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Online measurement of bulk, tensile, brightness, and ovendry content of bleached chemithermomechanical pulp using visible and near infrared spectroscopy, TAPPI JOURNAL April 2018
Online measurement of bulk, tensile, brightness, and ovendry content of bleached chemithermomechanical pulp using visible and near infrared spectroscopy, TAPPI JOURNAL April 2018
Journal articles
Magazine articles
Understanding the risks and rewards of using 50% vs. 10% strength peroxide in pulp bleach plants, TAPPI Journal November 2018
Authors: Alan W. Rudie and Peter W. Hart | ABSTRACT: The use of 50% concentration and 10% concentration hydrogen peroxide were evaluated for chemical and mechanical pulp bleach plants at storage and at point of use. Several dangerous occurrences have been documented when the supply of 50% peroxide going into the pulping process was not stopped during a process failure. Startup conditions and leaking block valves during maintenance outages have also contributed to explosions. Although hazardous events have occurred, 50% peroxide can be stored safely with proper precautions and engineering controls. For point of use in a chemical bleach plant, it is recommended to dilute the peroxide to 10% prior to application, because risk does not outweigh the benefit. For point of use in a mechanical bleach plant, it is recommended to use 50% peroxide going into a bleach liquor mixing system that includes the other chemicals used to maintain the brightening reaction rate. When 50% peroxide is used, it is critical that proper engineering controls are used to mitigate any risks.
Journal articles
Magazine articles
The influence of strain rate and pulp properties on the stre
The influence of strain rate and pulp properties on the stress relaxation of wet paper — modeling of relaxation, November 2016 TAPPI JOURNAL
Journal articles
Data driven modeling to reduce fossil fuel consumption in a lime kiln integrated with biomass gasifier, TAPPI Journal September 2026
ABSTRACT: Biomass gasification, although already known and applied, is currently being consolidated as a sustainable alternative in the pulp industry, contributing to the reduction of fossil carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and to the utilization of forest residues. In this context, pulp mills are beginning to adopt biomass gasification within their chemical recovery cycles by integrating the technology with lime kilns. However, further process studies are still needed to support and optimize this application. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze lime mud feed temperature by applying an artificial neural network model to a gasification system integrated with a lime kiln. For this evaluation, 10 periods of system stability throughout 2024 were selected under different operational conditions. Data from 28 potential predictive variables were collected, a total of 348 observations. This dataset was then processed using R software, where data treatment and model dimensionality reduction were performed, resulting in 10 predictive variables between gasifier and kiln. Next, the dataset was randomly divided into training (70% of the observations) and testing data. The established neural network model (using “neuralnet” package) was optimized, resulting in a configuration containing one hidden layer with three neurons. This setup enabled optimal estimation of the flue gas kiln outlet temperature, with mean absolute error (MAE) = 3.0°C and root mean square error (RMSE) = 4.1°C, applying the resilient backpropagation algorithm with backtracking — both below the thermocouple’s measurement error (±5.0°C) for the evaluated average temperature range (668.2°C). When the same dataset was modeled using the resilient backpropagation algorithm without backtracking, even better results were achieved: MAE = 2.5°C and RMSE = 3.7°C. Thus, after evaluating these and other configurations, it was concluded that the best model required 10 predictive variables and the backpropagation algorithm without backtracking to determine flue gas kiln outlet temperature. These results provide a better understanding of how gasifier and kiln variables influence the temperature in the lime kiln, which is essential to improve control and optimize the calcination process, avoiding supplementary fossil fuel consumption.
Journal articles
Beyond the machine: Decoding process water microbes behind odor in papermaking, TAPPI Journal February 2026
ABSTRACT: Paper manufacturing processes create an ecosystem conducive to microbial growth, characterized by abundant water, nutrients, and optimal temperatures, fostering diverse microbial habitats. With the increased use of recycled fibers and greater water system closure, the industry now faces amplified microbiological challenges, particularly odor generation. These odor problems have raised community concerns, as shown by resident com-plaints, and have led to significant economic impacts, including costly lawsuits against major paper manufacturers. Based on earlier studies showing that microbes in papermaking systems can generate odor-causing volatile com-pounds, this study is guided by the hypothesis that recycle paper mill process water harbors odor-causing microbial communities and thus represents a primary source of malodor. To test this hypothesis, process water samples from commercial recycle paper mills were analyzed using high-throughput Illumina sequencing to characterize microbial communities in one complete analysis. The study results revealed fifteen major microbial populations, dominated mainly by the genus Pseudomonas. The identified microbes were further linked to prior literature to determine their functional roles in odor generation, including the production of haloanisoles (2-monochloroanisole, 2,4-dichloroanisole, 2,3,6-trichloroanisole, 2,4,6-tri-bromoanisole), geosmin, 2-methylisoborneol, and volatile organic sulfur compounds such as dimethyl polysulfides, hydrogen sulfide, and methylmercaptan. This study introduces a microbiological community-profiling approach that enables papermakers to assess whether process water represents a potential source of malodor. Earlier studies have not examined microbial com-munities in recycle paper mill process water specifically from the perspective of identifying malodor sources, nor have they integrated such findings with an extensive literature-based assessment. The findings of this study advance both science and practice by offering a method that can serve as an early diagnostic tool for papermakers, supporting effective future odor management and deepening understanding of microbial ecology in paper mill environments.
Journal articles
Utilization of inline total dissolved solids measurement system in a pulp mill's brownstock washing line, TAPPI Journal January 2026
ABSTRACT: Efficient washing improves the recovery of sodium (Na) and sulfur (S) cooking chemicals, as well as wood-based dissolved organic material. It also reduces the additional consumption of chemicals in the subsequent bleaching stages. The operation of the brownstock washing of the pulp mill’s fiber line has a significant impact on the mill’s energy economy, material efficiency, and environmental emissions. Process refractometers can be used to measure the total dissolved solids (TDS) from both the washing liquor and the pulp suspension filtrate part directly from pipelines or pipe bypass loops. In addition, by measuring the three or four incoming/outgoing dissolved solids streams to the washers, together with consistencies and flow rate measurements, it is possible to build the real-time effectiveness calculation of the washer(s). In this work, an online efficiency calculation based on TDS measurements was built for a pressure filter after cooking and oxygen (O2) delignification. The washing performance was monitored over a longer period, and stepwise tests were conducted to find the optimal operating mode. The feed and washing consistencies, the washer’s torque, and the washing liquid distributions varied, and the washer’s efficiency values were monitored using realtime measurements. From the long-term trends of the efficiency calculation, process disturbances could be detected, and their causes could be found. Based on the results of the stepwise tests, an optimal operating model for the washer was found. By optimizing the washing consistency, the Y10 washing yield could be increased. More efficient washing with the same or even a smaller amount of washing liquid can relieve the operation of the evaporator, which is often a bottleneck in the mill. The study also found the effect of cooking-related carryover on the operation of the oxygen stage, as well as differences in the washability of softwood and hardwood.
Journal articles
Magazine articles
Understanding the risks and rewards of using 50% vs. 10% strength peroxide in pulp bleach plants,TAPPI Journal December 2024
Authors: Alan W. Rudie and Peter W. Hart | TAPPI J. 17(11): 601(2018) - ABSTRACT: The use of 50% concentration and 10% concentration hydrogen peroxide were evaluated for chemical and mechanical pulp bleach plants at storage and at point of use. Several dangerous occurrences have been documented when the supply of 50% peroxide going into the pulping process was not stopped during a process failure. Startup conditions and leaking block valves during maintenance outages have also contributed to explosions. Although hazardous events have occurred, 50% peroxide can be stored safely with proper precautions and engineering controls. For point of use in a chemical bleach plant, it is recommended to dilute the peroxide to 10% prior to application, because risk does not outweigh the benefit. For point of use in a mechanical bleach plant, it is recommended to use 50% peroxide going into a bleach liquor mixing system that includes the other chemicals used to maintain the brightening reaction rate. When 50% peroxide is used, it is critical that proper engineering controls are used to mitigate any risks.
Journal articles
Magazine articles
Quantification of block testing for coated paper substrates, TAPPI Journal November 2024
ABSTRACT: Block resistance is a critical property for coated paper and board substrate that will be rolled, stacked, or otherwise contact itself after coating. Small differences in the coated substrate’s blocking can determine whether the substrate can be successfully used for its designated purpose. However, this crucial property is typically evaluated using a qualitative scale that is based on subjective operator ratings and impacted by factors that include: (1) sound of coated substrate during separation, and (2) force with which substrates are separated. This paper tests the hypothesis that quantifying the block test by measuring the force required to peel samples apart improves the test by: (1) providing more standardized testing conditions by controlling peel force and rate; (2) more clearly differentiating samples that experience minimal to some blocking; and (3) maintaining customizability to evaluate customer-specific test conditions. The method developed in this study uses a standard block tester and block testing conditions, but it peels the coated paper samples using a hot tack/heat seal instrument with force measurement capabilities. This paper demonstrates, using the instrument’s heat seal capabilities, that it can measure peel forces that represent the full range of observable block scores. The efficacy of this method was evaluated by having a group of trained operators engage in a randomized, blind experiment where they assessed block resistance on a set of coated paper samples using a modified qualitative block scale and compared their results to force measurements collected using the proposed method. The sample set included two coatings that have successfully run in commercial trials with minimal blocking, and one coating that experienced significant blocking in commercial trials despite only exhibiting some blocking at standard block test conditions in laboratory testing. The quantitative test method presented in this paper clearly differentiated these samples, whereas the qualitative assessment could not predict which samples had suitable block resistance for commercial use. As any tensile tester capable of measuring with 0.1 N resolution can be used for the Quantitative Block Test, the proposed method can be widely adopted. Furthermore, this method can be used for any block condition.
Journal articles
Magazine articles
Production and characterization of furanic bio-oil from Kawayan kiling (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad ex. Wendl) using molten citric acid in an open system, TAPPI Journal August 2024
ABSTRACT: The burning of fossil fuels poses many threats to the environment. These predicaments have led to a continuous search for alternative sources and production of energy, and biomass is considered the most abundant renewable energy source. In this study, the potential to produce furanic bio-oil from the cellulose of Bambusa vulgaris was explored. The proximate chemical analysis of bamboo was determined using TAPPI Standards. Cellulose was isolated through dewaxing, delignification, and alkaline treatments. The furanic bio-oil was produced by mixing cellulose and citric acid in a solvent-free environment. The effects of the digestion time (120 min, 180 min, and 240 min) on the yield and characteristics were determined. The chemical compositions were determined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS). B. vulgaris has the following chemical composition: alpha-cellulose (57.42 ± 0.40), holocellulose (78.84 ± 0.52), lig-nin (28.85 ± 0.17), hot water extractives (3.99 ± 0.08), organic extractives (0.77 ± 0.04), ash (4.67 ± 0.02), and moisture (12.98 ± 0.22). The bio-oil yield was affected by the digestion time. The highest yield was obtained at 180 min, followed by 120 min, and 240 min with 88.59%, 59.28%, and 49.96%, respectively. The peaks in the FTIR spectra corresponded to the compounds determined by the GCMS analysis. The dominant chemicals were furans (29.19%), ketones (26.31%), and carboxylic acids (19.26%). The bio-oil obtained at 180-min digestion time has the following properties: sulfur content (0.032 wt%), kinematic viscosity (1.03 mm2/s), specific gravity (0.925), copper corrosion test (No. 1a), pH (2.753), and water content (not detected). Overall, the obtained values from the properties and chemical characterization can be the basis for investigating its performance for biofuel production and utilization. This study is aligned with the Bamboo Industry’s Strategic Science and Technology Plan for the Philippines to develop other value-added products from bamboo and to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) as determined by the United Nations.
Journal articles
Magazine articles
Effects of carboxymethyl starch as a papermaking additive, TAPPI Journal February 2024
ABSTRACT: Carboxymethyl starch (CMS) is a bio-based, anionic polymer that has potential as part of a dry-strength additive program for papermaking. Due to its negative charge, its effects can be expected to depend on its interactions with various cationic agents. In this work, the effects of CMS were observed following its sequential addition after one of three selected cationic strength agents at different dosage levels. In selected tests, the furnish was pretreated at the 1% level by a dispersant, sodium polyacrylate, which might represent a high level of anionic contaminants in a paper mill system. Laboratory tests were conducted to show the effects on dewatering, fine-particle retention, and flocculation. These tests were supplemented with measurements of charge demand, zeta potential, and handsheet properties. Sequential addition of cationic glyoxylated acrylamide copolymers (gPAM) and CMS were found to strongly promote dewatering. Two gPAM products and a poly(vinylamine) product in sequential addition with CMS were very effective for promoting fine-particle retention. These same sequential treatments of the stock contributed to moderate fiber flocculation, though severe flocculation was caused by further treatment of the furnish with colloidal silica. Handsheet strength results were mixed. In the default recycled copy paper furnish, the average breaking length for the sheets made with cationic additives followed by CMS was not greatly different from the blank condition. Superior strength resulted when the default furnish was treated with a dispersant alone. When the dispersant-contaminated furnish was treated with the same combinations of cationic additives and CMS, the strength returned to the baseline achieved in the absence of the dispersant. The results were discussed in terms of the charged character of the different additives and their interactions not only with the fiber surfaces but also with each other.