Abstract: The continuous treatment of a cellulosic material in the form of chips to produce at least partial delignification of the material without true mechanical grinding is effected in apparatus comprising two parallel meshing screws which are rotated in the same direction in a sheath and have identical threads providing a plurality of zones of different pitch. The material is passed in succession through a first zone for feeding the material downstream, a first braking zone for causing a first compression of the material, a second zone for feeding the material downstream and in which the material is brought into contact with a reagent, e.g. steam or a chemical reagent, and a second braking zone for causing a second compression of the material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for screenless treatment of cellulose fiber material without channeling of treatment liquid through a fiber material column being treated. An inner vertical vessel extends into an outer vertical vessel which has a larger diameter than the inner vessel, and an annular space in the outer vessel is defined by a portion of the inner vessel extending into the outer vessel. At least three baffles extend through the annular space into the area of the outer vessel below the inner vessel to define at least three distinct flow areas, and an outlet nozzle is provided in each of the flow areas. Liquid is withdrawn from the annular space through at least two of the flow areas, while liquid is backflushed into one of the flow areas.

Abstract: A mixture of wood chips and impregnation liquor is continuously passed through an impregnation zone, the mixture is agitated throughout said impregnation zone to maintain the consistency of the mixture constant and the residence time of the chips uniform throughout said impregnation zone, the mixture is withdrawn from said impregnation zone, excess liquor is removed from the chips and said chips are then digested in a cooking zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously hydrolizing finely comminuted cellulosic fiber material and separately extracting the acid hydrolysate therefrom. Cellulosic material is fed into an upright elongated reaction vessel near the upper or top portion thereof and heated to hydrolysis temperature. The heated fiber material then passes downward through the reaction vessel and is concurrently treated by exposure to a short liquid phase which comprises concurrent impregnation and simultaneous concurrent hydrolysis to partially hydrolize the fiber material. The material is then exposed counter-currently to a liquid phase comprising a counter-current wash with simultaneous hydrolysis of a wash liquid which has been introduced from the bottom or lower portion of the reaction vessel, the wash liquid having been preheated to full hydrolysis temperature.

Abstract: The process for producing pulp according to the present invention consists in the subsequent steps of an aqueous treatment of a vegetable stock at a temperature within the range of from 110.degree. to 170.degree. C. under a pressure of from 2 to 7 atm.g. for a period of from 0.3 to 4 hours at a weight ratio of the vegetable stock to water of 1:2-4 respectively; a simultaneous impregnation and cooking of said vegetable stock in a solution of nitric acid at a temperature of from 70.degree. to 90.degree. C. for 0.5-3 hours; cooking at a temperature of from 100.degree. to 130.degree. C. under a pressure of from 1 to 4 atm.g. for 0.3-0.5 hour; an alkali extraction of the vegetable stock; decontamination of the gaseous cooking products by mixing thereof with the air in a volumetric ratio of 1:0.5-1 respectively, and treatment with the spent liquor resulting from the stage of alkali extraction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for multi-stage alkaline pulping of ligno-cellulosic raw materials and recovery of delignification spent liquors, i.e. black liquor from digestion with white liquor and oxy-liquor comprising bleach plant effluent extracted from alkaline oxygen delignification of brown stock.According to the invention, oxy-liquor and intermediate black liquor in the digester are passed through that part of the material column to which the cellulosic raw material, e.g. wood chips, enters. There, hydroxide deriving from two sources, white liquor and oxy-liquor, is exhausted prior to its discharge as terminal black liquor. White liquor is consequently injected to the level of the pre-digested material in the column. This injection is controlled by continuous measurement, e.g. by automated titration analysis, of the hydroxide concentration in the joint volume of oxy-liquor and white liquor in the main cooking liquor circulation system.

Abstract: Sodium polysulphide is formed by reacting sodium sulphide and sodium sulphur-oxygen salts in the presence of carbon and oxygen. The invention is particularly applicable to reacting recovery furnace smelt from a polysulphide pulping process to form a mixture of sodium polysulphide and sodium carbonate which is substantially free from sodium sulphur-oxygen salts, so that dead-load sulphidity is substantially eliminated from the pulping liquor.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are provided for the preparation of improved high-yield cellulose pulps, such as semichemical, chemimechanical, thermomechanical, and mechanical pulps, which comprises mechanically defibrating a mixture of particulate lignocellulosic materials which have been partially pulped and softened to different extents. Part of the raw lignocellulosic material is particulate form is washed, moistened with steam, impregnated with pulping chemicals and pulped to a yield of from about 65 to about 92%. Another part is treated in similar manner but either not pulped at all or, if pulped, pulped to a lesser extent. The two parts are mixed without intermediate washing, after which the mixture is subjected to a vapor phase pulping by heating to a temperature within the range from about 90 to about 200.degree. C. under pressure to obtain softening of the lignin, and delignification, after which the resulting product is mechanically defibrated to form cellulose pulp.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of cellulosic fiber material with maximum efficiency while minimizing capital costs. Fiber material entrained in digesting liquid is impregnated with the liquid in an impregnation vessel, sluiced to a separate digesting vessel, and from the digesting vessel sluiced to one or more separate washing vessels without a significant reduction in pressure. Countercurrent washing is effected in the washing vessel(s). Digesting liquid withdrawn from the digesting vessel is heated in a transfer line back to the impregnation vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating finely divided fibrous pulp with gas without overpressure in a continuous process. The bulk material is substantially continuously supplied to a reactor having one or more supporting floors having apertures of a shape and size which allow the finely divided material to form bridges across the apertures, said apertures also permitting a continuous flow of gas through the bulk material. The bulk material proceeds through the reactor as a consequence of the bridges being broken by breaking arms sweeping along the upper surface of the supporting floors.

Abstract: An improved process for gas-phase bleaching of cellulose pulp at high pulp consistency including in series a gas zone space beneath said gas zone for a column of fibrous material, a mixing zone and a dilution zone, wherein a hub body is located centrally at the bottom of the tower and provided with driving means for rotation of the shaft bearing the hub body, and the torque required for rotating the hub body is continuously measured. The rate of dilution liquid is varied inversely with variation in torque thereby maintaining substantially constant the consistency of the diluted fibrous material as withdrawn from the bottom of the tower. The height of the pulp column is measured and kept constant by controlling the withdrawal of diluted fibrous material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the digestion of cellulosic fiber material providing pulp of very uniform quality. Cellulosic fiber material entrained in treatment liquid is fed into a top portion of a first vertical treatment vessel, impregnation of the fiber material with treatment liquid taking place in the first vessel. A first flow path of fiber material entrained in and impregnated with treatment liquid is established from the bottom of the first vessel to a top portion of a separate second vertical treatment vessel, liquid substantially filling the second vessel. Liquid is withdrawn from the top portion of the second vessel (without screening) and a second flow path is established of the liquid withdrawn from the second vessel back toward the bottom portion of the first vessel, heating of the liquid during transport in the second flow path taking place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for presteaming of wood chips and the like. The chips are treated in a vertical presteaming vessel with steam under low pressure, and removal of the air from the chips is facilitated by maintaining the presteaming vessel substantially at or near atmospheric pressure. An exhaust fan, controlled by a pressure probe in the presteaming vessel, may be provided for maintaining the pressure in the vessel. The amount of air that can enter the vessel through the chips inlet is minimized by an inclined rotating screw assembly with a partial flight which elevates the packs and chips to form an isolation seal at the chips inlet into the vessel.

Abstract: Impregnation of fiber material before digestion is accomplished utilizing a minimum amount of equipment. Liquid with entrained fiber material -- both fiber material sufficiently impregnated with liquid to be denser than the liquid and material insufficiently impregnated to be denser than the liquid -- is fed from a high-pressure transfer valve to an inlet at the top of a continuous digester. The digester has an outlet disposed vertically above the inlet, and liquid along with fiber material of lesser density than the liquid is withdrawn from the outlet. The withdrawn liquid and fiber material is recirculated back to the transfer valve through a conduit adapted to allow the passage of fiber material entrained in liquid therethrough. Each individual portion of fiber material is continuously circulated until it becomes sufficiently impregnated with liquid to descend into the digester and form a fiber column therein.

Abstract: Cellulosic material is delignified with oxygen previously dissolved into a fresh alkaline aqueous medium, all of the oxygen contacting said cellulosic material being introduced into said cellulosic material by said alkaline aqueous medium containing oxygen dissolved therein and the cellulosic material consistency during delignification being such as to form an agglomeration of said cellulosic material and alkaline aqueous medium in the form of a layer without any gaseous space therein.

Abstract: In the continuous production of paper pulp from ligno-cellulose raw material, the raw material is subjected to grinding and/or delignification by passing it in the form of small pieces between interpenetrating helicoidal surfaces driven synchronously in rotation inside a casing. The pitch of the helicoidal surfaces is arranged to provide at least one supply zone in which the material is driven downstream by rotation of the surfaces and at least one braking zone in which the material is braked.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a treatment vessel with a fiber material -- liquid mixture. A conventional feeder rotor, having a number of pockets extending therethrough, has each pocket thereof sequentially filled with chips-liquid mixture in a first position from a pretreatment vessel. A portion of the liquid is withdrawn from the pocket, and the pocket rotates to a second position wherein the chips-liquid mixture in the pocket is discharged into a digester by a liquid flow. The pocket then rotates to a third position wherein the liquid in the pocket is discharged by admitting a gas, such as steam, under pressure into the pocket (and the pocket simultaneously filled with gas), and then to a fourth position wherein the gas is allowed to expand and be transported to a pretreatment vessel while the pocket is filled with cooking liquor, and thereby is ready to begin another cycle.

Abstract: 70 To 85% yield semichemical wood pulping may be prepared for mechanical defibration by cooking comminuted hardwood in a continuous digestion vessel with an alkaline cooking solution wherein 50 to 100% as sodium oxide thereof is sodium carbonate. The solution may be formulated from unmodified kraft recovery process green liquor or, if a sulfur free cooking process is desired, the solution may be formulated from soda ash.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the displacement impregnation of cellulosic chips material with digesting liquid. Cellulosic chips material and liquid are fed from a source to a high pressure transfer valve whereat the pressure of the chips and liquid is boosted. The chips are fed from the high pressure transfer valve through a feed system to the topmost portion of a vertical treatment vessel, the vessel having a topmost portion and an impregnation zone in an upper portion thereof below the topmost portion. A countercurrent flow of digesting liquid in the vessel impregnation zone is established to impregnate the chips material with digesting liquid, and displace the water and minerals therefrom, and liquid withdrawn from the top of the treatment vessel is withdrawn into the feed system. The withdrawals insure that essentially no free water enters the impregnation zone. A chips plug is established at the vessel top through which all withdrawn liquid must pass.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for digestion of cellulose material in a continuous digestion process, that do not require screens in the outlet of the digesting zone. Cellulose chips and digesting liquid at relatively low temperature are introduced into a relatively long and thin cylindrical impregnation vessel, having a first diameter. The chips from the impregnation vessel pass into a digestion vessel having a second diameter substantially greater than the first diameter, the outlet for the impregnation zone into the digestion vessel being disposed well into the digestion vessel and below an outlet(s) disposed in the top of the digestion vessel, and form a chips column in the digestion vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for impregnating fiber material with treatment liquid before treatment thereof in a high pressure vertical fiber material treatment vessel. Fiber material and treatment liquid under relatively low pressure flow in a first flow system, continuous withdrawal of liquid from the first system taking place. A second flow system of fiber material and treatment liquid, under relatively high pressure (the second flow system including an impregnation portion of the treatment vessel), is provided. Fiber material entrained in liquid in the first system is transferred to the second system, and the pressure thereof boosted, by a pocketed-rotor transfer device.

Abstract: Acid and alkaline filtrates are separated from the bleach plant of a bleached pulp mill for use in washing unbleached pulp free from entrained pulping liquor. Acid effluent is neutralized with sodium hydroxide solution prior to use in the washing as the last washing step while alkaline filtrate is used in the remainder of the washing. Part of both the acid and alkaline filtrates are not used in the washing to allow bleed of calcium value and caustic extraction stage solids which otherwise would build up on the washed pulp mat passing to the bleach plant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a treatment vessel, such as a digestor, with fiber material and liquid. A chips-liquid mixture from a pretreatment vessel is fed through a conventional feeding valve to a treatment vessel while the chips-liquid mixture is being acted on by other means in the feeding valve. The feeding valve includes a rotor having a number of pockets extending therethrough, and a plurality of inlets and outlets arranged around the periphery of the valve for communication with the pockets thereof. In a first position of the valve chips-liquid mixture is fed into a pocket, and a portion of the liquid is strained off, then the valve rotates to a second position wherein a quantity of the liquid is displaced by gas or steam while the chips are maintained in the pocket, and then the valve rotates to a third position wherein the chips in the pocket are discharged into the treatment vessel.

Abstract: A method for continuous treatment of fiber material in a digestor or the like that allows substantial segregation of the digestor treatment zones so as to prevent upflow of liquid from a bottom zone to an upper zone. An area of reduced cross-sectional area is provided between each treatment zone which increases the velocity of flow of fiber material and entrained liquid in that area, and substantially prevents upward movement of liquid therepast.

Abstract: Finely disintegrated and fluffed cellulose pulp, at a consistency of 25-35%, is introduced into the top of a reaction tower and countercurrently bleached with oxygen gas, introduced into the lower portion of the tower, at a temperature of 80.degree.-120.degree. C. The pulp is maintained in the tower as a gas permeable column having a maximum height, in meters, equal to five tenths of the pulp consistency.

Abstract: Apparatus for refining digested pulp involving the use of a refiner, preferably two or more refiners in series positioned in the digester blow line to receive washed, digested pulp discharged from a continuous digester.

Abstract: Sodium chloride is removed from Kraft mill smelts by fractionating the smelt to separate sodium carbonate and sodium sulphate in solid form from sodium sulphide and sodium chloride which usually is contaminated with residual quantities of sodium carbonate and sodium sulphate and is contained in an aqueous solution thereof. Sodium chloride subsequently is separated from the aqueous solution. Various fractionation procedures are described and various procedures for the removal of the sodium chloride in substantially pure form also are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous method of making cellulosic pulp from wood chips within a range of yield from 65 to 90 per cent by digestion with a digestion liquor containing Na.sub.2 S and Na.sub.2 CO.sub.3. The digestion is effected at temperatures between 150.degree. and 190.degree.C and malodorous sulfur compounds are removed from the pulp, the liquor and the vapors prior to their withdrawal from the digesting process. In order to eliminate their capacity of emitting obnoxious odors, the sulfur compounds are oxidized by addition of molecular oxygen to the digester prior to discharge of pulp and spent liquor from the digester after which the spent liquor is removed from the digested pulp, concentrated and burned for renewed use in preparation of fresh digesting liquor.

Abstract: Smelts produced in spent pulping liquor recovery operations and containing sodium chloride are treated to remove sodium chloride therefrom in pure form while the loss of usable components is avoided. A solid mixture of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate and sodium sulphate is provided as such in a soda mill, or first is separated from sodium sulphide, by fractionating the smelt where sodium sulphide is present, as in the Kraft mill. The solid mixture is leached at a high temperature to remove all the sodium chloride values therefrom, along with part of the sodium carbonate and sodium sulphate. Pure sodium chloride is deposited by cooling the leach liquor and the mother liquor is recycled to the leaching step.

Abstract: In the recovery and regeneration of spent pulping chemicals from the production of cellulosic fibrous material pulp there is provided a white liquor containing dissolved quantities of sodium chloride and unregenerated pulping chemicals. The white liquor is concentrated by evaporation to deposit therefrom sodium chloride and unregenerated pulping chemicals, unregenerated pulping chemicals substantially free from sodium chloride are recovered from the deposited materials, and sodium chloride is separated and recovered from the deposited materials. The deposition of sodium chloride and unregenerated pulping chemicals is usually carried out in two stages, with unregenerated pulping chemicals substantially free from sodium chloride being deposited in the first stage. The sodium chloride then is deposited in the second stage, possibly in admixture with unregenerated pulping chemicals, in which event substantially pure sodium chloride is separated from the deposited mixture.

Abstract: Smelts produced in Kraft mill and soda mill spent pulping liquor recovery operations and containing sodium chloride are treated to remove sodium chloride therefrom in pure form while the removal of usable components is avoided. A solid mixture of sodium chloride, sodium carbonate and sodium sulphate is provided in the case of the soda mill, or first is separated from the sodium sulphide in the case of the Kraft mill. Thereafter, the solid mixture is leached to remove the sodium carbonate and sodium sulphate while leaving the sodium chloride in a substantially pure form, the resulting leach liquor being refrigerated to deposit sodium carbonate and sodium sulphate. The mother liquor, after removal of the deposited salts is recycled to the solid mixture leaching step.

Abstract: A fully controllable process is provided for the manufacture of sulfate pulp having a predetermined degree of delignification and therefore a predetermined Kappa number. A sample of the pulping liquor is taken at a stage at which the preliminary alkali-consuming physical and chemical reactions and processes have substantially been completed, the sample is analysed to give the content of alkali in the liquor, and the alkali content adjusted to at least 20 g calculated as NaOH per kilogram of wood initially added, by addition of alkali. From this alkali content the pulping intensity expressed as "H" factor for obtaining the desired Kappa number is determined, and the pulping time and pulping temperature during delignification are controlled according to this H factor. It is also possible to adjust the alkali content in a controllable manner by injecting white liquor, black liquor or water into the digester. The process is applicable to continuous digesters as well as batch digesters.

Abstract: Prior to cooking, fragments of raw ligno-cellulosic material are impregnated with a solution of a lignin-solubilizing reactant in an organic solvent which has a boiling point higher than the cooking temperature in order for the material to absorb an amount of solution containing at least the amount of reactant required for solubilizing the lignin, then the impregnated material is immersed in a liquid which is substantially non-miscible with the solvent of said solution, said liquid having a boiling point higher than the cooking temperature, and said liquid is maintained at the cooking temperature until the lignin has been substantially converted to a derivative which is soluble in water or a water-miscible organic solvent.