Pulp and Paper 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

Teaching is provided in theoretical, lab sessions and others (seminars, visits to mills and demonstrations in laboratory). Theoretical concepts, real situations and some practical examples 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. Students are encouraged to discuss and solve case studies and practical problems following, an independent approach and to working in group. Visits to different paper mills are anticipated, as well as laboratories in industry.    

Learning Outcomes

To know the importance of the Pulp and Paper Industry and its relevance to the national economy; to understand the fundamental concepts related with the composition and structure of wood and paper fibers and their influence on paper properties; to know the main pulp production processes, the main types of paper and their most relevant properties; to know the main unit operations in the manufacture of pulp and paper; to perform calculations associated with the different stages of the process and main equipments. To develop the following skills: domain of theoretical knowledge, ability to acquire knowledge independently, to integrate knowledge, to understand the language of specialists, to adapt to new situations, to communicate conclusions, to apply theoretical knowledge in lab work and in mill visits; independent and critical thinking; synthesis ability; quality concerns; concern for sustainable development.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Presentation. The context of the national forest. World Pulp and Paper Markets.

Composition, structure and properties of wood and fiber.

Production processes of mechanical and chemical pulps. The kraft delignification process. Pre-delignification with oxygen and bleaching of kraft pulp.

The chemical and energy recovery cycle.

Pulps papermaking potential.

Paper production – general.

Pulp preparation and refining; Fillers and Additives; wet end chemistry.

Paper machine: wet end; drying; Surface Treatments; converting and finishing.

Physics and properties of paper.

Tissue paper and packaging paper and board.

Circular economy in the pulp and paper industry. Recycling.

2 Lab classes: white liquor characterization; kappa number, viscosity and pulp bleaching.

2 to 4 study visits: RAIZ Institute; Navigator Pulp and Paper Mill; Cartolinas-Lousã Mill; Fábrica cartão e reciclado Papeleira Coreboard.

Head Lecturer(s)

Maria da Graça Videira de Sousa Carvalho

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 20.0%
Frequency: 40.0%
Exam: 40.0%

Bibliography

- Handbook For Pulp and Paper Technologists, 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, 2009. 4 vols

- Gullichsen, J., Paulapuro; H. (eds) Papermaking Science and Technology Series, Finnish Paper Engineers’ Assoc. & TAPPI, 20 books (1999 - 2001)

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

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

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

- Borch, J., Lyne, M., Mark, R.E., Habeger Jr., C.C. Handbook of Physical and Mechanical Testing of Paper and Paperboard. 2nd Ed, Vol 2. Marcel & Dekker Inc.,  2002

- Clark, J. d'A. Pulp technology and treatment for paper, 2nd Ed, Miller Freeman Publications, 1985

- Kargarzadeh, H., et al. (Eds.). 2017. Handbook of Nanocellulose and Cellulose Nanocomposites, 2 vol. Wiley-VCH (Verlag).