Non-Wood Feedstock Silica Removal Process

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pre-treatment methods for non-wood feedstocks, particularly empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibers, struggle to effectively remove silica impurities while minimizing damage to the cellulosic component, which is critical for producing high-quality paper and textile-grade pulps.

Innovation Solution

A multi-step process involving washing, acid treatment, and alkali treatment of non-wood feedstock, including additional washing steps, to displace and remove silica bodies while preserving the structural integrity of the fibers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If harsh pre-treatment methods are used to remove silica from EFB feedstock, then silica removal efficiency is improved, but damage to the cellulosic component increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesilica removal efficiencyVSAvoidstructural integrity of fibers

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-treatment process is divided into multiple sequential steps (washing, acid treatment, alkali treatment, intermediate washing, final washing) that progressively remove different types of impurities. This segmentation allows silica removal to be achieved through cumulative effect of milder treatments rather than a single harsh treatment, preserving fiber integrity while achieving low silica content in the final pulp

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The process performs preliminary removal of oils, ash, and non-process elements through washing and acid treatment before the main silica removal step with alkali treatment. This preliminary action reduces the overall treatment intensity needed for silica removal, preventing excessive damage to the cellulosic component while preparing the feedstock for effective silica removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple washing steps are added to the pre-treatment process, then silica removal efficiency is improved, but process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesilica removal efficiencyVSAvoidprocess complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The process combines multiple washing steps with acid and alkali treatment steps into a single integrated pre-treatment sequence. The intermediate washing step between acid and alkali treatment serves dual purposes: removing acid residues and preparing the feedstock for alkali treatment. This merging achieves high silica removal efficiency while avoiding the need for separate, complex treatment systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method achieves low silica content in the pre-treated feedstock, enabling production of Dissolving Pulp and Kraft Pulp suitable for textiles and paper products with reduced machinery damage and improved efficiency in existing pulp mills.

Implementation Method 1

contacting the washed non-wood feedstock with an acid solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcid treatment:

Implementation Method 2

contacting the washed non-wood feedstock with an alkali solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAlkali treatment:

Data Source

PatentEP4334525B1Process for treating non-wood feedstock

Publication Date: 2025.09.24 ASIA PACIFIC RESOURCES INT HLDG LTD

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Figure 3(a)~3(b)
Figure 4(a)~5

AI summary

Methods for pre-treating non-wood feedstock, in particular, empty fruit bunch (EFB) 5 feedstock and pulps obtained using these methods are described.