Pulping and Recycling Technologies (5 cr)

Objectives (course unit)

The student knows
-different methods in chemical pulping, mechanical pulping and chemi-mecanical pulping
The students learn the manufacturing of sulphate
pulp and importance of all key unit operations,
cost structures and environmental impacts. The
students will be prepared to work in a sulphate pulp
mill or other position, where these skills are needed.
- the raw-materials, production and usage of recycled pulp
- the cost structures and environmental effects of recycled pulp
- control the processes and the quality.

Content (course unit)

Basics of chemical pulping. Sulphate pulping method
and its key unit operations. Cost structure and
environmenta impacts of sulphate pulping.
Raw materials: Availability and use of recycled paper in Finland and abroad, recycled paper and cardboard. Production of recycled fibre pulp: de-inking. De-inking process: handling recycled paper, dispersion, cleaning, de-inking, de-inking chemicals, washing, bleaching, clarification. Environmental effects: de-inking waste and slurry, life cycle analysis. Characteristics and use of recycled fibre pulp.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2) (course unit)

Lecture tasks, home assignments, group work and laboratory report are completed with minium requirements = grade 1.
Student manages the assigned tasks under supervision. The student demonstrates weak knowledge in the exam.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4) (course unit)

Lecture tasks, home assignments, group work and laboratory report are completed well.
Student manages the assigned tasks independently and is committed to group work. The student demonstrates good knowledge in the exam.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5) (course unit)

The student has spent also their own time in searching for information. Student can combine information from different sources and make excellent conclusions of various topics. The student is very active during the lectures and the assignments are very well prepared and demonstrate his/her own own thinking and capabilities on drawing conclusions.
Student works responsibly and in a committed manner considering the community and deadlines. Student utilizes the possibility to learn during the excursion/laboratory work and demonstrates excellent knowledge in the exam.

Location and time

Lectures on Tuesdays 12-15 (classroom B2-19) and Thursdays 14-16 (classroom H2-25)

Exam schedules

EXAM 1: 10th of October
EXAM 2: 26th of November
Retake (only the whole exam is possible to retake)
First retake -week 3/2020 (in EXAM)
Second retake -week 8/2020 (in EXAM)

Assessment methods and criteria

Grading is based on activity during the course, group tasks and exam.
GRADE 1= Activity in classroom, lecture tasks, home assignments, group work (one bigger task, max 20 points) and 95 % attendance (including excursions). Also gives you ground score for exam + 4 points = 2 + 2 points, if your goal is grade 2-5.
GRADES 1-5: group work, two exams (max points 25 p. + 25 p. = 50 points), home assignments. Exam is compulsory part of the course if activity and attendance (including required activities) is less than 95 %.
Group work (compulsory part of the course): Different pulping methods (max points 20 points)
Activity during the course increases the grade in borderline cases.
Not done home assignments equal to minus points (-1 point/assingment).
Maximum points of the course is 70 points (exam, group work, extra / minus points).

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Lectures, lecture tasks, group work and discussions
Excursion and exam

Learning materials

Material on Tabula
Laxen, T. & Tikka, P. 2008. Soap and Tall oil. In Fardim, P. (ed.) Chemical Pulping Part 2, Recovery of Chemicals and Energy. Paper Making Science and Technology. Helsinki: Fapet Oy 360-380.
KnowPap AEL / Proledge Oy.
Knowpulp AEL / Proledge Oy.

Student workload

50 hours contact lessons (including possible excursion(s) and exams)
Self-studying time 85 hours

Content scheduling

Different pulping methods and raw materials
Chemical pulping (sulfate pulp)
Recycled pulp
Mechanical pulping
Chemi-mechanical pulping (CTMP, BCTMP, CMP)

Practical training and working life cooperation

Excursion(s)

International connections

International study group and excursion into international company.

Assessment criteria - fail (0) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

The student is not present on the lectures and fails the exam (at least 50 % of the maximum points to pass the course) and/or does not do required assignments

Assessment criteria - satisfactory (1-2) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

LECTURE TASK: Activity in classroom, lecture tasks, home assignments and 95 % attendance (including excursions) = grade 1.
Student manages the assigned tasks under supervision. The student demonstrates weak knowledge in the exam.

Assessment criteria - excellent (5) (Not in use, Look at the Assessment criteria above)

He/she has spent also a lot of own time in searching for information. Student can combine information from different sources and make excellent conclusions of various topics. The student is very active during the lectures and the assignments are very well prepared and demonstrate his/her own own thinking and capabilities on drawing conclusions.
Student works responsibly and in a committed manner considering the community and deadlines. Student utilizes the possibility to learn during the excursion and demonstrates excellent knowledge in the exam.