Study Guide

Objectives

The aim of the course is to develop the student's knowledge of the operation of a modern pulp mill and its unit processes. The course provides basic skills to work in tasks related to the production, sale and use of pulp.

After completing the course, the student
• knows the production process of chemical pulp, the unit processes of the fiber line and chemical recovery. The student knows pulp bleaching and the production of by-products
• can compare different properties and manufacturing processes of chemical and chemi-mechanical pulps
• knows the basics of material, chemical and energy balance calculations for the production of chemical pulp.

Content

An overview of the pulp industry, wood chemistry and physical properties of wood in pulp production.
Fiber line processes: wood debarking and chipping, pre steaming and impregnation, cooking chemistry and cooking process, cooking technology, polysulfide cooking and other cooking modifications, pulp washing, oxygen delignification and bleaching technique; Drying machine and baling line
Chemical recovery: white liquor production, liquor circulation and lime circulation, energy production
Pulp and pulp grades; Lignin, turpentine and tall oil processing
Water and air protection; material, energy and chemical balance
Manufacturing of specialty pulps; dissolving pulp, micro and nano pulps, fluff pulp
Manufacturing of semi-chemical pulp.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Students can list raw materials, know the process steps and products, understand the use of materials, chemicals and energy. The student passes the exam. The student demonstrates poor knowledge in the exam. Some of the returnable tasks are missing.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Students can combine information from different sources and draw conclusions from it. The student demonstrates activity and knowledge through action and/or working responsibly as a member of a team.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student can combine information from different sources and make interpretations based on them on the different topics of the course. The student shows commendable activity in lectures and assignments. The student has a broad knowledge of pulp production; he/she knows the sub-processes of pulp production such as the fibre line, the main functions of the chemical cycle (lime cycle) and the by-products of pulp production and their utilisation. The student works responsibly as a member of a team, carrying out tasks according to the instructions given and contributing his/her own knowledge. The student will actively use the excursion/laboratory opportunity and demonstrate excellent knowledge in the examination.