Measurement of fiber length, coarseness, and shape with the fiber quality analyzer

Abstract

Fiber length, coarseness, and fiber curl index were measured for a variety of papermaking pulps using a new commercial instrument, the fiber quality analyzer (FGA). The results were compared with measurements obtained using other available methods. The fiber length measurements obtained with the FGQ were similar to those reported by the Kajaani FS-200 fiber-length analyzer. Coarseness measurements obtained with the FQA were similar to results from both the FS-100 and the manual TAPPI method (TAPPI T 234 cm-84). Fiber curl index as measured by the FQA was approximately 20% lower than manual measurements obtained using image analysis. Repeatability and interlaboratory reproducibility data are reported for 3 samples at 11 laboratories. The FQA flow cell operated without plugging problems, suggesting that it is suitable for on-line measure ments. Application: Evaluates the precision and accuracy of measurements of fiber length, coarseness, and curl as reported by the recently developed fiber quality analyzer.