Large data set analysis to determine refiner plate total cost of ownership

Efficient process data storage and its subsequent analysis are vital to the profitable operation of a paper mill. An evaluation of refiner plate performance was conducted for an integrated paper mill. Trials with two new plate patterns were compared with the incumbent pattern; the goal was to increase refiner plate life. Plate life increased with both new design patterns, and the mill selected one of the two new choices. However, additional impacts to paper machine performance and mill maintenance costs were not considered in the selection decision. A large data set analysis tool was used to identify unrealized savings of 1.5% with reduced fiber usage (basis weight) on the paper machine’s most prevalent grade. The large data analysis indicated that this unrealized benefit with the alternate plate design was not attainable with the chosen plate design.