Process and Chemical Synergies for Reducing Southern Pine TMP Energy Consumption, 2008 Engineering, Pulping and Environmental Conference

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Thermomechanical pulps were produced from southern pine on the pilot-scale using a combination of pressurized chip destructuring (RT-), high intensity refining (RTS) and neutral sulfite chemical treatments. Significant energy savings were available with the chemical treatments applied to the RT-RTS process. Additional energy savings were realized, up to 27%, when substituting a stage of high consistency refining with multiple stages of low consistency refining. Conventional TMP pulps produced with neutral sulfite treatments applied at the primary refiner inlet demonstrated a reduction in pulp tensile strength, most probably related to inefficient sulphonation. The neutral sulfite treatments had a positive impact on extractives content and pulp brightness. A 3% increase in brightness compared to the control pulps was obtained for each 1% application of neutral sulfite (as SO₃). Alkaline peroxide post bleaching of the neutral sulfite treated series resulted in a higher final brightness relative to the control pulps. Results from this investigation reveal that process and chemical synergies are available for reducing three of the most costly components associated with thermomechanical pulping of southern pines: energy consumption, wood extractives, and bleaching chemicals.