The VETURI ecosystem saw that new applications of cellulose are rapidly advancing towards significant industrial applications in textiles, microcellulose films, and many other applications replacing fossil materials. All of these applications require fast and reliable measurement and fiber characterization techniques that can be integrated into industrial processes.
In addition, reducing water cycles and wastewater emissions in forest biorefineries requires more accurate information than currently available, for example on process analytics of lignin biodegradability and the factors affecting it.
“CEBIPRO has been a significant ecosystem project in Valmet’s Beyond Circularity program for analyzers and meters. The project brings significant added value to Valmet’s R&D operations, as it enables the development and utilization of new analysis methods in various industrial processes. The information and observations collected during the project have been useful to the participants, and better understanding and analysis in the future are the starting points for sustainable development. Collaboration and knowledge sharing strengthen Valmet’s position at the forefront of innovation and promote the development of the entire industry in the future,” says Valmet Automation’s Heikki Korhonen.
NMR technology for industrial measurements
The project has utilized low-field NMR relaxometry, a rapid and non-destructive analysis method. The technique is based on measuring proton relaxation times in low magnetic fields, which allows the analysis of the moisture content, porosity, viscosity and other structural properties of the sample.
The development target is the application of the method to online measurements. In particular, it was used to study microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), which is challenging with traditional laboratory methods due to the special properties of MFC. During the project, a patent application was filed related to the online measurement and manufacturing method of MFC and nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC).
Another application of NMR in the CEBIPRO project was process and wastewater. NMR spectroscopy was used as an analysis method to identify and quantify organic compounds contained in process water and assess their biodegradability. Special attention was paid to process circulating water, the quality management of which is crucial for resource efficiency and environmental friendliness.
The project's proof of concept (PoC) test continuously measured process water from a water treatment plant for approximately three months. The testing allowed the method to be evaluated for its usability and non-fouling properties in a real process environment. The test results are very promising.
"NMR technology has long been part of Valmet's portfolio, but the findings made during the project have further deepened our understanding and expertise in NMR technology. As the technology develops, new applications, such as online measurements of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) and nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) as well as analysis of process and wastewater, are interesting application areas for the technology, and potential future measurements would fit well into our portfolio," emphasizes Heikki Korhonen from Valmet Automation.
Since microfibrillated cellulose and board strength and resource efficiency in, for example, board products are an important application area, it was also examined in the Cebipro project.
Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) is a promising additive in paper and board production, as it improves strength properties and enables raw material optimization. However, its effective utilization requires a precise understanding of its behavior in the process, especially its retentivity and agglomeration formation within the fiber network.
"MFC together with other fines forms agglomerates with the help of the retention chemical, and at the same time the attachment of MFC fractions to the fiber wall is manifested as a change in the measured thickness of the fiber. Significant fiber flocs only develop when the dose of retention chemical is increased. Controlling this phenomenon is an important part of future production and product concepts when optimizing the use of fairly expensive fiber fibrils, for example from the perspectives of board strength and resource efficiency," emphasizes Jouni Matula From Wetend Technologies Oy.
The VETURI project was financed by Business Finland, and the investment was part of the Valmet Beyond Circularity ecosystem. The project was implemented between January 1.1.2023, 30.4.2025 and April XNUMX, XNUMX.
In addition to Valmet, Aquaflow Oy, Wetend Technologies Oy, Fiber-X Finland Oy, Stora Enso Oyj and UPM-Kymmene Oyj were also involved.
