The use of Model Predictive Control (MPC) optimizes the kraft bleaching process

Kraft bleaching is one of the most complex processes for control and optimization within the pulp and paper industry. The intricacy of this process is accentuated by the number of competing reactions at every bleaching stage, which is complicated further by mills using wood of varying quality. Each mill has a bespoke demand or parameter that needs to be realized, while focusing on the challenge of reducing chemical usage and inconsistencies in final brightness and kraft bleaching mills already utilize several process solutions to meet this challenge, with kappa factor methodology one of the more common.

This article has been first published in World Pulp&Paper 2019.