Select the Right Brown Stock Defoamer for your Washing Operations

摘要

Brown Stock Washing is a critical step for optimizing production as well as controlling production costs. There are many different washing systems in use with a variety of configurations and characteristics influenced by fiber morphology, liquor parameters, etc., all with their own advantages and limitations. A common thread amongst all of the variations is that to operate beyond a very rudimentary level, they all use defoamer chemistry to function efficiently. With each process being unique in terms of configuration, equipment technology, capacity, process constraints, and control strategy, etc., how do you select the right defoamer for your washing operations? This paper reviews the selection criteria and methodology for determining the right product for any BSW system. The implications of product chemistry and characteristics are covered as well as the process characteristics and impacts of control strategies. By broadening the view beyond lab screening or what is being used at another location, selecting the optimal defoamer for a washer system is a comprehensive approach that rewards the operation with the best cost performance.