Pulp Production Processes

Recommended Prerequisites

Knowledge of the Chemistry and morphology of plant biomass and of the Processes of pre-treatment and fractionation of biomass.

Teaching Methods

In the theoretical sessions, concepts and real situations are presented in depth and students are also oriented to search in the open literature and to prepare a monography where a specific subject is addressed in a deeper way. Oral presentation and discussion, supported by slides, videos and internet information, is the main vehicles of communication. Students are encouraged to discuss and solve case studies. In the lab practices students will follow/execute some cooking, bleaching, refining and pulp quality evaluation experiments.

Learning Outcomes

It is intended that students have a global overview of the pulping processes in an integrated perspective of the biorefinery concept and identify the differences among the processes and the advantages of each one; acquire a deep knowledge of the kraft process and the fundamentals of the sulfite process; know the basics of pulp washing and the chemical agents stages and sequences of bleaching; understand the recovery process and the boiler operation; know how to evaluate pulp quality based on the raw materials, pulping, refining, pulp properties and its papermaking potential; make use of the acquired knowledge to understand the particularities of the E. globulus  kraft process; develope lab works of wood pulping, bleaching and evaluation of the pulp papermaking properties. The c.u. contribute to the development of individual skills such as ability for research, analysis, synthesis, critical thinking, autonomous learning and working and competence to use the theoretical knowledge.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Introduction.

Kraft cooking: kinectics , models of the digestor; modification of the kraft process, variables.

Washing.

Bleaching: introduction to the pulp bleaching processes; bleaching as an heterogeneous process: pre-delignification with oxygen; study of the distinct bleaching stages; (D, E, P, Z, A, Dhot); use of enzymes and peracids in bleaching; sequences of bleachiing for short fibre pulps, particularly E. globulus pulps.

Recovery: intruduction; black liquor evaporation; recovery boiler; caustification.

Pulp quality; fibre characteristics; fibre-water relations; optical, structural and physic-mechanical properties. Development of the pulps papermaking potential. Relations between raw-material, pulp and paper properties. Market pulps and papers. Influence of the processo n the pulps quality.

Lab practices.

Technical seminar.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria da Graça Videira de Sousa Carvalho

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 20.0%
Mini Tests: 30.0%
Synthesis work: 50.0%

Bibliography

- James d'A. Clark. Pulp Technology and Treatment for Paper, Miller Freeman Publications, Inc, 2nd Edition, 1985
- Papermaking Science and Technology Encyclopedia, Johan Gullichsen and Hannu Paulapuro Series Editors, 2000
- G. Smook. Handbook for Pulp & Paper Technologists, 3rd Ed., 2003
- Ek, M., Gellerstedt, G. Pulp and Paper Chemistry and Technology – Book Series, Walter de Gruyter, Berlin and New York, 2009
- Hans Ulrich Seuss. Pulp Bleaching Today, Walter de Gruyter & Co, Berlin, 2010