The use of flow cytometry for managing extractives associated with pitch deposits

摘要

Identification of pitch components and their differentiation from other colloidal material within the process streams enables one to determine the effectiveness of chemicals added to manage extractives and to optimise their performance. Flow cytometry can aid in differentiating between fixative chemicals by determining the number and size of pitch particles as well as the extent of agglomeration. This paper outlines the steps taken to adapt the technique to measurement of extractives in process waters associated with making newsprint from mechanical pulp. It presents data that gives insights into the identification of components in process streams and how they behave when treated with different chemicals.