Influence of Storage Time and Log Length on the Distribution of Wood Chip Size

Authors

  • Daniela J. Silveira Universidade Federal do Paraná, Department of Forest Engineering and Technology, Av. Prefeito Lothário Meissner, 623, Brazil
  • Aline Durigan Universidade Federal do Paraná, Department of Forest Engineering and Technology, Av. Prefeito Lothário Meissner, 623, Brazil
  • Thiago Monteiro Universidade Federal do Paraná, Department of Forest Engineering and Technology, Av. Prefeito Lothário Meissner, 623, Brazil
  • Ivan M. Sgarbiero Universidade Federal do Paraná, Department of Forest Engineering and Technology, Av. Prefeito Lothário Meissner, 623, Brazil
  • Dimas A. Silva Universidade Federal do Paraná, Department of Forest Engineering and Technology, Av. Prefeito Lothário Meissner, 623, Brazil

Keywords:

Pinus taeda, Log storage period, Log length, Chip size distribution

Abstract

Chip size distribution is important in kraft pulping, as it affects chemical use, quality, and yield in pulp production. Pinus taeda logs with two storage periods (0 and 2 weeks) and two log lengths (2.4 and 7.0 m) were processed with a disc chipper. Logs stored for two weeks produced chips with 7% less moisture than logs with no storage period. The storage period significantly influenced the quantities of overthick, accept, pin, and fines classes. Logs stored for two weeks produced 1.7% more overthick, 3.8% more pin, and 1.1% fines than logs with no stocking period. Consequently, the amount of accept produced was 6.2% higher for chips from  processing freshly harvested logs. Log length influenced the produced quantities of oversize, overthick, and accept. Logs with a length of 2.4 m produced chips with 1.4% more oversize, 2.5% more overthick, and 4.6% less accept, compared to 7.0 m logs. Thus, it was concluded that Pinus taeda logs with shorter storage periods and longer lengths generate more chips in the “accept" class.

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Published

2023-05-05

Issue

Section

Research Article or Brief Communication