An industrial evaluation of a stand level grading system for Pinus patula

Abstract

This paper reports on progress made in the development and implementation of a stand level wood quality grading system for P. patula identified for processing in Mondi Merebank's stone ground wood and thermo-mechanical pulp lines. The grading system stratified the resource using fiber collapsibility as the selection criteria.


The paper evaluates the impact of the grading system on the process parameters and the basic characteristics of pulp produced by the different pulp lines. The grading system was found to have a positive impact on desired pulp quality criteria.


Variability inherent in the resource and the production process declined significantly upon implementation of the grading system. The results indicate the level of improvement that can be realized from a simple wood quality grading system. It is anticipated that a more detailed understanding of factors impacting on wood and pulp characteristics, and resource and process variation will support a process of continuous pulp quality improvement.


This work was co-sponsored by Mondi Forests, Mondi Merebank and the CSIR.



Southern African Forestry Journal No.190 2001:105-114