At the end of this module, you will be able to:
- List the processes that produce market pulp bales
- Describe the impact each pulp drying process has on fiber properties/characteristics
- Describe the purpose or goal of the forming section of a pulp dryer
- Explain why pulp is pressed
- Identify the goal of pulp drying
- Describe airborne pulp drying process and equipment
- Identify and describe the key processes or steps for forming pulp bales
- Identify and describe pulp baling equipment
- Identify and describe typical pulp bale labeling and dimensions
- Identify and describe pulp drying and baling safety hazards and guidelines
The following key questions are answered in this module:
How is market pulp made?
A thick pulp web is formed and pressed using equipment similar to a paper machine. Usually, the pulp sheet is dried in an airborne dryer. After the pulp is dried, it is cut in to sheets. The sheets are collected into bales which are compressed, wrapped, and strapped.
What is an airborne dryer?
An airborne dryer is a large enclosed structure. The pulp web enters the top of the enclosure and makes several horizontal passes around unheated rolls. Fans force air through blow boxes and onto the pulp web. The air removes water and carries it away from the pulp web.
What are blow boxes?
Blow boxes are air headers that direct air onto the pulp sheet. The pulp web travels between upper and lower blow boxes. The lower boxes blow air to help hold the sheet above the box.
How is the pulp web cut into sheets?
The pulp web is cut lengthwise by slitters. Then a rotary cutter cuts the sheet width-wise.
How are the bales wrapped?
Two larger sheets of pulp are folded around the stack of cut pulp sheets and secured with either wires or straps.
Below is a transcript of the video sample provided for this module:
Once the pulp stack is compressed, it can be wrapped. Typically, the bales are wrapped with larger sheets of the same grade pulp. Two wrapper sheets are used for each bale: one for the bottom and one for the top. The bottom wrap is folded up the sides of the bale first, and then the top wrap is folded down to overlap the bottom wrap. One or two wires or straps are tied around the bale to hold the wrap in place. After the bale is wrapped, it passes a printer. Information such as bale weight, pulp type, company name, or barcode can be printed on the outside of the wrap. The bale is then rotated 90 degrees on a turntable, and the end flaps are tucked in. Two more wires or straps are applied to finish wrapping the bale.
Use the additional resources and links below to learn more about this topic: