APPLICATION REPORT
THERMOMECHANICAL
PULPING
Overview of the process
Thermomechanical pulping, TMP, is
precisely named. Pulp is made by
heating the chips with steam and
mechanically separating the fibers in
a pressurized refiner. While high in
energy consumption, TMP produces
strong fibers, and clean steam can be
recovered.
The process
Chips are fed to a presteamer and are steamed
with process steam from the refiners. A feed-
ing screw (plug feeder) moves the chips to a
pressurized refiner which separates the fiber via
mechanical means (e.g. between rotating disc
plates).
The refiner is followed by a cyclone to separate
the pulp from the process steam. The pulp is of-
2621/06/01 EN • 12/2011
ten refined in two stages. The process steam is
taken to the heat recovery unit to produce clean
steam.
 2621/06/01 EN THERMOMECHANICAL PULPING

The results Valve selection

The Pre-steamer is heated with the process
steam via valve PCV-1 to typically 1 to 2 bar or
130 to 140 °C (15 to 30 psig, 266 to 284 °F). After
a retention time of couple minutes, the pressur-
ized chips is fed to the refiner. The refiner may
be fed with fresh steam via valve PCV-4, during
startup, to increase the pressure up to 4...5 barg
or 150 °C (60...75 psig or 300 °F).
The refiner discharges the pulp and steam to
a cyclone. The cyclone separates the steam
from the pulp. The valves (PCV-1, PCV-2) in the
process steam line control the pressure in the
refiner. During production this steam is sent to
heat recovery, while in the start-up it goes to the
steam stack for disposal. The TMP pulp (35 %)
is discharged through valve PCV-3 from the first
stage refiner to the second stage and from there
to further treatment in the screening, cleaning etc.
The control of fresh steam in PCV-4 can be eas-
ily accomplished by the R series segment valve.
The process steam, however, has a tendency to
contain ersin end fibers which can build up and
result in potential plugging problems in valves
PCV-1 and PCV-2. Neldisc® has performed well
in this application. Because of fines and fibers
present the use of Q-Trims in the process steam
must be evaluated with care.
The TMP discharge (blow) valve PCV-3 contains
TMP pulp (35 % consistency), and steam/con-
densate. Because of the high pressure drop of
the system, this valve must withstand erosion.
One solution is a segment type valve, flanged,
expanded outlet with stellited internals. Also
metal seated ball valves are used. The water
(white or fresh) control valve should all be R se-
ries segment valves for optimal control.

Not shown in the drawing is a refiner relief valve

which will discharge the refiner contents quickly
when needed to protect the refiner (exceeding a
set pressure, broken plates, etc.). Full bore ball
valve, M series, with locked seats (P) equipped
with a fail open quick action actuator should be
selected.

VALVE SELECTION
Tag Application Recommended Alternate
PCV-1, PCV-2 Steam (process) Neldisc triple eccentric disc valve Wafer-Sphere® butterfly valve
PCV-3 Refiner blow R2_S V-port segment valve M series
PCV-4 Steam (fresh) R series V-port segment valve M series
-------- Water (control) R series V-port segment valve M series
-------- Refiner relief M series ball valve P seat --------

2    APPLICATION REPORT 12/11

 THERMOMECHANICAL PULPING 2621/06/01 EN

Neldisc butterfly valve Wafer-Sphere

butterfly valve

M series ball valve R series V-port

segment valve

Figure 1. The two stage TMP system.

   APPLICATION REPORT 12/11    3

APPLICATION REPORT

The information provided in this bulletin is advisory in nature, and is intended as a guideline only.
For specific circumstances and more detailed information, please consult with your local automation expert at Metso.
Metso Automation Inc.
Europe, Vanha Porvoontie 229, P.O. Box 304, FI-01301 VANTAA, Finland.
Tel. +358 20 483 150. Fax +358 20 483 151
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Tel. +65 6511 1011. Fax +65 6250 0830
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Tel. +86-10-6566-6600. Fax +86-10-6566-2575
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www.metso.com/valves