breaks, Tappi J., 73(2) p.101 (1990) 14. Rosium, D.R., Runnability of Paper Part 1: predicting runnability, Tappi J. 73(1) p.97 (1990) 15. Mohlin, U-B., Miller,J., Influence of industrial beating on fibre swelling and fibre shape, Proceedings of 4th International Conference on New Available Techniques and Current Trends, SPCI, Stockholm, p (1992) 16. Seth, R.S., Robertson,G., Mai, Y-W., Hoffmann,J.D., Plane stress fracture toughness of paper, Tappi J. 76(2) p.109 (1993). 17. Korteoja, M., Salminen, L.I., Niskanen, K.J., Alava, M., Statistical Variation of Paper Strength, JPPS 24(1) p

84 Page 80 APPENDIX 5 Preparing the Rayon Fiber Calibration Check Samples for the FQA Materials: Clean 600 ml beaker Clean 5 μm filtered water small very clean metallic rod small bottle containing rayon fiber from OpTest ( P/N ) Procedure: i) Make sure to rinse the 600ml beaker several times with clean water. Warning: Do not dry the beaker with toweling paper since lint fibers from the towel could end up in the beaker and affect results. The beaker does not need to be dry just clean. ii) iii) iv) Use the small clean metallic rod to take some rayon fiber out of the bottle of rayon fiber. The rayon usually comes out in small balls. Place 2 balls (each approximately 1 mm in diameter) in the clean 600 ml beaker. Press the Measure button in the Main Menu, and use the electronic keyboard to type a sample ID, then press OK. Select OpTest default settings in the Settings selection Menu. Make sure that the Fiber Count Limit is set to at least 5000 fibres, ands press the OK button. v) Place the beaker in the beaker holder of the FQA, and use the DILUTE button in the Test Menu to fill the beaker to the 600 ml mark with dilution water. Then press the START button. vi) If the AutoDilute is enabled, and the fiber concentration is too high, a dilution will automatically take place, and the Test will automatically restart at a lower fiber concentration. If the AutoDilute is not enabled, carefully observe the fibers per second reading on the screen. If the fibers per second is between let the test proceed until a fiber count of 5000 is reached. - If the eps is less than 25 press the STOP button and go back to step ii). - If the eps is greater than 30 press the STOP button and then acquire a second clean 600 ml beaker. Pour the contents of the first beaker back and forth at least 6 times between the two beakers and then pour a portion of the first beaker in to the second beaker. Dilute the beaker to the 600 ml mark again using the dilution water from the FQA. Target a fibers per second value of in the beaker. Once the sample in the beaker is appropriately diluted press the START button and run the test. The expected range of values for Ln, and Lw are printed on the label of the bottle of rayon. If the measured values of Lw are outside the expected range, please contact the Service department at OpTest.

85 Page 81 Preparing Samples for the Measurement of Curl and Kink on the FQA (Dried Low Yield Chemical Pulp) IMPORTANT NOTES: 1) Curl and kink can be added to pulps during the drying process especially during rapid drying. 2) Curl and kink can be removed by disintegration and lab beating processes. 3) It is important to do the gentlest disintegration method possible on dried pulps Materials: - 25 ml glass vial with screw on lid - 4 small (~ 5 mm diameter ) round glass balls - 2 Clean 600 ml plastic beakers - 5μm filtered water Procedure: Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: Step 5: Step 6: Step 7: Allow the dried pulp to soak in a clean 600 ml beaker filled with 5μm filtered water for at least 4 hours (preferably 24 for dry lap pulp) Gently tease a portion of the soaked pulp that is in the center part of the soaked sheet. Make sure none of the fiber obtained contains torn and cut fiber from the edges. Place some of this good pulp (~10 mm diameter portion) into a 25 ml glass vial which contains 4 glass beads. Fill the glass vial with 5μm filtered water and screw the lid on tight. Shake the vial for approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute (depending on the ease of disintegration). Pour the contents of the vial into a clean 600 ml beaker and rinse vial into beaker. Fill beaker to the 600 ml mark with 5μm filtered water. Pour the contents of the 600 ml beaker back and forth between two clean 600 ml beakers for at least 6 times. This will provide excellent mixing. Then immediately pour approximately 100 ml of the dilute pulp solution into a clean 600 ml beaker. Dilute the 100ml pulp solution with 500 ml of clean 5μm filtered water. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until the correct eps is reached for the FQA. Target an eps of for hardwoods and eps for softwoods.

86 Page 82 APPENDIX 6 - Network Information Questionnaire Company: Phone & Ext.: Sender: Network: ethernet speed 10MBS or 100MBS protocol: NetBeui(NETBIOS), TCP/IP or IPX COMPATIBLE WORKGROUP or DOMAIN NAME : FQA Computer name : LDA02xxx (Where xxx are the last three digits of the unit s stamped serial number, LDA02xxx.) user name : user password : Encrypted Password (Y/N) : (default Yes) TCP/IP Settings select either: Dynamic: or Static: for static selection, please fill in the following address: : : : mask: : : : Server IP address: : : : Fax to OpTest at: (613)

87 Page 83 APPENDIX 7 - Re-Install Operating System and FQA Software PLEASE NOTE BEFORE BREAKING THE SECURITY SEALS ON THE FQA COVER CONTACT OPTEST SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON FOR APPROVAL. FAILURE TO CONTACT OPTEST PRIOR TO OPENING THE COVER WILL VOID INSTRUMENT WARRANTY Compact Flash Figure A7-1: Electronics box, with embedded computer and removable compact flash The FQA uses an embedded computer with an embedded XP operating system. The operating system and FQA software are stored on compact flash. The compact flash is housed with in the electronics box, or top portion of the FQA, Figure A7-1. If the user experiences a complete system crash, a CD is provided with the instrument that contains a clone of the complete operating system and FQA software. This can be reloaded by the user. To Reload the operating system the user will need: A. The operating system CD - Provided with the instrument. B. A compact flash reader NOT INCLUDED. C. A standard desktop computer NOT THE FQA Steps to restore operating system: 1. Switch off and unplug the FQA. 2. Open the top cover of the FQA. 3. Remove compact flash, see Figure A Insert compact flash into a compact flash reader and plug into desktop computer 5. Insert CD. The CD will contain a program called clonecf.exe and a file named LDA02xxx where (xxx) relates to the serial number of the instrument.

88 Page Run the "clonecf.exe" software from the CD 7. When prompted, type in "CloneCF Lda02xxx.img e:", where (Lda02xxx.img is the relevant operating system and software image). (xxx is the last 3 digits of the serial number of the instrument). (e: is the compact flash reader drive). This process may take 5 to 10 minutes. 8. Upon completion, remove the compact flash from the reader and re-install in the FQA.. 9. Restore power, switch on and press momentary switch "SW8".

89 Page 85 APPENDIX 8 - Installing a USB Memory Device if the HiRes FQA does not Recognize It If the memory device is attached to the USB port for the first time, and the HiRes FQA does not recognize it, follow the numerous Windows Hardware Wizard steps and a driver for the memory device will be installed if one is available. Figures A8.1 - A8.8. Figure A8-1: Step 1 Figure A8-2: Between Steps 1 & 2 Figure A8-3: Step 2 Figure A8-4: Step 3

90 Page 86 Figure A8-5: Step 4 Figure A8-6: Step 5 Figure A8-7: Step 6 Figure A8-7: Step 7 Figure A8-8: Step 8