(57) Paper stock is deflocculated on the machine wire by laying down a ridged layer of
stock and phase-shifting the ridges without substantial dewatering. This phase shifting
creates cross-machine direction (MCD) mass transfer of the stock and deflocculating
CMD shear forces within it. Apparatus comprises a serrated slice or other means for
delivering ridged-stock to the wire in combination with a series of foil blades beneath
the machine wire adjacent to the headbox, each blade having a recessed land inclined
first downward and then upward in the direction of machine motion and with substantially
no dewatering of the stock on the wire until the stock reaches a location downward
form the blades, causing water to be repeatedly drawn through the wire and directed
upwardly by the inclined land, causing phase shifting of the ridges and hence CMD
shear and significant deflocculation befor any web formation occurs.
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