ChemE 473 - Pulp and Paper Laboratory

Course Description

Credits: 2.  Laboratory experiments in chemical and semichemical pulping of wood. Bleaching of chemical and high-yield pulps. Physical and chemical characteristics of pulp fibers. Offered: jointly with PSE 478; Sp.

Designation

Prerequisites

Textbook

Department laboratory notebook and reference to Rydholm, S. A., Pulping Processes, Interscience Publishing, New York, 1965; Pulp & Paper:  Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Ed.  Casey, J. P., Wiley-Interscience, New York, 1980; Scott, W. E., Properties of Paper:  An Introduction, TAPPI Press, Atlanta GA, 1995; Smook, G.A., Handbook for Pulp and Paper Technologists, Angus Wilde Publications, 1992; TAPPI Test Methods, TAPPI Press, Atlanta GA, 1996; Pulp Bleaching:  Principles and Practice, Eds.  Dence, C.W. and Reeve D.W., TAPPI Press, Atlanta, GA, 1996; Pulp and Paper Manufacture Series, Eds. Kocurek, M. J. and Stevens, F., TAPPI Press, Atlanta GA, 1983.

Course Objectives

1. Apply the fundamental techniques of pulping, refining and bleaching processes.
2. Enhance knowledge of standard pulp and paper testing techniques through actual application in a laboratory setting.
3. Enhance the ability of students to analyze experimental data by comparing actual results to expected results obtained from extensive literature reviews.
4. Improve oral and written communication skills.
5. Increase the ability to accomplish tasks in a team setting.

1. Pulping and bleaching chemical assay:  Chemical analysis of pulping and bleaching solutions for sodium hydroxide, sodium sulfide, sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, chlorine, chlorine dioxide and peroxide.  Applications of analysis to integrated mill material balances, process control and environmental impacts (3 lab periods)
2. Pulping:  Alkaline Kraft pulping (2 lab periods)
3. Bleaching of chemical pulps (2 lab periods)
4. Residual lignin, viscosity, pulp strength and brightness determinations (3 lab periods)

Engineering
Chemistry content

(a) An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering.

(b) An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.

(d) An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.

(e) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.

(f)  An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility.

(g) An ability to communicate effectively.