Contact person
Jessica Sjöstedt
Forsknings- och utvecklingsingenjör
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Problem solving in processes and products
Problem solving in processes and products involves analysing organic and inorganic compounds, surfaces, elements. FT-IR, light microscopy and SEM / EDX are most common but also GC-MS, separation techniques are also used to solve the problems that processes and products encounter.
Problem solving in processes and products is the process of identifying, analysing, and resolving issues or faults in a system, product, or process. It involves systematically examining possible causes of a problem to find and implement a solution.
Problem solving is essential when processes and products become contaminated for various reasons, causing operational issues that can lead to economic and environmental consequences, as well as potential customer complaints.
Microscopes
Light microscopy magnifies small objects using visible light, making it vital for troubleshooting materials and processes. It is ideal for examining surface morphology, fibre composition and damage, and is often used to analyse vascular cells, starch, OBAs and printing inks in cellulose production.
Key Applications in Troubleshooting
- Fibre Composition & Damage: Identifies fibre types, structural issues and damage.
- Surface & Coating Defects: Analyses surface morphology, coating thickness and material flaws.
- Deposits & Quality Control: Examines deposits and material properties for quality assurance.
In cellulose and fibre processes, light microscopy also helps analyse compounds such as Mg(OH)₂, CaCO₃, stone cells, coatings and microorganisms, ensuring better material handling and improved product quality.
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) uses an electron beam to capture surfaces at ultra-high resolution, revealing nanometre-scale details. It is key for troubleshooting by providing insights into surface structure and morphology.
RISE identifies and controls smudges, stains and deposits in samples such as pulp, paper, board, rubber, printed products, solutions, incrustations and metals. SEM analysis includes surface morphology, crystal structure and cross-sectional inspections.
We also specialise in filler distribution, pigment coverage, elemental composition and coating layer analysis to improve material quality and optimise processes.
Contact Marie Tjärnström
Organic and inorganic compounds
We analyse a wide range of samples, including pulp, paper, cardboard, stains, rubber, printed products, solutions, oils, dirt and deposits.
Our methods detect chemical compounds such as polymers (thermosets, rubber, thermoplastics), biomolecules (polysaccharides, polypeptides, lipids, polynucleotides) and organic compounds (aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, esters, carboxylic acids).
Organic Compounds: Small samples, like dots, can be challenging to analyse. We overcome this by micro-extracting samples for advanced techniques such as gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.
Identification of materials
- Organic Molecules
- Chemical Compounds
- Qualitative & Quantitative Analysis
- Low Detection Limits for Troubleshooting
Specialised Services
- Lignans and extractives
- Organic acids (e.g. levulinic acid, ethanol, lactic acid)
- Black liquors
- Rosin
- Anthraquinone
- Carbon and sulphur compounds
- REACH regulation and chemical analysis
- Fountain solution in printing
Chemical compound separation
Organic acids are often found in various types of samples in the forestry and paper industry.
By using effective separation and purification methods, companies in the forestry and biorefining sector can increase production capacity, reduce waste and improve the sustainability of their processes. This can lead to increased profitability and competitiveness in the market, while contributing to a more sustainable use of natural resources.
- Cooking Liquids
- Acidic Liquor
- Yeast Tank Samples
- Black Liquor
- Optical Brighteners
Analyse inorganic and organisc ions
Process control in the pulp industry is crucial for reducing operational problems. Analysis of carbohydrates and anions, such as oxalate, chloride, sulphite, sulphate and thiosulphate ions, provides valuable information about the chemical balance.
Common analyses include:
- Sulfite, sulfate, and thiosulfate ions
- Oxalate analysis
- Paper and pulp sample analysis
- Chlorine and sulfur content
- Chlorine content
Metal analysis
In the forestry industry, metals are often found in various materials and processes. For example, metals can be used as additives in chemical treatments of wood or as catalysts in various processes. At the same time, metals can also occur as unwanted contaminants in raw materials or as deposits on equipment and machinery.
By using methods with low detection limits, RISE can identify and quantify metals in samples from various processes within the forest industry. This involves not only detecting the presence of metals, but also assessing their concentrations and potential effects on processes and products. Examples of this include the ability to measure:
- Manganese
- Calcium
- Recycling Process Analysis
- New Wood and Material Sourcing
More information
Pulp, Paper, and Materials:
You can analyse a wide range of samples, including scrapes, dots, oils, solutions, and more, without the need for sample preparation. Our analysis is both qualitative and quantitative, providing valuable insights for problem-solving, addressing customer complaints, and supporting quality control across different raw materials.
Types of samples for troubleshooting:
- Pulp, paper, cardboard
- Scrapes, dots, rubber cloth
- Printed end products, solutions, oils, smears
- Incubators, piglets
Identification of organic and inorganic compounds:
- Organic compounds: Polymers, biomolecules (lignins, carbohydrates, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, cellulose, vitamins), aromatic compounds, aliphatic compounds, hydrocarbons.
- Molecular groups: Alkanes, alkenes, arenes, alkynes, esters, carboxylic acids, alcohols.
- Inorganic compounds: Carbonates, carbides, organometallic complexes, minerals, halides, sulphates.
Materials: Our troubleshooting capabilities extend to a variety of materials, including:
- Scrapes, dots, rubber cloth, printed end products, incrustations, metals.
Important considerations for sample submission:
- Ensure scrapes are placed in a jar when sampling.
- Avoid marking too close to the defect or problem area.
- Exposure tests are carried out at RISE in Örnsköldsvik.
- Send reference samples for comparison, including process and functional chemicals/materials. A good reference helps compare the problem sample with a controlled or ideal sample.
