beater
A machine used in papermaking. It consists
essentially of a tank, usually provided with a
partition or "mid-feather," that contains a heavy
roll designed to revolve against a bedplate. Both
roll and bedplate can be fitted with horizontal
metal bars set on edge. In operation, the pulp
material in a water slurry circulates between the
roll and bedplate and is rubbed, cut, macerated,
and separated into a fibrous mass for further
processing into paper. Sometimes fillers,
loadings, dyes, etc., are added to the stock in
the beater. Some authorities contend that the
beater, introduced in 1670, was partially
responsible for the decline in quality of paper,
as miniscule iron particles, breaking away from
the sides or working parts of the machine, entered
the paper and caused it to deteriorate. See also:
REFINER . (17 , 58 )
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