Dissolving Pulp Conversion to be Explored at 2012 TAPPI PEERS Conference
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As part of the 2012 TAPPI PEERS Pulping Program, October14-18, in Savannah, Ga., USA, a team of process technology experts will explore several alternative production scenarios for today's kraft pulp mills. Focusing on new and emerging technology breakthroughs and cost-feasible process modifications, one session looks at the technical ins and outs of converting existing bleached kraft market pulp capacity to chemical cellulose (dissolving pulp) production or co-production.
Eric Wiley of Andritz leads off this session with a detailed how-to presentation on upgrading a continuous kraft cooking system with new auto-hydrolysis (water) technology to allow swing production of viscose grade dissolving pulps, while maintaining the mill's ability to produce its staple market pulp grade. This presentation shows mills how to use process flexibility they already have to broaden their product mix as market conditions warrant.
This presentation is followed by an in-depth analysis of the complex operating and market-related impacts, negative and positive, of converting market pulp production to dissolving pulp. Enrique Mateos-Espejel with FPInnovations will examine conversion aspects from both the process infrastructure perspective and operating considerations, focusing mainly on the expanded extraction of hemicellulose that directly affects cost and overall production efficiency. He will particularly look at energy demand and projected usage.
The Pulping Program at the TAPPI PEERS Conference is specifically designed to provide kraft pulp mills with operating-floor knowledge and information on how to boost operating efficiency and improve overall profitability. Dissolving pulp conversion, bleaching innovations, and non-wood fiber developments are just a few of many breakthrough topics that will be covered.
More information about the PEERS Pulping Program is available online.
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