Optimizing a "Pitch Season" Forecast, 2003 Spring Technical Conference Proceedings

All too frequently, strategies to control pitch season outbreaks are implemented after the conditions leading to a “pitch storm” have fully set in, leaving the papermaker in a defensive and ineffective position. As mills look to avoid extended downtime and lost production in these challenging times, interest in forecasting the onset of pitch season has increased dramatically. At the same time, efforts to maximize the cost-effectiveness of control programs have led to attempts to call the conclusion of pitch season. Recognizing that each mill’s pitch season outbreaks are unique, a forecasting strategy should consider factors specific to an individual mill. These factors include an analysis of the pitch deposits, consideration of the mill’s fiber source and climate, and the application of appropriate analytical techniques. Utilizing these factors, an improved forecast for pitch season can be developed to help maximize the effectiveness of a control strategy. This approach can lead to increased cost-efficiency and ultimately minimal deposit outbreaks during pitch season.