Brugger KRK-2571-III Square Press Laboratory Paper Wet-Press Equipment

Overview

The Brugger KRK-2571-III Square Press is a precision-engineered laboratory-scale wet-press system designed specifically for standardized dewatering of handsheets in pulp and paper testing laboratories. It implements the square-press principle defined in TAPPI T205 and CPPA Standard C4/C5, where a uniformly distributed mechanical load is applied vertically across a defined press area to remove water from a wet fiber mat sandwiched between two absorbent blotting papers and polished stainless-steel plates. Unlike manual or hydraulic presses, this unit utilizes regulated pneumatic actuation to deliver consistent, traceable pressure profiles—critical for achieving high inter-laboratory reproducibility in sheet formation, moisture content, and subsequent physical property testing (e.g., tensile strength, density, porosity). Its fixed upper platen and motor-driven lower platen enable precise stroke control and repeatable dwell time, minimizing operator-induced variability during the pressing cycle.

Key Features

• Pneumatically actuated dual-stage pressing system with independent timers and digital pressure monitoring for each stage
• 270 mm × 270 mm AISI 304 stainless-steel press plates with mirror-finish contact surfaces to ensure uniform load distribution and prevent fiber damage
• Fixed upper platen architecture eliminates alignment drift and maintains parallelism under load
• Automated cycle sequencing: lower platen rises to apply preset pressure (410 kPa), holds for programmed duration (5 min Stage I, 2 min Stage II), then retracts automatically
• Integrated pressure regulator and gauge calibrated to ISO 6789-1 for traceable force application
• Compact footprint (800 × 700 × 1700 mm) optimized for standard lab bench integration without requiring floor anchoring
• No water supply required; only single-phase AC power (100/110 VAC, 1 A) and clean, dry compressed air (0.5 MPa) are needed

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KRK-2571-III is validated for use with standard handsheets prepared per TAPPI T205 (water-formed sheets) and CPPA C4/C5 (Canadian pulp testing protocols). It accommodates 159 mm diameter fiber mats formed on supplied 120-mesh stainless-steel wire screens, positioned between high-capacity blotting papers and polished platens. All structural components—including platens, frame, and actuation housing—are constructed from corrosion-resistant AISI 304 stainless steel to withstand repeated exposure to aqueous pulp suspensions and cleaning agents. The system meets the dimensional, force, and timing tolerances specified in TAPPI T205 Annex A and CPPA C4/C5 Clause 6.2. It supports GLP-compliant documentation when paired with external data loggers recording pressure vs. time profiles.

Software & Data Management

While the KRK-2571-III operates via an embedded electromechanical control panel (no onboard software), its pneumatic pressure regulation and timer circuits are designed for auditability under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. Pressure and time settings are manually entered via tactile push-button interface with LED confirmation; all operational parameters are displayed on analog gauges and digital timers visible during operation. For full electronic recordkeeping, users may integrate optional external pressure transducers and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to capture real-time pressing curves and export CSV-formatted logs. The control architecture supports third-party SCADA integration for centralized lab equipment monitoring.

Applications

• Determination of handsheet moisture content after standardized pressing (TAPPI T205 Section 7.3)
• Preparation of conditioned sheets for subsequent testing: tensile index (TAPPI T494), burst strength (TAPPI T403), tear resistance (TAPPI T414), and air permeance (TAPPI T460)
• Comparative evaluation of dewatering efficiency across pulp types, refining degrees, or retention aid formulations
• Calibration reference for industrial press nips in pilot-scale paper machine trials
• Research into fiber bonding development under controlled consolidation conditions

FAQ

What standards does the KRK-2571-III comply with?
It is fully compliant with TAPPI T205 “Standard Method for Forming Handsheets for Physical Tests of Paper and Paperboard” and CPPA Standard C4/C5 “Method for Determination of Moisture Content of Pulps After Pressing.”
Is compressed air supply included?
No—the unit requires externally supplied clean, dry compressed air at 0.5 MPa (72 psi); a compatible air compressor and filtration system must be provided by the user.
Can the press time and pressure be adjusted beyond factory defaults?
Yes—both stages support user-defined timing (0–30 min range) and pressure can be fine-tuned within ±10% of nominal 410 kPa via the integrated regulator, though validation against TAPPI/CPPA limits is recommended for accredited testing.
What maintenance is required?
Monthly inspection of pneumatic seals and lubrication of linear guides; annual calibration of pressure gauge per ISO 6789-1; no scheduled replacement parts are required within first 5 years under normal lab use.
Are spare consumables available separately?
Yes—blotting papers, stainless-steel forming wires (120 mesh, Ø159 mm), and replacement drying rings are stocked and supplied under separate part numbers for ongoing operational continuity.