Important results from the project
The project developed NIR (near infrared) models in the lab and tested them in the mill to measure moisture in pulp after the washing press. A probe-based solution and a hyperspectral NIR camera were evaluated. The probe is easier to mount in the washing press and cheaper, but its current design did not give as good results. There is a proposal for how the probe can be improved in a future implementation. The project emphasized model development and flexibility, which were crucial for success.
Expected long term effects
Provided that resources are allocated to commercialize the measurement principle, the results from the project could eventually lead to a more efficient washing process. This should lead to efficiency gains in the washing, but above all chemical gains in later process steps. The principle can then be supplemented with more models for additional pulp properties, which can improve the entire production chain and lead to a more sustainable and efficient process.
Approach and implementation
The project was carried out through sampling of pulps and reference analyses in the lab. The pulps were sent to RISE where NIR spectra were measured. Based on the measured spectra, NIR models were developed for predicting the moisture content in paper pulp. The models were tested and refined both in a laboratory and through trial runs at the factory. The goal was to evaluate a probe-based spectrometer solution and a hyperspectral imaging NIR camera for measuring moisture in pulp after washing.
The project description has been provided by the project members themselves and the text has not been looked at by our editors.
