Magnesium Ion Stabilization of Cellulose During Ozone Pulp Bleaching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The bleaching of chemical paper pulps using ozone leads to significant depolymerization of cellulose during the ozone processing and subsequent alkaline extraction, which is not effectively addressed by existing methods, resulting in pulp quality issues.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating magnesium ions (Mg2+) during the alkaline extraction phase following ozone processing, either before, during, or after the alkaline extraction, to minimize cellulose depolymerization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ozone processing followed by alkaline extraction is used for bleaching chemical paper pulps, then delignification efficiency and brightness are improved, but cellulose depolymerization increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelignification efficiencyVSAvoidcellulose polymerization degree
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Magnesium ions are introduced as an intermediary substance during the alkaline extraction phase. These ions mediate between the alkaline environment and cellulose molecules, preventing direct harmful interactions that cause depolymerization while allowing the extraction of oxidized lignin products to proceed effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The chemical environment parameters during alkaline extraction are modified by adding magnesium ions. This changes the ionic composition and pH buffering characteristics of the extraction medium, creating conditions that are less detrimental to cellulose stability while maintaining effective delignification capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional bleaching sequences with chlorinated oxidants are used, then delignification is achieved, but organochlorine compounds are formed contaminating the pulp

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedelignificationVSAvoidorganochlorine compounds
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bleaching approach is shifted from chlorinated oxidants to ozone, representing a fundamental change in the chemical parameters of the oxidation process. Ozone provides effective delignification through different reaction mechanisms that do not produce organochlorine contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent addresses the harmful byproducts of conventional bleaching by replacing the oxidant system entirely. Ozone decomposition produces only oxygen as a byproduct, converting a potentially harmful chemical process into an environmentally benign one while maintaining delignification effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 presence of magnesium ions during alkaline extraction significantly reduces cellulose depolymerization, maintaining pulp quality and enhancing the polymerization degree of cellulose, while maintaining delignification and brightness performance.

Implementation Method 1

This treatment is based on the oxidization of the phenolic cycles in the lignin which, after being converted into —COOH hydrophilic groups, can be eliminated by washing in a solution

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

it has been shown that during a chemical paper pulp process including ozone processing followed by alkaline extraction, it was possible to reduce the depolymerization of the cellulose substantially if the alkaline extraction takes place in the presence of magnesium (Mg2+) cations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon stabilization: Ion Repulsion/Attraction

Data Source

PatentUS10006168B2Method for treating chemical pulps by treatment with ozone in the presence of magnesium ions
Publication Date: 2018.06.26 LAIR LIQUIDE SA POUR LETUDE & LEXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE

AI summary

This invention relates to a method for treating chemical paper pulp comprising a step of treating the pulp with ozone followed by a step of alkaline extraction, in which alkaline extraction takes place in the presence of magnesium ions (Mg2+).