Business from technology

Fibre processes

We develop new energy efficient unit processes and concepts for paper making in our unique research environments. Our aim is to develop end-product properties and manage production using different raw material and process concepts.

Our competence is based on the control and development of various technologies, such as:

• Papermaking sub-processes
  
• Fibre suspension flow
  
• Web rheology and modelling
  
• Impact of raw materials on the end product
  
• Control of secondary flows in the pulp and paper industry
  
• Mechanical fibre processing
  

Challenges

The competitiveness of the Finnish forest industry has faced great challenges in past years and is facing especially great challenges now. The availability of wood, the significant growth of raw material costs, and an increase in the price of energy have exerted a direct impact on the profitability of current business operations. The financial success of the forest industry cluster will mainly depend on its ability in innovation and the development of the global financial situation. Our response to these challenges is to develop solutions that improve the efficiency of existing processes and production lines, and to develop new fibre-based products and business models that meet the needs of the Finnish forest industry cluster.

Solutions

Our task is to demonstrate the real potential of development ideas, which can then be used by industry in the subsequent phases of the product development chain.

Examples:

• New solutions for dosing and controlling chemicals in papermaking processes
  
• New paper raw material and end-product solutions
  
• New technologies for unit process entities
  
• New fibre product concepts
  

Our research includes development and streamlining measures related to existing production lines and development projects related to entirely new product applications.

Benefits

Through our work, we are able to speed up the research and product development efforts of our customers. We respond efficiently to urgent and challenging assignments from our customers, using our competence and unique research environments.

References

• Two research professorships and two docentships (University of Jyväskylä, Tampere University of Technology)
  
• Industry has bought approximately 30 inventions and has commercialised head box, drying and measuring techniques that we have developed together (research references – link)
  
• Research cooperation: University of Maine, University of British Columbia