The review focuses on applications of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in various subsystems of pulp and paper making processes. Some applications are pertinent to modeling of pulping, bleaching and energy conservation process while others are related to control of refining, washing of brown stock, combustion of black liquor, lime kiln operation, grade changes and quality control. A general al...

The Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm has given rise to a new class of applications wherein complex data analytics must be performed in real-time on large volumes of fastmoving and heterogeneous sensor-generated data. Such data streams are often unbounded and must be processed in a distributed and parallel manner to ensure timely processing and delivery to interested subscribers. Dataflow archi...

The aim of this paper is to develop a strategic plan for selecting the best options for the supply of raw material to feed paper producing plants. The decision-making is examined within the framework of benefits, opportunities, costs, and risks (BOCR). A hierarchy is used to prioritize the BOCR, using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) ratings approach. A control hierarchy is then created and...

This paper concerns problem formulation and solution procedure for inventory planning with Markov decision process models. Using data collected from a large paper manufacturer, we develop inventory policies for the finished products. To incorporate both variability and regularity of the system into mathematical formulation, we analyze probabilistic distribution of the demand, explore its connec...

Background Gypsum, or calcium sulfate dihydrate, (CaSO4 l 2H2O) is the major component of drywall, or gypsum board, core. It is a naturally occurring mineral, deposited largely as a result of the evaporation of water in ancient inland seas, which contained large amounts of dissolved gypsum. For example, the evaporation of a typical 20,000 gallon residential swimming pool filled with seawater wi...

The paper industry's experiences with PCBs were chronologically reviewed at a recent "PCB Workshop" sponsored by the Grocery Manufacturers of America, Inc. (1). This history goes back somewhat over a year, at which time two paperboard manufacturers were apprised of the presence of PCBs in folding cartons for packaging dried fruit. These two manufacturers immediately began searching for the sour...

This paper describes the application of neural network techniques to the papermaking industry, particularly for the prediction of paper "curl." Paper curl is an important quality measure that can only be measured reliably off-line after manufacture, making it difficult to control. Here we predict, before paper manufacture from characteristics of the current reel, whether the paper curl will be ...

Exposure to organic dusts may cause airways inflammation in a large proportion of exposed persons. Most studies have relied on questionnaires and spirometry for diagnosis. To assess the possibility of determining the presence of inflammation using clinical diagnostic procedures, a study was undertaken among workers in a paper industry. Participants were 83 workers and 44 controls. Airborne endo...