Overview
The PL6-E Rapid-Köthen Automatic Sheet Former is an advanced laboratory handsheet preparation system designed for producing standard paper sheets for physical testing. The equipment integrates vacuum sheet forming, pressing and hot water vacuum drying into a fully automated process, providing fast, repeatable and standardized laboratory sheet preparation.
Designed according to the Rapid-Köthen method, the machine complies with ISO 5269-2:2004 and QB/T 1678-2017, making it suitable for pulp and paper laboratories, research institutes and quality control laboratories.
The system produces laboratory handsheets up to 200 mm in diameter and is suitable for wood pulp, non-wood pulp, mineral fibers, nanofibers and other specialty fiber materials.
Key Features
- Rapid-Köthen laboratory handsheet preparation method
- Compliant with ISO 5269-2:2004 and QB/T 1678-2017
- Fully automatic sheet forming, pressing and vacuum drying
- Hot water heating system for rapid drying
- PLC automatic control system
- Suitable for ultrafine fibers, nanofibers and thick laboratory sheets
- Stable vacuum filtration for uniform sheet formation
- White water recycling system for efficient laboratory operation
System Configuration
The PL6-E consists of five integrated systems designed for fully automatic laboratory handsheet preparation.
Pulp Forming System
Includes a compressed air connection, vacuum connection and quick-drain valve for rapid sheet formation.
White Water Circulation System
Equipped with a stainless steel self-priming jet pump and stainless steel water tank for continuous white water circulation.
Vacuum System
Includes a vacuum pump, air-water separator, backflow prevention device, vacuum pipelines and control valves to ensure stable vacuum filtration.
Drying System
Uses a vacuum drying chamber with a hot water circulation system and PID temperature control to achieve fast and uniform drying.
PLC Control System
The PLC automatically controls sheet forming, pressing, drying and operating parameters, ensuring stable and repeatable laboratory testing.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | PL6-E |
| Standard Method | Rapid-Köthen Method |
| Standards | ISO 5269-2:2004, QB/T 1678-2017 |
| Handsheet Diameter | ≤200 mm |
| Minimum Basis Weight | 0.1 g |
| Maximum Sheet Thickness | 10 mm |
| Forming Cylinder Volume | 10 L |
| Drying Temperature | ≤100°C |
| Heating Medium | Purified Water / Distilled Water |
| Drying Time | 3–6 min (30–80 g/m²) |
| Temperature Control | PID |
| Vacuum | -0.092~-0.098 MPa |
| Total Power | 4 kW |
| Dimensions | 1800 × 720 × 1430 mm |
Applications
The Rapid-Köthen Automatic Sheet Former is widely used for:
- Laboratory handsheet preparation
- Physical testing of pulp and paper
- Pulp and paper research
- Nanofiber laboratory studies
- Specialty fiber evaluation
- Quality control laboratories
- Universities and research institutes
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Rapid-Köthen method?
A: The Rapid-Köthen method is an internationally recognized laboratory sheet preparation method that combines vacuum filtration and hot water vacuum drying to rapidly produce standard handsheets for physical testing.
Q: Which standards does the PL6-E comply with?
A: The equipment complies with ISO 5269-2:2004 and QB/T 1678-2017, ensuring standardized laboratory handsheet preparation.
Q: What types of fibers can be tested?
A: The machine is suitable for wood pulp, recycled pulp, non-wood fibers, mineral fibers, nanofibers and other specialty fiber materials.
Q: What is the drying time?
A: For laboratory sheets with a basis weight of 30–80 g/m², the drying process typically takes 3–6 minutes.
Q: What is the maximum handsheet size?
A: The machine produces standard laboratory handsheets with a maximum diameter of 200 mm.
