USING MULTIVARIATE DATA ANALYSIS FOR PROCESS TROUBLE SHOOTING

Multivariate data analysis tools were used to improve the understanding of the wet end chemistry and white water system of the Papermill at NorskeCanada Crofton Division. Specifically, the analysis was aimed at identifying what variables were contributing to increased retention aid use and wet end instability. Several models were developed using data sets with up to 88 process variables and over 3000 observations. It was found that increased retention aid use was driven primarily by PCC and TMP usage as well as the addition of Alaskan White Spruce to the TMP furnish.