TAPPI Journal Archive

Use of enzymes for reduction in refining energy - laboratory

ABSTRACT: We performed laboratory and process-scale studies with mixtures of cellulase and hemicellulase enzymes for reducing the refining/beating energy requirement of different types of pulp. Those included hardwood kraft pulp, long fiber fraction of bamboo pulp, old corrugated containers (OCC), and mixed pulp containing new double-lined kraft cuttings (NDLKC) and long fiber fraction of bamboo pulp. In the laboratory, the refining energies were reduced by 18%-45% for different pulps with these enzymes. The strength properties of pulps were not affected by enzyme treatment. In the process-scale trials, use of one of the enzyme products in the production of high strength extensible sack kraft paper (ESKP) reduced the required refining energy by 25 kWh/metric ton of pulp. It also yielded savIngs in steam consumption per ton of paper of about 20% from various sections of the machine operation. The mill was able to bypass one double disc refiner (DDR) when the furnish was changed to 60%unbleached bamboo kraft pulp (long fraction) and 40% NDLKC for producing normal ESKP. This reduced the energy requirement by about 54 kWh/metric ton of pulp, with an 8% savings in steam consumption per ton of paper. The mill was able to produce high strength paper having high porosity without sacrificing other strength properties. Trials with the same enzyme in a mill producing mainly coated white paper showed a reduction in refining energy of about 70 kWh/metric ton of softwood pulp and 30 kWh/metric ton of hardwood pulp. Steam consumption on the paper machine was reduced by approximately 0.5 ton steam/metric ton of paper. By using enzymes, the mill eliminated a refining bottleneck in its softwood line and increased production by 12%. The strength properties of the pulps were not affected. In a mill producing heavy base papers, enzyme use enabled the mill to bypass one 180 kW triple disc refiner (TDR). Pulp strength and other properties were within the specified limits and comparable to those of the control. All these mills have started using enzyme on regular basis.

Image analytical monitoring of paper quality - a feasibility

ABSTRACT: We evaluated 14 selected paper quality parameters using new image analytical techniques for characterization and monitoring of paper quality (multivariate AMT regression). We tested the technique on six major paper types. Of the parameters tested, 13 could be modeled with only minor optimization of the initial experimental image recording parameters. Although this analysis was performed in the laboratory with static sheets of paper, this new “remote sensing” image technique shows promising application potential for online product monitoring of the specified physical qualities.

Editor's Notes: Ready for a Test Drive, TAPPI JOURNAL

TAPPI conference proceedings, presentations, technical papers, and articles provide technical and management data, as well as practical solutions for the Pulp, Paper, and related Industries.

Recent advances in the commercialization of NIR (near-infrar

November 21, 2006

ABSTRACT: Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy techniques have held the promise of a new generation of online and lab based process analyzers for the pulping and recovery areas for some years now. NIR technology has been shown to be a quite effective method for the analysis of white, green and black liquors by multiple investigators. NIR reflectance techniques have been shown to be effective in predicting yield and kappa number in pulp samples. Recently, commercial analyzers have been developed for green liquor analysis on the dissolving tank, white and green liquor analysis in the recaust area and black liquor analysis on batch and continuous digesters. These analyzers are currently running at different mill sites and are proving to be superior to current technology choices for these applications. A commercial online and lab based yield and kappa number analyzer are currently being developed based on NIR reflectance techniques. Results will be presented on the performance of these analyzers relating to accuracy, maintenance and total installed cost. Other potential NIR applications in the pulping and recovery area will also be addressed.

Effect of PCC filler on dewatering of fiber suspension

November 21, 2006

Effect of PCC filler on dewatering of fiber suspension, TAPPI JOURNAL, November 2006