NPT2

NPT2

National Network for Pulp & Paper Technical Training

Created under a grant from the National Science Foundation, the National Network for Pulp & Paper Technical Training (NPT2) comprehensive elearning courses are designed to quickly and thoroughly train both new operators and new technical professionals.

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The TAPPI/ANSI T 1501 sg-18: Training Standard for Paper Machine Tender provides guidelines for skills and knowledge needed by a paper machine operator. NPT2 courses and books directly support the goals outlined in the standard. In addition, NPT2 courses can also fill technical gaps for experienced operators so they can better equipped to train new operators.

These introductory/intermediate-level technical courses are comprehensive in content, answering not just the question of how, but also why.

The NPT2 courses were designed by experienced educators who have taught this content to thousands of mill personnel in over 250 class sessions at 200+ mills and organizations.

Individuals can purchase streaming access to full courses and individual learning modules directly from tappi.org. Site Licenses are also available to accommodate multiple learners.

Customized Content and Consultation Available with Site License. NPT2 site licenses and company licenses provide a lower cost per user for individual mill sites and companies with multiple locations anywhere in the world. A site license provides for unlimited use for training of all employees at your site and the content can be customized to your specific mill, processes, equipment, products and audiences.

With a NPT2 Site License, you can:

  • Create content levels through selective editing
  • Include periodic discussions on how to apply content to mill-specific equipment and processes
  • Vary the lecture sizes and schedule/timetable of learning
  • Keep customized content proprietary
  • Periodically receive content updates so course remains current with new information.

As an example, one company requested that the Pulp Manufacturing Technology course be customized to five different pulp mill operator positions. Another organization had three NPT2 courses customized for a global group of non-technical professionals.

Customization is done in-house (with help of Dr. Michael Kocurek, Director, NPT2 Coastal Alabama if requested as part of the Site License) at no additional cost.

In addition to customization, the site license provides educational training support including training guides and implementation consultation with Dr. Kocurek.

For more information on the NPT2 eLearning courses and how get the customizable training started at your facility, contact the TAPPI Academy training team, training@tappi.org  or 770-209-7242.

PRAISE FOR NPT2

“I found the Paper Machine Optimization courses to be the most useful as they provided more insight into some new ideas and different lines of thought on how to really fine-tune a paper machine and make some tangible improvements (throughput, quality, efficiency, etc.). We have implemented some changes to our wet end operations based on what I learned from the courses.” -- Grant MacKinnon, PM2 Technical Assistant, Irving Paper

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Meet Dr. Kocurek

Michael J. Kocurek, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus of Paper Science & Engineering at North Carolina State University and Director of NPT2 at Coastal Alabama. He is one of the world’s most recognized educators in the industry. He is a TAPPI Fellow and has received a host of other awards, including induction into the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame.

Dr. Kocurek is the lead instructor of TAPPI’s longest running and highest rated course, the Introduction to Pulp and Paper Technology Course.

PodcastCover-02_FINAL.jpg

Listen to the Paper360 Better Together Podcast featuring an interview with Dr. Kocurek, where he shares his many experiences as well as thoughts on attracting, training and retaining young industry professionals and the myriad of industry opportunities available to them.

 

Pulping 

Papermaking 

Tissue

Pulp Manufacturing Technology
Focuses on pulp manufacturing operations, terminology and technology.

Paper Manufacturing Technology
A comprehensive overview of papermaking technology, process variables, equipment, and terminology.

Tissue Manufacturing Technology

Designed to increase understanding of tissue properties, raw materials, equipment & processes

Chemical Recovery 

Includes chemical recovery operations, terminology, equipment and process variables.

Wet End Chemistry
Papermaking materials, including fillers and chemical additives and how chemicals are used to control product attributes and improve process efficiency.

 

Environmental Control

U.S. Environmental laws and regulations, air emission compounds and sources, air treatment options, activated sludge and aerated lagoon operation

Paper Coating Technology
Printing methods for coated grades of paper and board, impact of pigment selection, chemistry and properties of starch and protein binders, materials and equipment.

 

 

Pulp Properties and Testing Labs

Demonstrates various procedures used to analyze raw materials such as wood, chips, pulping liquor, bleaching chemicals; and the resulting pulp. Illustrates the correct testing procedures.

Provide background information on the property being tested.

Paper Machine Optimization
Concentrates on Wet End operations and Pressing & Dry End Operations. Intermediate in scope, designed for more experienced operators.

 

 

Paper Properties &  Testing Lab

Demonstrate procedures used to test paper and board. Provide some background about the property being tested. The overall learning objective is to increase understanding of what the tests are telling us.

 

Technology and Science of Paper Recycling
Review of recycling processes and issues, including quality of the raw materials, requirements to be environmentally friendly and strategies to produce pulp at the lowest cost

Meet Dr. Kocurek

Michael J. Kocurek, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus of Paper Science & Engineering at North Carolina State University and Director of NPT2 at Coastal Alabama. He is one of the world’s most recognized educators in the industry. He is a TAPPI Fellow and has received a host of other awards, including induction into the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame.

Dr. Kocurek is the lead instructor of TAPPI’s longest running and highest rated course, the Introduction to Pulp and Paper Technology Course.

PodcastCover-02_FINAL.jpg

Listen to the Paper360 Better Together Podcast featuring an interview with Dr. Kocurek, where he shares his many experiences as well as thoughts on attracting, training and retaining young industry professionals and the myriad of industry opportunities available to them.

 

Meet Dr. Kocurek

Michael J. Kocurek, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus of Paper Science & Engineering at North Carolina State University and Director of NPT2 at Coastal Alabama. He is one of the world’s most recognized educators in the industry. He is a TAPPI Fellow and has received a host of other awards, including induction into the Paper Industry International Hall of Fame.

Dr. Kocurek is the lead instructor of TAPPI’s longest running and highest rated course, the Introduction to Pulp and Paper Technology Course.

PodcastCover-02_FINAL.jpg

Listen to the Paper360 Better Together Podcast featuring an interview with Dr. Kocurek, where he shares his many experiences as well as thoughts on attracting, training and retaining young industry professionals and the myriad of industry opportunities available to them.

 

Kraft Recovery Operations Course

Monday, January 13, 2025

One of TAPPI's highest rated, longest running events! You'll learn ways to improve pulp production efficiency, minimize operating costs and reduce environmental impact. This course is designed for pulp mill operations personnel.
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Paper Machine Operations Course

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

This introductory course is designed to help you build confidence and knowledge of overall paper machine operations. Gain an understanding of the mechanical components and operations of the paper machine that affect the structure and quality of paper, learn to identify design and operation features, and discover methods to improve paper machine efficiency and product quality.
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2025 Introduction to Wet End Chemistry Course

Tuesday, June 03, 2025

This introductory course will provide attendees with a strong foundation in wet end chemistry troubleshooting and optimization best practices. New topics this year include injection systems, process control, biological control and enzymes. The course is designed to help improve product quality, increase machine productivity and reduce costs.
Learn More