At the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Define the terms "integrated mill," "market pulp," "recycled fiber," "pre-consumer waste," and "post consumer waste"
- Identify and describe the major differences between market pulp fiber and recycled fiber
- Identify and describe the equipment used during bale handling
- Explain why indoor bale storage is preferred over outdoor storage
- Explain why it is good practice to sort bales in the warehouse by grade and source
- Identify and describe safety hazards and safety guidelines associated with bale handling
The following key questions are answered in this module:
What is the difference between recycled paper and market pulp?
Market pulp is virgin fiber which has been screened and cleaned. Recycled, or recovered paper contains contaminants and typically has a lower water content, so it is more difficult to prepare for papermaking.
What are the two major classes of recycled paper?
Recycled paper can come from pre-consumer sources or post-consumer sources. The post consumer sources have more contamination.
How are bales "unpacked"?
Wire or straps holding bales together is usually cut all at once by putting the bale through a guillotine.
How should bales be stacked when they are stored?
Heavier, larger bales should be on the bottom of a stack. Avoid creating any stack of bales which could for any reason topple over.
What happens to the material in an recycled paper bale after it is unpacked?
Loose recycled paper is conveyed to a large mechanical pulper which breaks the paper into individual fibers.
Below is a transcript of the video sample provided for this module:
The following equipment is commonly found at bale handling sites. Trucks and railcars, which deliver bales to the facility. Forklift and bale grab trucks, which transport and arrange the bales within the facility. A dewiring device, a blade or other device that is used to remove the baling wire in order to unpack and prepare the bales for repulping. One or more conveyors to transport the unpacked bales to the repulper. And one or more repulpers which receive the unpacked bales, add water and provide agitation to break up the pulp sheets or recycle fiber into individual fibers in a pulp suspension.
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