PEER-REVIEWED BROWNSTOCK WASHING

Operational evaluation of rotary drum vacuum

filters for brownstock washing using basic
filtration parameters
CLAUDIO R.F. PACHECO, JOSÈ L. de PAIVA, AND ANTONIO S. REYNOL, JR.

ABSTRACT: A calculation procedure was developed for a rotary drum vacuum filter used in brownstock
washing. In the model of a rotary drum vacuum filter, brownstock washing is split into a set of basic unit
operations. These operations are described, combining mass balance equations with constant-pressure
filtration equations. This set of equations is solved using the system/engineering methodology. The results
for a typical rotary drum vacuum filter are presented.
Application: A computer program using these calculations will facilitate the management of brownstock
washing operations.

rownstock washing is the pulping
B process operation in which the
organic and inorganic substances dis-
solved in the black liquor are removed
from the cellulose pulp. The pulp is
decontaminated of those substances, the
valuable inorganic chemicals are recov-
ered, and the organic material is burned
in the recovery steam boiler.
Brownstock washing is one of the
most important operations in the pulping
process [1]. Efficient washing requires
accurate control of the amount of wash-
ing fluid. Greater quantities of washing
fluid result in cleaner pulp but lead to
higher steam consumption in the evapo-
rator system. Lower quantities of washing
fluid result in lower energy consumption
in the black liquor concentration but
entail a greater expenditure of bleaching
chemicals. In short, efficient brownstock
washing contributes to greater energy
conservation, decreased water usage, and
lower expenditure of chemicals. It also
helps to limit the discharge of polluting
effluents.
A brownstock washing set uses a series
of filters through which the filtrate flows
countercurrent to the brownstock being
washed. The rotary drum vacuum filter
(RDVF) is one of the earliest filtering sys-
tems and is still in use in many pulping
plants. In brief, a perforated drum rotates
partially immersed in the pulp suspen-
sion. Its surface is covered with a filter
medium, over which the cake is formed
by the effect of a vacuum applied within
the drum.A set of sprinklers disperse the
washing fluid over the cake surface to
wash the pulp. The cake is finally dis-
charged when the vacuum is interrupted.
Several studies have dealt with the sci-
entific fundamentals of brownstock
washing [2–9]. The knowledge devel-
oped in these examples has enabled engi-
neers to design improved filtering equip-
ment. However, there have been very few
studies aimed at aiding process managers
in their daily routine. In Brazil, which is a
major producer of pulp and paper, this
type of knowledge is essential to improv-
ing operational efficiency, a requirement
for maintaining competitiveness in this
market.
Our objective was to develop a practi-
cal calculation procedure in the form of a
computer program. This program would
Unwashed Pulp Washed Pulp
Washer
Black Liquor Wash Liquor
1. The main streams of a rotary drum
vacuum filter.
furnish brownstock washing managers
with information complementary to that
available on the instrument panel and to
that obtained through chemical analysis.
METHODOLOGY
Overview
In early studies [7–9], the brownstock
washing operation was described using a
mass balance approach to correlate
brownstock washing variables. Our study
complements those earlier studies by
including the variables and equations
that describe the macroscopic behavior
of the RDVF. In a subsequent step, micro-
scopic aspects related to mass transport
phenomena could be introduced as sug-
gested by Cullinan [7].
The RDVF process was split into a set
of basic unit operations, as proposed by
Edwards [8]. Mass balances and specific
RDVF equations were applied to these
unit operations, providing a set of equa-
tions that describe the entire RDVF
operation.
We treated this set of equations by the
system/engineering analysis as proposed
by Barton [10,11].The purpose was to set
the values of all variables available to the
brownstock washing manager for per-
forming the operational RDVF diagnostic.
Basic unit operations for RDVF
Figure 1 is a diagram of the main streams
of an RDVF. The entering streams are
unwashed pulp and wash liquor, and the
exiting streams are washed pulp and
black liquor.
Figure 2 illustrates the division of the
RDVF process into six basic unit opera-
tions.The feed suspension (1) is diluted in
a mixing tank that feeds (2) the suspen-
sion trough of the RDVF with pulp of a
specific consistency.
In the cake formation zone, the liquid
phase (5) is separated from the cake (4).
In the washing zone, the washing fluid (7)
is sprayed over the cake, resulting in a
washed cake (6) and contaminated wash-
ing fluid (8).
In the cake dewatering zone, the
washed cake is dried into a dried cake (9).
The liquid removed (10) is drained into
the sewage tank, where two of the other
streams (5 and 8) are also collected.At the
split, Stream 11 is divided into a recycling
stream (3) and an outlet stream (12).
VOL. 5: NO. 3 TAPPI JOURNAL 15
BROWNSTOCK WASHING

Wash liquor Unit Operation Mass Balance Equation No.

7
Dilution tank
1 2 Cake 4 6 9 Cellulose pulp MP2 = (1-f1)MP1 (2)
Dilution Washing Dewatering
formation Water MP1WP1 + MW3 = MP2WP2XS2 (3)
Solids MP1WP1XS1 + MW3XS3 = MP2WP2XS2 (4)
3 5 8 10
11 Sewage Cake formation zone
Split
tank Cellulose pulp MP4 = (1-f2)MP2 (5)
12
Water MP2WP2 = MP4WP4 + MW5 (6)
2. Basic unit operations for the rotary drum vacuum filter. Solids MP2WP2XS2 = MP4WP4XS4 + MW5XS5 (7)
Washing zone
Basic equations Cellulose pulp MP6 = (1-f3)MP4 (8)
Each stream, identified by index i in Fig. 2, can be characterized Water MP4WP4 + MW7 = MP6WP6MW8 (9)
by the following parameters: Solids MP4WP4XS4 + MW7XS7 = MP6WP6XS6 + MW8XS8 (10)
Cake drying zone
• Mass flow rate of pulp, MPi Cellulose pulp MP9 = (1-f4)MP6 (11)
• Mass flow rate of water, MWi Water MP6WP6 = MP9WP9 + MW10 (12)
• Consistency of the brownstock, SSPi Solids MP6WP6XS6 = MP9WP9XS9 + MW10XS10 (13)
• Ratio between the mass of water and the mass of pulp, WPi Sewage tank
• Ratio between the mass of (pulp free) soluble solids and Water MW5 + MW8 + MW10 = MW11 (14)
the mass of water, XSi. Solids MW5XS5 + MW8XS8 + MW10XS10 = MW11XS11 (15)
WPi, SSPi, and XSi are related by Eq. 1: Split
1 − S SPi Water MW3 + MW12 = MW11 (16)
WPi = Solids MW3XS3 + MW12XS12 = MW11 (17)
[S SPi (1 + X Si )− X Si ] (1)
I. Mass balances for rotary drum vacuum filter.
Table I shows the mass balances for each of the basic unit
operations in steady-state flow. The low limit for YL is YLi, presuming that there is a perfect
Table II shows the parametric equations for the cake forma- mixture between the washing fluid and the brownstock liquor.
tion zone of the RDVF operating under constant pressure [12]. Therefore, the perfect mixture model is XS6 = XS8, and Eq. 35
Table III lists the equations for the washing zone [12]. In the becomes Eq. 36:
calculation of washing time, the conditions of the fluid flow are MW 8
YLi =
assumed to be the same as those at the end of the cake forma- M P 6WP 6 + M W 8 (36)
tion.This means that the cake structure is unaffected when the
washing fluid displaces the liquid originally inside the cake. The upper limit for YL is YLS, presuming that there is plug
Washing efficiency flow of the washing fluid and total displacement of the brown-
The performance of the washing system is usually described by stock liquor. So, XS6 = XS7, and Eq. 35 becomes Eq. 37:
the dilution factor DF and the displacement ratio DR [13,14]: M P 6WP 6 X S 7
YLs = 1 −
⎛M ⎞ M P 4WP 4 X S 4 + M W 7 X S 7 (37)
DF = ⎜⎜ W 7 ⎟⎟ − WP 9
⎝ M P2 ⎠ (31) In conclusion, it is possible to combine these two limit con-
ditions to express the washing efficiency YL with a parameter
⎛ X − X S9 ⎞ xF, where 0 ≤ xF ≤ 1 as Eq. 38:
DR = ⎜⎜ S 2 ⎟⎟
⎝ X S2 − X S7 ⎠ (32)
YL = YLsxf + (1 − xf )YLi (38)
In addition,the concept of overall washing system efficiency, Y,
expresses the fraction of dissolved solids removed in the system: where xF = 0 indicates the perfect mixture model and xF = 1
indicates the plug flow model.This concept will be used in the
M W 12 X S 12 − M W 7 X S 7 calculation procedure.
Y=
M P1WP1 X S 1 (33) Norden proposed the parameter of the Norden efficiency
factor to evaluate the washing system performance [13]. For the
The local washing efficiency, YL, expresses the fraction of “black box” composed of all of the unit operations evaluated in
dissolved solids removed in the washing zone: this study, Norden efficiency, E, is expressed as:
M P 4WP 4 X S 4 + M W 7 X S 7 − M P 6WP 6 X S 6
YL = ⎛ W ⎛ X − X S 12 ⎞ ⎞
M P 4WP 4 X S 4 + M W 7 X S 7 log⎜⎜ P1 ⎜⎜ S 1 ⎟⎟
WP 9 ⎝ X S 9 − X S 7 ⎟⎠ ⎟⎠
(34)
E= ⎝
Using Eq. 10 in Eq. 34 allows YL to be expressed as ⎛ MW 7 ⎞
log⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
MW 8 X S8 ⎝ M P 9WP 9 ⎠ (39)
YL =
M P 6WP 6 X S 6 + M W 8 X S 8 (35)

16 TAPPI JOURNAL MARCH 2006

 BROWNSTOCK WASHING

Operational Conditions
(18) (25) Dilution factor, DF
Fiber consistency at system inlet, SSP1
Fiber consistency at system outlet, SSP9
(19) (26) Solids at system inlet, XS1
Solids at washing fluid inlet, XS7
Angular velocity of the filter’s drum, ω
(20) (27) Cake Formation Zone
Cake humidity, FWS
Pressure drop, ΔPC
(21) Filter media resistance, RMF
(28)
Fiber consistency in the suspension
trough, SSP2
(22)
Specific cake resistance, α
(29) Filtrate viscosity in Stream 5, μ5
Filtrate density in Stream 5, ρ5
(23) Washing Zone
(30)
Fluid density in Stream 8, ρ8
(24) In the RDVF, the washing area AL is different RDVF Geometry
from cake formation area AF, requiring that Filtration area, AF
Eqs. 22 and 23 connect cake formation zone
parameters with mass balances variables. Eq.
the coefficients KCL and KMFL be adjusted for Filtration sector angle, θF
24 connects WP4 with the ratio of wet cake this in Eqs. 28 and 29. Eq. 30 connects the
Washing sector angle, θL
mass to dry cake mass (FWS). washing time and washing fluid volume with
mass balance variables. Local Washing Efficiency
II. Equations for the cake formation xF factor
III. Equations for the washing zone.
zone.
IV. Subcategories for the five major
Fourth, the quantity of solids (MW5XS5
where E = ∞ corresponds to the plug and MW8XS8) in Streams 5 and 8 is consid- categories.
flow model applied to the black box, and ered negligible when compared with the
E = 1 corresponds to the perfect mixture WP4 = FWS − 1 (51)
amount of water (MW5 and MW8).
model applied to the black box. Therefore, Eqs. 22 and 30 can be simpli- Finally, the specific cake resistance (α)
Note that RD, Y, and E are parameters fied to Eq. 42 and 43: is assumed to be determined experimen-
defined for the overall system and that YL
V tally by the Leaf Test Procedure [15].
and xF are defined for the washing unit M W 5 = ρ5 F For compressible cellulose pulp cakes,
only. tF (42)
this value could be estimated for several
Assumptions of the calculation filtering pressures using the equation
VL
procedure M W 8 = ρ8 proposed by Reynol [16]:
A number of assumptions were made in tL (43)
this version of the calculation procedure. α = 7.76•105 ΔPC0.77 (52)
Fifth, the following equalities hold:
First, we assume there is no loss of cel-
lulose pulp in the basic RDVF unit oper- XS4 = XS2 (44) SYSTEM/ENGINEERING
ations.Therefore, the fraction of pulp lost ANALYSIS
in each case is equal to zero, or f1 = f2 = XS5 = XS2 (45) The set of equations can be managed
f3 = f4 = 0. using the system/engineering analysis
Second, the pressure drop in the
XS9 = XS6 (46) method [10,11] to obtain the desired cal-
washing zone (ΔPL) is assumed to be the XS10 = XS6 culation procedure. The procedure is
same as that in the cake formation zone (47) obtained through the following steps.
(ΔPF): XS11 = XS3 1. Determine the degrees of freedom.
(48)
Number of variables at the set of equa-
ΔPL = ΔPF (40) tions = 61. Number of independent equa-
XS12 = XS3 (49)
Third, the amount of solids in Stream tions = 43. Degrees of freedom = 61 – 43
Sixth, since the value of XSi is very = 18 (design variables).
4 (MP4WP4XS4) is considered negligible
small in comparison to the value of WPi, 2. Select the design variables. These
when compared with the amount of cel-
Eqs. 1 and 24 can be simplified to Eq. 50 18 variables were chosen by the follow-
lulose pulp (MP4). Therefore, Eq. 23 can
and 51: ing major categories: operational condi-
be simplified to Eq. 41:
1 − SSPi tions, cake formation zone, washing
S SP 2 ρ 5 VF W Pi = zone, RDVF geometry, and local washing
M P4 = S SPi (50)
(1− S SP 2 FWS ) t F (41) efficiency. Subcategories are listed in
Table IV.

VOL. 5: NO. 3 TAPPI JOURNAL 17

BROWNSTOCK WASHING

The other 43 state variables are calculated by solving

Step Eq. Calc. Comments
the nonlinear algebraic system composed of the 43
1 21 tF —
equations presented.
2 25 tL —
3. Construct the structural array. One line is used for
3 19 KC —
each equation, and one column is used for each variable.
4 20 KMF —
An “X” in a variable column indicates that the variable
5 26 AL —
belongs to that equation.
6 28 KCL take KC
4. Construct of the precedence diagram. From the
7 29 KMFL take KMF
structural array, equations are chosen for calculating spe-
8 40 ΔPL —
cific variables.A block is drawn around the equation num-
9 18 VF take KC, KMF, tF
ber. Arrows pointing to the block represent the variables
10 27 VL take KCL, KMFL, tL, ΔPL, VF
that must be supplied to calculate the chosen variable,
11 41 MP4 take VF, tF
which is represented by an arrow exiting the block.
12 2 MP2 take MP4
The line for the equation is removed from the structural
13 5 MP1 take MP2
array, together with the column for the variable.
14 8 MP6 take MP4
This step is repeated until the remaining structural
15 11 MP9 take MP6
array has been removed.The result is a diagram connect-
16 42 MW5 take VF, tF
ing all variables. It would be practically impossible to
17 43 MW8 take VL, tL
solve the system directly using only the input data for the
18 50 WP1 i=1
18 design variables.
19 50 WP2 i=2
5. Identify the recycles. Recycles within the prece-
20 50 WP9 i=9
dence diagram are identified, and the variables whose ini-
21 51 WP4 MP2
tial values must be assumed in order to solve the system
22 31 MW7 take MP2, WP9
are selected.
23 9 WP6 take MP4, WP4, MW7, MP6, MW8
6. Calculate values. All values are calculated, and the
24 12 MW10 take MP6, WP6, MP9, WP9
assumed values are checked for agreement with the
25 14 MW11 take MW5, MW8, MW10
results of the calculation. If the calculated values are not
26 3 MW3 take MP1, WP1, MP2, WP2
equal to the assumed values, the convergence subroutine
27 16 MW12 take MW11, MW3
is used to generate new initial values until the entire sys-
28 — XS4 assumed initial value
tem converges.
29 — XS8 assumed initial value
Calculation procedure. Performing these steps results
30 — — start of the calculation loop for XS8
in the calculation procedure shown in Table V.
31 — — start of the calculation loop for XS4
32 36 YLi take MP6, WP6, MW8
33 37 YLs take MP4, WP4, XS4, MP6, WP6, MW7
RESULTS
34 38 YL take YLi, YLs
The results of a sample calculation procedure for condi-
35 34 XS6 take MP4, WP4, XS4, MP6, WP6, MW7, YL
tions typical of industrial brownstock washing indicated a
36 46 XS9 take XS6
fiber production of 0.13 kg/(s•m²).This outcome is simi-
37 47 XS10 take XS6
lar to the results obtained by Kukreja [17], considering
38 10 XS4C take MP4, WP4, MP6, WP6, XS6, MW7, MW8, XS8
the different conditions of rotation, pressure, and the
39 — XS4 take XS4 assumed value and XS4C anda
compressibility of the cake.
40 44 XS2 take XS4
41 45 XS5 take XS2 DISCUSSION
42 4 XS3 take MP1, WP1, MP2, WP2, XS2, MW3 Figure 3 shows the correlation, for typical DF values,
43 48 XS11 take XS3 between the traditional DR parameter and the xF parame-
44 49 XS12 take XS3 ter proposed in this study.The plug flow model is evalu-
45 15 XS8C take MW5, XS5, MW8, MW10, XS10, MW11, XS11 ated under ideal washing conditions (DF ≥ 1), so xF = 1,
46 — XS8 take XS8 assumed value and XS8C andb and DR = 1. However, because of the heterogeneity of the
47 32 RD take XS2, XS9 fiber bed under typical operational conditions, plug flow
48 33 Y take MP1, WP1, MW7, MW12, XS12 may never occur. Therefore, efficient washing requires a
49 39 E take MP9, WP2, XS2, MW7, XS9 volume of washing liquid much higher than the ideal, and
the practical dilution factor may range from 2 to 4.
a
Using the convergence subroutine for the new value of XS4, repeat Step 31 until Figure 4 illustrates the relationship between Norden E
convergence is attained. After the first convergence calculation, the assumed
value at Step 28 is no longer used. bUsing the convergence subroutine for the
(usually thought to evaluate washing system perform-
new value of XS8, repeat Step 30 until convergence is attained. After the first con- ance) and the xF factor at various DF values.The Norden
vergence calculation, the assumed value at step 29 is no longer used. E value increases in parallel with the xF factor. For the
plug flow model, xF = 1, and E → ∞. For the perfect mix-
V. Calculation procedure. ture model, taking into consideration the washing unit
only, xF = 0 and E = 1.39.

18 TAPPI JOURNAL MARCH 2006

 BROWNSTOCK WASHING

1.0
DISPLACEMENT RATIO, DR

100 0.5

WASHING LOSSES, 1-Y

NORDEN EFFICIENCY, E
DF = 2 DF = 2
0.9 DF = 3 DF = 3
DF = 4 0.4
0.8 DF = 4
DF = 5 DF = 5
0.7 DF = 6 DF = 6 0.3
10
0.6 DF = 2
0.2
0.5 DF = 3
DF = 4
0.1
0.4 DF = 5
DF = 6
0.3 1 0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
WASHING MECHANISM PARAMETER, XF WASHING MECHANISM PARAMETER, XF WASHING MECHANISM PARAMETER, XF
3. Displacement ratio in relation to 4. Norden efficiency in relation to the 5. Washing losses in relation to the
the washing mechanism parameter at washing mechanism parameter at dif- washing mechanism parameter at dif-
different dilution factors. ferent dilution factors. ferent dilution factors.
E is defined for the entire system, and microscopic aspects of mass transport
xF is defined for the washing unit alone. 0.006
phenomena in the washing operation
For this reason, E does not take on the constitute an important topic for future 0.005
value of 1 for the perfect mixture model study. 0.004
when applied only to the washing unit. This study was aimed at developing a

XSi
As Fig. 5 shows, the loss in washing practical calculation procedure in the
0.003
DF = 2
(1 – Y) is related strongly to the xF factor. form of a computer program that could 0.002 DF = 3
At xF = 1, washing system efficiency is be a useful tool in the management of DF = 4
high but limited by the concentration of 0.001 DF = 5
the brownstock washing operation. DF = 6
washing liquid used. In our case, XS7 = We plan to present a detailed application 0
1 2 4 6 9
0.0005. For the perfect mixture model of this calculation procedure in the near INDEX I
(xF = 0), washing system efficiency is future. TJ
lower and depends on the DF. 6. Ratio between the mass of soluble
Figure 6 presents the concentration solids and the mass of water in the
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
of solids (XSi) in the pulp stream in the suspension (XSi), by dilution factor,
The authors would like to thank the
different steps of the system, assuming xF for the pulp stream for the system
Brazilian Conselho Nacional de
= 0.7, XS1 = 0.005, and XS7 = 0.0005. depicted in Fig. 2. (The index I corre-
Desenvolvimento Científico e
The results illustrate that the dilution
Tecnológico (CNPq, Council for sponds to the stream number.)
unit is as important as the washing unit
Scientific and Technological
in determining the system efficiency. 4. Kukreja, V.K., Ray, A.K., and Singh,
Development) for partially funding this
study (Grant No. 131359/03-7). We are V.P., Indian J. Chem. Tech. 5(3):
CONCLUSIONS also grateful to the staff of Papel Ripasa 276(1998).
A calculation procedure is presented for 5. Hagen, N., and Berg, J.E., Tappi J.
S.A. for their assistance with the RDVF 72(6): 93(1989).
rotary drum vacuum filters used in data.
brownstock washing. The RDVF opera- 6. Kovasin, K., Norden, H.V., and
tion is split into basic steps that repre- Ahonen, L., Filtration & Separation
LITERATURE CITED 25(1): 42(1988).
sent unit operations. These unit opera- 1. Rogers, J., Funo, P., and Nery, J., 7. Cullinan, H.T., Tappi J. 69(8):
tions are modeled by the mass balances 1995 Congresso Anual de Celulose 90(1986).
and the fundamental equations of the e Papel na ABTCP, Vol. 28, ABTCP, 8. Edwards, L., Peyron, M., and
classical filtration theory.This set of equa- São Paulo, Brazil, p. 179. Minton, M., Pulp Paper Can. 87(1):
tions was solved using the system/engi- 2. Kovasin, K., “Modeling ultrafiltra- T17(1986).
neering analysis methodology. By provid- tion and filtration phenomena 9. Hakamaki, H., and Kovasin, K.,
ing insight about each unit operation, the applied in chemical pulping Pulp Paper Can. 86(9): T243(1985).
procedure enables the macroscopic processes,” Ph.D. thesis, Dept. of 10. Barton, P.I., “Structural analysis of
analyses of the overall system operation. Chemical Technology, Helsinki systems of equations,” lectures
University of Technology, Helsinki, notes, Dept. of Chemical
The xF parameter is useful in defining
2003. Engineering, MIT, Cambridge,
the efficiency of the washing operation 3. Kukreja, V.K., Ray, A.K., Singh, V.P., 1995.
in isolation, independent of the other et al., “Evaluation of filtration rates 11. Barton, P.I., “Modeling and analy-
operations. There are correlations of continuous filters,” IPPTA sis of systems from physical prin-
between xF and the commonly used Convention Issue, Ind. Pulp Paper ciples,” lectures notes, Dept. of
parameters (DF, DR, 1 – Y, and Norden Tech. Assoc., CPPRI, Saharanpur, Chemical Engineering, MIT,
E). The relationships between xF and 1994, p. 41. Cambridge, 1998.

VOL. 5: NO. 3 TAPPI JOURNAL 19

BROWNSTOCK WASHING

12. Svarovsky, L., Solid–Liquid
Separation, 3rd edn., Butterworth,
Elsevier, New York, 1990.
13. Gullichsen, J., and Paulapuro, H.
(Ed.), Papermaking Science and
Technology, Fapet Oy, Jyäskylä,
2000, 1 CD-ROM.
14. Casey, J.P., “Brownstock washing,”
in Pulp and Paper Chemistry and
Chemical Technology, Wiley
Interscience, New York, 1980, p.
443.
15. Perry,R.H., and Green, D.W.,
Perry’s Chemical Engineers’
Handbook, 7th edn., McGraw-Hill,
1997.
16. Reynol, A.S., Jr., “Estudo da
Lavagem da Polpa Marrom do
Processo Sulfato: Mecanismos da
Filtração e Balanços de Massa,”
M.S. dissertation, Escola
Politécnica, Universidade de São
Paulo, São Paulo, 2005.
17. Kukreja, V.K., Ray, A.K., Singh, V.P.,
et al., Indian Chem. Engr., Section
A 37(3): 113(1995).
NOMENCLATURE
AF = filtration zone area, m2
AL = washing zone area, m2
CSP = concentration of solids in suspen-
sion, kg/m3
DF = dilution factor, kg/kg
DR = displacement ratio
E = Norden efficiency
fi = fraction of pulp lost
FWS = ratio between wet cake mass and
dry cake mass, kg/kg
KC = characteristic coefficient of the
filtration zone, N•s/m8
KCL = characteristic coefficient of the
washing zone, N•s/m8
KMF = characteristic coefficient of filter
media in the filtration zone,
N•s/m5
KMFL = characteristic coefficient of filter
media in the washing zone,
N•s/m5
MPi = mass flow rate of pulp, kg/s
MWi = mass flow rate of water, kg/s
ΔPC = pressure drop of cake, Pa
ΔPF = pressure drop of filtering zone, Pa
ΔPL = pressure drop of washing zone, Pa
RMF = Filter medium resistance, m-1
SSP = consistency of the brownstock,
kg/kg
tF = filtration time, s
tL = washing time, s
vF = filtrate volume collected during
filtration time, m3
vL = washing liquid volume collected
during washing time, m3
xF = washing parameter
XSi = ratio between mass of soluble
solids and mass of water in the
suspension, kg/kg
WPi = ratio between mass of water and
mass of pulp in the suspension,
kg/kg
Y = overall washing system efficiency
YL = local washing efficiency
YLi = lower limit of local washing effi-
ciency
YLS = upper limit of local washing effi-
ciency
α = average specific cake resistance,
m/kg
µ5 = filtrate viscosity in Stream 5,
kg/(m•s)
ω = RDVF angular velocity, radians/s
ρ5 = filtrate density in Stream 5, kg/m3
ρ8 = filtrate density in Stream 8, kg/m3
ρ10 = filtrate density in Stream 10,
kg/m3
θF = filtration zone angle, radians
θL = washing zone angle, radians
This paper was originally published in
P o r t u g u e s e i n O Papel , A p r i l , 2 0 0 5 .
This edited version is published through
a cooperative agreement between
ABTCP /O Papel a n d T A P P I / TAPPI
JOURNAL .
This paper is also published on TAPPI’s
web site <www.tappi.org> and
summarized in the March Solutions! for
People, Processes and Paper magazine
(Vol. 89 No. 3).

INSIGHTS FROM THE AUTHORS
Several studies have been published that deal with the
scientific fundamentals of brownstock washing.
However, there have been very few studies on
brownstock washing that are aimed at aiding process
managers in their daily routines.
In early studies the brownstock washing operation
was described using a mass balance approach to
correlate the variables. Our research complements
those earlier studies by including the variables and
equations that describe the macroscopic behavior of
the rotary drum vacuum filter and the xF parameter that
defines the efficiency of the washing operation.
In addition, the equations are solved in our study by the
system/engineering analysis methodology.
We discovered that the washing parameter xF is
useful in defining the efficiency of the washing
operation. It was correlated to the commonly used
parameters of dilution factor, displacement ratio, and
Norden efficiency. An interesting point is that the
dilution unit is as important as the washing unit with
regard to system efficiency.
Our next step is to present a detailed application of
this calculation procedure in terms of a parametric
analysis of the rotary drum vacuum filter.
Pacheco and de Paiva are with the Chemical Engineering Dept.
of Escola Politécnica at São Paulo University, Travessa 3 nº 380,
Caixa Postal 61548 – CEP 05424-970, São Paulo, Brazil. Reynol is
with Air Products Brazil in the Global Application Development
Dept. Email Pacheco at crfp@usp.br, de Paiva at
jolpaiva@usp.br, and Reynol at reynolas@airproducts.com.
Pacheco de Paiva Reynol

20 TAPPI JOURNAL MARCH 2006