The mission of the Paper & Pulp Technical Services program at NC State is to support the pulp and paper industries with cost-effective services of the highest quality. From small-scale laboratory testing to pilot-scale production of large quantities of pulp or paper from a variety of sources, we are well-equipped for almost any technical challenge.

Through the Department of Wood and Paper Science (WPS) we provide the following fee-based technical services:

• Chemical Pulping: Optimization, modification (liquor profiling, displacement), additive studies, furnish studies, yield studies. Batch sizes from 8 to 30 liters. Both stationary and rotating digesters available. New, state-of-the-art liquor profiling research system (one digester, four black liquor accumulators, one white liquor accumulator, one specialty additive accumulator) now coming on line, with complete computer control.
• Mechanical Pulping:  Simple to advanced processing can be accomplished on a Sunds Defibrator CD-300 pilot plant system, with 3.5 ton/day capacity, two full independent stages of refining, and a pressurized interstage reactor.
• Non-wood Fiber Processing:  Non-wood fibers of all types can be pulped, bleached, and formed into sheets at both bench and pilot scales.
• Chlorine-Free and Alternative Bleaching: Oxygen, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, peracids, and other agents can be applied at a wide range of consistencies. Pilot-scale production available for some agents.
• Recycled Fiber Processing: Bench- and pilot-scale capabilities include pulping, coarse and fine screening, forward and reverse centrifugal cleaning, flotation and washing deinking, and bleaching. Specialties include stickies characterization and removal, recyclability evaluation for coatings and additives, and optimization of centrifugal cleaning operations.
• Biological Treatment of Pulp and Effluents: Enzymes and other agents can be used for pulping and bleaching of raw materials, assisting pulping and bleaching, and property modification of recycled and virgin fiber furnishes. Effluents can also be biologically treated.
• Papermaking Processes:  Various furnishes can be made into paper on a pilot Fourdrinier with a 12-inch deckle and 11-inch reel width. Full stock preparation facilities are available. Batches as small as 150 pounds (OD) can be processed easily. The machine is capable of continuous additives metering to multiple points on the wet end, machine and soft nip calendering, a new gate-roll metering size press (available in late 1997), electronic speed and draw control and weight, moisture and caliper control by a Measurex process control computer.
• Paper Testing & Thermal Analysis Technical Services: we offer various types of tests and analyses for pulp, paper, fiber-reinforced composites, polymers, and other materials, including thermal analysis services (TGA/DSC/DMA). Most of these tests are based on TAPPI Standard Test Methods. Other specialized or non-standard tests may be considered, but only after some prior consultation with our managing staff. We put emphasis on the quality of service, especially on the accuracy of testing equipment, careful measurement techniques and methods, and prompt turnover of results.

Please contact us for more information on our technical services or to discuss any special requests you may have.

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