Chemical Treatments, 1992 Environmental Conference Proceedings
The introduction of secondary fiber sources to the pulping process was an effort to reduce production costs. As the secondary fiber mix increased, ash loading and suspended solids loading to the waste treatment plant increased. These factors contributed to an increase in alum and flocculant use.
The conversion to neutral cure wet strength resin from acid cure resin was another modification which contributed to an increased polymer usage, and therefore, costs. The change to neutral cure wet strength resin increased the pH in the waste treatment influent, creating a higher demand for flocculant polymer at the DAF. An increase in dewatering polymer usage occured since the sludge produced was also at a higher pH.
Chemical Treatments, 1992 Environmental Conference Proceedings