Abstract: A system and method for improved filtrate addition in a continuous digester is disclosed. The system comprises a blow dilution header/nozzle assembly located in the blow dilution zone of the digester. The header/nozzle assembly comprises (i) a plurality of nozzles for introducing and distributing filtrate into the blow dilution zone, and (ii) a plurality of measurement and control devices for monitoring and controlling filtrate flow through the plurality of nozzles. The method comprises (a) introducing and distributing filtrate through a plurality of nozzles of a blow dilution header/nozzle assembly in the blow dilution zone of the continuous digester; and (b) measuring and controlling the filtrate flow through each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and vessels for reducing the stagnation and non-uniform flow or treatment of solid materials and slurries in vessels. The non-uniform flow or treatment that may characterize the storage or treatment of solid materials in process industries is minimized or eliminated by the introduction of liquid to the bottom heads of the vessels, in particular, the introduction of liquids in regions in the bottom heads where friction and compression cause stagnation in the flow of material. The liquid may be introduced by means of one or more nozzles, for example, one or more evenly-spaced nozzles, and the flow of liquid to each nozzle may be individually controlled. Though the systems, methods, and vessels disclosed may be used in the processing of cellulose materials, aspects of the present invention may be used in any process or materials handling industry application where solid materials or slurries are handled in vessels.

Abstract: A continuous digester configuration and process for continuously cooking and digesting cellulosic material and producing cellulosic pulp is disclosed. The digester configuration comprises a plurality of jump-stage recirculations located along the length of a continuous digester vessel, wherein each of the jump-stage recirculations moves extracted liquor from one elevation of the digester vessel and re-introduces the liquor at a higher elevation in the vessel to maintain an internal liquor downflow substantially throughout the entire digester vessel. The process for continuously cooking and digesting cellulosic material comprises maintaining an internal concurrent liquor downflow substantially throughout the continuous digester vessel, wherein the internal liquor downflow does not exceed 400 gallons per ton of b.d. wood feed.

Abstract: A system and method for improved filtrate addition in a continuous digester is disclosed. The system comprises a blow dilution header/nozzle assembly located in the blow dilution zone of the digester. The header/nozzle assembly comprises (i) a plurality of nozzles for introducing and distributing filtrate into the blow dilution zone, and (ii) a plurality of measurement and control devices for monitoring and controlling filtrate flow through the plurality of nozzles. The method comprises (a) introducing and distributing filtrate through a plurality of nozzles of a blow dilution header/nozzle assembly in the blow dilution zone of the continuous digester; and (b) measuring and controlling the filtrate flow through each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles.