White- and green liquor

White- and green liquor

White liquor and green liquor are two central components of the pulp-making process used to break down wood fibers and separate cellulose from other wood components, such as lignin.

White liquor:
White liquor is an alkaline solution formed by cooking wood chips in a chemical solution, typically sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or sodium sulfide (Na2S), in the presence of water and high temperatures. During cooking, wood fibers are broken down, and lignin is dissolved in the white liquor, allowing cellulose to be separated from other wood components. The white liquor is then separated from the cooked wood chips and can be recycled for use in various parts of the pulp-making process. It is often used to generate energy through combustion or to recover chemicals.

Green liquor:
Green liquor is also an alkaline solution formed by cooking wood chips in a chemical solution, typically sodium hydroxide (NaOH), in the presence of water and high temperatures. Like white liquor, green liquor breaks down wood fibers and dissolves lignin, allowing cellulose and other wood components to be separated from each other. The green liquor is then separated from the cooked wood chips and can be recycled for use in various parts of the pulp-making process. Recycling green liquor is also important for reducing environmental impact and costs in the pulp and paper industry.

In summary, both white liquor and green liquor are crucial for producing high-quality pulp and for reducing the environmental impact of the pulp-making process. They are used to break down wood fibers and dissolve lignin, resulting in cleaner cellulose that can be used for manufacturing various paper products. 

  • Alkali, total, active and effective alkali
  • Carbonate
  • Sulphide, sulphite, sulphate, tiosulphate, total-S, chloride
  • Potassium and sodium
  • Chloride
  • Metals

Christina Wedin, +4670 544 93 99, E-mail