Using cupriethylenediamine (CED) solution to decrease cellulose fibre network strength for removal of pulp fibre plugs

Abstract

The pulp and paper industry is the largest industrial sector that converts wood-based materials into fibre-related products. It is common for pulp fibre plugs to develop within pipelines and equipment causing operational downtime, which ultimately requires the use of costly procedures for plug removal. In this study, a laboratory-scale set-up was developed to measure the breakup pressure of pre-formed plugs to indicate the plug (fibre network) strength. A cupriethylenediamine (CED) solution was investigated with regards to its ability to decrease the plug strength. When the concentration of the CED solution is 0.1 M or lower, the plug breakup pressure increases due to fibre swelling. Conversely, when the CED concentration is 0.2 M or greater, the plug breakup pressure decreases significantly due to partial fibre dissolution.