1. Wet End Chemistry – fundamentals – Oct. 19

Basic terms describing wet end chemistry of paper machine will be discussed and their importance for papermaking operations. Colloidal system, its stability, pH, charge, conductivity, hardness, buffers, ionic interactions will be discussed. Major chemical applications will be introduced. After completing this class you will understand how this factors affect papermaking systems and define successful strategies for paper machine optimization.

2. Wet End Chemistry – retention programs – Oct. 26

Retention program are key chemical applications on paper machines producing all kinds of grades of paper. Definitions of retention, mechanisms of retention, available retention polymers and retention programs will be discussed. Finally retention program selection, application and monitoring and impact on sheet properties will presented. Since retention of mineral fillers and pigments is a major role of retention program a brief overview of fillers and their properties will be included.

3. Managing Extractives – how to operate cleaner paper machine – Nov. 15

Pitch, stickies, coated broke related deposition problems affect paper machine efficiency and product quality significantly. Chemical composition of extractives and impact of wet end conditions on extractives stability will be discussed and lead to defining logical and effective control strategies. Understanding mechanisms of deposition, application of fixatives and various detackification strategies will prepare you to troubleshoot and initiate corrective actions when facing stubborn deposition issues in various sections of paper machine or at your customer’s printing presses.

4. Mechanical Grades of Paper – stability – Nov. 21

What affects paper machine stability? Why my white water consistency changes and what should I do to correct it? These type of questions are asked often and do not apply just to chemical factors. In this class we will focus on chemical sources of instability, their sources and corrective actions available. Although mechanical grades of paper with their on-machine brightening processes are most affected by instability this class would benefit also producers of other grades.

5. Understanding compatibility of chemical applications – Dec. 7

Can some of my chemical applications negatively affect other? Can my wet end chemistry be simplified? These are questions that should be asked every time new chemical application is considered. In this class we will discuss major types of unwanted interactions possible when various new chemicals are introduced. Precipitation leading to deposits, optical interactions leading to brightness or shade issues, interaction between reducing agents and oxidizers and interaction of various surface active materials may cause problems that could be predicted. This class will not teach you all possible interactions but will sensitize you to the need of holistic approach to wet end chemical applications.