ExpoFiber - exposure of detailed quality information from fiber distribution data

Purpose and goal:

A crucial step in the transition to a bio-based circular economy is to broaden the use of wood fiber-based materials, to replace, e.g., fossil-based packaging. We want to make more wood fiber material with more even quality available at lower energy use by utilizing measurements of individual fiber properties in pulp production. This is made possible through modern analysis, visualization, and machine learning methods for large amounts of data on site in the pulp mill.

Expected results and effects:

An upgraded full-scale system for controlling pulp production based on individual fiber properties will be demonstrated in the factory. There, the pulping process is directed toward improved utilization, energy efficiency and higher and more even product quality. The fiber raw material, which is a renewable but limited resource, will thus be better utilized, and become available for more product types with a lower carbon footprint.

Approach and implementation:

At the pulp mills Skoghall and Braviken, the pulp fibers are measured on an individual level using optical methods online. Unprocessed fibers from the wood raw material are also measured in a laboratory. In the big data sets, which include distributions of particle properties, there is information about how the fibers are processed and what the effects on product quality. We develop modern visualization and analysis methods for process control toward even quality and lower energy consumption.