Pulp and Paper Industry: Chemical Pulping and Bleaching
2025-03-27
Application Case: In the pulp and paper industry, the chemical pulping process uses chemical solutions to break down wood chips into pulp, which is then used for paper production. Bleaching is also a critical step in the process, where chemicals are added to whiten the pulp before it’s dried into paper.
Valve Positioner Role: Valve positioners are used to regulate the flow of various chemicals like sodium hydroxide (used in cooking), chlorine dioxide (used for bleaching), and water throughout the plant. Accurate control is needed to ensure that the chemical reactions occur as required without excess chemical usage.
Example: In the bleaching stage, valve positioners control the addition of chlorine dioxide to the pulp slurry to achieve the desired level of whiteness. The positioners adjust the flow of bleach, controlling the intensity of the reaction while minimizing chemical waste.
Importance: Accurate valve control ensures the uniform quality of the pulp, reduces chemical consumption, and prevents over-bleaching, which could affect the quality of the final paper product. Moreover, minimizing chemical usage improves the sustainability of the operation.