Abstract: Methods for oxygen delignification of a pulp are disclosed, including initially delignifying the pulp at a delignification temperature of less than 90° C., adding oxygen to the pulp so that the oxygen is present during the initial delignification step, and further delignifying the pulp at a delignification temperature of greater than 90° C., the difference between the two delignification temperatures being less than about 20° C., and the pressure being greater in the initial delignification step. The method also includes adding alkali solely to the initial delignification step in order to obtain high alkalinity therein.

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.

Abstract: A cellulose pulp continuous digester (e.g. for producing kraft pulp) is operated so that it has an inverted top separator and is hydraulically filled to above the level of the inverted top separator, and may be substantially completely hydraulically full. A plurality of different liquor flows may be extracted from the inverted top separator, and an in-line drainer may be provided in a conduit through which liquid is extracted.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and improved way of continuously cooking fiber material, wherein temperatures and alkaline levels are controlled to be maintained within specific levels in different zones of the digesting process in order to optimize chemical consumption and heat-economy, and, at the same time, achieving very good pulp properties.

Abstract: In a process for the extraction of celluloses from lignocelluloses, the extraction is carried out by means of heating with aqueous acetic acid under pressure and the addition of formic acid, whereby there is obtained a cellulose with a very low residual lignin content, which can be bleached with ozone and peracetic acid to high grades of white, and acetic and formic acid are recovered by means of distillation, so that waste waters do not, therefore, accumulate.

Abstract: A comminuted cellulosic fibrous material treatment vessel assembly includes a substantially vertical vessel having a top, bottom, and outlet, and through which the material flows in a flow direction. The vessel preferably has a substantially cylindrical wall with at least one diameter-changing transition between the inlet and the outlet. A screen assembly is preferably provided at or just past the transition. The screen assembly comprises one or more annular screen surfaces diverging in the flow direction of the material, the angle of divergence being between about 0.5-10.degree. to the vertical, and preferably substantially continuous. Providing such a screen assembly reduces the radial compression of material thereon, and increases the volume and rate of liquid that can flow through the material and be removed through the screen surface compared to a non-diverging screen surface (that is a right-cylindrical surface).

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and improved way of continuously cooking fiber material, wherein temperatures and alkaline levels are controlled to be maintained within specific levels in different zones of the digesting process in order to optimize chemical consumption and heat-economy and at the same time achieve very good pulp properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new and improved way of continuously cooking fiber material in an over loaded digester, wherein temperatures and alkaline levels are controlled to be maintained within specific levels in different zones of the digesting process in order to optimize chemical consumption and heat economy and, at the same time, to achieve very good pulp properties.

Abstract: A method for cooking chips which are impregnated, in a vessel (3), with liquid in first and second concurrent impregnation zones (A, B), impregnation liquid being supplied, in a mixture with steamed chips, through a feeding system to the first impregnation zone, and liquid for recovery being extracted at a first point (41) at the end of the first impregnation zone, and further liquid being supplied to the second impregnation zone (B). According to the invention, liquid is extracted at a second point (43) at the start of the second impregnation zone (B) and is circulated in an impregnation circulation (44, 45) which empties out at the center of the vessel at a point between the first and second points (41, 43) for extraction of liquid so that a flow of liquid is established from the center of the vessel in a radial direction. The further liquid is supplied to the impregnation circulation for continued impregnation of the chips in the second impregnation zone.

Abstract: A screen used in the production of cellulose pulp mounted in a digester minimizes traditional screen problems (including clogging) without introducing new problems. The screen comprises a screen plate secured to an internal surface of the digester. The screen plate has a plurality of slots formed in it with an inclination angle, and the screen plate is positioned in the digester so that the inclination angle of the slots relative to the horizontal X axis of the X-Y plane defined by the internal surface of the digester is between 30-60.degree.. The screen plate may comprise a plurality of parallel screen bars side-by-side, or an integral metal plate with slots formed in it. The slots typically have a width between 1-5 millimeters and a spacing between them of 3-9 millimeters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for continuous cooking of kraft pulp in a single-vessel system (1), preferably a single-vessel hydraulic digester, with chips being conveyed from a high-pressure feeder (2) in a transfer line (2A, 4A) to a first end (3) of the digester (1), the chips being impregnated, in a liquid containing black liquor, in a concurrent impregnation zone (5), the chips being cooked in a cooking zone (6) subsequent to the impregnation zone, hot black liquor (7) being extracted from at least one extraction screen section (8), and cooked pulp being discharged (9) at the other end of the digester. The chips are, when they leave the high-pressure feeder (2), included in a first liquid, which first liquid is in the main separated from the chips in a liquid exchanger (4) installed in the transfer line (2A, 4A) and is replaced by a second liquid which contains black liquor.

Abstract: A two stage ozone-pulp bleaching method and apparatus are disclosed. In the first stage, high consistency pulp particles are turbulently mixed and contacted with a gaseous mixture containing ozone to mix and contact substantially all of the pulp particles with ozone to react at least a portion of the pulp particles with the ozone. Pulp particles and gaseous bleaching mixture are then directed to a second stage including a quiescent pulp bed. Pulp particles may complete their reaction in the bed, which also serves to strip ozone which was not contacted with pulp particles in the first stage from the gaseous bleaching mixture.

Abstract: A method of treating wood chips allows chemical pulp (e. g. kraft pulp) to be produced having enhanced fiber strength properties. In a first zone or stage the chips are cool impregnated (e. g. a temperature of about 60-120.degree. C.) with a first alkali-containing liquid (25-35 g/l expressed as NaOH). In the top of a continuous digester in a second zone or stage the chips are then treated with a second alkali-containing liquid having an alkali concentration at least 5 g/l less than the first liquid (e. g. 10-20 g/l) and a temperature of between about 120-160.degree. C. (e. g. 130-150.degree. C.). An extraction typically takes place to effect the change in treatment zones. After the second zone the chips are cooked at about 140-180.degree. C. (e. g. 150-170.degree. C.), and higher than in the second zone.

Abstract: A process for producing cellulose from vegetable raw materials containing same by reacting these with digesting agents is described, comprising a preliminary size reduction of said raw materials to give a pumpable material, and a heat treatment of said material, arranged in a thin layer and maintained in a state of high turbulence, with at least one digesting agent; the abovementioned treatment is preferably carried out in a turboreactor and produces a mixture of cellulose fibres and of spent digesting agent, from which cellulose fibres ready for the uses in the paper industry are obtained via subsequent washing and separation phases; the process described is particularly suitable for the production of cellulose from annual plants in high yields, in very short times and at costs substantially reduced as compared with known processes.

Abstract: A method and device for cooking pulp by increasing the effective alkali concentration in the residual phase of the cooking process to substantially improve the residual delignification rate and thus improving the pulp properties such as the pulp strength and pulp yield at a given lignin content.

Abstract: A cellulose pulp continuous digester (e.g. for producing kraft pulp) is operated so that it has the advantages of a hydraulic digester yet has a gas-filled zone over the liquid level. A slurry of chips and cooking liquor is introduced into the top of the digester vessel through an inverted top separator. A liquid level is established below the inverted top separator, and a chips level is established below the inverted top separator (above or below the liquid level). A gas-filled zone above the liquid level includes compressed gas, and is at a temperature of less than 160 (preferably less than 120).degree.C. and at a pressure of between 50-200 (preferably 80-150) psig. The chips are heated by recirculating and heating liquid using a recirculation loop below the chips level, and a countercurrent flow zone is preferably provided.

Abstract: A chemimechanical pulp for use in the manufacture of paper or paperboard products where a high drainability, bulky pulp is desired. The pulp has a long fiber content of between 60 and 75%, a fine-material content of at most 14%, a shive content of less than 0.5%, is refined to a freeness of 600 ml CSF at the lowest, and has a tensile index of at least 10 kNm/kg. A method for producing such a pulp comprises: a) impregnating chips with a lignin softening chemical; b) preheating the chips; c) refining the chips to papermaking pulp; wherein the chips are impregnated and heated over a total time period of at most 4 minutes; a) using a hot impregnating liquid having a temperature of at least 130.degree. C.

Abstract: A continuous solvent pulping process is practiced with oxygen free gas (e.g. nitrogen) purges of all major treatment vessels during the time when the process is arrested or terminated. The wood chips or other cellulosic fibrous material to be pulped is steamed in a first horizontal steaming zone at pressure of about 10-20 psi, and then in a second horizontal steaming zone at a pressure of about 20-75 psi. The first and second zones are isolated by a low pressure feeder. Steam is introduced into the material in the second steaming zone to flow cocurrently with it. Gases, including vaporized solvent (e.g. ethanol or other alcohol) are vented from the steaming zones, and solvent is added to the steamed material prior to feeding to a high pressure feeder. The high pressure feeder introduces the material into the top of a single digesting vessel, liquid and chips being separated at the top of the digester vessel without mechanical means that could cause a spark.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for continuously producing pulp in which finely divided fiber material, preferably wood chips, is impregnated in an impregnation vessel (10), preferably by being fed in at the top (14) and fed out from the bottom (16) of the said vessel (10), in which cooking pressure essentially prevails in the said first vessel (10). The impregnation vessel, preferably, does not have a screen. The chips are heated and impregnated with the aid of black liquor that is concurrently flowing with a flow of the wood chips which have been thoroughly impregnated with boiling hot black liquor are transferred to the top (28) of a steam-phase digester (12). The pulp is permitted to flow passed at least one screen girdle (32) for drawing off spent liquor. The drawn off spent liquor has a high amount of effective alkali.

Abstract: Chemical (typically kraft) pulp having enhanced intrinsic fiber strength and bleachability compared to pulp produced using conventional or modified kraft cooking is produced by using high alkali and/or pH cooking, preferably by adding the vast majority of cooking liquor (such as kraft white liquor) after the first removal of liquid from the digester so that the effective alkali concentration is high near the end of the cook. That is during at least the last minute (preferably at least the last 15 minutes and most preferably at least the last 30 minutes) before the cook is terminated the effective alkali concentration is between 15-50 g/l, more preferably between about 18-40 g/l, and most preferably between about 20-35 g/l.

Abstract: This invention relates to an environmentally preferred process for the delignification of a cellulosic biomass comprising pulp. The process uses the oxidative properties of nascent oxygen to complete pulping and bleaching operations. The process may be used in a pulping stage, a bleaching stage or can be used for both the pulping and bleaching stages of a delignification process. The process does not rely on large volumes of environmentally offensive chemicals such as caustic soda, sulfur, and chlorine to achieve delignification of the pulp.

Abstract: Low temperature steaming and slurrying of wood chips results in significant improvement in treatment, the chips being maintained at a temperature below 110.degree. C. (more desirably at about 105.degree. C. or less, and most desirably at about 100.degree. C. or less) until actually heated to cooking temperature. Steaming may be accomplished utilizing a vertical chip bin with one dimensional convergence and side relief or a horizontal steaming vessel, the steaming device connected to a high pressure feeder. A pump having an NPSHR less than the NPSHA may be used for drawing slurry into the high pressure feeder from the steaming device, or a pump may be disposed between the steaming device and the high pressure feeder for forcing slurry into the high pressure feeder through a conduit including a radiused elbow. The steaming is practiced at a pressure of 5 psig or less, preferably substantially atmospheric steaming is practiced.

Abstract: A novel method and device for the production of pulp by a continuous cooking process is provided wherein hot impregnated chips are fed into the top of a countercurrent steam digester which has a bottom outlet and at least one draw off screen girdle for removing black liquor. At least 50%, preferably 70%, of the cooking liquor is fed to the top of the digester as finely divided droplets.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus which decreases a liquor--to--wood ratio at the top of a continuous digester while increasing a liquor--to--wood ratio in the upstream pre-impregnation vessel. A substantially wood-chip free liquor portion is drawn from the top of the digester through a heater to the bottom of the pre-impregnation vessel through a return conduit. A stream is drawn off the return conduit, upstream of the heater, for transfer to the top of the vessel without mixing with wool chips.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing viscose pulp from lignocelluloses, such as hardwood, softwood or annual plants, in which process the lignocellulose is treated in a digester at first with saturated steam to prehydrolyze hemicelluloses and subsequently, without flashing, with hot black liquor (HSL) of a preceding sulfate pulp digestion as well as, if desired, under addition of fresh white liquor (WL) to neutralize the acidic reaction products formed, neutralization liquor (NL) thus being formed in the digester. Upon addition of the amount of alkali required for delignification in the form of fresh white liquor (WL), if desired, in combination with a displacement of neutralization liquor (NL) and temperature adjustment, digestion then will take place with or without temperature gradient.

Abstract: The pretreatment of cellulosic fibrous material is adjusted to improve pulp strength. The cellulosic material is initially pretreated with a low temperature alkaline liquid (e.g. 80.degree.-110.degree. C.), and then with a higher temperature (but still below cooking temperature), higher alkali concentration liquor. Only then is the material--which has alkali which has completely penetrated the cellulose fiber walls--subjected to cooking with white liquor at a temperature of about 150.degree.-180.degree. C. Green, white, or black liquor can be used in the first impregnation zone, while white liquor (with polysulfide addition) is preferably used in the second zone.

Abstract: A continuous pulp digesting apparatus where wood chips and a cooking liquor are directed into a first cooking zone, and a portion of the cooking liquor is extracted at an intermediate region downstream, of said first cooking zone. Fresh liquor is introduced into said intermediate region to adjust pH level to inhibit scaling and/or clogging of strainers in the digester, and further digesting is accomplished in a second cooking zone downstream of an intermediate region. Liquor is extracted through strainers at a lower location of said second cooking zone.

Abstract: Chemical (typically kraft) pulp having enhanced intrinsic fiber strength and bleachability compared to pulp produced using conventional or modified kraft cooking is produced by using high alkali and/or pH cooking. After being impregnated with a first cooking liquor (e.g. white liquor) having low effective alkali, the first liquor is extracted from the pulp, and it is impregnated with a second cooking liquor having an effective alkali concentration of at least 25 g/l and cooked at cooking temperature (e.g. 140.degree.-190.degree. C.) to produce a spent second cooking liquor having a residual effective alkali concentration of at least about 15 g/l, which is then extracted from the pulp. The spent second liquor may be used to preheat incoming white liquor, and then flashed and used as the first liquor. The pH of the first liquor is typically less than about 13.0, and the residual pH of the spent second liquor is about 13.0 or more.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ozone bleaching a medium consistency cellulosic fiber suspension include feeding the fiber suspension and an ozone in carrier gas stream under pressure into a fluidizing mixer; intimately and uniformly mixing the fiber suspension with the ozone to achieve a bleaching reaction; passing the mixture into a first reaction vessel to permit the bleaching reaction to proceed and to consume a major part of the ozone; adding a second bleaching chemical to the mixture; separating the excess ozone and carrier gas from the mixture in a second considerably larger vessel and removing the fiber suspension from the second vessel after the effective second bleaching reaction.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing chemical pulp out of comminuted cellulosic fiber material comprising digesting the fiber material with digestion liquid without preceding peroxide stage. According to the invention the comminuted fiber material is treated in at least one stage prior to said digestion, in the presence of a liquid containing at least one compound having the ability to form complexes with metals existing naturally in the fiber material.

Abstract: In a pulp digester for continuous cooking under raised pressure and temperature of fiber material in a vertical digester (1), input of fiber material and cooking liquid takes place at the top of the digester, withdrawal of spent cooking liquor is carried out from at least one digester screening arrangement (1D) between the top and the bottom of the digester, and fiber material is fed out from the bottom (1C) of the digester, and at least one screening arrangement (2) in the lower half of the digester, wherein at least one of said screening arrangements (1, 2) has at least one screen element (2A) of which the main configuration is of angular shape, preferably rectangular, most preferred square, having a screen face (3A) of which the total area is less than 1 m.sup.

Abstract: Processes for preparing pulp from lignin-containing cellulosic material are disclosed including a prehydrolysis step followed by neutralizing hydrolysate and the prehydrolyzed cellulosic material in the reactor with alkaline neutralizing liquor, removing the neutralized hydrolysate from the reactor and delignifying the neutralized prehydrolyzed cellulosic material with alkaline cooking liquor containing sodium sulfide and sodium hydroxide.

Abstract: A method of integrating bleaching and recovery in connection with the production of chemical pulp that has been digested and preferably delignified with oxygen gas using processes that retain the viscosity and strength, to kappa number less than 16 without the use of chemicals containing chlorine, and using a bleaching sequence including at least one step with sequestering agent and/or acid, and a peroxide step.

Abstract: A method for the production of kraft pulps in a digester, by modifying the cooking chemical concentration, and lignin concentration profiles during the cook, has provided extended delignification and improved selectivity in a simpler way than has previously been possible. The cooking is performed at an elevated temperature in two stages. The first stage liquor is a mixture of 1) the spent liquor of the second stage and 2) a portion of the conventional charge of fresh cooking chemicals needed for the complete cook. The second stage liquor is made up by adding an aqueous diluent, for example, fresh water or washing filtrate to the remaining portion of the fresh cooking chemicals.

Abstract: A process for the delignification of cellulose fiber plant raw material for the production of pulp using separate impregnating and delignifying stages, each using alcohol and alkali. The process may be carried out in batch or in a continuous process. Less alcohol is used in the delignification stage than in the delignification stage. The pulp produced has very good properties because different amounts of alcohol are being used in the impregnation stage and in the delignification stage.

Abstract: The invention relates to the prehydrolysis of lignocellulose by passing an acidic or alkaline solution through solid lignocellulosic particles with removal of soluble components as they are formed. The technique permits a less severe combination of pH, temperature and time than conventional prehydrolysis. Furthermore, greater extraction of both hemicellulose and lignin occurs simultaneously in the same reactor and under the same conditions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the recovery of organic substances dissolved or brought into a colloid form during the manufacture of a mechanical pulp where said mechanical pulp has not been subject to previous alkaline bleaching or other previous process carried out under alkaline conditions. The method is characterized in the deacetylation of the galactoglucomannans having been brought into dissolved or colloidal form during the pulping process, and subsequent deposition of said deacetylated glucomannans onto a solid phase, such as pulp fibers or organic or inorganic additives. The deacetylation is performed either by alkali or enzymatically. The method diminishes the organic substance loading on recycling waters and effluents, and improves the yield and strength properties of the pulp.

Abstract: Chemical pulp is produced from hardwood chips in a simplified manner utilizing a continuous digester. An inverted top separator is provided in the circulatory loop between the high pressure feeder and the top of the continuous digester for thermally isolating circulations on either side of the inverted top separator. Relatively cool liquor circulates between the inverted top separator and high pressure feeder, at a temperature such that it will not flash into steam in a high pressure feeder, while in the circulatory loop from the high pressure feeder to the digester the chips are in cooking liquor at cooking temperature. Since hardwood chips require less cooking than softwood chips, a single heating source for heating the liquor to cooking temperature is provided, external of the digester, and a conventional cooking circulation loop within the digester is not required.

Abstract: An apparatus provide for the production of low kappa number (e.g. below 20) kraft paper pulp, and a low viscosity black liquor which is easily transported to a recovery or disposal stage. Comminuted cellulosic fibrous material is steamed, passed to a treatment vessel, land then introduced into the top of a continuous digester. Black liquor is withdrawn from the digester and heated about 20-40 degrees C above cooking temperature (e.g. about 170 degrees C), and then introduced into contact with the material in the treatment vessel. After the material is treated with the black liquor, it is withdrawn from the treatment vessel, and passed to the recovery or disposal stage. White liquor may be introduced into the treatment vessel after black liquor withdrawal, after passing in heat exchange relationship with liquid recirculated from an impregnation vessel to a high pressure feeder.

Abstract: Paper pulp (e.g. kraft pulp) is produced utilizing at least two different supplies of cooking liquor, one having low sulfide content, and the other high sulfide content. The high sulfide content supply is typically used to impregnate the pulp or otherwise treat it first, while the second supply is used in other cooking stages (e.g. a digester), whether co-current or countercurrent. The different sulfur content liquors are obtained by heat treating (under pressure) black liquor to drive off sulfur compounds, and absorbing them into white liquor to produce a high sulfide stream. The low sulfide stream is made by conventional treatment of the black liquor after heat treating and evaporation. Utilizing multiple sulfide content supplies results in an optimum viscosity/kappa ratio and/or pulp strength properties for the pulp produced.

Abstract: Process for producing pulp suitable as raw material for paper, board or fiberboards and similar products. A pumpable alkaline slurry of fibrous raw material is conducted through a pressurized tube system by the use of pulp pumps, the pressure increasing in steps from the beginning of the process to the end of the process. On its way the slurry is repeatedly dewatered and rediluted with process liquid. An apparatus suitable for being used in carrying out the process comprises a dewatering tube (64) and a dewatering and venting tube (67) arranged centrally and axially within the tube (64) which may be provided with a perforated part (66). The tube (67) is provided with perforations (68) through which gas and liquid from fiber-containing slurry introduced into the outer tube (64) can escape. At the opposite end from the inlet end of the outer tube (64) there is an outlet (72, 65) for thickened fiber-containing slurry.

Abstract: A process is provided for peroxygen bleaching of high yield pulp in which sodium carbonate replaces sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate. The process employs a chelating agent as a substitute for the silicate normally required so that the process can operate as a closed cycle system.

Abstract: In the continuous cooking of comminuted cellulosic fibrous material (e.g. wood chips) to produce paper pulp, the material passes upwardly in an impregnation vessel which is within and concentric with a continuous digester and open at the top to digester pressure. At the top of the impregnation vessel, a solids/liquid separator (a screw within a screen cylinder) is provided. Separated liquid is returned in a conduit adjacent the exterior of the impregnation vessel, and open at the top to digester pressure, and passes out the bottom of the digester. The impregnation vessel is welded to the bottom of the digester, and the bottom of the digester is generally hemi-spherical, and substantially devoid of packings.

Abstract: Unbleached pulp is combined with an aqueous alkaline solution while in a state of low consistency to distribute a first amount of alkaline material substantially uniformly throughout the pulp. The consistency of the pulp is then increased to above about 18%, and the high consistency alkali containing pulp is then treated with oxygen to effect delignification. The total amount of alkaline material applied to the pulp is between 0.8 and 7% by weight of oven dry pulp. High strength, low lignin pulps are subsequently formed which may be further bleached to high brightness with reduced amounts of chemicals.

Abstract: A process for oxygen bleaching fibrous cellulose pulp is described in which the pulp passes a first delignification zone with a predetermined low temperature and a second delignification zone with a predetermined high temperature which is higher than that in the first delignification zone. The pulp is fed through a first vertical reactor containing said first delignification zone with low temperature, and thereafter through a second vertical reactor containing said second delignification zone with high temperature. The temperature in the first delignification zone is either maintained at the temperature that the pulp entering for bleaching has acquired during a previous treatment before the oxygen bleaching, or as required is adjusted by the controlled supply of steam to a mixer disposed in the pipe before the first reactor. The temperature in the second delignification zone is adjusted by the controlled supply of steam to a mixer disposed in the pipe between the two reactors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for the production of low kappa number (e.g. below 20) kraft paper pulp, and a low viscosity black liquor which is easily transported to a recovery or disposal stage. Comminuted cellulosic fibrous material is steamed, passed to a treatment vessel, and then introduced into the top of a continuous digester. Black liquor is withdrawn from the digester and heated about 20-40 degrees C. above cooking temperature (e.g. about 170 degrees C.), and then introduced into contact with the material in the treatment vessel. After the material is treated with the black liquor, it is withdrawn from the treatment vessel, and passed to the recovery or disposal stage. White liquor may be introduced into the treatment vessel after black liquor withdrawal, after passing in heat exchange relationship with liquid recirculated from an impregnation vessel to a high pressure feeder.

Abstract: Paper pulp is produced from small chips (e.g. having a smallest dimension of between about 1 and 5 mm), which may be more easily penetrated by the treatment liquids resulting in a more uniform Kappa distribution which makes it possible to cook to lower Kappa numbers without losing strength. The chips are steamed and then impregnated with sulfur containing liquor in an impregnation vessel having a conveyor. The conveyor, such as an endless belt with baffles, moves the chips through the liquor rather than trying to circulate the liquor. From the impregnation vessel the chips move to the top of an upright digester where they are steamed, and then are subjected to digesting conditions, entrained in white liquor, in the digester and discharged from the bottom. The digester has smooth side walls, devoid of screens and circulation loops.

Abstract: A method of producing high quantities of ethanol and a high quality pulp to produce a variety of papers. The method comprises preparing the bamboo by chipping, shredding and washing. This bamboo fiber is then processed in two stages of prehydrolysis to separate the ethanol producing portion from the pulp producing portion. The ethanol producing portion is condensed and subject to enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation to produce an ethanol product. The pulp producing portion is processed in two stages of digestion to produce a pulp in high yield that is suitable to produce a variety of papers.

Abstract: A method of digesting lignocellulose materials impregnated with solutions of hydroxides or salts of alkali or alkaline earth metals, the ratio by weight of the solution retained during the impregnation and the dry matter being less than 2, in a digester, characterized by subjecting the impregnated materials before the digestion to a treatment with live steam under a pressure equal to or greater than that present in the digester so that a part of the steam, by giving off its sensible heat to the impregnated material and condensing, assures the preheating and penetration of the impregnation liquor up to the center of the material. The time of digestion is shorter and the pulp obtained more homogeneous.

Abstract: A method of treating a fiber suspension in a disc-type pulp treatment apparatus, wherein the apparatus includes a pressure-proof casing with an inlet for the fiber suspension and a discharge for treated suspension and filtrate, a shaft rotating inside the casing an a plurality of discs arranged on the shaft, and wherein the discs are formed of sectors having filter surfaces between which surfaces is a liquid compartment communicating with the liquid discharge. The method includes feeding the fiber suspension to be treated overpressurized into the casing, filling the casing up with the fiber suspension, carrying out the treatment in a closed airless space and discharging the pulp from the casing.