Abstract: A system and method are provided for predictive control of brown stock treatment at a pulp mill. Various online sensors generate output signals representative of actual values for respective process characteristics, each of which are directly or indirectly affected by adjustments to corresponding process variables. A controller uses the output signals or associated measurement data to dynamically set target values for the process characteristics based on a predicted impact of control responses for corresponding process variables. The controller further generates control signals to actuators associated with the respective process variables based on detected variations between the respective actual values and target values. Exemplary brown stock washing control systems may optimize various types of brown stock washing configurations, including for example vacuum drum washers, compaction baffle washers, chemiwashers, direct displacement washers and wash presses.

Abstract: Systems and methods as disclosed herein automatically provide real-time dosing corrections for an industrial process wherein enzyme blends are applied to natural fibers for pulp/paper production. An initial enzyme blend (e.g., enzymes and supporting formulation components, as relevant) and respective dose rates are selected to be applied based on expected fiber surface substrate characterization, expected fiber quality characterization, the physical conditions of the system being treated, respective characteristics of the initially selected enzyme blend components, etc. Upon application of the initial enzyme blend, online sensors provide real-time feedback data corresponding to measured actual values for the fiber surface substrate characterization and fiber quality characterization. A replacement enzyme blend (enzymes and supporting formulation components) and respective dose rates thereof is dynamically selected based on the feedback data.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to proactive dosing optimization chemical feed units producing an output solution (such as an oxidizing biocide) therefrom. Online sensors generate signals corresponding to directly measured variables for respective process components. Information is selectively retrieved from models relating combinations of input variables to respective industrial process states, wherein various current process states may be indirectly determined based on directly measured variables for respective system components. An output feedback signal is automatically generated corresponding to a detected intervention event based on the indirectly determined process state. A controller may receive the signal and implement, e.g., regulation of oxidizing biocide feed for optimization of end products and/or performance metrics.

Abstract: A method for producing a haloamine solution with reduced amounts of halogen oxyanions including (a) the on-site generation of a halogen-containing oxidant, such as a solution and (b) reacting on-site the halogen-containing oxidant with a nitrogen source, to thereby produce the haloamine solution.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for proactive process intervention in manufacturing creped products via a chemical feed stage and a Yankee dryer stage. The method includes generating signals from a plurality of online sensors, corresponding to directly measured variables for respective process components such as, e.g., pH, conductivity, and Yankee blade vibration. Models are developed including retrievable information relating combinations of certain directly measured variables to respective quality characteristics of the creped product. The method further includes indirectly determining quality characteristics (e.g., softness, bulk) for the creped product, substantially in real time, based on, e.g., signals corresponding to directly measured variables, and optionally a predicted natural coating potential.

Abstract: System (100) and method of automatically controlling an active oxidant concentration (e.g. sodium hypochlorite) for a process of producing monochloramine comprising applying metered amounts of an oxidant solution and an amine solution to a defined area (114). An electrochemical measurement device is provided in association with the oxidant solution and prior to the defined area, N comprising at least first and second electrodes and an output terminal. A predetermined voltage potential is applied across the first and second electrodes, wherein an obtained amperometric measurement corresponds to a real-time concentration of the active oxidant in the oxidant solution. A feedback signal is generated based on the obtained measurement via the output terminal to a controller (108), which automatically regulates, in real-time and based at least in part on the control signal, the metered amount of oxidant solution provided to the defined area.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for contextual data analysis and proactive intervention in industrial plant processes. Each of multiple data streams in an industrial plant are mapped to a common hierarchical data structure, wherein the data streams correspond to respective values or states associated with unit operations, assets, and process streams in the plant. The mapped data streams define hierarchical process relationships between subsets of the unit operations, assets, and process streams. Real-time data is collected to populate at least one level of the hierarchical data structure for certain data streams, wherein future outcomes are predicted for downstream operations based on the collected real-time data for at least one data stream, and at least one other data stream having a defined hierarchical process relationship therewith.

Abstract: A grafted polyvinyl alcohol polymer includes a polyvinyl alcohol main chain and a plurality of side chains grafted to the polyvinyl alcohol main chain. One or more of the side chains from the plurality of side chains include one or more units selected from: an aliphatic carboxylic acid, an aliphatic amide, an amino alkyl (meth)acrylate, a hydroxylated alkyl (meth)acrylate, or any combinations thereof. The grafted polyvinyl alcohol polymer can be included in a formulation that also includes water, and the formulation can be used as an adhesive in a creping process.

Abstract: A method and system for improving ethanol production from biomass are provided which includes adding at least one separation aid to stillage, that is preferably whole stillage, that contains oil and/or fat generally in the form of an emulsion, to form a treated stillage prior to centrifuging the stillage, and centrifuging the treated stillage in at least one centrifuge to separate at least a portion of the solids content from the treated stillage. The separation aid contains at least one anionic surfactant, at least one non-ionic surfactant, at least one organic solvent that is miscible in water, and water, and optionally at least one lecithin. Treated stillage products are also provided which can contain the indicated separation aid.

Abstract: A grafted polyvinyl alcohol polymer has a balance between hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity. The grafted polyvinyl alcohol polymer has a chemical functionality that allows for adsorption onto the pulp fibers, polymer film formation upon drying, repelling water upon wetting, polymer film swelling and breaking for prolonged wetting by water. When incorporated into paper products, the polymer can provide a paper having improved wet strength, temporary water repellency, and/or is dispersible in aqueous solutions.

Abstract: Methods to improve water treatment for industrial uses are described. One method involves admixing source water, such as from a river or other flowing source or body of water, with a at least one water-soluble cationic polymer and at least one chloramine and a coagulant and/or flocculant to provide a treated water. The at least one water-soluble cationic polymer and at least one chloramine are present in an effective amount to improve water treatment efficiency, such as in allowing use of reduced amounts of coagulant and/or flocculant, and/or reduced suspended solids, turbidity, and/or color clarification.

Abstract: Methods for controlling the growth of microorganisms in or on a product, material, or medium, such as a fermentable or fermenting medium, susceptible to attack by a microorganism, by treating with aqueous solution comprising monochloramine and at least one organic acid in a synergistically microbicidally effective combined amount to control unwanted microbial growth. Microbicidal aqueous solutions containing monochloramine and at least one organic acid in a synergistically microbicidally effective combined amount to control the growth of at least one microorganism are also described.

Abstract: A modified creping adhesive formulation is described that includes at least one creping adhesive, and modifier, wherein the modifier is or includes an emulsion of polypropylene glycol, at least one quaternary ammonium compound, and at least one non-ionic surfactant. The present invention is directed to the modifier itself as well. Methods of creping using the formulation are also described.

Abstract: A grafted polyvinyl alcohol polymer includes a polyvinyl alcohol main chain and a plurality of side chains grafted to the polyvinyl alcohol main chain. One or more of the side chains from the plurality of side chains include one or more units selected from: an aliphatic carboxylic acid, an aliphatic amide, an amino alkyl (meth)acrylate, a hydroxylated alkyl (meth)acrylate, or any combinations thereof. The grafted polyvinyl alcohol polymer can be included in a formulation that also includes water, and the formulation can be used as an adhesive in a creping process.

Abstract: A method is provided for decision support in regulating an adhesive coating applied to Yankee dryers. Online sensors are configured to continuously measure stock characteristics, and additional sensors provide actual stock flow rate and machine speed. A controller predicts potential natural coating application from a fibrous sheet generated from the stock to the Yankee dryer surface, substantially in real time, based on the measured characteristics and sensed actual machine values. An output signal may be provided to a display unit, wherein an optimal adhesive coating feed rate may be determined and displayed for operator decision support. The controller may in an automatic mode be configured to regulate the adhesive coating feed rate based on a comparison of one or more determined optimal values associated with respective actual values. The method may include identifying fiber source changes in real time, and predicting a natural coating potential based partly on predetermined correlations.

Abstract: A polymer detection probe is provided that includes a binding module that specifically binds to at least one polymer and a reporter module that is spectroscopically detectable. The binding module can be a carbohydrate-binding module (CBM). The reporter module can be a fluorescent protein. A complex is provided that includes a probe specifically bound to a pulp or paper product including at least one surface available lignocellulosic polymer. A pulp or paper product is provided that includes at least one surface available lignocellulosic polymer and at least one probe bound thereto. Methods are provided that employ a lignocellulosic probe. A method of detecting a lignocellulosic polymer or other type of polymer is provided. A method of determining the effectiveness of an industrial treatment on pulp or a paper product is also provided. A method of determining a physical property of pulp or a paper product is further provided.

Abstract: A polymer detection probe is provided that includes a binding module that specifically binds to at least one polymer and a reporter module that is spectroscopically detectable. The binding module can be a carbohydrate-binding module (CBM). The reporter module can be a fluorescent protein. A complex is provided that includes a probe specifically bound to a pulp or paper product including at least one surface available lignocellulosic polymer. A pulp or paper product is provided that includes at least one surface available lignocellulosic polymer and at least one probe bound thereto. Methods are provided that employ a lignocellulosic probe. A method of detecting a lignocellulosic polymer or other type of polymer is provided. A method of determining the effectiveness of an industrial treatment on pulp or a paper product is also provided. A method of determining a physical property of pulp or a paper product is further provided.

Abstract: A method for enhancing yeast growth for bioproduct production is described. A method for fermentative bioproduct production also is provided. A nutrient composition used in the methods also is described. A liquid mixture containing the nutrient composition, yeast culture (or fungi, algae, or bacteria culture), and sugars also is provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for dewatering an aqueous cellulosic pulp slurry or mat of cellulosic fibers or sludge. The method includes adding at least one anionic surfactant and at least one amide of a carboxylic acid to cellulose containing material to form a treated material and then dewatering the material. Besides effective dewatering, the present invention also provides foam control such as, but not limited to, the suppression of foam. Pulp products containing the treatment compounds are also described.

Abstract: A grafted polyvinyl alcohol polymer has a balance between hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity. The grafted polyvinyl alcohol polymer has a chemical functionality that allows for adsorption onto the pulp fibers, polymer film formation upon drying, repelling water upon wetting, polymer film swelling and breaking for prolonged wetting by water. When incorporated into paper products, the polymer can provide a paper having improved wet strength, temporary water repellency, and/or is dispersible in aqueous solutions.