Thermicanaceae Detection in Fibrous Web Process Water
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paper and board manufacturing processes face challenges with high microbial growth, particularly from bacteria of the family Thermicanaceae, leading to issues such as acid production, pH drop, and increased conductivity, which affect process performance and product quality.
Innovation Solution
Development of methods and tools for specific detection and control of Thermicanaceae bacteria using primers, probes, and biocides/enzyme inhibitors, allowing for targeted monitoring and reduction of these bacteria in cellulose fiber suspensions and process water, optimizing biocide/enzyme inhibitor use, and improving process hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biocides and enzyme inhibitors are used continuously to control bacteria, then bacterial growth is suppressed, but chemical load and water consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of Thermicanaceae bacteria using specific molecular methods (qPCR, sequencing) before initiating biocide treatment. This allows treatment to be applied only when bacteria are detected above threshold levels, rather than continuous application, thereby reducing chemical load while maintaining process stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback control mechanism where bacterial levels are continuously monitored and treatment decisions are based on real-time data. When bacteria exceed predetermined thresholds, treatment is triggered; when levels are acceptable, treatment is reduced or stopped, optimizing chemical usage while ensuring process reliability
2Quantity of substance
If overall microorganism population is measured, then general contamination is monitored, but specific problem-causing bacteria cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the microorganism population measurement into hierarchical levels: first measuring overall microbial load, then using specific molecular methods (16S rRNA sequencing, qPCR with Thermicanaceae-specific primers) to identify and quantify specific problem-causing bacteria within that population, providing both breadth and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses molecular intermediaries (specific DNA primers, probes, and sequencing markers) to bridge the gap between general population measurement and specific bacteria identification. These intermediaries enable selective detection of Thermicanaceae bacteria within the overall microbial community
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pH drop and conductivity increase are allowed to occur, then process conditions deteriorate, but immediate treatment increases chemical usage
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects Thermicanaceae bacteria at early stages before they produce sufficient acid to cause significant pH drop or conductivity increase. By identifying the bacteria presence early, treatment can be applied preventively rather than reactively, avoiding process deterioration and reducing the amount of chemical needed for correction
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
Enables effective and cost-efficient monitoring and control of Thermicanaceae bacteria, reducing chemical load, minimizing water consumption, and ensuring consistent product quality by using biocides and enzyme inhibitors only when necessary, thus maintaining optimal process conditions.
Implementation Method 1
allowing a primer or probe, which is capable of specific hybridization with a polynucleotide of a bacterium belonging to the family Thermicanaceae, to hybridize with said polynucleotide of a sample
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the fields of determining bacteria and/or manufacturing fibrous webs. Specifically, the invention relates to a method for determining bacteria belonging to the family Thermicanaceae in a cellulose fiber suspension, process water for a production method of a fibrous web, a fibrous web or a machine for producing a fibrous web, and optionally controlling said bacteria, and a method for determining a bacterium belonging to the family Thermicanaceae in a sample. Also, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a fibrous web. The present invention further relates to specific primers, primer pairs, probes and kits for determining bacteria belonging to the family Thermicanaceae, and uses thereof. And still, the present invention relates to use of one or more biocides and/or one or more enzyme inhibitors for controlling bacteria belonging to the family Thermicanaceae and a system for controlling said bacteria.