DIgitalization of softwood chip quality variations

Purpose and goal

The project´s aim was to develop a method for real-time measurement and description of chip variations with a focus on properties that affect both the pulp process and the product. The goal was to evaluate the method´s potential for improving raw material handling, process control and quality assurance. The project has succeeded in fulfilling its aim and partially reached its objective. However, some technical problems have arisen which have prevented a complete evaluation of the method´s effects on cooking parameters

Expected results and effects

** Denna text är maskinöversatt ** The result is a prototype that combines an NIR camera and a ScanChip, to continuously measure wood species, moisture content, density and bark content of the chips. The prototype has been tested at a pulp factory. The results show good predictions , with a uncertainty of about 1.8 percentage for moisture content and about 30 kg/m3 for density. The expected effects are increased understanding of the chip variations and their impact on the process and the product. The project enables an adaptation of process parameters and raw materials.

Planned approach and implementation

The project includes RISE, PulpEye/ScanChip, Prediktera and Smurfit Kappa. The project was carried out in three phases: NIR model development, NIR camera integration with ScanChip and evaluation in a pulp mill. During the project, several challenges have arisen, mainly related to the illumination necessary for NIR interferes with the regular measurement with the ScanChip. This problem has prevented the collection of data over longer periods and limited the possibilities to study the effect of wood chips. Despite this, the project shows that digital chip description is feasible.