Features Research & Innovation
Optimization of TMP Process and Pulp Quality by Means of Primary Pulp Fractionation

Abstract: This paper presents a study of TMP fractionation to improve energy consumption and pulp quality. The pulp was sampled in the primary refiner blow line and fractionated with pressure screens. The fractions were refined both at high and low consistency. The quality of the recombined pulp is related to the fractionation strategy and the refining process. Screen baskets with small apertures separate fibres efficiently. Higher aperture dimensions provide smaller reject rate and lower fibre length based fractionation. Fractionation is also influenced by fibre wall thickness.

Paper presented at the PAPTAC 94th Annual Meeting in Montreal, February 5-7, 2008.

Keywords: TMP, EARLYWOOD, LATEWOOD, FRACTIONATION, PRESSURE SCREEN, REFINING, PROCESS SIMULATION, RECOMBINED PULP.

Full manuscript available at www.paptac.ca.