Process for making a fiber product from waste fiber

Abstract

A process for making a fiber product from the waste fiber derived from a virgin fiber pulping or paper making facility. The method comprising dewatering the waste fiber, flaking, then drying. The fiber product is useful for many applications, including use as animal bedding.

1 . A process for making a fiber product, comprising: 
 providing never-dried, waste fiber from a virgin fiber source;    dewatering said waste fiber; and    drying said waste fiber utilizing a substantial portion of recovered heat from a pulping process.    
     
     
         2 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein a treatment substance is added to the fiber.  
     
     
         3 . The process of  claim 2 , wherein said treatment substance comprises sodium silicate.  
     
     
         4 . The process of  claim 2 , wherein said treatment substance comprises Berol™ 509.  
     
     
         5 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein said dewatering step comprises passing the waste fiber through a screw press.  
     
     
         6 . (canceled)  
     
     
         7 . (canceled)  
     
     
         8 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein said drying step comprises the use of belt dryer.  
     
     
         9 . The process of  claim 1 , wherein the fiber product is used for animal bedding.  
     
     
         10 . A process for making animal bedding, comprising: 
 providing never-dried waste fiber from a virgin fiber source;    dewatering said waste fiber; and    drying said waste fiber utilizing a substantial portion of recovered heat from a pulping process.    
     
     
         11 . (canceled)