GH61 Polypeptides for Pulp Freeness and Compression Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current paper and packaging pulp processing technologies face challenges in improving pulp freeness and short span compression strength, as existing enzymatic treatments have limitations in enhancing on-machine performance and manufacturing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The application of GH61 polypeptides, alone or in combination with other enzymes, to pulp during the paper-making process to enzymatically dissolve colloidal substances and fibrils, thereby improving freeness and compression strength by enhancing water drainage and reducing bound water content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing enzymatic treatments are used to improve pulp properties, then some pulp characteristics are enhanced, but on-machine performance and manufacturing efficiency remain limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies GH61 polypeptides with specific enzymatic parameters optimized for dissolving colloidal substances and fibrils in pulp. By changing the enzymatic parameters (using GH61 specifically with optimal concentration and treatment conditions), the patent achieves improved freeness and drainage characteristics that directly enhance on-machine performance while maintaining manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical refining processes with enzymatic treatment using GH61 polypeptides. This substitution reduces mechanical energy consumption and improves pulp properties more effectively, leading to better on-machine performance and enhanced manufacturing efficiency by eliminating the need for excessive mechanical refining
2Productivity
If colloidal substances and fibrils are not removed from pulp, then pulp structure is maintained, but drainage and water removal are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes colloidal substances and fibrils from the pulp matrix using GH61 polypeptides. The enzyme specifically targets and dissolves these components, freeing them from the pulp structure. This extraction improves drainage and water removal rates while maintaining the essential fibrous structure needed for paper formation
Solution Approach 2:
The GH61 polypeptide acts as an intermediary agent between the colloidal substances/fibrils and the water phase. By binding to and dissolving these components, the enzyme facilitates water drainage and removal while preserving the structural integrity of the remaining pulp fibers
3Use of energy by moving object
If bound water content is high in pulp, then fiber bonding is maintained, but energy consumption for drying increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary enzymatic treatment with GH61 polypeptides to reduce bound water content before the drying stage. By dissolving colloidal substances and fibrils that hold bound water, the treatment prepares the pulp for more efficient drying, reducing energy consumption while maintaining fiber bonding capabilities through controlled modification of the pulp structure
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
This approach significantly improves pulp freeness and short span compression strength, leading to enhanced on-machine performance, reduced energy consumption, and cost-effective manufacturing by optimizing drainage and drying processes.
Implementation Method 1
treating or contacting the pulp with a glycoside hydrolase Family 61 (GH61) polypeptide during the paper or board making process
Implementation Method 2
the mechanism appears to include enzymatic dissolution of colloidal substances and fibrils that tend to restrict the free drainage of water from the consolidating fibrous web
Data Source
AI summary
The use of GH61 polypeptides in the treatment of pulp, for improving the freeness of the pulp, and/or for improving the short span compression strength of paper materials made from the pulp, such as paper, linerboard, corrugated paperboard, tissue, towels, corrugated containers and boxes.