Pulping
The PDC’s pilot plant is equipped to perform pulping studies to evaluate wood and non-wood raw materials and chemical additives. These studies can be performed on any stage of chemical or mechanical pulp production.
Pulping Equipment and Pulp & Fiber Analytical Equipment
- Rocking digester (4:1 liquor to wood ratio)
- 4 ft3 steam-heated digester
- Bomb digester/reactor
- Alkali profiling pulping system
- Slotted flat screen
- TMP/CTMP/RMP pilot disc refiner (12” disc)
- Chip classifiers
- Standard pulp evaluation apparatus
- Gas and liquid chromatography
- UV spectrometry
- Calorimetry
Other Capabilities
A pulp yield measurement method has been developed at the PDC. Samples are collected at the mill, then analyzed for cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin content, and cellulose degree of polymerization. The total yield for the mill operation is then calculated. A validated data bank for estimating pulp yield using this technique can be used to estimate the yield of a variety of wood species and various pulps, provided that the wood furnish composition is known.
Our lab is also equipped to evaluate the effects of kraft pulping on pulp yield, optimize fiber strength, evaluate the effects of additives during pulping, and the analysis of extractives, carbohydrates, ash, viscosity, klason- and soluble lignin and kappa and permanganate number.
To begin working with us, visit our Working with the PDC page.