Pulp Science and Technology

Recommended Prerequisites

1st cycle on Chemical Enginnering or Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Mass and Energy Balances, Fluid Dynamics, Heat Transfer, Mass Transfer, Introduction to Materials and Characterization, Separation Processes, Solid-Liquid Operations

Teaching Methods

In the theoretical classes theoretical concepts and real situations are presented by the professors and invited experts from industry. Oral presentation and discussion, supported by slides and videos, will be the main vehicles of communication. Case studies are discussed and solved by the student in class. Some case studies are also proposed to solve autonomously which are later discussed in class. Two visits are anticipated: The Navigator/Soporcel mill and RAIZ.

Learning Outcomes

To know the importance of Pulp Industry and its relevance to the national economy; to understand the fundamental concepts related with the composition and structure of wood and fibers and their influence on the paper properties; to know the main processes for pulp production and to understand the fundamental relationships between the production cycle and its influence on sustainability; to know the most relevant pulp properties, the methods used in its analysis / quantification and its influence on the final paper characteristics. To develop the following skills: domain of theoretical knowledge, ability to acquire knowledge independently, to integrate knowledge, to understand the language of other experts, to adapt to new situations, to communicate conclusions, to apply theoretical knowledge in lab practices and in a mill visit, independent and critical thinking, synthesis capacity, quality concerns, concern for sustainable development.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

World and National Panorama of the Pulp and Paper Industries; Forestry, Plantations and Bio-diversity; composition, structure and properties of wood and fibers; Pulping processes; Terminology, fundamental concepts and their applications; Wood handling and preparation; Production of unbleached pulp, Kraft Cooking Chemistry; Production of bleached pulp; Bleaching Chemistry; Recovery process of chemicals and Energy production; Liquor evaporation; Recovery Boiler; Causticizing and Lime Kiln; Sustainability in the Pulp industry; Environmental and Residues Management; Calculations and balances for the main processes and equipment; Laboratory works on Bleaching and Characterizations of white liquor (AA, EA, S) and of pulps (Kappa number and viscosity); Visits to the Pulp line and to the Recovery and Energy sector of a mill; Visit to RAIZ.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria da Graça Videira de Sousa Carvalho

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 10.0%
Frequency: 40.0%
Exam: 50.0%

Bibliography

- Handbook For Pulp and Paper Technologists (The SMOOK Book), 4th. Ed., TAPPI PRESS 2016

-Tran, H. (ed) Kraft Recovery Boilers, 3rd Ed., TAPPI Press, 2020

- Ek, M.; Gellerstedt, G.; Henriksson, G. (eds) Pulp and Paper Chemistry and Technology. Walter de Gruyter, Berlin, 2009. 4 vols.

- Gullichsen, J., Paulapuro; H. (eds) Papermaking Science and Technology Series, Finnish Paper Engineers’ Assoc. & TAPPI, Fapet Oy, Finland, 2000. vols. 6, 17, 19.

- Dence, C.W.; Reeve, D.W. (eds) Pulp Bleaching: Principles and Practice. Tappi Press, Atlanta, 1996.

- Sjostrom, E. Wood Chemistry. 2nd ed. Academic Press, N.Y. 2013.

- Carvalho, M. G. Efeitos de Variáveis de Cozimento nas Características Químicas de Pastas kraft de E. globulus. Universidade de Coimbra, 1999. Tese de Doutoramento.

- Ferreira, P. Estudos de Pasta Kraft de E. globulus – Características Estruturais e Aptidão Papeleira. Universidade de Coimbra, 2000. Tese de Doutoramento.

- Bajpai, P., Pulp and Paper Industry, Elsevier, 2016