Combined Patents (Class 162/242)
  • Publication number: 20140305608
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is in that a body waste treating material can be manufactured by using a defective fibrous material unsuitable for forming paper generated upon treating a pulpable raw material without materials for complementing a water absorptive property and a water retention property and a wasting step in manufacturing at a low cost, and resources may be efficiently used. [Solution to Problem] This invention is characterized by molding a defective fibrous material unsuitable for forming paper that is a fibrous material obtained by defiberizing and dehydrating a pulpable raw material to a certain shape. The defective fibrous material is characterized by including thin and/or short fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Susumu Okamoto, Takashi Takahashi, Yoshikazu Horihata, Koichi Narita, Akio Takase, Shinichi Matsuo, Toru Shimizu, Hiroaki Takayanagi, Hyunjin Seo, Akihiro Sugiyama, Takashi Murakami
  • Publication number: 20140203208
    Abstract: [Technical Problem] In a body waste treating material, a method for manufacturing the body waste treating material, and an apparatus for manufacturing the same, a technical problem is in manufacturing the body waste treating material without a water absorbing agent as a material for complementing a water absorptive property and a water retention property and a wasting step in manufacturing easily at a low cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Susumu Okamoto, Takashi Takahashi, Yoshikazu Horihata, Koichi Narita, Akio Takase, Shinichi Matsuo, Toru Shimizu, Hiroaki Takayanagi, Hyunjin Seo, Akihiro Sugiyama, Takashi Murakami
  • Publication number: 20140196859
    Abstract: A digestion apparatus is provided that include a vessel, a closure, and a fluid-transporting system. The vessel has a digestion chamber therein and an opening that provides access to the digestion chamber. The closure is adapted to interface with the vessel opening to form a fluid-tight seal against a digestion pressure and temperature within the chamber. The fluid-transporting system is adapted to direct fluid out of the digestion chamber back into the digestion chamber through an inlet port. A fluid transfer line may be interfaced with the closure, the line comprising a flexible hose and a quick-disconnect fitting, the fitting comprised of first portion associated with a self-sealing valve and a second portion that when mated downstream from the first portion allows fluid flow from the digestion chamber through the fitting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventor: Andrew Kallmes
  • Publication number: 20130277000
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for the preparation of a modified lignocellulosic material by treating the lignocellulosic material in a first activator zone having an atmosphere of one or more acid anhydrides in vapour form in a gas at a gauge pressure of 0-50 kPag and a temperature of 100-160° C., and then treating the lignocellulosic material in a second reactor zone having an atmosphere of a gas at a gauge pressure of 0-50 kPag and a temperature of 120-190° C., thereafter stripping the lignocellulosic material with steam or water in a stripper zone, and optionally further processing. The process is more efficient as compared with the prior art processes by providing a better access of the acid anhydrides to the sites of the reactive lignocellulosic hydroxyl groups (—OH), which are located on the internal surfaces of pores and capillary channels in the lignocellulose. Furthermore, the apparatus is relatively simple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: DANISH PLANT FIBRE TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING A/S
    Inventors: Per Berre Eriksen, Peter Larsen, Esklid Kyhn
  • Publication number: 20130276999
    Abstract: A system and method of manufacturing a fiber for use in manufacturing products including providing a feedstock including fiber derived from edible fruit of a plant. An agent that degrades pectin may be applied to the feedstock to form a feedstock mixture. The feedstock mixture may be agitated, and solution including the fiber from the feedstock mixture may be removed. The fiber may be isolated from the solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Peter R. Moss, Doug A. Bippert, Rajesh Kumar Garg, Kim W. Robinson, Simon Gainey, Philip G. Crandall
  • Patent number: 8303769
    Abstract: Apparatus for screening cellulose pulp streams is disclosed including first and second screens contained in a housing, and a primary inlet for directing the cellulose pulp stream into the housing, an accept outlet for withdrawing an accept portion from the housing, a reject outlet for withdrawing a reject portion from the housing, a first accept chamber for receiving the accept portion which has passed through the first screen, a second screen chamber for directing the first accept portion to the second screen, and a secondary pulp inlet for receiving a second cellulose pulp feed stream comprising a screened cellulose pulp accept fraction and directing it to the second screen whereby the second accept fraction is delivered to the accept outlet. Methods and systems for screening cellulose pulp systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Andreas Engelfeldt, Bertil Ernerfeldt, David Lindkvist
  • Publication number: 20120118517
    Abstract: A solid/fluid separation module and pretreatment apparatus and method enables pretreatment of biomass at high temperature and pressure with the ability to vary residence and processing times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: GREENFIELD ETHANOL INC.
    Inventors: Richard Romeo LEHOUX, Christopher Bruce BRADT
  • Publication number: 20120000619
    Abstract: Apparatus for screening cellulose pulp streams is disclosed including first and second screens contained in a housing, and a primary inlet for directing the cellulose pulp stream into the housing, an accept outlet for withdrawing an accept portion from the housing, a reject outlet for withdrawing a reject portion from the housing, a first accept chamber for receiving the accept portion which has passed through the first screen, a second screen chamber for directing the first accept portion to the second screen, and a secondary pulp inlet for receiving a second cellulose pulp feed stream comprising a screened cellulose pulp accept fraction and directing it to the second screen whereby the second accept fraction is delivered to the accept outlet. Methods and systems for screening cellulose pulp systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: METSO PAPER, INC.
    Inventors: Andreas Engelfeldt, Bertil Ernerfeldt, David Lindkvist
  • Patent number: 7971321
    Abstract: A hinge is mounted between a cover and a base of an electronic device. A lid covers the hinge and is attached securely to the base. The hinge has an arced surface and a rotating shaft. When the cover is pivoted to a certain angle, the rotating shaft abuts the arced surface to lift up the cover so the cover is selectively distant away from the lid. Therefore, the shape of the electronic device does not need to be disfigured and the cover still does not bump against the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Shin Zu Shing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wei-Chun Chen, Chia-Hsiang Chen, Weiming Chen
  • Publication number: 20080302492
    Abstract: A reactor vessel system including: a first reactor vessel having a hydrolysate and liquid extraction screen, a first region above the extraction screen that is maintained at conditions promoting a hydrolysis reaction in the cellulosic material, a second region below the extraction screen in which the hydrolysis is substantially suppressed and a wash liquid inlet below the extraction screen providing wash liquid at a temperature below a hydrolysis temperature; a transport pipe having an inlet coupled to the first reactor vessel and an outlet coupled to a second reactor vessel, and the second reactor vessel includes a liquid discharge that extracts a portion of liquid from the second reactor vessel and directs the portion of liquid to the first reactor vessel or to the transport pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: ANDRITZ INC.
    Inventors: Namhee Shin, C. Bertil Stromberg, Ventzislav Kirov, William J. Cann
  • Patent number: 7229524
    Abstract: The invention relates to a feed arrangement for feeding chips to chip bins (1) in the production of cellulose pulp in continuous digesters (16), in which the chip bin is constituted by a treatment vessel having a top and a bottom, in which the chips are fed into the top (13) of the treatment vessel and fed out via the bottom of the treatment vessel using suitable lock members (10, 11). Distribution devices (4a, 4b) for the addition of steam are disposed in the treatment vessel so as to heat the chips to a level above 80° C., preferably around 100° C., when the chips are fed out via the bottom of the treatment vessel. By virtue of the fact that the chips are fed into the treatment vessel via at least one liquid lock (30) and the treatment vessel is otherwise sealed off, the quantity of driven-off gases from the chip bin is reduced to a minimum, at the same time as an effective utilization of available energy is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Metso Fiber Karlstad AB
    Inventor: Vidar Snekkenes
  • Patent number: 6966970
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supplying washing liquid to a digester (1) for cellulose pulp and a subsequent diffuser washing device (2a, 2b). A high, disturbance-free production capacity can be obtained by using a common feed pump (P1) which, via a main feed line (10), supplies both the diffuser washing device and the digester with washing liquid in parallel. The first pump (P1) establishes a pressure on the washing liquid which is in the interval 2–6 bar, and is preferably 4 bar, while the second pressure level, which is established by the diffuser pump device (P2a, P2b), is in the interval 6–12 bar, but is at least 2 bar higher than the first pressure level, and the third pressure level, which is established by the digester pump (P3), is in the interval 12–25 bar The system becomes self-regulating in the event of any operational disturbances in the flow of washing liquid and, if the pumps are appropriate, a countercurrent flow of washing liquid through the system is essentially maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventors: Vidar Snekkenes, Lennart Gustavsson
  • Patent number: 6755941
    Abstract: For a process and an apparatus for loading fibers contained in a pulp suspension with calcium carbonate, a calcium oxide and/or a medium containing calcium hydroxide is fed to the pulp suspension, and the so treated pulp suspension is further charged in several reactors with pure carbon dioxide or a medium containing carbon dioxide. The reactors can be connected in series and/or in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventors: J{overscore (o)}rg Rheims, Klaus Doelle, Oliver Heise, Werner Witek
  • Patent number: 6733625
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating chemical pulp in order to optimize the consumption of bleaching chemicals and to improve the quality of the pulp. Especially the invention relates to a method according to which filtrate obtained from a suitable stage of the washing of brown stock preferably cooked by an alkaline cooking method is treated with an oxidizing chemical prior to the oxygen stage following the brown stock washing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Andritz Oy
    Inventors: Kaj Henricson, Eero Kontturi, Olavi Pikka, Janne Vehmaa
  • Publication number: 20030089466
    Abstract: In the feeding of a slurry of comminuted cellulosic fibrous material to a digester (continuous or batch) in the production of chemical pulp, one of the tanks used in the feed system (which preferably includes a high pressure feeder) may be eliminated without consequent loss of its function by providing a single tank with the combined functions of controlling the level of liquid in a slurrying conduit which supplies slurry to a slurry pump, and storing and substantially continuously supplying liquid to a make-up liquid pump connected to the digester. The single tank preferably surrounds the slurrying conduit and is substantially concentric, and in liquid communication, with it. A gap of 3-48 inches may be provided between the bottom of the conduit and a connection to the slurry pump. A screen or strainer may be provided in the gap, which is substantially surrounded by the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Andritz, Inc.
    Inventors: Auvo K. Kettunen, Richard O. Laakso, C. Bertil Stromberg, J. Robert Prough, Jay J. Miele
  • Publication number: 20030089467
    Abstract: In the feeding of a slurry of comminuted cellulosic fibrous material to a digester (continuous or batch) in the production of chemical pulp, one of the tanks used in the feed system (which preferably includes a high pressure feeder) may be eliminated without consequent loss of its function by providing a single tank with the combined functions of controlling the level of liquid in a slurrying conduit which supplies slurry to a slurry pump, and storing and substantially continuously supplying liquid to a make-up liquid pump connected to the digester. The single tank preferably surrounds the slurrying conduit and is substantially concentric, and in liquid communication, with it. A gap of 3-48 inches may be provided between the bottom of the conduit and a connection to the slurry pump. A screen or strainer may be provided in the gap, which is substantially surrounded by the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Applicant: Andritz Inc.
    Inventors: Auvo K. Kettunen, Richard O. Laakso, C. Bertil Stromberg, J. Robert Prough, Jay J. Miele
  • Publication number: 20030047297
    Abstract: A pre-treatment device for wood chips for pulping comprises a tube through which the wood chips fall into a digester. Steam is injected into the tube through rings of nozzles, which are angled circumferentially to impart a rotary and turbulent motion to the falling chips. Some nozzles are angled downwardly to encourage the chips to flow freely through the tube, some are horizontal to encourage a longer dwell time near the nozzles. Digesting liquor is also sprayed onto the chips from spray nozzles after the first ring of steam nozzles. The heat and steam expel air and other non-condensable gases and volatiles from the chips, allowing them to absorb the liquor. At the bottom of the tube, the chips are propelled down and outwards by jets of higher-pressure steam, spreading and packing them into the digester.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: Jack T. Baker
    Inventor: Jack T. Baker
  • Patent number: 6447645
    Abstract: A feed system for a cellulose pulp treating vessel (such as a continuous digester) is not limited by the required L/W ratio of the pump feeding a wood chip slurry to a high pressure transfer device, the feed system may be kept at a low temperature to minimize flashing of liquid into steam, and a return conduit from the treatment vessel to the transfer device high pressure inlet may be eliminated. Some of the liquid is removed from the slurry just before the low pressure inlet to the transfer device, and/or just after the high pressure outlet, to reduce the L/W ratio of the slurry by at least 0.25, e.g. from 3.0:1 to 2.25:1 just before the low pressure inlet, and from, 7.0:1 to 5.0:1 substantially immediately after the high pressure outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Andritz Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Barrett, J. Robert Prough, C. Bertil Stromberg
  • Publication number: 20020119258
    Abstract: System and method for diffusing chemicals rapidly and evenly into and through fibrous material, such as wood. Chemicals are introduced into the fibrous material by applying the chemicals to the fibrous material. After treating the fibrous material with the chemicals, the fibrous material is maintained under low-headspace conditions. Thermal energy or dielectric heating, such as microwave or radio frequency energy, is applied to the fibrous material. As a result, the chemicals are able to distribute evenly and quickly throughout the fibrous material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: Institute of Paper Science and Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sujit Banerjee, Earl Malcolm
  • Patent number: 6436233
    Abstract: A feed system for a cellulose pulp treating vessel (such as a continuous digester) is not limited by the required L/W ratio of the pump feeding a wood chip slurry to a high pressure transfer device, the feed system may be kept at a low temperature to minimize flashing of liquid into steam, and a return conduit from the treatment vessel to the transfer device high pressure inlet may be eliminated. Some of the liquid is removed from the slurry just before the low pressure inlet to the transfer device, and/or just after the high pressure outlet, to reduce the L/W ratio of the slurry by at least 0.25, e.g. from 3.0:1 to 2.25:1 just before the low pressure inlet, and from 7.0:1 to 5.0:1 substantially immediately after the high pressure outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Andritz Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Barrett, J. Robert Prough, C. Bertil Stromberg
  • Publication number: 20020108728
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Reijo K. Salminen
  • Patent number: 6379504
    Abstract: Chemical cellulose pulp is made from sawdust utilizing a static down-flow retention vessel. By adding steam and cooking liquor to a flow of sawdust a heated slurry, at a cooking temperature of about 250-350° F., is produced. The heated slurry is, at superatmospheric pressure, moved downwardly in the static down-flow retention vessel while cooking temperature is maintained, for a time period of about 0.5-6 (preferably 1 to 3) hours, the slurry having a consistency of about 5-30%. At superatmospheric pressure, without significant reduction in pressure from the retention vessel, the slurry is cooled to well below cooking temperature by diffusing cooling liquid through it, as in a conventional pressure diffuser. The discharge from the retention vessel is preferably substantially solely gravity action (e.g. using a discharge with single convergence and side relief).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Andritz Inc.
    Inventors: Jay J. Miele, Marco Marois, R. Fred Chasse, J. Wayne Chamblee, John D. Weston, J. Robert Prough
  • Publication number: 20020040771
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating cellulose pulp with steam are provided. Low-pressure (e.g. 3-5 bar (abs.)) steam is supplied into the pulp flowing as a plug flow in such a way that in the flow direction of the pulp, before supplying the low-pressure steam, the pulp is pressurized so that the pulp pressure at the point of the steam introduction is lower than the pressure of the available steam. After the steam is introduced the pulp is mixed with a pressure-raising mixer (such as a fluidizing centrifugal pump) to divide the steam evenly into the pulp and/or to equalize the temperature of the pulp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventors: KARI PELTONEN, REIJO VESALA, VESA VIKMAN
  • Publication number: 20010027849
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Reijo K. Salminen
  • Patent number: 6139689
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in a displacement batch digesting process is provided which reduces the amount of equipment required to carry out an efficient displacement batch digestion process. Specifically, an apparatus and method are disclosed which eliminates the need for separate warm fill pumps, hot fill pumps and further which consolidates the cool pad pump, displacement pump and dilution pump functions into a single booster pump. Still further, the recirculation pump and discharge pump functions are consolidated into a single pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Beloit Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremiah W. Polston, Raymond J. Pitre, Helmut Bohm
  • Patent number: 5942088
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for bleaching high consistency pulp with a gaseous bleaching reagent. The pulp is shredded and then fluffed in the presence of a contacting gas which includes the gaseous bleaching reagent within an upstream vessel comprising a pin/foil contactor so as to suspend the pulp in the contacting gas and react the bleaching reagent with the pulp. The pulp is retained in the contactor for a predetermined time which is sufficient to consume about 75% to about 90% of a selected dose of the gaseous bleaching reagent which is required to delignify the high consistency pulp from an initial Kappa number to an intermediate Kappa number. The pulp and contacting gas are then separately supplied to a porous bed reactor where the reaction of the selected dose of the gaseous bleaching reagent with the pulp is substantially completed so as to further delignify the high is consistency pulp from the intermediate Kappa number to a final Kappa number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Beloit Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lewis D. Shackford, L. Allan Carlsmith
  • Patent number: 5800674
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving a batch cooking process, e.g. providing about 7% increase in discharge time, are provided. The invention is especially suitable for improving modern displacement batch cooking processes. A dedicated pump is mounted directly to each digester and discharges to a common superatmospheric pressure discharge tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignees: Ahlstrom Machinery Oy, Metsa-Botnia Ab Joutseno Pulp
    Inventors: Mauno Iivonen, Arto Koso, Olavi Pikka, Seppo Pursiainen, Esko Turunen
  • Patent number: 5744004
    Abstract: System for feeding a suspension, preferably a suspension of chips in a liquid carrier, to a pressurized vessel in a cellulose pulp mill, which system comprises at least one pump (25, 26) between a low-pressure part and the pressurized vessel for driving the suspension from the low-pressure part into the vessel, which pump is of the type which comprises a number of parallel discs (40, 42) which are held together to form a stack (39) and rotate in a pump chamber (36) in a pump housing about a common axis of rotation, with the spaces (46) between the discs being greater than the particles in the suspension, and with an axial inlet and a tangential outlet for the suspension. The invention also includes a pump and an apparatus unit which are intended to form part of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventors: Rolf Ekholm, Ulf Jansson
  • Patent number: 5716497
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventors: Johan Richter, Ole Richter
  • Patent number: 5681427
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for the solvent pulping and washing of pulp using vessels purged of oxygen free gas when the process is arrested or terminated. The washing is accomplished by first continuously passing the pulp to a pressure diffuser, then to a first multi-stage drum displacer washer, and then to a second multi-stage drum displacer. In the pressure diffuser the lignin is washed out of the pulp, utilizing as wash liquid a mixture of solvent and water having a solvent concentration equal to or higher than that required by the extraction process within the digester, and at a pressure at least about 350 psi. The pressure in the second and third stages is lower, and water is the wash liquid in the third stage. Alcohol can be recovered from the spent wash liquid of the first wash stage, so that all but about ten gallons or less of alcohol per ton of pulp is recovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Alcell Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Jairo H. Lora, John Patrick Maley, Brian F. Greenwood, Joseph R. Phillips, David J. Lebel
  • Patent number: 5650045
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventor: Reijo K. Salminen
  • Patent number: 5571384
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for screening pulp after bleaching. The apparatus includes a first bleaching tower for bleaching pulp, a screener for screening and separating the bleached pulp into a first accept fraction and a first reject fraction such that the first accept fraction is supplied to a post-screening treatment device without further treatment by a separate thickener. The apparatus further includes a vortex cleaner for separating the first reject fraction into a second accept fraction and a second reject fraction such that the second accept fraction is supplied to the screener or the post-screening treatment device without a separate thickener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventors: Olavi Pikka, Hannu Ronkonharju
  • Patent number: 5413677
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Kamyr, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Collins
  • Patent number: 5338451
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating pulp includes an outer casing, a stationary screen surface mounted in the outer casing. A conduit introduces pulp into the interior of the screen surface. An annular space is defined between the screen surface and the casing for receiving the fraction passing through the screen surface. A feed screw is rotatably mounted in the interior of the screen surface. The feed screw extends vertically or is to some extent inclined relative to the vertical direction. The feed screw includes a shaft and pulp conveying blades. The periphery of the feed screw is provided with a nozzle conduit extending substantially parallel to the shaft and located close to the screen surface for spraying washing liquid to the screen surface. The apparatus is especially suitable for screening and/or thickening of fiber suspensions in the wood processing industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventors: Pentti Lindberg, Risto Ljokkoi
  • Patent number: 5236553
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Kamyr AB
    Inventor: Johan C. F. C. Richter
  • Patent number: 5192396
    Abstract: A process for the continuous digestion of cellulosic fiber material is described wherein the material is impregnated with liquid in a closed system comprising a concurrent flow zone and a countercurrent flow zone, the liquid in the concurrent flow zone including black liquor and possibly white liquor and the liquid in the countercurrent flow zone including white liquor. Liquid is withdrawn from the impregnation system at a point located between the concurrent flow zone and the countercurrent flow zone. Besides white liquor a predetermined amount of black liquor is added to the countercurrent flow zone in order to obtain a high liquid to wood ratio in the inlet of the digester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Kamyr AB
    Inventor: Ake Backlund
  • Patent number: 5172867
    Abstract: A continuous, upright, digester for paper pulp is utilized as a structural support for accessory vessels, such as a chip bin and flash tanks. Generally horizontal steel beams are connected to the digester and extend outwardly from opposite sides of the digester vessel. One set of beams is connected to the impregnation vessel, and supports the chip bin on them. A steaming vessel may be mounted on a horizontal platform below the chip bin. On the opposite side of the digester, the second horizontal beams extend to a pair of vertical legs spaced apart approximately the diameter of the digester. First and second flash tanks, one above the other, are supported by the second set of horizontal beams, and a third set below the second set, those beams--and structures connected to them--being the only support for the flash tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Assignee: Kamyr, Inc.
    Inventor: James M. Whitney
  • Patent number: 5164042
    Abstract: In a method of producing high-yield pulp from pulp chip material containing lignocellulose the material is treated with steam in a steam treating station (1) for driving air out of the material and heating the latter. Heat treated material is mixed in a mixing station (8) with a liquid containing chemicals. The mixture of steam treated material and said liquid is transferred from the mixing station to an impregnation station (25) for impregnating the material by means of said chemicals. Impregnated material is supplied to a refining station (36) for refining the material. According to the invention the steam treated material is mixed with said liquid in proportions, such that the created mixture of material and liquid leaving the mixing station (8) assumes a flowing pumpable consistency. Further, said flowing mixture is pumped from the mixing station (8) to the impregnation station (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Celleco AB
    Inventors: Hans Larsen, Leif Klinga
  • Patent number: 5089089
    Abstract: A two stage sulfonation system includes a mixing tank, a retention tank, a thickening press, a pressurized vessel, and a liquor recovery press in series relation. A sodium sulfite generation unit is connected to maintain a supply of sodium sulfite solution in a holding tank from which a controlled quantity of said solution is metered and injected in the mixing tank. Liquor extracted in the thickening press is cycled back to the mixing tank. Liquor extracted in the recovery press is moved to an intermediate tank and then transferred to the sodium sulfite generation unit, there fortified with fresh sodium sulfite and forwarded to the holding tank to maintain therein an appropriate supply to service the system. The system is designed to receive mechanical pulp, in a slurry form, first introduced into the mixing tank simultaneously with a metered charge of sodium sulfite solution from the holding tank, the sodium sulfite content of which is at a level from about 40 to about 200 g/l.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Bear Island Paper Company
    Inventor: Serge B. Beaulieu
  • Patent number: 5080755
    Abstract: A process for the continuous digestion of cellulosic fiber material is described wherein the material is impregnated with liquid in a closed system comprising a concurrent flow zone and a countercurrent flow zone, the liquid in the concurrent flow zone including black liquor and possibly white liquor and the liquid in the countercurrent flow zone including white liquor. Liquid is withdrawn from the impregnation system at a point located between the concurrent flow zone and the countercurrent flow zone. Besides white liquor a predetermined amount of black liquor is added to the countercurrent flow zone in order to obtain a high liquid to wood ratio in the inlet of the digester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Kamyr AB
    Inventor: Ake Backlund
  • Patent number: 5059284
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in a batch digesting process to quantitatively displace fluids in the digester by pumping into the digester under pressure a first volume of displacing fluid at the upper end and a second volume of displacing fluid at the lower end of the digester. Displaced fluids are collected and removed from the digester near the midline between the top and the bottom of the digester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Assignee: Beloit Corporation
    Inventor: Bertil K. E. Fagerlund
  • Patent number: 5053108
    Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for the continuous digestion of comminuted cellulosic fibrous material (e.g. wood chips) to produce paper pulp, with increased sulfidity. When black liquor is withdrawn from the continuous digester, instead of merely passing it to a pair of flash tanks and then to recovery, the concentrated liquor from a first flash tank is fed to a vessel in which the comminuted material is slurried with a liquid. Since the black liquor remains in intimate contact with the chips for a significant period of time, the lignin in the chips is partly sulfonized. Ultimately the black liquor is replaced with white liquor or the like, and the separated out black liquor is circulated to recovery or disposal. A high pressure feeder and a solids/liquid separator are utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Kamyr AB
    Inventor: Johan C. F. C. Richter
  • Patent number: 4975148
    Abstract: A method and system for cooling pulp discharged from a batch type digester and recovering heat from it. A stream of pulp together with spent cooking liquor is discharged from a batch digester to a diffuser and passed through the diffuser at substantially the same pressure as that of the digester. The pulp stream is caused to flow between screens and hot spent cooking liquor is displaced with cooler liquor flowing across the pulp stream thereby lowering the temperature of the pulp stream. The displayed cooking liquor and the pulp is withdrawn from the diffuser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Ahlstromforetagen Svenska AB
    Inventor: Rolf Ryham
  • Patent number: 4915784
    Abstract: There is provided a process and apparatus for improving the yield of turpentine collectable from the vent gases emanating from a pulp disgester in a kraft paper pulp Process. The apparatus is characterized by the insertion in a conventional turpentine recovery system of a gas/liquid contact vessel for intimately contacting the hot turpentine containing vent gas from a pulp digester with liquid foul condensate recycle from a turpentine decanter and a condenser for condensing the condensible components of the recycle treated vent gas, whereby the foul condensate is greatly improved as to contaminant content and rendered suitable for reuse in the plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Inventor: Ellis W. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 4762591
    Abstract: Apparatus for reacting lignocellulosic material with a gas phase comprising a nitrogen oxide and oxygen under controlled gas pressure in the presence of water, for example, as a pretreatment before an alkaline delignification, comprising in combination:(1) a first reaction chamber receiving water-containing lignocellulosic material, nitrogen oxide, and optionally oxygen containing gas;(2) a first inlet for introducing lignocellulosic material into the first reaction chamber;(3) a second inlet with control means for introducing nitrogen oxide into the first reaction chamber;(4) a first outlet for withdrawing lignocellulosic material after reaction with oxide from the first reaction chamber;(5) gas locks retaining gas pressure in the first reaction chamber at each of the first inlet outlet;(6) a second reaction chamber in connection with the first reaction chamber via the gas lock at the outlet thereof and receiving lignocellulosic material after reaction with nitrogen oxide;(7) a third inlet with control means
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Mo och Domsjo Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Hans O. Samuelson
  • Patent number: 4693785
    Abstract: Comminuted cellulosic fibrous material, such as wood chips, are treated in a continuous digester to produce paper pulp or the like in a manner providing completely uniform treatment of the chips. The chips are introduced in a feed liquid slurry into the top of the digester having a plurality of annular screen systems each set vertically spaced from the other sets. At each screen set a plurality of nozzles are provided circumferentially spaced around the digester, each nozzle cooperating with only a particular radial segment of the screens. Withdrawal of liquid through the nozzles is practiced so that liquid is being withdrawn substantially through only one nozzle at a time, and it is being withdrawn at the same radial segment of the digester at each screen set at any particular point in time, with progressive switching in a circumferential sequence of the nozzles through which liquor is being withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Inventor: Oliver A. Laakso
  • Patent number: 4684442
    Abstract: A small deaeration tank which may be either at atmospheric pressure on under low pressure or vacuum and a system of operating this tank which allows pulp which has been treated with oxygen to be deaerated before being washed. A closed tank would allow steam or oxygen to be recovered. Preferably it would be the same diameter as an oxygen reactor so that it could be placed on top of the reactor and be supported by the reactor. It would have no moving parts, so there would be no need for motors to be mounted on or near the tank. The deaerator is a small open tank having an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, and a tangential swirl inducing inlet pipe. The locations and sizes of these pipes provide optimum deaeration. The swirl inducing fluid is the filtrate from the washer after the oxygen bleach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Meredith, Joseph M. Bentvelzen, Marvin F. Jordan
  • Patent number: 4662993
    Abstract: A bleach system for blending gaseous chlorine with a paper pulp slurry flow stream by mixing the chlorine with a larger quantity of steam prior to blending the chlorine/steam gas mixture with bleach washer filtrate which serves as carrier water for a multiplied number of gas bubbles entrained in the filtrate. As the cooler filtrate water extracts heat from the mixed gas bubble, the steam constituent condenses to collapse each bubble to a fraction of the original volume thereby providing a larger number of smaller chlorine bubbles than otherwise available from conventional phase mixing injectors.The mixed phase flow stream of chlorine and filtrate is thereafter blended with the pulp slurry flow stream by shear induced turbulence resulting from a greater injection velocity of the mixed phase stream into the center of the slower moving slurry stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Ernst H. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 4375410
    Abstract: A diffusion washer and/or thickener assembly is provided that is greatly simplified. A number of withdrawal screens and fluid introducing structures are provided supported by spider arms which comprise conduits for introduction of liquid into and withdrawal of liquid from an elongated upright hollow vessel in which the assembly is disposed. The conduit means, with attached screen structures, is reciprocated up and down by a single linear actuator located preferably above the vessel and within the cross-sectional area thereof so that the wall of the vessel need not be penetrated by the conduits. The screens and fluid introducing structures remain stationary with respect to each other during reciprocation. A number of wiper blades, which may be operated by a single linear actuator, are provided at the top of the vessel for moving upwardly flowing pulp into withdrawal conduits surrounding the vessel periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1983
    Assignee: Kamyr AB
    Inventors: Johan C. F. C. Richter, Ole J. Richter
  • Patent number: 4276167
    Abstract: A diffusion washer and/or thickener assembly is provided that is greatly simplified. A number of withdrawal screens and fluid introducing structures are provided supported by spider arms which comprise conduits for introduction of liquid into and withdrawal of liquid from an elongated upright hollow vessel in which the assembly is disposed. The conduit means, with attached screen structures, is reciprocated up and down by a single linear actuator located preferably above the vessel and within the cross-sectional area thereof so that the wall of the vessel need not be penetrated by the conduits. The screens and fluid introducing structures remain stationary with respect to each other during reciprocation. A number of wiper blades, which may be operated by a single linear actuator, are provided at the top of the vessel for moving upwardly flowing pulp into withdrawal conduits surrounding the vessel periphery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1981
    Assignee: Kamyr Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Johan C. F. C. Richter, Ole J. Richter