Recirculation (includes Separation From Fibers) Patents (Class 162/41)
  • Patent number: 6551462
    Abstract: A system and method for feeding comminuted cellulosic fibrous material such as wood chips to the top of a treatment vessel such as a continuous digester provide enhanced simplicity, operability, and maintainability by eliminating the high pressure transfer device conventionally used in the prior art. Instead of a high pressure transfer device the steamed and slurried chips are pressurized using one or more slurry pumps located at least thirty feet below the top of the treatment vessel and for pressurizing the slurry to a pressure of at least about 10 bar gauge. A return line from the top of the digester may, but need not necessarily, be operatively connected to the one or more pumps and if connected to the pumps, the liquid in the return line may be cooled to a temperature at which it will not flash during handling. Recirculation loops may be established associated with one or all of the slurry pumps to facilitate startup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Andritz Inc.
    Inventors: J. Robert Prough, C. Bertil Stromberg, Tim S. Pease
  • Patent number: 6514379
    Abstract: A procedure for arranging water circulations in an integrated paper mill, the paper making process of which having three partly separate process phases concerning the water circulations (I, II, III). In the first phase, the fiber raw material is pretreated, defibered and cleaned for producing mechanical, chemi-mechanical and recycled pulp, in the second phase the pulp is treated further for improving the quality, and in the third phase it is made into paper or board. The circulation waters of the first process phase are concentrated by circulating the filtrates of the concentration and pressing phases counter-current inside the water circulation (I), and the circulation water thus concentrated is conducted into an effluent evaporation plant to be concentrated and then burnt in a combustion boiler. The water quantity discharged from the water circulation (I) of the first process phase is replaced by conducting such circulation waters of the paper mill into the front dilution of the press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Rainer Gartz, Sakari Kaijaluoto, Kari Kokkonen
  • Publication number: 20020129911
    Abstract: A continuous digester configuration and process for continuously cooking and digesting cellulosic material and producing cellulosic pulp is disclosed. The digester configuration comprises a plurality of jump-stage recirculations located along the length of a continuous digester vessel, wherein each of the jump-stage recirculations moves extracted liquor from one elevation of the digester vessel and re-introduces the liquor at a higher elevation in the vessel to maintain an internal liquor downflow substantially throughout the entire digester vessel. The process for continuously cooking and digesting cellulosic material comprises maintaining an internal concurrent liquor downflow substantially throughout the continuous digester vessel, wherein the internal liquor downflow does not exceed 400 gallons per ton of b.d. wood feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Bruno S. Marcoccia, James Robert Prough, Louis O. Torregrossa
  • Publication number: 20020129910
    Abstract: The method described herein will produce depolymerized lignins substantially free from sodium compounds. Black liquor supplied from a pulping process is utilized for providing a mixture of depolymerized lignins dispersed and dissolved in a solution containing sodium hydroxide. The mixture is then separated to form depolymerized lignins and a solution containing sodium hydroxide. Following separation, the depolymerized lignins are then extracted with water to produce an extractate containing sodium compounds. The extracted depolymerized lignins, containing sodium compounds, are then reacted with an acid to form sodium salts to form a slurry. The slurry containing sodium salts is, by means of a salt splitting method, separated from the extracted depolymerized lignins to produce substantially sodium free depolymerized lignins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Gene E. Lightner
  • Patent number: 6413367
    Abstract: A process for the production of pulp using alkaline delignification is disclosed, wherein cellulosic material is initially treated with steam, and a chelating agent is added in connection with the steam treatment. The end pH of the steam treatment stage is below 5. Liquors containing chelated, so-called non-process compounds are not recycled in the pulping process, but expelled therefrom for further processing where non-process compounds are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Valmet Chemical Pulping OY
    Inventors: Mikael Svedman, Thomas Fant, Seppo Martikainen
  • Patent number: 6361649
    Abstract: A method in connection with continuous cooking of chips, comprising impregnation of the chips with impregnation liquid in an impregnation vessel (3) and cooking of the impregnated chips in a digester (4), the impregnation vessel and the digester being connected to each other by means of a transfer circulation, which partly, via a feed line (25), feeds the chips from an outlet end (27) of the impregnation vessel to the top of the digester for separation of free liquid in a separator (28), and partly, via a return line (26), feeds separated liquid from the top of the digester to the outlet end of the impregnation vessel for use as transfer liquid for the impregnated chips, besides which cooking liquid is added to the chips in the top of the digester. According to the invention, as a first part, less than 100%, preferably less than 95% and more preferred less than 90% of the liquid which is separated from the chips in the transfer circulation, is recirculated to be used as transfer liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventor: Vidar Snekkenes
  • Patent number: 6332950
    Abstract: A method in connection with the pretreatment of comminuted fibrous material intended for chemical cellulose pulp production. The fibrous material is fed through a low pressure system that has a gas phase part followed by a liquid phase part. The liquid phase part includes a low pressure circulation where a circulating liquid is withdrawn from the fibrous material and recirculated back to the fibrous material in an upstream position. The fibrous material is sluiced into a high pressure system that has a liquid phase transfer part operatively connected to a digester. A hot process liquid and/or the circulating liquid are evaporatively cooled by being allowed to flash within the low pressure system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Kaverner Pulping AB
    Inventors: Vidar Snekkenes, Lennart Gustavsson
  • Patent number: 6325889
    Abstract: 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. The digesting process includes a top separator that separates the transport liquid from the fiber material and permits the fiber material to be exposed to the cooking liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventors: Vidar Snekkenes, Johan Engström, Sven-Erik Ohlsson, Per Nyström, Sören Söderqvist, Björn Karlsson
  • Publication number: 20010037865
    Abstract: 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. The digesting process includes a top separator that separates the transport liquid from the fiber material and permits the fiber material to be exposed to the cooking liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Applicant: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventors: Vidar Snekkenes, Johan Engstrom, Sven-Erik Ohlsson, Per Nystrom, Soren Soderqvist, Bjorn Karlsson
  • Publication number: 20010023748
    Abstract: In the production of chemical pulp, such as kraft pulp, it is possible to reduce the amount of ancillary equipment, and/or the size of the continuous digester vessel, while achieving enhanced uniformity of treatment by avoiding “hang ups”. Instead of providing vertical counter-current flow of liquid and comminuted cellulosic fibrous material being treated in the lower half of the digester, the counter-current flow may be a cross flow, that is substantially horizontal (e.g. radial) while the flow of the chip column is vertical. Regardless of the configuration of the digester vessel, a single pump may be utilized for all of the recirculations, or only a few pumps for all of the recirculations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Applicant: Andritz-Ahlstrom Inc.
    Inventors: Bruno S. Marcoccia, C. Bertil Stromberg, Brian F. Greenwood
  • Patent number: 6277240
    Abstract: In the production of chemical pulp, such as kraft pulp, it is possible to reduce the amount of ancillary equipment, and/or the size of the continuous digester vessel, while achieving enhanced uniformity of treatment by avoiding “hang ups”. Instead of providing vertical counter-current flow of liquid and comminuted cellulosic fibrous material being treated in the lower half of the digester, the counter-current flow may be a cross flow, that is substantially horizontal (e.g. radial) while the flow of the chip column is vertical. Regardless of the configuration of the digester vessel, a single pump may be utilized for all of the recirculations, or only a few pumps for all of the recirculations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Andritz-Ahlstrom Inc.
    Inventors: Bruno S. Marcoccia, C. Bertil Stromberg, Brian F. Greenwood
  • Patent number: 6241851
    Abstract: Chemical cellulose pulp (e.g. kraft pulp) is produced with enhanced strength and/or yield using a strength or yield enhancing additive such as polysulfide or anthraquinone or its equivalents or derivatives, and in a manner that allows effective recovery/reuse of the additive so as to make the process more economical. In a continuous digester a low temperature and relatively low alkalinity protecting zone is provided at the top of the digester terminating with a first screen, and a second screen is provided below the first screen. Between the first and second screens, prior to bulk delignification, a first counter-current zone is provided, and additive-containing liquid from the first screen is recirculated to the slurry at or near the digester inlet to enhance yield or strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Andritz-Ahlstrom Inc.
    Inventor: Bruno S. Marcoccia
  • Patent number: 6235151
    Abstract: Calcium carbonate scaling is inhibited in a multi-stage alkaline waste liquor evaporation plant in a chemical cellulose pulp mill having a bleaching plant. Calcium-containing effluent from the bleaching plant is treated together with alkaline waste liquor in the evaporation plant. A portion of the alkaline waste liquor of the evaporation plant is supplied to the bleaching effluent to increase the carbonate content of the effluent. Then the bleaching effluent is heated to 110-160° C. by direct contact with a heating medium (e.g. steam, or secondary vapor) and maintained in a retention tank for a period of about 1-20 minutes to reduce the amount of dissolved calcium in the effluent. Finally the heat-treated bleaching effluent is evaporated with the alkaline waste liquor in the evaporation plant, with minimized scaling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Andritz-Ahlstrom Oy
    Inventors: Olof Fagerlind, Heikki Jaakkola, Erkki Kiiskila
  • Patent number: 6203662
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventors: Vidar Snekkenes, Johan Engström, Krister Olsson, Mikael Lindström, Christofer Lindgren, Sören Gustavsson
  • Patent number: 6174411
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Andritz-Ahlstrom Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Laakso, C. Bertil Stromberg, Kaj O. Henricson
  • Patent number: 6159336
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventors: Johan Engstrom, Vidar Snekkenes, Krister Olsson, Mikael Lindstrom, Christofer Lindgren, Soren Gustavsson
  • Patent number: 6132556
    Abstract: A method of controlling the pressure of a vertical continuous comminuted cellulosic fibrous material (wood chip) digester is provided using a pressure-control extraction in a zone relatively insensitive to changes in the flow rate of liquid introduction or removal. The method comprises controlling the pressure in the digester primarily (or substantially exclusively) by varying the flow rate of liquor extracted from the pressure-control extraction to maintain the pressure in the digester at a desired superatmospheric level while avoiding non-uniform, unstable material movement in the counter-current washing zone; and introducing dilution liquid into the digester at the at least one recirculation-dilution loop. The pressure-control extraction is preferably substantially the upper extraction in the digester. Substantially except during excessive over pressure and under pressure conditions the extraction flow from the main extraction is maintained substantially constant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Andritz-Ahlstrom Inc.
    Inventors: C. Bertil Stromberg, J Robert Prough, Bruno S. Marcoccia, Richard O. Laakso, Carl L. Luhrmann
  • Patent number: 6123807
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventors: Johan Engstrom, Vidar Snekkenes, Krister Olsson, Soren Gustavsson, Christofer Lindgren, Mikael Lindstrom
  • Patent number: 6123808
    Abstract: In a pulp treatment vessel, such as a kraft pulp continuous vertical digester, a cellulose slurry is caused to flow in the vessel interior in a flow path. A substantially annular void is formed at at least one point along the flow path, and dilution or treatment liquor is introduced into the substantially annular void so that the liquor is substantially uniformly distributed about the periphery of or into the slurry. The annular void may be formed by a step out in the vessel, and the uniform introduction of dilution liquor may be accomplished utilizing one or more openings, such as a plurality of openings substantially evenly spaced around the substantially annular void, e.g. using a screen surface. The screen surface may be substantially vertical or conical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Machinery Inc.
    Inventors: Grant E. Bechard, John Hefele, Larry W. Laakso, Mark D. Barrett, R. Fred Chasse
  • Patent number: 6103058
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventor: Johan Engstrom
  • Patent number: 6030492
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventors: Finn Oulie, Lennart Sjolund
  • Patent number: 5980689
    Abstract: Methods for separating metal ions from pulp material are disclosed including treating the pulp with a chelating agent to produce a pulp flow with dissolved metal ions, washing that pulp flow prior to bleaching with hydrogen peroxide or ozone and mixing the washed liquid containing metal ions with another flow of lignocellulose-containing material in order to bind the metal ions to that flow, washing that flow, and subsequently washing that flow at a reduced pH to produce a wash flow containing metal ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Sunds Defibrator Industries AB
    Inventor: Ulf Germg.ang.rd
  • Patent number: 5925216
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for continuously cooking kraft pulp in a digester having the steps of:feeding chips into an inlet of a digester;supplying black liquor to an impregnation zone of the digester in an amount such that the black liquor makes up greater than 40% by volume of the total volume of liquid present in the impregnation zone;extracting liquor from a screen girdle downstream of where the black liquor is added to the digester, in the direction the wood chips flow through the digester, in an amount greater than 50% by volume of the total volume of liquor present at the location of the screen girdle;maintaining a liquor:wood ratio in the impregnation zone of greater than 3:1; anddischarging cooked pulp from the digester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventors: Anders Bergqvist, Johan Engstrom
  • Patent number: 5882477
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Laakso, C. Bertil Stromberg
  • Patent number: 5824187
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventors: Johan Richter, Ole Richter
  • 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: 5705032
    Abstract: Black liquor is subjected to high shear to cause a breakdown of macromolecules contained therein and provide a reduction in viscosity, thereby improving the processability of the black liquor and enabling the solids content to be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Thor Technology Corporation
    Inventors: John N. Harbinson, David Todd R. Ellenor
  • Patent number: 5676795
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignees: Voest-Alpine Industrieanlagenbau GmbH, Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Wizani, Andreas Krotscheck, Johann Schuster, Karl Lackner
  • Patent number: 5674359
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Machinery Inc.
    Inventors: R. Fred Chasse, Bruno S. Marcoccia, Kaj O. Henricson
  • Patent number: 5662775
    Abstract: Digester systems for producing paper pulp from comminuted cellulosic fibrous material take into account the level of dissolved organic materials (DOM), such as lignin, hemi-cellulose, and cellulose, maintaining the DOM level at about 100 g/l throughout the cook (particularly kraft cook). In order to make sure there is sufficient liquid to slurry the material in the feed system of a two vessel system, some liquid is withdrawn from the circulation conduits between the digester and impregnation vessel, cooled, and fed to the feed system. In a vapor phase digester, the level of liquid at the top of the digester is more precisely controlled by circulating some of the withdrawn liquid from a circulatory loop of the digester to the level tank associated with the feed system. An in-line drainer may be provided in the feed system between a make-up liquor pump and a liquid inlet conduit leading to the top of an impregnation vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Machinery Inc.
    Inventors: Bruno S. Marcoccia, J. Robert Prough, Richard O. Laakso, R. Fred Chasse
  • Patent number: 5660686
    Abstract: A method and continuous digester system provide for a high Na.sub.2 S concentration in the beginning of the cook of comminuted cellulosic fibrous material to produce cellulose pulp, providing a more selective cook and potential to lower cooking kappa. Two different streams of spent (e.g. "sulphurous" and "black") liquor are removed from different screens associated with continuous digesters. The spent liquor removed from the uppermost screen has a relatively high effective alkali and Na.sub.2 S concentration. The second spent liquor, removed from the second screen, has effective alkali and Na.sub.2 S concentrations which are at least 25% less than for the first spent liquor. The first spent liquor is circulated to an impregnation vessel, or other part of a chip feed system, to enhance the amount of sulphur present at the beginning of the cooking stage in the digester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Ahlstrom Machinery Inc.
    Inventors: Kaj O. Henricson, Pekka Tervola
  • Patent number: 5593544
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Christer Fahlgren, Soren Gustavsson, Petter Tibbling, Ewa W. Johansson
  • Patent number: 5529661
    Abstract: A process for the continuous digestion of cellulosic fiber material, comprising impregnation with impregnating liquid consisting of at least one fresh digesting liquor, in a closed impregnating system and subsequent digestion with digesting liquid in a closed digester system, said impregnating liquid being supplied through a supply system, together with steamed fibre material, to an inlet end of the impregnating system, liquid being withdrawn from the impregnating system at a point (46) located at a predetermined distance from said inlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping Technologies AB
    Inventor: Ake Backlund
  • Patent number: 5507913
    Abstract: A process for bleaching pulp by impregnating the pulp with an aqueous organic solvent medium and then bleaching in an ozone stage (Z stage) to form a bleached pulp characterized in that organic solvent in the organic solvent medium accompanying the pulp through the ozone stage is neutralized and stripped from the bleached pulp leaving the ozone stage and the separated organic solvent is recovered for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: MacMillan Bloedel Limited
    Inventors: Thomas H. Murphy, Robert G. Norris
  • Patent number: 5472568
    Abstract: An improved method of chemical recovery from kraft black liquor is disclosed in which the heat generated by controlled oxidation of the liquor is utilized to reduce the viscosity and net heating value of the liquor which allows the firing of a more concentrated liquor in the recovery boiler. Net steam recovery is increased for a given black liquor feed rate. Alternatively, the firing of liquor having a higher solids concentration is possible, which increases the throughput of the recovery boiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter T. Mullen, Vincent L. Magnotta
  • Patent number: 5413675
    Abstract: A process for deinking wastepaper printed with heat fused inks to provide a source of deinked paper which can be reused or repulped and converted into a recycled paper product comprises immersing the wastepaper in a non-aqueous solvent bath containing a solvent capable of dissolving the binder component of the ink, and subjecting the wastepaper to low frequency ultrasound energy to separate the ink particles from the wastepaper. The separated ink particles may be collected magnetically or otherwise and the excess solvent recovered and reintroduced into the solvent bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventors: George D. Ikonomou, David K. Lo
  • Patent number: 5401361
    Abstract: A conventional continuous digester is modified so as to provide a countercurrent cook throughout the entire height of the digester. Instead of connecting an upper mid-point extraction screen to a flash tank, that screen is closed off and extraction is provided at the top of the digester, utilizing an in-line drainer to remove some of the liquor and feed it to a flash tank. The liquor not removed recirculates through a pressure screen to an impregnation vessel, and then back to the digester. A cooling circulation is provided just below the top extraction. Valves are provided in the liquor discharged from the drainer and a conduit from the upper mid-point extraction which may be manipulated to return the digester to conventional operation, including the addition of white liquor to the bottom recirculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: Kamyr, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Robert Prough, C. Bertil Stromberg, Richard O. Laakso, Bruno S. Marcoccia
  • Patent number: 5302247
    Abstract: In the production of cellulose pulp (e.g. kraft pulp) utilizing a continuous digester having a number of different feed points for cooking (e.g. white) liquor and utilizing a high pressure feeder, the volume of cool white liquor that is applied to the feed system is reduced compared to conventional processing. This can cause excessive hammering, and damage the high pressure feeder and adjacent piping and equipment. In order to avoid this, liquid being recirculated from the top of the digester back to the high pressure feeder is cooled by passing it into a heat exchanger into heat exchange relationship with a cooler liquid, with the flow of coolant automatically controlled by sensing the temperature of the recirculated liquid. The temperature in the feed system can further be lowered by cooling the cooking liquor before it is added to the pulp slurry, as by passing it to a flash tank so that its temperature is reduced at least 10.degree. C., and the flashed steam can be used in an evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Kamyr, Inc.
    Inventors: Jan T. Richardsen, Victor L. Bilodeau, Mark D. Barrett, Carl L. Luhrmann
  • Patent number: 5192454
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventors: Pasi Immonen, Ramio Kohonen
  • 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: 5183535
    Abstract: Processes for prepariing kraft pulp are disclosed. The processes include pretreating cellulosic material or chips with spent cooking liquor at the temperature of about 20.degree. to 100.degree. C., followed by heating the impregnated chips at the temperature of from about 120.degree. to 180.degree. C., followed by digestion of the lignin with white liquor, which is facilitated by using this pretreatment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Sunds Defibrator Rauma Oy
    Inventor: Panu Tikka
  • Patent number: 5118389
    Abstract: A continuous two-stage peroxide bleaching process operated in a single bleach plant for producing a bleached pulp of high brightness, having a second stage bleaching step using a high charge of peroxide followed by a washing stage to recover the residual liquor containing a substantial amount of the applied peroxide. The residual liquor is recycled and used for bleaching in the first stage. Only a portion of the pulp bleached in the first stage is treated in the second stage. Two or more bleached pulp products can be produced simultaneously. The bleached pulp products can be used to form different layers of a multi-layer paper products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: ICI Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Dubelsten, Christopher J. Kanters, John R. Du Manoir
  • 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: 5080757
    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 form the digester near the midline between the top and the bottom of the digester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Beloit Corporation
    Inventor: Bertil K. E. Fagerlund
  • Patent number: 4954219
    Abstract: Method for transferring fibrous materials transportable with a liquid between various treatment stages, preferably from digesting (10-16) to a subsequent treatment (38) by means of circuits of circulating liquid. Material from one or several discontinuous treatment steps (10-16) are supplied to a subsequent continuous treatment step the material being fed into the continuous step (38) by displacement by means of a liquid portion (36) withdrawn from the said step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Beloit Corporation
    Inventor: Stig Gloersen
  • Patent number: 4776926
    Abstract: A process is provided for producing high yield bleached cellulose pulp, such as groundwood pulp, thermomechanical pulp, chemimechanical pulp and waste paper pulp, having a broad field of use, which comprises bleaching cellulose pulp, thinning the pulp to a low pulp consistency; mechanically working the pulp; and fractionating the cellulose pulp into a long-fiber fraction and a fine-fiber fraction, the freeness of the long-fiber fraction exceeding the freeness of the fine-fiber fraction by from about 150 to about 600 ml C.S.F. and the fine-fiber fraction constituting from about 35 to about 70% by weight of the bleached pulp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Mo och Domsjo AB
    Inventor: Jonas A. Lindahl
  • Patent number: 4681935
    Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure for recovery of soluble carbohydrates present in wood, in connection with the alkaline cellulose digesting process. According to the invention, recovery of carbohydrates takes place at the initial phase of the cellulose digesting process, where the digesting solution contains dissolved polysaccharides in abundance, while the content of polymeric lignin in the solution is low. A situation like this exists at the stage when the digesting solution has not yet reached the temperature at which the digestion process mainly takes place. As taught by the invention, the carbohydrates are recovered by conducting digesting solution to an ultrafilter, which separates the carbohydrates therefrom, and by returning the filtered solution to the cellulose digestion. The carbohydrates that are obtained may be used e.g. in the manufacturing of sugar alcohols, or as raw materials for biotechnical processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: Enso-Gutzeit Oy
    Inventors: Kaj Forss, Matti Sten, Juhani Peltonen, Veikko Jokela
  • Patent number: 4571282
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for reclaiming heat from batch digesting operations including two fluid-to-fluid exchangers fluidically interconnected to allow the passage of an inert fluid between the heat exchangers. The inert fluid passes through the inaccessible regions of the heat exchangers promoting the exchange of heat between spent digester cooking fluid and fresh digester cooling fluid without scaling, clogging or blocking the inaccessible regions of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: Baker International Corporation
    Inventors: Charles B. Almond, James S. Leonard
  • Patent number: 4568419
    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, with a swirling action, and establish a vertical column in the digester having a substantially horizontal top, with some liquid between the top of the digester and the top of the chips. Below the top of the chips the feed liquor is withdrawn through a first set of withdrawal screens, and recirculated to entrain other chips to feed them to the top of the vessel. At other vertically spaced areas of the digester other screens are provided for withdrawing, cooking, quench, washing, and like liquors, and effecting recirculation thereof. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Inventor: Oliver A. Laakso
  • Patent number: 4462864
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the delignification of unbleached chemical pulp, comprising the following stages:(a) oxidation of the unbleached pulp with a peroxide, in an alkaline medium with a % ratio of peroxide/pulp with respect to the Kappa index of said pulp which may vary between 0.01 and 0.1 and a pH kept at between 9 and 12, the said oxidation stage being followed by(b) mechanical pressing of the oxidized pulp, with recycling of the extraction effluents from the pressing stage,partly above the oxidation stage,partly below the oxidation stage, with a view to ensure the prior dilution of the pulp oxidized before the pressing,and if necessary partly towards the wash of the unbleached pulp.Advantages: A reduction in the quantities of reagents to be used, a saving of heat energy and a reduction of the pollution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1984
    Assignee: Groupement Europeen de la Cellulose
    Inventors: Jacques Carles, Henri Lemoyne