Composition and method for controlling volatile fatty acid content in pulp, paper, and/or board making processes

Abstract

A method of controlling volatile fatty acid (VFA) content in a pulp, paper, and/or board making processes is disclosed. The method may be used to provide process improvements in the form of reduced microbial contamination and odor, reduced starch degradation, optimized retention, and improved runability. The method includes treating a process flow comprising a cellulosic material comprising a starch with an enzymatic VFA control agent. The enzymatic VFA control agent is non-biocidal, may further comprise a surfactant or dispersant, and is utilized in an amount sufficient to inhibit microbiological production of one or more VFA. The method optionally includes treating the process flow with a biocidal agent in combination with the enzymatic VFA control agent. A composition for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.