Porosity
Porosity is a key quality measure in paper making that describes how easily air can pass through paper. Think of it like how breathable a fabric is - some papers need to be more "breathable" than others depending on their use. This property is important for products like coffee filters (which need high porosity) or food packaging (which might need low porosity). Paper makers and quality control specialists regularly test and control porosity to ensure the paper meets customer requirements. You might also see this referred to as "air permeability" or "air resistance" in job descriptions and resumes.
Examples in Resumes
Monitored and adjusted Porosity levels in fine paper production to meet client specifications
Reduced waste by 15% through improved Air Permeability testing procedures
Led team in maintaining consistent Porosity measurements across all paper grades
Typical job title: "Paper Quality Control Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Paper Quality Control Specialists
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where porosity readings are consistently outside specification limits?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss systematic problem-solving approaches, including checking calibration of testing equipment, reviewing recent process changes, examining raw material quality, and coordinating with different departments to identify and resolve the root cause.
Q: What strategies would you implement to optimize porosity control across different paper grades?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of different paper grades' requirements, process control methods, and how to train operators to maintain consistent quality across production runs.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors affect paper porosity during production?
Expected Answer: Should mention factors like fiber type, refining level, pressing pressure, chemical additives, and drying conditions, showing understanding of how these can be adjusted to achieve desired porosity.
Q: How do you measure porosity in paper samples?
Expected Answer: Should describe standard testing methods, equipment used (like Gurley or Bendtsen testers), and proper sampling procedures to ensure accurate results.
Junior Level Questions
Q: Why is porosity important in paper making?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic concepts about how porosity affects paper use, giving examples like printing paper needing different porosity than packaging paper.
Q: What are the basic quality checks you perform for porosity?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic testing procedures, documentation requirements, and when to alert supervisors about problems.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic porosity testing procedures
- Quality control documentation
- Standard testing equipment operation
- Basic understanding of paper grades
Mid (2-5 years)
- Advanced testing methods
- Process troubleshooting
- Quality control program implementation
- Equipment calibration and maintenance
Senior (5+ years)
- Process optimization
- Team leadership and training
- Quality system development
- Advanced problem-solving methods
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on experience with paper testing equipment
- Lack of understanding of basic paper properties
- Poor documentation practices
- Unable to explain quality control procedures
Related Terms
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