Cellulase-assisted refining optimization for saving electrical energy demand and pulp quality evaluation

Papermaking process necessitates fibers to be refined mechanically to develop greater bonding potential. This is achieved in refining step, which requires a huge energy demand. In the present paper, efficiency of biocatalysis was investigated for saving energy by taking different enzyme dosages, reaction times and conditions that were compatible for papermaking process. Bleached mixed hardwood pulp was taken as raw material along with cellulase as biocatalyst to get good quality paper as product. After the enzymatic pre-treatment, pulp was refined in PFI mill. Parameters were compared in terms of number of PFI revolutions required to achieve fixed level of Canadian standard freeness (CSF), 300 ml without affecting the physical strength properties of paper. Action of cellulase on pulp was evaluated by reducing sugar analysis, pulp viscosity determination and amount of fines contents. This treatment achieved reduction in refining energy approx 29% (specific energy consumption reduced from 1.33 kWh/kg of pulp to 0.94 kWh/kg pulp) at an optimized dosage and time with improved pulp quality.