Chemical pulping is a significant step in the paper-making process. This type of pulping effectively breaks down the chemical structure of the lignin. As a result, the lignin gets soluble in the cooking liquor and later gets separated from the cellulose fibres. In simple words, chemical pulping via a laboratory pulping unit frees the cellulose fibres by breaking down the bond (that lignin creates between plant cells). This pulp is further sent for bleaching so that a white and bright paper can be produced.
Many paper manufacturers opt for laboratory chemical pulping over mechanical pulping, even if it costs more and produces a lower yield. This is because it offers several benefits that are often missing in mechanical pulping. Let us look at these benefits in the following section.
Advantages of Lab Production of Chemical Pulp
Chemical pulping in lab settings maintains the original length of fibres. They make use of a laboratory pulping unit to perform the chemical pulping process. This unit is a specially designed instrument that cooks wood chips in six separate autoclaves and ensures efficient cooking.
Secondly, laboratory production also helps in making a robust paper. Such a strong paper possesses more durability and uniform characteristics and finds space in high-end applications. For instance, magazine covers, high-quality business flyers, brochures, etc.
Chemical pulping also promotes the efficient use of energy. The burning of lignin generates the maximum amount of heat and electricity, required to perform chemical pulping. This lignin, although, gets removed during the process but caters to the requirements of the unit.
This type of pulping also makes sure that after reaching the VAT machine, the pulp does not take much time to produce the handmade pulp sheets. The VAT machine is a specifically designed unit for quickly preparing handmade pulp sheets. Once proper sheets are prepared on this unit, they are sent for drying and uniform pressing.
Since chemical pulping completely breaks down the wood structure that mainly contains lignin, the paper produced is called wood-free paper. This unbleached paper is highly reliable and also supports bleaching without getting damaged.
Conclusion
Chemical pulping technology is chosen by a majority of manufacturers in the industry. Thanks to its varied benefits of laboratory production of chemical pulp. Here, we can say that it is worthwhile to invest in lab pulping units to get the desired pulp for a strong paper. Connect with leading manufacturers of pulp testing machines, such as UEC, to source high-performance chemical pulping instruments. Visit the website to know more.