Pulp digester modeling

Research Project, 2018 – 2019

The goal is to develop 3-D mechanistic models for flow, reaction (delignification), mass- and heat transport, in pulp digesters. The models will be used for better design, operation and scale-up, and validated and evaluated at different scales. For example, the flows to obtain a desired product at lowest energy and operation cost and with the highest material yield, can be optimized. The project is divided into the highly connected subtasks: • Identify and quantify the distinct mechanistic transport/reaction steps for the penetration of digestion chemicals into the lignocellulosic structure and the dissolution of lignin • Flow model for the flow of cooking liquid through the material • Couple flow and transport/reaction models The project is planned as an industrial PhD in cooperation between Chemical Engineering at Chalmers and Valmet. A suitable PhD candidate, Sofia Evysdotter, is already employed at Valmet.