Kraftpulpista

Kraftpulpista is a term used in the pulp and paper industry to describe a professional who specializes in kraft pulping, the chemical process by which wood is converted into kraft pulp. The term can refer to operators, process engineers, or supervisors who work in kraft mills.

Overview of the kraft process: Wood chips are cooked in alkaline liquor (white liquor) containing sodium hydroxide and sodium sulfide, at elevated temperature and pressure, to dissolve lignin and leave cellulose fibers. The resulting pulp is strong and has good strength properties, making it suitable for packaging and printing papers. The process also produces black liquor, which is burned in a recovery boiler to generate energy and recover chemicals.

Role and responsibilities: A kraftpulpista monitors cooking conditions, chemical dosages, digester performance, and pulp quality; oversees chemical recovery, energy balance, and equipment maintenance; ensures safety, environmental compliance, and data documentation.

History and context: The kraft process developed in the 19th century and became the dominant pulping method worldwide due to strong fibers and efficient chemical recovery. Its evolution includes advanced bleaching methods (chlorine-free options) and enhanced environmental controls.

Related topics include the kraft process, black liquor recovery, and bleaching methods used in kraft pulping.