The ION STICK and Starch Systems in Corrugated Box Manufacturing an unbeatable combination

Viscosity instability of the starch systems in the corrugated box industry can inflate operating costs significantly. Although the causes for viscosity problems can be numerous, the ION STICK has been applied successfully as an alternative to biocide use. Starch is an excellent nutrient for bacteria which is a primary cause for reducing viscosity. Systems treated by the electrostatic field of the ION STICK have overcome the symptoms evident with microbiological activity (i.e. obnoxious odours, plummeting viscosities).

ION STICK

STARCH SYSTEMS:

Starch is a common material used in bonding paper products such as corrugated cardboard. It is the staple ingredient in the adhesive formulation. There are variations in the industry designed to meet product specifications. Although the processing of the starch mixtures can vary from plant to plant, similar problems prevail. If the starch mixture becomes too low in viscosity, production and operating expenses increase.

In virtually all cases, viscosity problems are such that the starch becomes too thin. There are potentially numerous causes for this occurrence. Water contamination, over circulation (starch breakdown) and microbiological activity are among the common sources. The most prominent source is that of microbiological activity. Starch is an excellent nutrient for bacteria and the ideal temperatures encountered further promote microbial attack. Obnoxious odours are synonymous with microbiological activity.

In a substandard viscosity range, a low viscosity starch mixture will rapidly be consumed. A splashing effect of the starch occurs at the point of application. Adjustments of the wiper and adhesive rolls is necessary to curb excessive use. From a gluing quality perspective, the gel temperature point is apt to be affected. A surface bond rather than the desired fibre bond can and will take place. The longer the starch mixture is retained (ie: weekend shutdowns), the greater the potential is for viscosity instability.

The approach, up until recently with the use of the ION STICK, has been to apply biocides. Since batch processing has a higher retention time than a continuous process, problems are more apparent and usually limited to same. Although biocides improve results, viscosity stability is temporary. The biocides attack the microbes in the mainstream. Microbiologically active deposits experience a surface kill as the mainstream comes into contact with them. Yet, these deposits continue to harbour and encourage future activity as the biocide concentration or effect is diminished. With biocide usage, the normal drawbacks such as personnel safety, environmental effects and increased costs are applicable.

The ION STICK has had a very positive impact in these starch systems. The ION STICK provides a cleansing action on existing deposits within the system. The source of the problem is curtailed rather than the symptoms. ION STICK use will provide starch viscosity control without the use of biocides. When using the ION STICK, there isn't the accumulation of sludges found in the storage tanks that are common with biocide use. Precipitation and by-products reactions can occur with biocides and necessitates routine and regular cleaning of the tanks. The ION STICK does not add any substance to the starch mixture.

The preferred location site for the ION STICK is within the storage tank where there is good flow and agitation (ie: near the mechanical mixing section).

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