Tall oil is a substance characterized by its dark brown color and viscous consistency. It has a high sulfur content and is formed as a by-product in the manufacture of pulp through the sulfate process. The primary sources of tall oil are black liquor and extractives obtained during the process.
The composition of tall oil is complex and includes various chemical components such as fatty acids, rosin acids, neutral compounds, and small amounts of lignin. These constituents impart distinctive properties to tall oil, making it a crucial raw material in the pulp and paper industry.
Despite being a by-product of the pulp manufacturing process, tall oil is not merely waste. On the contrary, it contains valuable chemicals that can be extracted and refined into other products. Through various chemical processes, tall oil can be transformed into so-called "green chemicals" used in a wide range of industrial applications, contributing to reducing the environmental impact.
Due to its versatility and valuable content, tall oil is a significant resource in both the pulp and paper industry and the broader chemical industry. Its utilization and potential for recycling and reuse make it an essential component in the pursuit of sustainability and resource efficiency in these sectors.
Examples of analyses that MoRe can conduct regarding tall oil production include:
For Soap:
- Tall oil (maximum theoretical yield in soap)
- Lye content
- Calcium (important for e.g., scale formation)
- Dry matter content
For Tall Oil:
- Acid number
- Neutral compounds (non-saponifiable substances)
- Composition in terms of fatty acids and rosin acids
- Water content
- Ash content
A suitable sample size for analysis is 500 grams.
It is also of interest to our customers to analyze the amount of tall oil accompanying the lye stream. Therefore, a common analysis we perform is tall oil analysis in different lye streams. In the process, the temperature is high, and the soap is often dissolved in the lye. However, when the sample arrives at MoRe and is cooled down, the soap floats to the surface, making it difficult to homogenize the sample again.
To ensure the quality of the analysis results, we use the entire sample so that we include all the soap in the lye sample. For the specific analysis of tall oil in lye, we request a separate sample, with a sample size of 100-250 ml considered appropriate. If other analyses on the lye are also required, a separate sample is sent for this purpose.
Contact: Christina Wedin