A systematic approach for determination of optimal conditions for Lo-Solids™ kraft pulping of Eucalyptus nitens

Kraft pulping of thin chips of Eucalyptus nitens was performed in laboratory flow-through reactors under isothermal condition. The effects of process variables on the dissolutions of the lignocellulosic components, i.e. lignin, pentosans and cellulose, of the chips were studied. It was found that at a target kappa number, higher pulp yields could be obtained by pulping at a temperature below 150 °C and with an effective alkali concentration below 0.5 M. The effects of all process conditions were combined using the Nuclei Growth kinetic models.