Study Guide

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

Part of lectures are distant and part face-to-face. More detailed agenda is given at the first lecture and in Moodle.

Exam schedules

Exam day is set during the course together with the students.

Assessment methods and criteria

Grading is based on completing group work (20 p), laboratory work (10 p) and exam (40 p).
Home assignments earn max + 5 points.
Exam is a compulsory part of the course (40 points).
Group work (compulsory part of the course): Different pulping methods (max 20 points)
Maximum points of the course is 60 points (exam, group work, lab work + potential extra points from homeworks).
Activity during the course increases the grade in borderline cases.

Assessment scale

0-5

Teaching methods

Distant lectures, classroom lectures, homework assignments, group work, discussions, potential visiting lecturers, laboratory work and an exam.

Learning materials

Material on Moodle
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/laboratory work and exam)
Self-studying time 85 hours

Content scheduling

Following topics are covered, detailed agenda will clarify during the course depending on the timetables of visitors:
Raw materials of pulping
Chemical pulping (sulfate pulp)
Mechanical pulping
Chemi-mechanical pulping (CTMP, BCTMP, CMP)
Recycled pulp processing
Unit operations in pulping
Quality and process control
Pulp properties & analytics
Environmental & economical implications
Future outlook of pulping

Practical training and working life cooperation

Visiting lecturers

International connections

International study group.

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

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