Target kappa number for AS/AQ pulping of wheat straw

Alkaline sulfite/anthraquinone (AS/AQ) pulping of wheat straw under different conditions was conducted in this study. A transition point of kappa number at approximately 6.5 was observed based on all experimental results. This transition point can be regarded as the phase transfer point in AS/AQ pulping from bulk to residual delignification. Effective delignification without great lost of pulp yield can be achieved before kappa number was below this transition point during AS/AQ pulping of wheat straw. It is found that the ratio of cooking liquid to solid should not be lower than 6, if good mass transfer of chemicals and lignin dissolving is needed. As the ratio of Na₂SO ₃ to NaOH dosage ranged from 0.4 to 2.4, low proportion of Na ₂SO₃ allows effective delignification while no serious degradation of carbohydrate. Moreover, similar to kraft pulping, addition of AQ in the range of 0.05% to 0.25% is useful to remove lignin and protect the carbohydrate during AS/AQ pulping. Finally, although the transition point of kappa number may be changed while different raw material used for same pulping process or different pulping process for same raw materials, it is of interest and important for mill practice.