Overview
The PL15-A Laboratory Somerville Screen is a standardized laboratory instrument designed for pulp contaminant analysis and pulp cleanliness evaluation in the pulp and paper industry.
Manufactured according to TAPPI T275, the equipment separates oversized contaminants from pulp suspensions using a precision slotted screen and controlled oscillating motion. During screening, acceptable fibers pass through the screen slots, while shives, stickies, plastics, sand, metal particles and other coarse contaminants remain on the screen surface for inspection and quantitative analysis.
The equipment is widely used in paper mills, recycled fiber plants, research institutes, universities and quality control laboratories to evaluate pulp quality and monitor contaminant levels before papermaking.
Working Principle
The Laboratory Somerville Screen operates through an eccentric cam mechanism driven by an electric motor. The cam generates continuous vertical movement of the rubber diaphragm, creating stable oscillation of the pulp suspension over the slotted screen plate.
Under a controlled water flow, acceptable fibers pass through the precision screen slots while oversized contaminants are retained on the screen surface. After screening, the retained material is collected and weighed to determine contaminant content and reject percentage.
This standardized laboratory method provides reliable and repeatable results for evaluating pulp cleanliness and contaminant levels.
Why Is Laboratory Pulp Screening Important?
Pulp screening is an essential quality control procedure in laboratory pulp testing. Even after pulping and cleaning, pulp may still contain coarse contaminants such as shives, stickies, plastics and fiber bundles that can affect paper quality and machine performance.
Laboratory screening allows researchers and manufacturers to identify and quantify these contaminants before production or further testing. Accurate contaminant analysis helps optimize pulping processes, improve recycled fiber quality and reduce defects in the finished paper.
Standardized laboratory screening also provides consistent testing data for research, product development and quality assurance.
Key Features
TAPPI T275 Standard Compliance
Designed and manufactured according to TAPPI T275 for standardized laboratory pulp screening and contaminant analysis.
Accurate Contaminant Separation
Efficiently separates and evaluates:
- Shives
- Stickies
- Plastic particles
- Sand
- Metal fragments
- Fiber bundles
- Other coarse contaminants
Stable Oscillation Mechanism
The eccentric cam and rubber diaphragm produce stable oscillating motion, ensuring repeatable screening performance.
Precision Water Flow Control
Controlled water flow and overflow height provide consistent screening conditions and improve testing accuracy.
Optional Screen Plates
Different screen plates are available to meet various laboratory testing requirements.
Optional configurations include:
- 0.15 mm slotted screen (standard)
- 0.20 mm slotted screen
- 0.25 mm slotted screen
- 0.30 mm slotted screen
- Ø10 mm perforated screen plate
- Laboratory agitator
Reliable Laboratory Performance
Compact structure, stable operation and easy maintenance make the equipment suitable for routine laboratory testing.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | PL15-A |
| Applicable Materials | Pulp, Wood Pulp, Composite Fibers |
| Standard | TAPPI T275 |
| Screen Plate Size | 323 × 268 mm |
| Screen Slot Length | 45 mm |
| Screen Slot Width | 0.15 mm |
| Number of Slots | 756 (126 × 6) |
| Oscillation Frequency | 700 cycles/min |
| Overflow Height | 102 mm |
| Rubber Diaphragm Amplitude | 3.2 ± 0.1 mm |
| Eccentric Shaft Speed | 690–700 rpm |
| Water Flow Rate | 8.6 L/min |
| Water Pressure | 1.23 kg/cm² |
| Motor Power | 1.1 kW |
| Voltage | 220V / 380V / 400V / 415V, 50/60 Hz (Customizable) |
| Dimensions | 700 × 400 × 1100 mm |
Optional Accessories
- Ø10 mm perforated screen plate
- 0.20 mm slotted screen plate
- 0.25 mm slotted screen plate
- 0.30 mm slotted screen plate
- Laboratory agitator
Applications
The Laboratory Somerville Screen is widely used for:
- Laboratory pulp contaminant analysis
- Shive content determination
- Reject content evaluation
- Recycled fiber quality assessment
- Pulp cleanliness testing
- Paper mill quality control
- Laboratory process optimization
- University teaching laboratories
- Research institutes
- Pulp and paper R&D centers
Why Choose VANVEO?
- Designed according to TAPPI T275 laboratory testing standards
- Accurate separation of shives and coarse contaminants
- Stable oscillating screening mechanism
- High repeatability for laboratory testing
- Multiple optional screen plate configurations
- Easy operation and maintenance
- Suitable for virgin pulp and recycled pulp evaluation
- Professional laboratory equipment manufacturer with complete pulp and paper testing solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Laboratory Somerville Screen used for?
The Laboratory Somerville Screen is used to separate and quantify shives, stickies and other coarse contaminants in pulp samples for laboratory quality evaluation and recycled fiber analysis.
Which standard does the equipment comply with?
The PL15-A Laboratory Somerville Screen is manufactured according to TAPPI T275 for standardized laboratory pulp screening.
What types of contaminants can be analyzed?
The equipment is designed to separate shives, stickies, plastics, sand, metal particles, fiber bundles and other oversized contaminants from pulp suspensions.
Can different screen plates be installed?
Yes. Optional slotted screen plates with widths of 0.20 mm, 0.25 mm and 0.30 mm, as well as a Ø10 mm perforated screen plate, are available for different laboratory applications.







