Examining the Impact of Process Variables on Brownstock Kraft Pulps, 2003 Fall Technical Conference
The predominant chemical pulping technology on a global basis is the kraft pulping process. Despite the
predominance of this technology, one challenge that remains is the dark colored pulps that are produced.
Our research has focused on relating the brownstock chromophore index to pulping process chemistry
variables, with the long-term goal of minimizing color formation during kraft pulping. A better
understanding of chromophore formation during kraft pulping will lead to decreasing bleaching chemicals
or avoiding subsequent bleaching stages, production of pulps within product specifications, and further
optimization of the kraft pulping process. This paper quantifies the impact of pulping responses to changes
in effective alkali, sulfidity, and maximum cooking temperature in terms of chromophore index, brightness,
yield, degree of polymerization, and hexenuronic acid content.
Examining the Impact of Process Variables on Brownstock Kraft Pulps, 2003 Fall Technical Conference