System Integration & Control Systems Design


ABB Instrumentation for bleaching of pulp suspensions

May 2016 System Integration & Control Systems Design

Unbleached pulp has a brown colour due to the remaining lignin of the mechanical pulp. As a result, the pulp requires bleaching to achieve the required quality for producing white paper.

Bleaching is a process that improves the purity and brightness of fibre suspensions using chemicals. Usually, a bleaching plant comprises the reaction container and machines, the piping, the equipment for refilling, storing and conditioning the bleaching chemicals, and the control system for pulp bleaching. A bleaching plant normally comprises several bleaching stages, for economic reasons.

A conventional multi-stage bleaching plant contains several bleaching towers and peroxide stages with downstream washing units. Using multi-stage systems on one hand reduces the expenditure regarding chemicals and heat, but on the other, requires specific bleaching chemicals and processing conditions to achieve some targets (e.g. a high degree of whiteness combined with a low stability loss of the fibres).

Principle of operation

Coloured pulp is conveyed from the digester via the delignification to the first stage of the bleaching system. The pulp reaches the first bleaching tower, where a hydrostatic pressure transmitter (L) and electromagnetic flowmeters (F) provide for constant levels and optimal production rates. Additionally, the chemicals are supplied to the bleaching tower.

Electromagnetic flowmeters (F) are used for dosing control. Pressure transmitters (P), temperature sensors (T) and pH measuring systems (pH) monitor the chemical reactions and reduce both quality variations and the energy cost.

After this, the pulp reaches the washing unit, where a wash filter removes the bleaching products. Conductivity measuring systems (mS) ensure an optimal washing process and provide for constant balancing of the salt content in the process. Filter and sieve monitoring for long-term efficient filtration is realised using differential pressure transmitters (dP).

The process described here repeats in subsequent oxygen and peroxide stages.

ABB offers a comprehensive portfolio for optimal papermaking. Engineered solutions for process measurement advanced systems ensure process efficiency together with state-of-the-art instrumentation.

(F) Electromagnetic flowmeter FSM4000, separated model:

• Suitable for multi-phase liquids.

• High performance due to DSP technology.

• Short response time undisturbed output.

• Local indication of measuring value.

• Integrated monitoring and diagnosis functions.

(T) Temperature sensor TSP121 with integrated head mounted transmitter TTH300:

• Various process connections.

• Optionally with tip for short response time.

• Measuring insert replaceable during operation.

• Various selectable transmitter types.

(P,L) Pressure transmitter 261G:

• Wide range of possible spans.

• Various process connections.

• Optional control and display panel.

• Optimised for harsh process conditions.

(dP) Transmitter for differential pressure 266DS:

• High base accuracy 0.04%.

• Long term stability.

• Wide range of available sensors.

• Various process connections.

(pH) pH/Redox measuring system with transmitter TB82pH and sensor TB557:

• Single-rod measuring cells with wood diaphragm.

• Various electrode models, resistant to deposits.

• Long life cycle, minimum maintenance requirements.

• Robust transmitter with sensor diagnostics.

(mS) Conductivity measuring system with transmitter TB82EC and sensor TB465:

• High pressure and temperature resistance.

• Various optimised designs.

• Robust transmitter with sensor diagnostics.

• High availability and easy operation.

For more information contact ABB South Africa, +27 (0)10 202 5000, [email protected], www.abb.com/measurement



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Smart power solutions for a low-carbon future
ABB South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
As the world marked Earth Day 2026, ABB is highlighting the role of low-voltage smart power solutions in improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions and enabling more sustainable infrastructure.

Read more...
DCS for maximum plant efficiency and reliability
ABB South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has introduced SPR2025, the latest Symphony Plus DCS package release to enable modernisation and efficient performance for the process and power industries.

Read more...
Sustainable manufacturing
ABB South Africa IT in Manufacturing
ABB’s production facility in Shandong province, China is delivering measurable energy and emissions reductions through the implementation of advanced digital energy management and electrification solutions.

Read more...
South African paper producer partners with ABB
ABB South Africa Motion Control & Drives
Neopak, a leading manufacturer of containerboard and paper products, has renewed its partnership with global technology company, ABB to upgrade the existing automation system at its Rosslyn Paper Mill in Pretoria.

Read more...
Powering the future of Africa’s smart cities
ABB South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
ABB Electrification is driving Africa’s transition to smarter, more sustainable cities through its suite of integrated technologies designed to improve energy efficiency, resilience and connectivity across urban infrastructure.

Read more...
PCS Global
PCS Global System Integration & Control Systems Design
Project and industry: PCS Global led a digital infrastructure initiative in a southern African data centre setting, aiming to merge several essential operational systems into one cohesive platform. ...

Read more...
Seamless migration from ET 200M to ET 200SP HA for future-ready automation
Moore Process Controls System Integration & Control Systems Design
Project and industry: Moore Process Controls undertook a modernisation initiative spanning the mining, petrochemical, and oil & gas sectors. This project involved upgrading legacy Siemens ET200M I/O ...

Read more...
ABB’s new flagship DCS
ABB South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has launched the latest version of its flagship distributed control system, to help industrial operators modernise without disruption and accelerate their path toward next generation automation.

Read more...
Extended DCS enables industrial innovation with continuity
ABB South Africa PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
ABB has introduced its Automation Extended programme, a strategic evolution of its distributed control systems (DCS), designed to help industries modernise without disruption.

Read more...
Proconics Modernises Refinery Tank Automation with Compliance-Focused, Brownfield Upgrades
Proconics System Integration & Control Systems Design
Project & Industry Proconics was engaged to modernise automation and SCADA systems across a refinery tank farm. The project involved complex brownfield integration, aligning new automation with existing ...

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved