HIGH-SPEED DOUBLE-DISC TMP FROM NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN SOFTWOODS - ONEOR 2 REFINING STAGES

Pilot-plant studies were done to more fully evaluate one- and two-stag e high-speed refining processes for production of TMP at minimal energ y consumption. Both northern (black spruce/balsam fir) and southern (l oblolly pine) wood species were evaluated. Preliminary results indicat e both one- and two-stage high-speed refining are suitable for the pro duction of TMP from spruce/fir. Single-stage, high-speed refining of s pruce/fir resulted in over 25% energy savings compared to conventional TMP. two-stages of refining were necessary to optimize pulp quality f rom the loblolly pine furnish. A 15% energy reduction was obtained whe n comparing high-speed and conventional TMP pulping of loblolly pine a t similar operating conditions.