Soy Protein Dewatering Agent for Papermaking Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The papermaking process is limited by the efficiency of water removal, with costs increasing in subsequent dewatering processes, necessitating the removal of as much water as possible in earlier stages to enhance production rate and reduce costs.
Innovation Solution
The use of a dewatering agent solution comprising soy-based components, such as soy protein or soy flour, added to the papermaking or pulp drying process to enhance water removal efficiency, particularly through vacuum and press dewatering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If more water is removed in earlier dewatering processes, then production rate increases and costs decrease, but dewatering efficiency is limited by the natural dewatering capacity of the slurry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (protein-based flocculant or dewatering aid) that mediates between the slurry particles and water. This intermediary promotes flocculation of fine particles and enhances the dewatering process by creating larger aggregates that separate more easily from water, thereby improving both dewatering efficiency and production rate without increasing costs of subsequent dewatering steps.
2Reliability
If conventional dewatering methods are used, then process simplicity is maintained, but water removal efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing chemical additives (protein-based flocculants or dewatering aids) that alter the physical-chemical parameters of the slurry system. These additives change the surface properties of particles, promote flocculation, and enhance water removal efficiency through vacuum and press dewatering processes, achieving better water removal without significant process complexity increases.
3Reliability
If protein-based dewatering agents are added, then dewatering efficiency improves, but additional chemical treatment steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service principles by using protein-based flocculants or dewatering aids that automatically perform multiple functions: they flocculate fine particles, enhance water removal, and can be integrated into existing dewatering equipment without requiring separate treatment systems. The additives work within the existing vacuum and press dewatering processes, minimizing additional process complexity while maximizing dewatering efficiency.
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
Significantly improves dewatering efficiency by increasing the solids content of the paper sheet, thereby reducing moisture content and enhancing production rates while minimizing costs.
Implementation Method 1
WO 2014/014790 A2 discloses a method of treating a suspension of particles in a fluid including the steps of promoting flocculation of the particles, and dewatering the flocs to form a cake
Implementation Method 2
vacuum dewatering techniques are utilized
Implementation Method 3
press dewatering
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and compositions for improving dewatering efficiency during a papermaking or pulp drying process are disclosed. The methods can include a step of adding a dewatering agent solution to a location on a paper machine or pulp drying machine. The dewatering agent solution can include a soy based component. The soy based component can be soy flour or soy protein. The dewatering agent solution can be added to a wet end location of the pulp drying machine or paper machine or it can be sprayed onto a paper sheet prior to entering the press section of a paper machine. Additional dewatering agent solutions can also be added. The additional dewatering agent solutions can include cationic polymers or surfactants.