Navigating the Energy-Quality Trade-Off of Refining Process in Stock Preparation: Fundamentals, Mechanisms, and Technological Advances in Refining (Part I)

Abstract

Refining is a critical, energy-intensive process that fundamentally determines fiber properties and paper quality. This review—the first in a two-part series—establishes a technical foundation for understanding refining mechanisms, equipment configurations, and plate technologies. It analyzes the mechanical transformation of wood fibers through fibrillation and shortening, focusing on how refiner geometry and the four-stage treatment cycle (capture, impact, compression, and relaxation) govern freeness and strength development. Key advancements are highlighted, including vertical bar designs and high-performance alloys that extend service life by 30–50% while improving energy efficiency. By correlating plate engineering with morphological changes via SEM microscopy, this work provides the groundwork for Part II’s focus on refining theories and operational optimization to resolve the energy-quality paradox.