Biofilm Control in Pulp and Paper Processes
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial processes like paper and board manufacturing, microorganisms and biofilms pose significant challenges due to high temperatures, high flow rates, and high cellulosic fibre content, leading to defects, web breaks, and machine stops, with conventional biocides proving ineffective at controlling biofilm growth in these conditions.
Innovation Solution
The use of a composition comprising 3-[(4-methylphenyl)sulphonyl]-2-propenenitrile and 4-amino-N-2-thiazolyl-benzenesulphonamide is effective in controlling biofilm and microorganism growth in aqueous environments with high temperatures and flow rates, providing a low-dosage antimicrobial solution that outperforms conventional agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional biocides are used in pulp, paper and board manufacture, then they are regularly applied in recirculating water flows, but they fail to effectively control biofilm growth under process conditions (high temperature, high flow rates, high cellulosic fibre content)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting biocidal agents with specific chemical properties (oxidizing capacity, stability) that are adapted to withstand the harsh process conditions of pulp, paper and board manufacture including high temperatures, high flow rates, and high cellulosic fibre content. The invention identifies biocides that maintain their biocidal activity under these specific parameter conditions where conventional biocides fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by recognizing that different locations in the paper machine have different requirements for biofilm control. The invention targets specific problem areas such as the wire section, press section, and drying section with appropriate biocidal treatments, acknowledging that biofilm formation risks vary by location and process conditions vary locally throughout the manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If biocidal agents are selected for good biocidal performance, then they must withstand high temperature, high flow rates and high oxidizer demand, but the selection of suitable agents is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically evaluates biocidal agents based on specific parameters including oxidizing capacity, thermal stability, and compatibility with high flow rates and cellulosic fibre content. This parameter-based selection approach identifies a limited but effective range of biocides that can withstand the demanding process conditions while maintaining biocidal activity, resolving the contradiction between performance and availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent may combine multiple biocidal agents or combine biocides with other process chemicals to create composite treatment solutions that enhance overall biocidal performance while maintaining compatibility with process conditions. This composite approach allows leveraging the strengths of different agents to achieve reliable biofilm control under harsh conditions.
3Reliability
If microorganisms are continuously present and introduced in the middle of the continuous process, then contamination occurs from air, incoming raw water and non-sterile raw materials, but conventional biocides cannot effectively control growth under these conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing biocidal treatment at strategic points in the continuous process where microorganisms are likely to be introduced or where biofilm formation is most problematic. This proactive approach prevents microbial growth before it can cause defects, web breaks, or machine stops, rather than attempting to control established contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous biocidal action throughout the paper making process by maintaining residual biocide concentrations in recirculating water flows and applying treatments continuously rather than intermittently. This continuous action is necessary to counter the continuous introduction of microorganisms from air, raw water, and raw materials throughout the manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling of a biofilm, for removing a formed biofilm and/or for controlling a growth of microorganisms, preferably bacteria, in an aqueous environment of an industrial manufacturing process comprising cellulosic fibre material. In the method a composition comprising a compound selected from a group consisting of 3-[(4-methylphenyl)sulphonyl]-2-propenenitrile and 4-amino-N-2-thiazolyl-benzenesulphonamide is administered to the aqueous environment of the process.