The resource efficient pulp mill

The challenge of the kraft pulp mills of today is to further improve an already efficient process, while simultaneously adding flexibility to produce customised pulps. We will address process monitoring and guidelines for optimisation of the whole kraft pulp process, as well as problems related to non-process elements and extractives. Studies on cellulose structure, chemistry and properties for customised pulps and novel materials will also be conducted.

Sustainability is a natural part of the kraft pulping process as the recovery area aims at reusing the process chemicals as extensively as possible. All mills have a strong focus on improved energy efficiency and minimization of make-up chemicals as well as on minimizing the cost for disposal of residual streams. The proposed research will also put an emphasis on increasing the pulp yield as well as on minimizing the use of chemicals in the process.

Many deliverables concentrate on enhanced sustainability, e.g. evaluation of different bleaching strategies to minimize the formation of AOX and OX, upgrading residual streams to interesting products which can be used internally or in other industries, and mapping of nitrogen and sulphur in gaseous stream to minimize emissions. Increased energy efficiency and decreased chemical use, thanks to minimized scale formation, also contributes to this goal.

The focus is on the development of new bio-based products from cellulose which can replace existing fossil based products to support the transformation towards a biobased society.