Abstract: The method and equipment are for the evaporation of hot black liquor obtained from a digestion process during the production of cellulose pulp. The black liquor is led to a multistage evaporation line with at least five evaporation stages. The black liquor that is to undergo evaporation in the evaporation line is cooled in at least one heat exchange process in a heat exchanger (HE1) against the partially evaporated black liquor that has undergone evaporation in at least one stage (I). The black liquor that is to undergo evaporation is cooled and the partially evaporated black liquor is heated by at least 5-10° C. The risk for the formation of foam and the separation of methanol are reduced. The greater part of the evaporation takes place at low temperature and at the lowest level of dry matter content in the liquor, which also suppresses encrustation in the stage.

Abstract: A method for heating white liquor or a mixture of white liquor and another liquid for use in a digester system of a chemical pulp mill, the method including the steps of: producing black liquor in the digester system; extracting black liquor from the digester system, flashing the extracted black liquor and thereby generating flashed black liquor and flash vapor; directing the flash vapor through a heat exchanger to heat a white liquor flowing through the heat exchanger; the flashed black liquor flows to at least one of a heat recovery or evaporation stage, and the heated white liquor flows to the digester system.

Abstract: A wood pulping process includes producing weak black liquor and cooling the liquor as well as recovering heat therefrom by directing the weak black liquor through a spray film evaporator. A feed or condensate is directed into the spray film evaporator and the feed or condensate is sprayed onto the outer surfaces of a bundle of tubes. This results in the feed or the condensate being vaporized and producing a vapor that can be utilized as a heat source for other processes in a pulp mill.

Abstract: It is described a process for thermal hydrolysis and team explosion of biomass, said method comprising the steps of: (i) leading the biomass approximately continuous to a first preheating step and preheat the biomass, (ii) leading the preheated biomass into at least two reactors sequentially, (iii) heating and pressurising the reactor by addition of steam, (iv) keeping the reactor(s) at a certain temperature and pressure for a certain time, (v) leading the heated and pressurized biomass from the reactor(s) to a first pressure relief tank without any substantial pressure reduction and quickly relief the pressure of the biomass by means of a nozzle, in order to disintegrate the biomass, (vi) leading the biomass from the first pressure relief tank to a second pressure relief tank having a lower pressure than the pressure of the first pressure relief tank, (vii) leading the so treated biomass to a downstream facility for subsequent treatment. The invention also comprises a device for thermal treatment of biomass.

Abstract: The method is for retrieving heat from black liquor wherein the black liquor is withdrawn from a digester in association with the production of cellulose pulp. The black liquor at the withdrawal stage maintains a first withdrawal temperature. At least a part of the black liquor is led to a heat exchanger. An exchange of heat takes place in the heat exchanger between the black liquor and a bleaching filtrate that has been obtained from the bleaching plant. The exchange of heat results in the bleaching filtrate experiencing a raise in temperature of at least 5° C., after which the heated bleaching filtrate is used in the bleaching plant.

Abstract: Provided is a lignocellulosic biomass saccharification pre-treatment device capable of producing a pretreated material for saccharification. The lignocellulosic biomass saccharification pre-treatment device comprises a separation unit 4 which separates ammonia gas by heating a pretreated material for saccharification obtained from a substrate mixture obtained by mixing lignocellulosic biomass and ammonia water; a first heat recovery unit 25 which recovers heat-of-dissolution generated when ammonia gas is dissolved in water, and the heat supply units 8, 9, 10 which generate heat by using heat-of-dissolution recovered by the frst heat recovery unit 25 and supply the heat to the separation unit 4.

Abstract: The continuous digester system has an inlet defined therein for the feed of a chips suspension and an outlet for the output of a cooked suspension of pulp. The suspension of chips is fed in to the inlet through a line at the beginning of the cook, where the chips suspension has a volume of starting cooking fluid that establishes a fluid/wood ratio that is greater than 3.5. A final cooking fluid is present during the cook for the major part of the cock and is withdrawn through a withdrawal strainer only during the final 15 minutes of the cook. The final cooking fluid ensures a fluid/wood ratio that is greater than 3.5 in association with the withdrawal. The withdrawn final cooking fluid during the final 15 minutes of the cook consists of spent black liquor that maintains a residual alkali level that lies under 15 g/l.

Abstract: A method for heating white liquor or a mixture of white liquor and another liquid for use in a digester system of a chemical pulp mill, the method including the steps of: producing black liquor in the digester system; extracting black liquor from the digester system, flashing the extracted black liquor and thereby generating flashed black liquor and flash vapor; directing the flash vapor through a heat exchanger to heat a white liquor flowing through the heat exchanger; the flashed black liquor flows to at least one of a heat recovery or evaporation stage, and the heated white liquor flows to the digester system.

Abstract: The method is for retrieving heat from black liquor wherein the black liquor is withdrawn from a digester in association with the production of cellulose pulp. The black liquor at the withdrawal stage maintains a first withdrawal temperature. At least a part of the black liquor is led to a heat exchanger. An exchange of heat takes place in the heat exchanger between the black liquor and a bleaching filtrate that has been obtained from the bleaching plant. The exchange of heat results in the bleaching filtrate experiencing a raise in temperature of at least 5° C., after which the heated bleaching filtrate is used in the bleaching plant.

Abstract: A method for impregnating chips in a continuous digestion system with an impregnation vessel and a digester. The digestion system has a heat exchanger arranged between a first return line and a black liquor line. The heat exchanger allows a transfer of heat between the two lines. A principal part of the fluid contents of the impregnation vessel is constituted by chips moisture, steam condensate, added white liquor, and the fluid withdrawn from the top separator at the first return line, whereby the impregnation fluid in the impregnation vessel does not contain any substantial amount of black liquor from the digester. An impregnation vessel is established that is hydraulically isolated, in which the flow of fluid and the establishment of its alkali content take place without any influence from the fluid flow in the digester process.

Abstract: A procedure for the continuous cooking of chemical pulp, comprising an impregnation vessel 101 and a digester 102. The chips are impregnated in the impregnation vessel 101and are fed after impregnation together with circulation fluid through a transfer line 103 to a top separator 105 on the digester 102 in order to be cooked. A fraction of the circulation fluid is withdrawn at a top separator 105 and returned to the bottom of the impregnation vessel 101 via a return line 106. Black liquor is withdrawn from the digester via a black liquor line 108 to the impregnation vessel 101. The invention is characterized in that a heat exchanger 107is arranged between the return line 106 and the black liquor line 108. The heat exchanger 107 allows the exchange of heat between the two lines, but does not allow the exchange of fluid. The temperature of the black liquor in the black liquor line 108 after passing through the heat exchanger 107 has been cooled by 10-15 ° C.

Abstract: A method for recovering heat from a pulp refining process comprising: discharging pressurized pulp from a high pressure refiner, wherein the pressurized pulp comprises a pressurized slurry of fibers and liquid; introducing at least the liquid from the pressurized pulp slurry to a pressurized flash tank; exchanging heat from the pressurized flash tank with water, such that the water is heated, and using the heated water in the pulp refining process.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning and cooling a liquor nozzle, the nozzle including at least a liquor tube for feeding liquor and chemicals into a furnace of a recovery boiler. The apparatus includes an outer casing tube, which defines a space whereto conduits are provided for introducing water and steam to generate an emulsion or a conduit for introducing emulsion generated by the water and steam and the surface of which is provided with openings, such as pores or holes, for discharging the emulsion formed by water and steam through the outer casing.

Abstract: Method for treatment of spent liquor at a pulp mill, in which method at least a part of the spent liquor flow arriving from the evaporation plant is taken to a pyrolysis reactor, wherein it is pyrolysed at a temperature of 300-800° C. in order to separate evaporable compounds from the coke remaining in a solid state. The pyrolysis products, which are gases or liquids, may be used as fuel or they may be processed further. The coke resulting from the pyrolysis is burnt in a soda recovery boiler or in a gasification reactor to regenerate cooking chemicals. The method is suitable for recovery of chemicals and energy both in sulphate and sulphite processes and also in cooking methods based on organic solvents.

Abstract: A process (44) for the production of pulp and paper (28), recycling of cooking chemicals (3, 29), combustion of biomass (30, 37) and generation of heat and electric energy (27, 40) comprising a pulp and paper mill (28), in that the part of the process which is recycling cooking chemicals is adjusted from combustion (29) to gasification (3) to generate synthesis gas (14); and that biomass is added (33, 39) in an amount sufficient for compensating of the decrease in heat and electricity generation as a consequence of the generation of synthesis gas (14).

Abstract: A method for impregnating chips in a continuous digestion system with an impregnation vessel and a digester. The digestion system has a heat exchanger arranged between a first return line and a black liquor line. The heat exchanger allows a transfer of heat between the two lines. A principal part of the fluid contents of the impregnation vessel is constituted by chips moisture, steam condensate, added white liquor, and the fluid withdrawn from the top separator at the first return line, whereby the impregnation fluid in the impregnation vessel does not contain any substantial amount of black liquor from the digester. An impregnation vessel is established that is hydraulically isolated, in which the flow of fluid and the establishment of its alkali content take place without any influence from the fluid flow in the digester process.

Abstract: A system for feeding fibres from a fibre separation step at a first pressure to a drying step at a second, lower pressure, the system comprising a sluice feeder (3) provided between the fibre separation step and the drying step. At least an outlet (14) of the sluice feeder (3) is enclosed by a housing (4) for pressurization by means of a pressure medium in the housing (4) to a pressure that essentially corresponds to the first pressure in the sluice feeder (3). The fed out fibre from the sluice feeder (3) to the housing (4) are removable by means of the pressure medium in the housing (4) via a control valve (20), which regulates the pressure in the housing (4), to the drying step at the second, lower pressure. The pressurization in the housing (4) prevents steam to escape from the sluice feeder (3).

Abstract: A method for the continuous cooking of chemical pulp with the aim of achieving improved heat economy in a digester system having a vessel (1) for impregnation and a vessel (2) for cooking the impregnated cellulose chips. A part of the black liquor (14) withdrawn from the digester (2) is added at the beginning of a transfer system (4) to increase the temperature of the chips mixture in the transfer system (4). A fraction of the transport fluid (10) from the transfer system (4) that is continuously withdrawn from the impregnated chips fed into the top of the digester is returned to the impregnation vessel (1) at essentially the maintained transfer temperature.

Abstract: A method in connection with the production of mechanical pulp from a cellulose containing material wherein the material is processed in at least one refining step to produce pulp. According to the invention, the pulp is fractionated (4), after a first refining step (1), in order to separate primary fines (5) from the pulp. The invention also relates to a mechanical pulp, produced by the method, and to a paperboard, which at least partly consists of such mechanical pulp.

Abstract: Methods for producing chemical pulp from lignocellulose-containing material in processes for kraft pulp production are disclosed including charging the lignocellulose-containing material to a digester, initially treating the lignocellulose-containing material with an impregnation liquor, and then treating the impregnated lignocellulose-containing material with hot liquor and displacing calcium-containing spent liquor from the digester during that treatment, heating and cooking the heated lignocellulose-containing material to produce cooked lignocellulose-containing material and cooking liquor and displacing the cooking liquor from the digester using at least a portion of the displaced calcium-containing spent liquor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning condensate, produced during the production of cellulose pulp, including evaporation of spent liquor, utilizing a cleaning plant having several condensers, coupled in series. Process steam from the last evaporation stage and unclean condensate are introduced into a combined stripper/condenser, the process steam and the condensate being brought to flow in opposite directions so that direct heat exchange occurs, resulting in volatile compounds of the condensate being separated and taken up by the steam with simultaneous indirect cooling, resulting in condensation of the main part of the process steam, and the remaining process steam gradually flowing further on, the process steam being successively cooled first resulting in water and turpentine being condensed and collected and subsequently methanol being condensed.

Abstract: By providing a pulp slurry, containing ink and water, and subjecting the slurry to dewatering to produce pulp sludge containing water is formed and a liquid, primarily water, is obtained. Pulp sludge, removed from dewatering is subjected to pressing to produce pressed pulp and expelled water. The expelled water and liquid, primarily water, is combined and recycled to an apparatus to create additional pulp slurry. Dewatered pressed pulp is subjected to dehydration, to transfer water contained within pulp, to air. Pulp resulting from dehydration is then subject to bailing. Furthermore pulp is excluded from a deinking procedure to permit ink to remain within the pulp. Whereby this invention removes water from a pulp slurry and provides pulp substantially devoid of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating condensates containing compounds, which are more volatile than water, in an evaporation plant, where liquid, such as effluent liquid from a pulp or paper mill is evaporated in multiple effects and where condensates generated in the evaporation are flashed and purified in a steam stripping column. In the method, the condensates from at least two evaporation effects are combined and flashed together, and the vapor obtained from the flashing is made to contact with a condensate stream to be purified in the stripping column, wherefrom the impurities-containing vapor and the purified condensate stream are discharged.

Abstract: A method to remove sulfides and other volatile contaminants from liquor vapor condensate in a pulp manufacturing process, where the mentioned liquor vapor condensate is fed into a stripper, which is part of a closed loop system including the stripper, a regenerative thermal oxidization process (RTO) and a SO2 scrubber, in which loop a gas is circulated, preferably air, and such components formed or stripped off, in this loop whereafter the circulating gas is stripped off sulfides and other volatile components from the liquor vapor condensate, whereafter the gas stream is fed into a RTO process, where the stripped off contaminants are combusted are under formation of SO2 and thereafter the SO2 enriched gas is led to a SO2 scrubber, where preferably alkali is used as absorption medium, and thereafter the circulating gas is returned back into the stripper.

Abstract: The invention includes a treatment apparatus for treating fibrous cellulosic raw material suitable for use in a paper making plant comprising extracting means for extracting contrary material from the raw material, crushing means for crushing the raw material to remove nodes therefrom and splitting means for splitting the crushed raw material lengthways. A co-rotating twin screw conveyor is used to pulp the crushed material, the conveyor being divided up into a plurality of zones, means for inserting treatment materials into a least one zone and means for controlling the temperature and/or pressure of all of the zones. The black liquor effluent produced in the pulping process is treated in an apparatus comprising an evaporator for concentrating the liquor to 30-70% solids, a processing vessel for treating the concentrated liquor at a temperature of between 300-600° C., and a closed conveyor for transporting the concentrated liquor from the evaporator to the processing vessel in excess of 90° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement for use in connection with the combustion of black liquor. In the method the black liquor is concentrated in a multi-effect evaporation plant in order to obtain black liquor at a suitable dry-solids content for combustion and to generate vapor. The concentrated black liquor is taken to be combusted in a recovery boiler, into which combustion air is fed at several levels for the combustion process. It is a characteristic feature of the invention that the air fed to at least one air level is preheated by using vapor generated in the concentration of the black liquor as heat source.

Abstract: A system for feeding fibres from a fibre separation step at a first pressure to a drying step at a second, lower pressure, the system comprising a sluice feeder (3) provided between the fibre separation step and the drying step. At least an outlet (14) of the sluice feeder (3) is enclosed by a housing (4) for pressurization by means of a pressure medium in the housing (4) to a pressure that essentially corresponds to the first pressure in the sluice feeder (3). The fed out fibre from the sluice feeder (3) to the housing (4) are removable by means of the pressure medium in the housing (4) via a control valve (20), which regulates the pressure in the housing (4), to the drying step at the second, lower pressure. The pressurization in the housing (4) prevents steam to escape from the sluice feeder (3).

Abstract: A continuous, alkaline process for the production of pulp from wood chips, wherein the preheated chips are subjected to an extended impregnation step for at least 60 min, preferably longer, at a temperature not exceeding the impregnation liquor boiling point at atmospheric conditions, and a rapid heating and cooking period of less than 65 min, preferably shorter, followed by cooling to below reaction temperature. Fresh alkali is added both during impregnation and the heating/cooking period.

Abstract: An alkaline batch process for the production of pulp from wood chips, wherein the preheated chips are subjected to an extended impregnation step outside the digester for at least 60 min, preferably longer, at a temperature not exceeding the impregnation liquor boiling point at atmos-pheric conditions, and a rapid heating and cooking period in the digester of less than about 90 min, preferably shorter, followed by cooling to below reaction tempera-ture. Fresh alkali is added both during impregnation and the heating/cooking period.

Abstract: This invention refers to a method for producing pulp in an alkaline digesting process comprising the following steps: charging lignocellulosic material to a digester system; pre-treating said lignocellulosic material with an impregnation liquor and subsequently with a hotter liquor containing black liquor, simultaneously displacing spent liquor; heating and cooking said lignocellulosic material to produce cooked lignocellulosic material and cooking liquor; displacing a portion of said cooking liquor at cooking temperature from said digester to a first section by supplying a washing liquid; further displacing a second portion of displaced liquor from said digester system to at least a second section by supplying further washing liquid until the temperature of said second portion of displaced liquor drops to a temperature of at least about the boiling point of said cooking liquor at atmospheric pressure, said second portion of displaced liquor having a dry solids content substantially lower than the initial dry

Abstract: A process (44) for the production of pulp and paper (28), recycling of cooking chemicals (3, 29), combustion of biomass (30, 37) and generation of heat and electric energy (27, 40) comprising a pulp and paper mill (28), in that the part of the process which is recycling cooking chemicals is adjusted from combustion (29) to gasification (3) to generate synthesis gas (14); and that biomass is added (33, 39) in an amount sufficient for compensating of the decrease in heat and electricity generation as a consequence of the generation of synthesis gas (14).

Abstract: A method to produce energy at a pulp mill, including the steps of: combusting pulping process waste liquor in the furnace of a recovery boiler to generate flue gases, recovering the heat from the flue gases by producing saturated and/or partially superheated steam in the recovery boiler, gasifying wood, bark or wood wastes in a gasifier for producing a combustible gas, burning at least part of the combustible gas in a superheating boiler, and superheating the saturated and partially superheated steam in the superheating boiler to produce superheated steam.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of furfural, furfuryl alcohol, low molecular weight phenols and/or cellulose or a cellulose-rich material from a lignocellulosic material comprising: feeding a carrier gas into a reaction chamber to facilitate a fluidised bed effect and to carry reaction products and residues away from the reactor via entrainment; introducing a feedstock comprising particulate lignocellulosic material of a predetermined particle size into the reaction chamber; degrading the feedstock in the reaction chamber under an oxygen-containing atmosphere at a temperature of from 250° C. to 320° C.; and quenching the degraded feedstock and carrier gas to deposit solid residue entrained in the carrier gas and to condense a liquid product.

Abstract: By the utilization of a jet ejector (such as a thermocompresser) in a cellulose chemical pulp mill, it is possible to effectively increase the utilization of steam. The volume of steam from a flash tank which flashes black liquor from a pulp digester may be increased (e.g. at least about 10%), while the volume and temperature of the liquor discharged from the flash tank are decreased and its concentration increased, by operatively connecting the jet ejector to the steam discharge from a flash tank. The jet ejector is supplied with higher pressure steam from another source which can result in a low pressure or partial vacuum condition in the flash tank. The flash tank may be a single flash tank or one of a series of flash tanks, and an ejector can be associated with at least another flash tank in the series.

Abstract: Method is disclosed for treating wood chips including a heater for preheating the wood chips in the presence of steam, a beater to mechanically process the wood chips into wood fibers, a cyclone for separating the wood fibers from steam and volatile organic substances produced in the beater, a blower line for transporting the wood fibers, steam and volatile organic substances from the beater to the inlet of the cyclone, a drying conduit connected to the lower outlet of the cyclone for carrying wood fibers therefrom, a sluice valve associated with the lower outlet of the cyclone for controlling the removal of the wood fibers from the cyclone, and a processing conduit connected to the upper outlet of the cyclone for the steam and the volatile organic substances whereby the volatile organic substances separated in the cyclone can be separated and heat associated with the steam separated in the cyclone can be recovered.

Abstract: A multi-function process is described for the separation of cellulose fibers from the other constituents of lignocellulosic biomass such as found in trees, grasses, agricultural waste, and waste paper with application in the preparation of feedstocks for use in the manufacture of paper, plastics, ethanol, and other chemicals. This process minimizes waste disposal problems since it uses only steam, water, and oxygen at elevated temperature in the range of 180° C. to 240° C. for 1 to 10 minutes plus a small amount of chemical reagents to maintain pH in the range 8 to 13. An energy recuperation function is important to the economic viability of the process.

Abstract: A method and system for handling foul condensate containing Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) in a cellulose pulp mill has enhanced energy efficiency and lower cooling water usage, while complying with the Cluster Rules and other environmental regulations. The condensate is fed countercurrently to stripping vapor in the stripping column to produce a HAPs vapor and a clean condensate. Part of the clean condensate is fed from the stripping column reboiler, and the HAPs-rich vapor is directed to the reboiler to at least partially condense while vaporizing the clean condensate into the clean vapor (stripping vapor). The pressure of the stripping vapor is increased, such as utilizing a steam ejector, to about 0.1-30 psig and then is used as the stripping vapor in the stripping column. The non-condensed HAPs-rich vapor is fed to an external condenser, and the dirty condensate from the external condenser and the dirty condensate from the reboiler, are returned to the stripping column.

Abstract: The release of malodorous TRS-containing gases from a comminuted cellulosic fibrous material feed system for a digester is minimized utilizing a particular arrangement associated with a pressure isolation device. Material is fed through the pressure isolation device and the pressure of the material increases from the inlet to the outlet, and the material is discharged from the pressure isolation device into a treatment vessel, such as a horizontal steaming vessel. Malodorous gases from the pressure isolation device are discharged substantially independently of the material discharged from the isolation device, and at least some of the malodorous gases discharged from the pressure isolation device are pressurized (e.g. in an eductor or thermocompressor) and reintroduced into the flow of cellulosic material downstream of the pressure isolation device (for example into the horizontal steaming vessel or a vessel downstream of it).

Abstract: By the utilization of a jet ejector (such as a thermocompresser) in a cellulose chemical pulp mill, it is possible to effectively increase the utilization of steam. The volume of steam from a flash tank which flashes black liquor from a pulp digester may be increased (e.g. at least about 10%), while the volume and temperature of the liquor discharged from the flash tank are decreased and its concentration increased, by operatively connecting the jet ejector to the steam discharge from a flash tank. The jet ejector is supplied with higher pressure steam from another source which can result in a low pressure or partial vacuum condition in the flash tank. The flash tank may be a single flash tank or one of a series of flash tanks, and an ejector can be associated with at least another flash tank in the series.

Abstract: A method of cooking pulp in an alkaline batch process (using one or more batch digesters) improves pulp bleachability. The wood material is supplied to the digester; the cellulosic material is pre-treated in the digester with a first liquor, the first liquor is displaced by a second liquor, the displaced first liquor is led to a further treatment, the cellulose material is treated with the second liquor, and the cooked pulp is removed from the digester. The second liquor is displaced as two consecutive parts, i.e. as strong black liquor and weak black liquor, and after cooling in a heat exchanger the strong black liquor thus obtained is fed into the digester as the first liquor in a subsequent batch (in the same, or a different, batch digester).

Abstract: A method in connection with the pretreatment of comminuted fibrous material intended for chemical cellulose pulp production. The fibrous material is fed through a low pressure system that has a gas phase part followed by a liquid phase part. The liquid phase part includes a low pressure circulation where a circulating liquid is withdrawn from the fibrous material and recirculated back to the fibrous material in an upstream position. The fibrous material is sluiced into a high pressure system that has a liquid phase transfer part operatively connected to a digester. A hot process liquid and/or the circulating liquid are evaporatively cooled by being allowed to flash within the low pressure system.

Abstract: Steam (preferably clean steam) having less noncondensible gases than steam produced by conventional black liquor flashing is produced from hot black liquor from a digester of a pulp mill. A heat exchanger is utilized and the hot black liquor is passed through the heat exchanger in heat exchange contact with an evaporable liquid, preferably clean water. After the water is heated in the heat exchanger it is flashed in at least one flash tank where the heat exchanger is a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may alternatively include an evaporator (such as a falling film evaporator) in which case the black liquor is passed through an inductor before it enters the evaporator. Alternatively, the heat exchanger may be one or more boilers, such as kettle boilers, in which case the black liquor preferably passes through a cooler after the boilers. Heat energy and turpentine recovery are also maximized.

Abstract: A continuous pulp digester having an elongate horizontally aligned pressure vessel through which the wood chips and digesting fluid flow in a forward direction. In a first and second embodiments within the pressure vessel there is an inner container defining an elongate chamber or passageway having a square cross sectional configuration. In a third embodiment the digesting chamber is cylindrical. At locations along the digester, there are several pair of liquid flow inlets and liquid flow outlets which enable filtrate from a pulp washer and a digesting agent to be moved into and across the digesting chamber to flow out the flow outlets. These are recirculated in a net upstream flow pattern toward the outlet end of the digester, and discharged as black liquor at different locations in the digester.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement for use in connection with the combustion of black liquor. In the method the black liquor is concentrated in a multi-effect evaporation plant in order to obtain black liquor at a suitable dry-solids content for combustion and to generate vapor. The concentrated black liquor is taken to be combusted in a recovery boiler, into which combustion air is fed at several levels for the combustion process. It is a characteristic feature of the invention that the air fed to at least one air level is preheated by using vapor generated in the concentration of the black liquor as heat source.

Abstract: The release of malodorous TRS-containing gases from a comminuted cellulosic fibrous material feed system for a digester is minimized utilizing a particular arrangement associated with a pressure isolation device. Material is fed through the pressure isolation device and the pressure of the material increases from the inlet to the outlet, and the material is discharged from the pressure isolation device into a treatment vessel, such as a horizontal steaming vessel. Malodorous gases from the pressure isolation device are discharged substantially independently of the material discharged from the isolation device, and at least some of the malodorous gases discharged from the pressure isolation device are pressurized (e.g. in an eductor or thermocompressor) and reintroduced into the flow of cellulosic material downstream of the pressure isolation device (for example into the horizontal steaming vessel or a vessel downstream of it).

Abstract: A process for evaporating spent liquor or other waste liquids from cellulose cooking, The evaporation is performed in a multiplicity of evaporators which are coupled in series and in which the evaporation is driven using the liquor steam. The condensates from the steam are divided, in one of more effects, into at least two fractions with respect to purity. The parer fraction from one effect is conveyed, at a high level, into a subsequent effect in the direction of movement of the liquor, while the dirtier fraction is conveyed, at a high level or at the very top, into a preceding effect in the direction of movement of the liquor.

Abstract: There is a process for making a cellulose ether. The process comprises the following: a) alkalyzing a cellulose pulp; b) etherifying the alkalyzed cellulose pulp to form a cellulose ether; c) washing the cellulose ether; d) drying the cellulose ether; e) milling the cellulose ether to a particulate form; f) heating the particulate cellulose ether; g) tumbling the particulate cellulose ether while simultaneously contacting it with an acid to partially depolymerize it to a lower molecular weight; h) partially or substantially neutralizing the acid. There is also an apparatus for making the cellulose ether.

Abstract: Methods for oxygen delignification of chemical pulps are disclosed including contacting the chemical pulp with oxygen first in an upstream reactor vessel and then in a downstream reactor vessel. The upstream reactor vessel is maintained at pressures of greater than about 3 bar, and the downstream reactor vessel is maintained at temperatures of between about 90 and 120° C. and corresponding predetermined pressures. Heating of the partially delignified chemical pulp between the upstream and downstream reactors is accomplished by contacting the partially delignified chemical pulp with low pressure steam.

Abstract: A method of treating cellulose pulp mill condensates having an MeOH content using an evaporator and a steam stripper having a reboiler, comprising: (a) Collecting a feed liquor stream having at least 50% of the pulp mill MeOH. (b) Feeding the feed liquor stream to the evaporator having at least two heating element sections separated on a motive steam side. (c) Evaporating the liquor in the evaporator to produce a vapor containing at least 40% of the at least 50% of the pulp mill MeOH. (d) Compressing the vapor from (c) to increase the vapor pressure. (e) Using the vapor from (d) as condensing heating media in (c) for the evaporation in a first heating element section of the evaporator and venting a portion of the vapor through the first heating element section. (f) Compressing the vented vapor from the heating elements of the evaporator from (e) to increase the vapor pressure to be used as heating media in the reboiler.

Abstract: A method for cooking chips, involving steaming the chips, impregnating the chips with impregnating liquid in an impregnation vessel, which impregnating liquid comprises fresh cooking liquid and spent liquor, extracting spent liquor from the impregnation vessel, cooking the impregnated chips in cooking zones including an introductory co-current cooking zone and a concluding counter-current cooking zone, extracting spent liquor from the digester at a position between the said co-current and counter-current cooking zones, transferring the said spent liquor from the digester to at least one position upstream of the digester, circulating the cooking liquid in a bottom circulation within the said counter-current cooking zone, heating the circulating cooking liquid by means of heat exchange, and supplying wash liquid to the bottom of the digester.