APPLYING LATENT VECTOR ANALYSIS TO PULP CHARACTERIZATION

Latent vector analysis is a rigorous mathematical technique specially suited for extracting information from cross-correlated data such as t hat often used to describe pulp quality. This technique has been used to construct models which relate more than 75% of the variations in ha ndsheet properties to changes in both physical and chemical intrinsic fibre characteristics. Variations in over 30 properties ranging from s tandard handsheet tests to fibre flexibility and pentosan index, are e xpressed in terms of only 5 composite quality indicators. These indica tors describe the effects of fibre network cohesion and intrinsic fibr e strength. The dominant latent vectors are related to available bondi ng area, fibre swelling and bond strength, as well as average fibre le ngth. By comprehensively describing pulp quality in terms of a small n umber of independent indicators, latent vector analysis can also impro ve the efficiency of pulp quality monitoring and control.