Abstract: A system and method are provided for predictive control of brown stock treatment at a pulp mill. Various online sensors generate output signals representative of actual values for respective process characteristics, each of which are directly or indirectly affected by adjustments to corresponding process variables. A controller uses the output signals or associated measurement data to dynamically set target values for the process characteristics based on a predicted impact of control responses for corresponding process variables. The controller further generates control signals to actuators associated with the respective process variables based on detected variations between the respective actual values and target values. Exemplary brown stock washing control systems may optimize various types of brown stock washing configurations, including for example vacuum drum washers, compaction baffle washers, chemiwashers, direct displacement washers and wash presses.

Abstract: A fermentation device includes a fermenter. The fermenter includes a tank, augers, and a motor. The tank is horizontally arranged. A first end of the tank is connected with a material feeding port. A second end of the tank is connected with a material discharging port. A height of the material discharging port is not less than a height of the tank. Liquid raw material and solid raw material are added into the tank from the material feeding port. The augers are arranged in the tank. Each of the augers includes a central shaft and a blade. An inner edge of each blade is connected with a corresponding central shaft. A gap is defined between an outer edge of each blade and inner walls of the tank. The motor is connected with the augers and drives the augers to rotate in a first direction or a second direction.

Abstract: A fully automatic online aero aluminum sorting and recovery system based on LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) technology, which belongs to the field of aero aluminum sorting and recovery technology, and is suitable for online sorting, detection and recovery of large batch of aero aluminum. The fully automatic online aero aluminum sorting system based on LIBS technology provided in the present invention consists of six portions: a sample feeding unit (1), a surface treatment unit (2), a material positioning unit (3), a LIBS analysis and detection unit (4), a transfer unit (5) and a sorting and recovery unit (6). The system according to the invention can be used to realize the automatic online detection, sorting and recovery of aero aluminum, and the system does not have requirements on the surface condition of the recovered aero aluminum samples. The sorting accuracy rate is greater than 90% and the sorting rate is not less than 1 block per second.

Abstract: The refining of a fibrous pulp is monitored and controlled by capturing at least one image of a pulp sample, determining the amount of all fibers or non-fibrillated fibers in the at least one image, determining the amount of fibrillated fibers in the at least one image, determining the relation between fibrillated fibers and all fibers or non-fibrillated fibers in the pulp on the basis of the amount of fibrillated fibers and the amount of all fibers or non-fibrillated fibers in the at least one image, generating a control parameter on the basis of the determined relation between fibrillated fibers and all fibers or non-fibrillated fibers in the pulp, and controlling fiber refining by at least one pulp refining device on the basis of the control parameter.

Abstract: Various techniques are described for enhanced combustion of hot water extraction (HWE) derived liquor. For example, the HWE derived liquor can be pre-treated prior to introduction into a combustion chamber. The pre-treatment can include subjecting HWE derived liquor to filtration to remove suspended solids, evaporation to produce a first stage concentrated HWE liquor; additional concentration to produce a second stage concentrated HWE liquor; additional filtration to remove additional suspended solids; and pre-heating to produce a preheated HWE liquor. The preheated HWE liquor can be atomized and combined with pre-heated combustion air supplied into a combustion chamber to effect combustion of the HWE derived liquor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous preparation comprising a fluorescent dyestuff of a specific formula, water, and optionally a dispersing agent, and the use of the aqueous preparation for dyeing cellulose- or polyamide-containing materials.

Abstract: A method and a system for optimization of parameters for a recovery boiler in a pulp mill are disclosed. An exemplary method is based on use of a first principle mathematical model to estimate parameters that are otherwise not measurable, to accurately control the performance of the recovery boiler. In addition, a method is disclosed to use estimated parameters of a recovery boiler to control and stabilize the processes downstream of the recovery boiler. A system is also disclosed to carry out a method for control and optimization of performance and operational parameters of a recovery boiler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method or methods of operating an apparatus for treating material by cutting, soaking and/or washing of the material, wherein the apparatus comprises a receptacle, a discharge element with a vortex generator and a pump arranged to pump fluid and material from the receptacle towards the vortex generator, wherein the vortex generator and the pump in combination are adapted to generate a vortex in the form of a conic helix in the fluid extending into the receptacle.

Abstract: Scale formation on the electrode(s) of a liquor sensor can be prevented by continuously delivering a water-soluble scale inhibitor or dispersant into the vicinity of the electrodes of a liquor sensor device. Scale inhibitors include, for instance, polymers that are derived from acrylic acid, maleic acid, acrylamide acid, phosphonate, and combinations thereof. An aqueous mixture of scaling inhibitor continuously delivered to the probe tip of the liquor sensor that was placed in a kraft pulping liquor allowed the sensor to operate accurately for over a month without having to be cleaned of scale.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and an arrangement for transferring a process liquid from a washing and thickening device to a subsequent process stage. In accordance with an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the method and the arrangement are applicable, for example, in transferring fibre suspensions or pulps from washing and thickening device to a subsequent process stage in pulp and paper making industry such that the dilution of pulp after a washing and thickening device is performed in a stand pipe (18) below the surface level control range.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating material by cutting, soaking and/or washing of the material, wherein the apparatus comprises a receptacle, a discharge element with a vortex generator and pumping means arranged to pump fluid and material from the receptacle towards the vortex generator, wherein the vortex generator and pumping means in combination are adapted to generate a vortex in the form of a conic helix in the fluid extending into the receptacle.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing a process for refining lignocellulosic granular matter such as wood chips use a predictive model including a simulation model based on relations involving a plurality of matter properties characterizing the matter such as moisture content, density, light reflection or granular matter size, refining process operating parameters such as transfer screw speed, dilution flow, hydraulic pressure, plate gaps, or retention delays, at least one output controlled to a target such as primary motor load or pulp freeness, and at least one uncontrolled output such as specific energy consumption, energy split, long fibers, fines and shives. An adaptor is fed with measured values of matter properties and measured values of controlled and uncontrolled outputs, to adapt the simulation model accordingly. An optimizer generates a value of the target according to a predetermined condition on a predicted uncontrolled output parameter and to one or more process constraints.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards methods and compositions for identifying the specific microorganisms present in a particular potion of a papermaking processes. The method involves obtaining a sample from the process which is such that little or no live examples of the microorganism remain. However because DNA from the organisms is still present, an analysis which identifies portions of DNA specific to the particular organism will correctly identify the microorganism present. This allows for analysis of infestations present on felts or paper sheets which typically no longer have many live microorganisms on them when samples are taken for analysis.

Abstract: A method of extracting hemp fibers from decorticated hemp bast skin involves pre-treating the decorticated hemp bast skin with an aqueous solution containing di-sodium citrate, tri-sodium citrate or a mixture thereof having a pH of from about 6-13 at temperature of about 90° C. or less; and subsequently treating recovered fiber with a enzyme. Determining the extent of completion of a plant fiber degumming process involves treating degummed fiber with a recombinant pectinase expressed in an organism that produces neither cellulose nor xylanase, to release reducing sugar from any residua pectin on the degummed fiber, and, quantifying the released reducing sugar.

Abstract: A method for measuring and controlling a chip level and/or a chip-liquor combination level and/or liquor level height of a liquid-steam phase digester or a hydraulic digester which digester comprises a chip screw for feeding chips into a digesting volume. The method comprises mounting electrode pairs in certain heights and vertically at distances from each other in the digesting volume of the digester, the electrode pairs being formed of electrodes; connecting the electrode pairs to electric circuits; measuring in each electric circuit a current or voltage value during operation of the digester; determining, based on the measurement, type of material layer (for example, steam, chips, combination of chips and liquor, or liquor) located in a certain height, based on the electrical conductivity of the materials in the digesting volume.

Abstract: A method and system for stabilizing dry-based density of wood chips from several sources feeding a chip processing stage upstream of a chip refining process, perform on-line estimation of a set of wood chip properties characterizing the wood chips, including light reflection-related property, moisture content and dry-based density, which are used by a reference model capable of comparing the estimated dry-based density with a predetermined target to produce error data, and selectively modifying discharge rate set points of one or more of the wood chip sources to minimize the error data within fluctuation limits around the target. The discharge rate of the wood chip sources is controlled in accordance with the set points to substantially stabilize the dry-based density of the wood chips.

Abstract: A method for monitoring with enhanced sensitivity of the deposition of one or more organic materials dispersed in an aqueous medium in a papermaking process which includes measuring the rate of deposition of the organic materials from the aqueous medium onto a quartz crystal microbalance having a top side contacting with the aqueous medium coated with a layer containing a material with surface energy in the range from about 34 to about 49 dynes/cm2, and a second, bottom side isolated from the aqueous medium is disclosed. Additionally, a method for measuring the effectiveness of an inhibitor that decreases the deposition of the organic materials in a papermaking process is also disclosed.

Abstract: An inventive method includes the steps of: loading a fiber product in an appropriate form into a treatment vessel; wetting the fiber product; forcibly circulating an ozone-containing liquid in contact with the wetted fiber product to thereby bleach the fiber product; and forcibly circulating an ozone decomposing chemical agent liquid in contact with the ozone-treated fiber product to decompose ozone. This method ensures efficient bleaching of the fiber product with the ozone. Further, the method is advantageous in that the resulting bleached fiber product is less liable to be yellowed over time.

Abstract: The use of measurement information from traditional process variables along with measurement signals from the refining zones in refiners for the refining and grinding of pulp is disclosed for estimating the quality of pulp output from the refiner lines. Control of the refining process is thus improved by means of a method used with a series of refiners utilizing estimated pulp quality information from each refiner in order to be able to rapidly control the refining disturbances in the process.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining the total peroxide content of a cellulose pulp suspension in the pulp suspension bleaching stage, wherein the bleaching chemical is peroxide. A sample is taken from the pulp suspension, which sample is measured in a measuring device (25, 25?). Before measuring, the pH of the sample is adjusted and after that the total peroxide content or the perhydroxyl content of the sample is measured, of which measurement the total peroxide content of the sample is determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for pretreatment of a feedstock in a pretreatment tank. Various parameters, such as oxidation-reduction potential, pH, and temperature, are monitored in the pretreatment tank to determine whether the oxidation-reduction potential, pH, and temperature are each within a predetermined range. The volume of feedstock inside the pretreatment tank is adjusted in response to a determination that one of the oxidation-reduction potential, pH, and temperature of the treated material are outside the corresponding predetermined ranges to maintain the oxidation-reduction potential, pH, and temperature of the treated material within operating conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating material by cutting, soaking and/or washing of the material, wherein the apparatus comprises a receptacle (10), a discharge element (20) with a vortex generator and pumping means (22) arranged to pump fluid and material from the receptacle (10) towards the vortex generator, wherein the vortex generator and pumping means (22) in combination are adapted to generate a vortex in the form of a conic helix in the fluid extending into the receptacle.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and inhibiting scale precipitation and deposition from spent liquor in pulp mill evaporators and concentrators is disclosed. The method includes connecting a black liquor deposition monitor to a pulp mill evaporator or concentrator and measuring the thermal conductivity on the outer surface of the monitor. A controller interprets the measured thermal conductivity and determines a level of scale deposition. If the level of scale deposition is above a predetermined level, the controller is operable to introduce a scale-inhibiting composition to the spent liquor. The scale-inhibiting composition may include organic polycarboxylic acids; organic fatty acids; low molecular weight and polymeric aromatic acids; organic acid esters, anhydrides, and amides; low molecular weight and polymeric aliphatic and aromatic sulfonic acids; and low molecular weight and polymeric amines; and any combinations.

Abstract: A method for determining simultaneously from an oxidized black liquor sample an amount of sulfide, an amount of total dissolved solids, and an amount of effective alkali present in the sample, wherein the sulfide amount, the total dissolved solids amount, and the effective alkali amount are determined by subjecting the sample to attenuated total reflection (ATR) ultraviolet/visible (UV/V) spectroscopy over a wavelength of from about 190 to about 500 nm. Data from analyzing oxidized black liquor samples, and from analyzing one or more black liquor samples which may be subjected to black oxidation, may be used in a black liquor oxidation (BLOX) system for monitoring and/or controlling sulfur emissions from a kraft process.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and inhibiting scale precipitation and deposition from spent liquor in pulp mill evaporators and concentrators is disclosed. The method includes connecting a black liquor deposition monitor to a pulp mill evaporator or concentrator and measuring the thermal conductivity on the outer surface of the monitor. A controller interprets the measured thermal conductivity and determines a level of scale deposition. If the level of scale deposition is above a predetermined level, the controller is operable to introduce a scale-inhibiting composition to the spent liquor. The scale-inhibiting composition may include organic polycarboxylic acids; organic fatty acids; low molecular weight and polymeric aromatic acids; organic acid esters, anhydrides, and amides; low molecular weight and polymeric aliphatic and aromatic sulfonic acids; and low molecular weight and polymeric amines; and any combinations.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling a causticizing process, the process comprising slaking, causticizing and white liquor preparation. The slaking is carried out using a slaker into which green liquor and lime is fed to produce lime milk. The causticizing process is controlled by applying a model that describes at least a part of the causticizing process.

Abstract: A method for monitoring with enhanced sensitivity of the deposition of one or more organic materials dispersed in an aqueous medium in a papermaking process which includes measuring the rate of deposition of the organic materials from the aqueous medium onto a quartz crystal microbalance having a top side contacting with the aqueous medium coated with a layer containing a material with surface energy in the range from about 34 to about 49 dynes/cm2, and a second, bottom side isolated from the aqueous medium is disclosed. Additionally, a method for measuring the effectiveness of an inhibitor that decreases the deposition of the organic materials in a papermaking process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for controlling the height of a material column in a vessel upstream of a pump, in which method material is conveyed into an upper portion of the vessel, electrical signals are provided on the basis of the presence of material at predetermined measuring levels of the vessel by using a first sensor set disposed at a first measuring level at the upper portion of the vessel and a second sensor set disposed at a second measuring level at the lower portion of the vessel, and material is extracted at a controlled flow speed from a lower portion of the vessel by the pump, wherein the provided electrical signals are used to infer weighting factors of measuring level presence functions, and the flow speed is controlled on the basis of the weighting factors of the measuring level presence functions.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling one or more types of hydrophobic contaminants in a papermaking process is disclosed. The methodology utilizes the measurement of dyes, which are capable of fluorescing and interacting with the hydrophobic contaminants.

Abstract: A method of extracting hemp fibers from decorticated hemp bast skin involves pre-treating the decorticated hemp bast skin with an aqueous solution containing di-sodium citrate, tri-sodium citrate or a mixture thereof having a pH of from about 6-13 at temperature of about 90° C. or less; and subsequently treating recovered fiber with a enzyme. Determining the extent of completion of a plant fiber degumming process involves treating degummed fiber with a recombinant pectinase expressed in an organism that produces neither cellulose nor xylanase, to release reducing sugar from any residua pectin on the degummed fiber, and, quantifying the released reducing sugar.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method for determination brightness of paper pulp by measuring fluorescence from UV. The measurement is carried out directly in the pipe in which the paper pulp, which shall constitute the paper, is fed forward, by an in-line brightness meter, which also is capable to measure fluorescent substances in the paper pulp, a direct control of the partial stages in the paper pulp process where fluorescent substances can exist or a determination at the end of the process can be accomplished.

Abstract: An inventive method includes the steps of: loading a fiber product in an appropriate form into a treatment vessel; wetting the fiber product; forcibly circulating an ozone-containing liquid in contact with the wetted fiber product to thereby bleach the fiber product; and forcibly circulating an ozone decomposing chemical agent liquid in contact with the ozone-treated fiber product to decompose ozone. This method ensures efficient bleaching of the fiber product with the ozone. Further, the method is advantageous in that the resulting bleached fiber product is less liable to be yellowed over time.

Abstract: A method of measuring macro and micro stickies in a recycled sample containing pulp fibers is disclosed. The method includes forming a slurry of the recycled macro stickies and a liquid and using a first separation device to separate out the macro stickies and the pulp fiber while collecting the screenate. The macro stickies and the pulp fibers are then washed with additional liquid to further separate out any macro stickies while again collecting the screenate. The macro stickies are then removed from the first separation device and are measured. The method also includes agglomerating the micro stickies in the screenate to form agglomerated micro stickies. The screenate is routed through a second separation device to separate out the agglomerated micro stickies. The agglomerated micro stickies are then removed from the separation device and are measured.

Abstract: A process for producing fibrous material which includes the following: preparing a solution of chemicals that includes less than 25% of sulphite (calculated as Na2SO3), based on the oven-dry amount of the lignocellulosic raw material; mixing the solution of chemicals with wood in a specified liquor material; heating the solution of chemicals and the wood to a temperature above room temperature; and then either of the following alternatives: (1) removing the free-flowing solution of chemicals and digestion of the wood in the vapor phase; (2) having the wood digested in the liquid phase and separating the free-flowing solution of chemicals and the wood.

Abstract: A continuous digester comprises a wash zone having a plurality of individual wash screens disposed about an inner wall of the digester for the withdrawal of co-current downflow liquor from the wash zone. A conduit is connected in fluid communication between each of the wash screens and a collector for co-current downflow liquor withdrawn from the wash zone of the digester. A valve is interposed along the length of the conduit leading from each of the wash screens. The valve is operable between open and closed positions in response to a signal received from a temperature sensor associated with the conduit leading from each of the wash screens.

Abstract: A method for determining the concentration of hydrophobic organic particles in the filtrate of a paper stock, wherein the hydrophobic organic particles are marked with a fluorescent dye, said particles are then excited to emit light, the light emitted by the marked particles is detected and the concentration by mass of the particles is determined from the fluorescence intensity, and use of the method for determining the total concentration of hydrophobic organic particles in the filtrate of a paper stock drained on a wire.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided that includes a camera, and an image-processing unit and a fractionating pipe. The receives a sample from recycled fibre pulp of a recycled fibre process and arranges the particles of the flowing sample in accordance with particle size. The measuring device processes the sample as at least two fractions according to particle size. The camera images at least one fraction. The image-processing unit receives images imaged by the camera and measures at least one parameter of an added substance in at least one imaged fraction.

Abstract: The vessel in which the chips are pre-treated with steam (ST) is provided with a ventilation channel at the top of the vessel for the leading away of weak gases to a weak gas system (NCG). A simple safety system has been installed with the aim of guaranteeing that these weak gases do not reach a level of concentration at which these weak gases become explosive. The safety system has a control unit (CPU) that detects a process parameter that is indicative of the fraction of moisture in the weak gases and opens dilution lines that supply air for the dilution of the weak gases in the ventilation channel. It is appropriate that the dilution take place in stages, where the dilution lines are opened in stages with successively increasing temperature of the weak gases.

Abstract: A material measurement system (500) includes a THz generator including at least one laser source (111) for emitting optical pulses, the optical pulses coupled to a THz emitter (51) operable for emitting pulsed THz radiation at a sample location on material while being processed (14) by a manufacturing system. A receiver (52) is operable to receive the optical pulses and to detect reflected or transmitted THz radiation from the sample location (14) synchronously with the optical pulses and provide electrical detection signals. Synchronizing optics (112, 113, 114) is operable to receive the optical pulses from said laser and provide the optical pulses to both the receiver (52) and the THz emitter (51).

Abstract: A method of monitoring and controlling one or more types of hydrophobic contaminants in a papermaking process is disclosed. The methodology utilizes the measurement of hydrophobic dyes, which are capable of fluorescing and interacting with the hydrophobic contaminants. In addition, a method of determining the relative size of the hydrophobic contaminants is disclosed as well.

Abstract: A method for the determination of a cellulosic-fibre property, namely, residual lignin content or Kappa number of chemical pulp, with the aid of a spectroscopic technique obtained over a range covering the visible and the near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, comprising exposing the wet fibres to a light source covering a range in the visible region of 350 nm to 750 nm and a range in the near-infrared of 1100 nm to 2400 nm, reflecting light from the wet fibres, establishing a spectrum, comparing the spectrum with a known spectrum of the property and evaluating the comparison; the method has particular utility in a pulp manufacture line; an apparatus is described for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Please delete the Abstract as originally filed and substitute therefore the attached substitute Abstract which is submitted in both marked-up and clean copy versions.

Abstract: A continuous digester comprises a wash zone having a plurality of individual wash screens disposed about an inner wall of the digester for the withdrawal of co-current downflow liquor from the wash zone. A conduit is connected in fluid communication between each of the wash screens and a collector for co-current downflow liquor withdrawn from the wash zone of the digester. A valve is interposed along the length of the conduit leading from each of the wash screens. The valve is operable between open and closed positions in response to a signal received from a temperature sensor associated with the conduit leading from each of the wash screens.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for controlling short circulation in a paper machine, in which the control of at least one property of the diluted fiber-containing pulp conducted to the headbox is based on consistency measurement or determination in high-consistency fiber-containing pulp, diluted pulp and/or white water. The amount of fiber-based fines in high-consistency fiber-based pulp, diluted fiber-based pulp and/or white water is determined, and the result obtained is used for controlling at least one property of the fiber-containing pulp to be conveyed to the headbox.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the depositability of particulate contaminants present in a pulp or paper mill fluid stream and evaluating interactions of such particulate contaminants with other contaminants collects the particulate contaminants on a suitable substrate, such as a plastic film coated with an adhesive or coated with organic contaminate, placed in contact with the pulp or paper mill fluid stream for at least five minutes up to several hours. The amount of contaminants collected on the substrate is quantified and evaluated by taking one or more scanned images of the substrate with a resolution of at least 2,000 dots per inch (DPI) and analyzing the scanned images with image analysis technique.

Abstract: A method to detect organic contaminants in pulp and fiber is described which uses hydrophobic dyes, such as fluorescent dyes.

Abstract: A continuous digester comprises a wash zone having a plurality of individual wash screens disposed about an inner wall of the digester for the withdrawal of co-current downflow liquor from the wash zone. A conduit is connected in fluid communication between each of the wash screens and a collector for co-current downflow liquor withdrawn from the wash zone of the digester. A valve is interposed along the length of the conduit leading from each of the wash screens. The valve is operable between open and closed positions in response to a signal received from a temperature sensor associated with the conduit leading from each of the wash screens.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for determining the total peroxide content of a cellulose pulp suspension in the pulp suspension bleaching stage, wherein the bleaching chemical is peroxide. A sample is taken from the pulp suspension, which sample is measured in a measuring device (25, 25?). Before measuring, the pH of the sample is adjusted and after that the total peroxide content or the perhydroxyl content of the sample is measured, of which measurement the total peroxide content of the sample is determined.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for cooking wood chips in a digester for the separation of wood fibers from their bonded state, the digester having a vertical centerline, a substantially circular cross-section, and a wash zone adjacent the bottom end thereof and a plurality of individual wash screens disposed about the inner wall of the digester for the withdrawal of liquor from the wash zone. In the first step of the method, substantially equal volumes of liquor are dynamically withdrawn from the wash zone through individual ones of the wash screens, while monitoring of the flow rate of liquor exiting the digester through individual ones of the wash screens. The monitored flow rate is used to increase or decrease the flow rate from screens to a value substantially equal to the flow rate of liquor from the digester through each of the screens.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and inhibiting scale precipitation and deposition from spent liquor in pulp mill evaporators and concentrators is disclosed. The method includes connecting a black liquor deposition monitor to a pulp mill evaporator or concentrator and measuring the thermal conductivity on the outer surface of the monitor. A controller interprets the measured thermal conductivity and determines a level of scale deposition. If the level of scale deposition is above a predetermined level, the controller is operable to introduce a scale-inhibiting composition to the spent liquor. The scale-inhibiting composition may include organic polycarboxylic acids; organic fatty acids; low molecular weight and polymeric aromatic acids; organic acid esters, anhydrides, and amides; low molecular weight and polymeric aliphatic and aromatic sulfonic acids; and low molecular weight and polymeric amines; and any combinations.