THE ASAM-PROCESS - A PULP TECHNOLOGY READ Y FOR INDUSTRY - EXPERIENCES GAINED THROUGH 3 YEARS OPERATION OF THE PILOT-PLANT

The ASAM-process makes it possible to procude pulps of high strength a nd whiteness from the usual varieties of pulpwood, without the use of chlorine and chlorine containing bleaching chemicals. Apart from defib ering and bleaching the recovery of chemicals was also tested on a tec hnical scale. The removal of lignins from Spruce during pulping can be carr ed out up to Kappa numbers of 16. No troubles are encountered du ring the bleaching of pulps by the O-Z-P sequence to whiteness degrees of over 88% ISO. The strength properties of ASAM-TCF pulps correspond to those of conventional kraft pulps. The methanol recovery system ha s been used in the pilot plant for over 3 years and recovery rates exc eeding 99% have been achieved. Thickening of the spent liquor from ASA M pulping is possible to high solids contents at low viscosities. The possibility of utilizing a normal kraft pulping liquor boiler for inci nerating ASAM spent liquor was proven by an incineration trial. The su itability of existing conversion processes for the inorganic chemicals could be further confirmed and it is possible to simplify this proces s. Small water consumption and a low burden in the effluent are assure d by the almost complete system closure.