The BASF Laser Optical Pitch Particle Counter - Current Applications and Future Developments

The occurrence of detrimental substances in the paper machine leads to reduced economic performance of paper mills through reduced capacities due to increased paper breaks and cleaning times. In this article the latest generation of BASF's laser optical pitch particle counter is employed in the examination of a paper mill operating two paper machines and using a mixture of thermo-mechanical pulp and recycled fibres. The potential of the new instrument to differentiate between particles on the basis of size and chemical composition is discussed. In addition, direct evidence of the periodic and locational variation of detrimental substances in the paper machine is given. Finally, an example of the application of BASF's laser optical pitch particle counter in the selection of a suitable fixative system for a complex furnish is presented.