Pulp & Paper

My approach to solving process problems in the pulp & paper industry has been successful in cases where up to nine different consultants and industry experts were not. My experience in several industries helps me to understand and resolve difficult chemistry-related process problems.

Recaust chemistry process audit - I have helped mills to operate their recaust process more efficiently with minimal capital cost. Recommendations have reduced operating costs and process upsets in the recaust area.

Accumulation of NPEs is becoming increasingly important as mills move toward effluent system closure. One NPE project resulted in cost savings of more than $2,000,000/year from reduced lime plant upsets, increased burning of secondary treatment sludge and reduced lime kiln fuel costs. Other related projects have resulted in significant annual cost savings.

Improvements in acid washing procedures for tubular backpulse pressure filters have more than doubled the time between acid washes and increased time between filter sock replacement.

Another project used novel analytical methods to chemically identify individual dirt specks in off-grade pulp to determine their source. This project resulted in savings of more than $1,000,000/year in off-grade losses.

Specific Areas of Expertise:

	Improved operation of green liquor clarifiers to reduce dregs carryover to recaust.
	Improved cleaning processes for tubular backpulse pressure filters (summary, publication).
	Detailed knowledge of non-process element (NPE) chemistry and behaviour in Kraft mills (see publications below).
	Reduction of lime kiln ring formation.
	Contribution of NPEs to low solids content in filtered lime mud.
	Quality control of purchased lime and limestone for Kraft mills.
	Effect of burning secondary treatment sludge on green liquor clarifier and recaust chemistry.
	Scale reduction in lime kiln wet scrubbers and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) scrubbers.
	Scale reduction in smelt dissolving tanks and impellers.
	Scale reduction in black liquor evaporators.
	Detailed chemical identification of deposits in pulp and paper (summary, publication).
	Detailed knowledge of biocide chemistry and monitoring methods in white water systems.
	Practical experience with heavy metal chelation chemistry.

Specialized Analytical Services :

	Detailed characterization of clarifier dregs to improve dregs settling. Includes determination of particle sizes and the identification of compounds present.
	Evaluation of used tubular backpulse pressure filters. Includes filter preparation, SEM/EDS of filter surface, filter pores and filter body. XRD analysis of filter solids if sufficient material is available. Complete data interpretation.
	Non-process element benchmarking of lime mud – comparison with data from other Kraft mills.
	Sampling, analysis and evaluation of an acid wash treatment of a tubular backpulse pressure filter unit.
	Evaluation of lime kiln ring material. Includes XRD analysis, elemental analysis and data interpretation.
	Evaluation of purchased lime and limestone (chemical and physical properties).
	Evaluation and reduction of scale formation in lime kiln wet scrubbers.
	Qualitative evaluation of pulp or paper dirt specks. Results include recommendations for more detailed analysis, if required.
	Evaluation of commercial talc samples used for control of pitch in pulp production.
	Visible light diffuse reflectance measurements of lime mud.

Related Publications:

Taylor, K., Adderly, R., Baxter, G., "Identification of Acid-insoluble Filter-plugging Compounds and Optimal Acid-washing Procedures for Tubular Backpulse Pressure Filters", Tappi Journal, 10(1), 17-23 (January, 2011).

Taylor, K., "Detailed Investigation of Lime Kiln Mud Ring Formation", presented at PACWEST, June 9-12, 2010. Received "Best Supplier Paper" award. Published in Pulp & Paper Canada, Sept./Oct. 2010, 111(5) p. 26.

Taylor, K., Adderly, R., Baxter, G., "Tubular Backpulse Pressure Filters: Identification of Acid-Insoluble Filter Plugging Compounds and Optimization of Acid Washing Procedures", Best Mill Paper, PAPTAC Pacific Coast Branch Conference, April 18-19, 2008. Presented at PACWEST, June 18-21, 2008.

Taylor, K., Tong, E., Lunn, R., "Detailed Chemical Analysis of Dirt Specks in Celgar Off-Grade Pulp", Best Mill Paper, PAPTAC Pacific Coast Branch Conference, April 20-21, 2007. Presented at PACWEST, May 9-11, 2007. Pulp & Paper Canada, 109(5), 34-38 (May, 2008).

Taylor, K., "Effects of Non-Process Elements on Kraft Mill Efficiency", presented at the Western Branch Technical Mini-Conference, Prince George, BC, September 27-29, 2006. Presented at PAPTAC Pacific Coast Branch Conference, April 20-21, 2007. Presented at PACWEST, May 9-11, 2007.

McGuffie, B., and Taylor, K., "Non-Process Element Mass Balance Improves Recaust and Lime Kiln Efficiency at Elk Falls Mill". Best Mill Paper at the Pulp and Paper Technical Association of Canada Pacific Coast Branch Mini-Conference, April 21-22, 2006. Presented at PACWEST, May 17-20, 2006. Pulp & Paper Canada, 108(3), T49-55 (March, 2007). 2006 John S. Bates Award for Best Branch Paper.

Taylor, K., and McGuffie, B., "Investigation of Non-Process Element Chemistry at Elk Falls Mill – Green Liquor Clarifier and Lime Cycle", presented at the Pulp and Paper Technical Association of Canada Pacific Coast Branch Mini-Conference, April 21-22, 2006 and at PACWEST, May 17-20, 2006. Pulp & Paper Canada, 108(2), T24-29 (February, 2007).

Taylor, K., and Bossons, D., "Investigation of Green Lime Mud at Harmac Mill", Pulp & Paper Canada, 107(3), 37-40 (March, 2006).

Taylor, K.C., Nasr-El-Din, H.A., Al-Alawi, M.J., "Field Test Measures Amount and Type of Iron in Spent Acids", SPE 50780, presented at the International Symposium on Oilfield Chemistry, Houston, TX, USA, February 16-19, 1999.

Taylor, K.C., Burke, R.A., Nasr-El-Din, H.A., Schramm, L.L., "Development of a Flow Injection Analysis Method for the Determination of Acrylamide Copolymers in Brines", Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 21(1-2), pp. 129-139, 1998.

Taylor, K.C., Nasr-El-Din, H.A., "Acrylamide Copolymers: A Review of Methods for the Determination of Concentration and Degree of Hydrolysis", Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 12(1), 9-23 (1994).

Taylor, K.C., Nasr-El-Din, H.A., "Xanthan Biopolymers: A Review of Methods for the Determination of Concentration and for the Measurement of Acetate and Pyruvate Content", Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 9(4), 273-279 (1993).

Send mail to postmaster@industrialresearch.ca with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: 10/21/11

Send mail to postmaster@industrialresearch.ca with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 10/21/11