Optimization of elemental chlorine-free bleaching for a softwood kraft pulp – part 1: impact of oxidative extraction on chlorine dioxide stoichiometry
The present investigation meticulously analyzes how oxidative alkaline extraction can be augmented through process changes, and how these augmentations can be leveraged to optimize chlorine dioxide usage with elemental chlorine-free (ECF) sequences for a conventional softwood kraft pulp. Bleaching data from Basta and co-workers (1992 TAPPI Pulping Conference) are re-examined and re-interpreted in this study. We determined that ~60% to 65% of the overall ClO2 charge should be applied in the D0-stage. Peroxide addition to an (EOP) can replace 0.6 to 2.5 Kg. ClO2 per Kg H2O2. Boosting the (EO) temperature to 80°C is equivalent to a 70°C (EOP) with 0.25% to 0.30% H2O2,whereas a 90°C (EO) is equivalent to 0.50% – 0.75% H2O2 in a 70°C (EOP). The stoichiometric bleaching data from this study can guide decision-making for lowering chemical usage and minimize costs to reach target brightness levels with three- and five-stage sequences.