A mathematical model for neutral sulfite pulping of various broadleaved wood species

Abstract

A mathematical model for neutral sulfite pulping process was derived. This model represented by a linear logarithmic relationship of the main pulping characteristics (yield and lignin content) to time and temperature parameters, both determined by the H-factor, is expressed by a logarithmic straight line equation. The relationship of yield to lignin content in the high yield pulps after neutral sulfite pulping is also expressed by a logarithmic straight line equation. A suitable way to calculate the main characteristics of neutral sulfite pulping is the power form of the logarithmic straight line equation for the dependence of the ratio yield/lignin vs. lignin content, yield/H-factor vs. H-factor, lignin/H-factor vs. H-factor and their mathematical equivalents (i.e. reciprocal ratio and/or product). A set of power equations characterizing the relationships yield vs. lignin content as well as yield and lignin content vs. H-factor for woodpulps prepared by neutral sulfite pulping of various broadleaved wood species are given.