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The pulp and paper industry relies on durable, high-capacity pumps to manage fibrous slurries, chemicals, and wastewater throughout the production process. From raw pulp preparation to coating, drying, and effluent handling, pumps must operate continuously under abrasive and often corrosive conditions. Consistent flow, energy efficiency, and reliable uptime are essential to keep paper mills productive and cost-effective.

Pulp and Paper Industry Key Applications

1. Pulp Slurry Handling

Raw wood pulp or recycled fibre is mixed with water to form a slurry that flows through the production line. Centrifugal and progressive cavity pumps are used to move this abrasive, fibrous material while resisting clogging and wear.

These pumps are engineered for durability in high-solids applications and help maintain production flow by minimising downtime and blockage-related maintenance.

2. Chemical Additive Dosing

Paper production involves the precise addition of bleaching agents, binders, sizing chemicals, and pH adjusters. Metering pumps ensure accurate dosing into mixing tanks and processing lines to maintain product quality and consistency.

Reliability and chemical compatibility are critical here, especially when dealing with aggressive or volatile substances commonly used in the pulp and paper industry.

3. Coating and Starch Application

In coated paper production, pumps are used to deliver coatings, starch solutions, and surface treatments evenly across the sheet. Low-shear, consistent flow pumps help avoid foaming and ensure smooth, uniform coverage.

Precision and flow stability are vital in achieving the desired finish, especially in high-speed paper machines operating continuously.

4. White Water and Process Water Circulation

Water used during forming and pressing stages is recovered and recycled. Pumps circulate this “white water” back into the system, supporting water conservation and cost efficiency.

Multistage and end suction pumps are commonly deployed in these closed-loop systems, where flow reliability and energy efficiency contribute directly to operational savings.

5. Wastewater and Effluent Treatment

Paper mills generate large volumes of effluent containing solids, chemicals, and organic matter. Submersible, diaphragm, and sludge pumps are used to move wastewater to treatment facilities, meeting environmental regulations and sustainability goals.

Corrosion-resistant materials and solids-handling capabilities are essential in this demanding stage of pulp and paper industry operations.

6. Boiler Feed and Utility Services

Pumps supply water for steam generation and utility systems across the plant. High-pressure pumps are essential for delivering reliable feedwater and maintaining system performance under high temperatures and continuous duty.

These utility systems play a supporting role in nearly every phase of production, making pump reliability critical to overall plant uptime and safety.

For more information about sustainable practices in paper manufacturing, you can visit the UK Government’s paper and card sector plan.

How Tomlinson Hall Can Help?

With decades of experience supplying industrial pumping systems, Tomlinson Hall & Co Ltd supports the pulp and paper industry with solutions designed to handle fibrous slurries, chemical additives, and demanding water circulation requirements.

We offer an extensive range of pumps for slurry transfer, chemical dosing, white water circulation, and effluent treatment—sourced from globally trusted manufacturers and specified for long-term reliability and efficiency.

  • Selection and supply of pumps for pulp, coating, and water recovery systems
  • Corrosion-resistant and abrasion-tolerant pump designs
  • Energy-efficient multistage and centrifugal pump solutions
  • Metering systems for precise chemical dosing and additive control
  • Custom builds, site consultation, and technical support

Whether you operate a small specialty mill or a large-scale production facility, our team can help you find the right pump to optimise performance and sustainability.

Get in touch with our team today — we’re here to help.

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