Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

This proposed, multi-disciplinary research program aims to reduce electrical energy consumption in the mechanical pulping process by 20% through scientific discovery and the development of new technology while maintaining or improving product quality and production. To accomplish this goal, we propose a range of projects that span the risk-reward spectrum from incremental to transformative. The program supports our shared vision that future mechanical pulp mills will transition to an increased reliance on energy efficient, low consistency (LC) refining and the reduction of high consistency mainline refining. The research will focus on the development of new technologies and understanding that will support our current mills and their transition towards this vision. The proposed research projects include: Novel mechanical pulping, ultra-low intensity LC refining, chemical and biological pre-treatments, reducing LC refining no-load power, improving latency removal, increasing pumping efficiency and system integration and control. This student based research program will be conducted by a team of faculty at the UBC Pulp and Paper Centre in partnership with a consortium of pulp and paper mills, supplier companies and Paprican.