A data-driven examination of the effects of process variables on sheet caliper during papermaking

Knill, Lucas (2025) A data-driven examination of the effects of process variables on sheet caliper during papermaking. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Paper thickness, known as caliper, is a critical feature in producing newsprint. The traditional newsprint made at Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Mill (CBPPL) undergoes a calendering (8flattening9) process at the end of the line, where the sheet caliper is controlled to meet a specific outcome. A potential market for CBPPL involves paper that does not go through the calendering process. This necessitates a better understanding of the relationship between the paper caliper and other variables present in the manufacturing process so that CBPPL can diversify its production line. This thesis is an observational study examining the relationship between the caliper and other process variables. This is done using baseline statistical techniques, including covariance/correlation analysis, regression, principal component analysis, and a neural network. These techniques show that variables such as species, basis weight, CD tear and KSI have a statistically significant relationship with the caliper. This understanding of variables within the papermaking process is beneficial to CBPPL and the paper-making industry as a whole; further research could be done to explore the effect of tighter control of wood species mix and the interactions of variables within the process.

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