Sensitivity analysis of models for high consistency refining process

This paper deals with the sensitivity analysis of models for the high consistency refining process in the pulp and paper industry. Several models reported in literature are considered, which are screened for their potential use in the design of controllers for refiners or in the optimization of refiner operation. For the two most promising models a sensitivity analysis is conducted which suggests that the temperature profile inside the refiner and the inlet consistency are the most important process variables. It is further suggested that both variables variables are utilized to control the refining process based on these models. Moreover, computer simulations with constant, linear increasing and parabolic temperature profiles are performed, which confirm the importance of the temperature profile for the entropy based model.