EXACT Industrial Research School
Industrial Research School in forest-based bioeconomy and digitization
News
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2024-06-12
New research for more energy-efficient paper manufacturing
Dewatering during paper manufacturing is a highly energy-intensive process. New research shows how the process can be made more efficient concerning energy consumption.
– In my research, I have looked at the manufacturing of grease-proof paper, says Björn Öman, an industrial doctoral student in chemical engineering. Grease-proof paper is extremely compact, enough to act as a barrier to fat, grease, and water. The more compact the paper, the more energy is used for dewatering.
During dewatering, the paper passes through several vacuum suction boxes, normally five to eight boxes. This creates a problem of rewetting, that is, the paper has time to absorb already removed water again, before being transported to the next step.
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2024-05-30
Sustainable and efficient pellets production
There is a great interest in sustainable energy production and pellets provide an energy source that is both efficient and renewable. A recently published thesis looks at how pellets can be produced more efficiently through different sawdust mixtures and storage times.
– In my research, I have looked at how sawdust from different parts of the tree affects the final product and the role of the drying process, says Workson Siwale, who recently completed his PhD in environmental and energy systems. The goal is to produce pellets with more consistent quality, avoid storage losses and at the same time increase knowledge of how different sawdust mixtures affect the end product.
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2024-05-22
Research team tests new circular fertilizer for plants and woodland
The research project is about testing a new type of forest fertilizer, based on nutrient-rich industrial residues from pulp and paper mills. This closes the circle by making use of residual products and returning nutrients to growing plants and woodland.
– Our project group includes several companies, universities and organisations, says Maria Sandberg, docent in Environmental and Energy Systems at Karlstad University. She is also the research leader of the collaborative project behind the development of a new type of fertilizer for growing forests, called enriched hydrocoal.
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2024-04-22
Medal for Excellencies in Research
Salman Raza Naqvi, senior lecturer in chemical engineering, has been awarded a medal by the Government of Pakistan for his research.
– I feel very honored and it was a nice ceremony where I got to receive the award that was presented by the president at a ceremony where many prominent scientists were honored, says Salman Raza Naqvi.
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2024-03-05
Research for a cost-effective and environmentally friendly pulp and paper industry
Aerobic treatment of industrial wastewater from the pulp and paper industry is the most expensive treatment step in the purification process. New research shows how the purification of wastewater from pulp manufacturing can be made more energy efficient by predicting the oxygen-transfer rate and thereby enabling a way to regulate the aeration.
- Our published study is about analysing oxygenation of water in order to predict the oxygen-transfer rate depending on the concentration of surfactants in the water, says Kamal Rezk, Senior Lecturer in Environmental and Energy Systems. The study focuses on the surfactant lauric acid, which is a common substance in contaminated water from the pulp and paper industry.
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2024-03-01
Chemical Engineering Students on Study Visit to Billerud Gruvön
The students, enrolled in the Master of Science in Chemical Engineering Programme with a focus on forest bioeconomy, had the opportunity to visit Billerud Gruvön. Among other things, they observed the massive cardboard machine KM7 and interacted with employees, deepening their knowledge of paper and cardboard manufacturing.
- This study visit was organized in conjunction with the course on bio-based materials and products, says Beko Mesic, a lecturer in chemical engineering.