Describe the grade and filler
Record paper grade, basis weight, machine speed, filler mineral, particle distribution, target ash and current total and ash retention.
GCC, PCC, clay and specialty fillers interact differently with furnish charge and retention chemistry.
Establish a current baseline
Measure furnish and white-water solids, ash, conductivity, pH, drainage, formation and key sheet properties under a stable run.
Keep the incumbent chemistry in the baseline so candidate gains are not confused with ordinary machine variation.
Screen on active addition
Compare coded CPAM or system candidates at equal active addition with realistic dilution, point of addition and shear.
Neat product volume and solution viscosity are not valid retention rankings.
Measure ash and formation together
Track first-pass ash retention, total retention, white-water ash, drainage and formation using the mill's accepted methods.
Excessive flocculation can retain filler while reducing optical uniformity, printability or strength.
Run controlled machine steps
Change one chemistry variable at a time, allow the white-water loop to respond and sample at defined intervals.
Approve a range that remains stable through normal grade and furnish variation.
Maintain the operating record
Retain sample identity, settings, ash results, formation, sheet tests, consumption and commercial supply details.
Repeat confirmation after filler source, particle size, broke level, wet-end charge or major equipment changes.