ATMP pulping of Norway spruce - Pulp property development and energy efficiency

ATMP pilot refining trials on Norway spruce were conducted. The ATMP configuration consists of selective wood disintegration and targeted application of chemicals when defibration already is initiated in order to achieve energy-efficient final fibre separation and development. ATMP was compared to TMP and RTS. The TMP like character was maintained despite of differences in pre-treatment, chemicals and primary stage refining energies. The fractional composition of the pulps was, however, altered. Bauer McNett R14 fraction exhibited the largest differences followed by P200 fraction. Thus different process alternatives produced pulps with different fingerprints. The amount of the R14 fibres is important as these tend to cause surface roughness impairing printability. Regardless of strategy, the ATMP pulp properties at equal tensile index (44 Nm/g) were equal or superior to those achieved by TMP or RTS refining. The main difference was the required specific energy input, ranging from 1.71 (TMP) to 1.05 MWh/BDT (ATMP with bisulphite addition). Primary stage refining was explored from multiple trials with the same process configuration and chemistry. The higher the specific energy applied the better is the energy efficiency. Furthermore established refining theories appear inadequate in describing the differences between process alternatives with respect to energy efficiency and pulp property development.