To see a summary descriptions of these Fundamental Modules click on one of the names.
The Fundamental Modules we have available include:
 
 
Atoms & Molecules - Discusses basic atomic structure, explains ions, introduces elements, molecules, and compounds. Explains chemical reactions and pH. Continues with relating how knowledge about atoms & molecules integrates with force, work, & energy, heat and heat transfer, and electricity.
 
Force, Work, & Energy - This module explains terminology and provides an explanation for force, friction, work, power, and energy. Potential and kinetic energy are explained and examples given.
 
Heat, Heat Transfer, and Steam - The module identifies the difference between temperature and heat, and introduces heat energy. BTUs and calories are explained, along with specific heat. The three types of heat transfer are explained and examples given for each. Mill examples are provided, along with everyday examples. These principles are then applied to water; its conversion from ice to water, and from water to steam. Several types of heat are explained including sensible, latent, and superheat, and detailed examples are provided. Finally, steam tables and their uses are briefly introduced.
 
 
Pipes & Fittings - Pipe types, materials, and manufacturing are explained. Methods of connecting pipes are identified. Common fittings are shown and explained. Steam traps of various types are discussed.
 
Valve Basics - The many different types of valves used in pulp and paper mills, as well as other industries, are shown, and their use and operational functions explained. Check valves, solenoid valves, and control valves are shown and explained.
 
Pump Basics - Centrifugal and positive displacement pumps are covered in this module. The theory of centrifugal pumping is explained, and different types of centrifugal pumps are shown and discussed. Mechanical seals and stuffing boxes are explained, and the operational differences are discussed. Different types of positive displacement pumps are shown and explained. Correct operating and troubleshooting principles are explained centrifugal and positive displacement pumps.
 
Compressors - This module introduces concepts important to understanding compressors. This includes discussion of the mechanics of gases include pressure, vacuum, and the relationships between temperature, pressure, and volume. Examples of compressed air systems are given with discussions about several types of positive displacement and dynamic compressors. Finally, we take a look at the auxiliary components needed to support a mill's compressed air supply.
 
 
Controls & Logic 1 - This module deals with how process variables are measured and the engineering units used for measurement. Measurement of level, pressure, temperature, and flow and are discussed in detail. Other measurements are briefly described as well, including consistency and density. Tin the discussion of pressure, for example, the differences between psig, psia, and "Hg (inches of mercury) are explained and discussed.
 
Controls & Logic 2 - This module describes how processes are controlled. Analog and logic loops are discussed. The elements of control loops are shown and explained: sensors, transmitters, controllers, and actuators. Controller functions in manual and automatic modes are explained. 3-15psig and 4-20mA signals are explained. Ratio, cascade, and split range control loops are explained. Basic logic symbols (OR, AND, NOT) are shown and explained, along with examples of their use.
 
Controls & Logic 3 - In this module PLC and DCS controls are explained, using a typical mill DCS control system as an example. PLC control theory is explained and examples given for simple uses. DCS control is discussed and an explanation of system configuration is given. Explanation of the different types of screen displays are given.
 
Reading P&IDs - This module explains the layout of P&IDs and shows drawing legend symbols, along with an explanation of each symbol. Mechanical, electrical, and instrument symbols are provided. This module normally includes field exercises.
 
 
Logic and Ladder Diagrams - Senior operators should be able to read ladder diagrams and logic diagrams to be top-notch troubleshooters. This module explains how ladder and logic diagrams are constructed and provides examples and exercises for each type.
 
Basic Hydraulics - The basic principles of hydraulics are explained. Stroke, distance, and force applied are discussed, relative to typical hydraulic systems in pulp & paper mills. Hydraulic systems and the associated components are shown and discussed, along with a discussion of operational responsibilities for hydraulic systems.
 
Pneumatics - This module introduces pneumatic applications, components, and systems. It takes a look at pipes, fittings, and hoses used in pneumatic systems. Pneumatic components discussed include various types of valves, motors, and turbines. A simple pneumatic circuit and a pneumatic safety circuit are presented to illustrate the operation of pneumatic equipment and theory.
 
Lubrication - This module describes the need to understand lubrication as well as the methods and principles of lubrication. It covers safety issues related to lubricants. It discusses different types of lubricants used in mills including many properties of, and additives to lubricants. The module takes a look at types of lubrication system designs used in industry and some components such as oil coolers and reservoirs. The module concludes with a look at the operation of lubrication systems.
 
 
Basic Electricity - Electricity is a mystery to most operators. This module attempts to explain electricity in operator terms. Some examples are given for the theory portions, dealing with magnetism, DC, AC, and electromagnetism. Simple explanations of motors, fuses, circuit switching devices and generators are provided.
 
Screening & Cleaning - The theory and practical applications of screening and cleaning are introduced and explained. Common types of screens and cleaners are shown and explained. Operational considerations are discussed.
 
Basics of Papermaking - This training module describes the papermaking process from the paper machine approach system to the winder. It examines each section of the process and the various components that make up each section. While each paper machine is different, a typical machine might include: an approach system; forming, press, and dryer sections; a coater, calender, reel, and winder; and a vacuum system.
 
Basics of Refining - This module discusses several aspects of refining. The module begins by discussing paper structure and fiber structure. It then covers the mechanics of refining, effects of refining, several types of refiners, and refining variables. The module concludes with a discussion of the impact of refining on the base sheet.
 
 
Basics of Coating and Coaters - This module describes the reasons for coating paper, and basic concepts related to coating and coaters. It examines the types of coatings used for paper products and how base sheet quality affects coating quality. The module then discusses coating ingredients and their production with respect to their place in the coating flow path. It then examines coating components that comprise the coating flow path including the mixer, storage tank, filters, and day tank. The module ends by discussing several types of coaters including blade coaters, roll/film coaters (rod metering size presses), and calenders.
 
Principles of Recycling - This module covers the basic principles of the repulping of recycled fiber in recycled fiber system processes. This module examines recycled fiber, the functions required for repulping, and the objectives of repulping. It then discusses equipment used to repulp the recycled fiber, as well as the equipment required downstream of the Pulper to complete the process of taking recycled material and producing stock for a paper machine.
 
Wet End Chemistry - This module outlines the fundamental chemicals involved in producing a sheet of paper that will meet the specifications required by the customer. It covers the basic chemical interactions that generally occur prior to the sheet being formed and dried on the paper machine. These interactions are caused by the addition of certain chemical compounds, or additives, to the process to achieve the desired properties required of the particular grade of paper that is being produced. Each of the main additives is covered with a general description of the additive, basic safety and handling procedures, and the specific reasons for its use.
 
Turbines - This module provides a generic introduction to steam turbines. Large and small types are shown and explained. Different blading types are explained. Turbine seals, lube, control and stop valves are discussed. Operational principles are identified and explained.
 
 
Boilers - This module provides a basic introduction to boilers. Boiler terminology is provided and used, and explanations of the main parts of boilers are shown and explained. Operational practices and principles are included in this module.
 
Digester Cooking - This module deals with the cooking of chips with white liquor. Generic methods of cooking are discussed, and specific attention will be paid to Kamyr cooking. Ideal chip specifications and ideal pulp specifications are presented and explained. Effective cooking of chips is discussed to enable operators to understand the complete cooking process at a mill.
 
Brownstock Washing - The principles and theory of washing pulp are covered in this module. This is a generic module that provides some theory and background information related to the washing of stock to remove black liquor from pulp.
 
Liquor Firing - The firing of black liquor in a recovery boiler differs significantly from firing natural gas or fuel oil. This module explains the preparation of liquor for firing, and shows and explains the step by step combustion process for black liquor. Operational considerations are also discussed in this module.
 
 
Bleaching Chemistry - This module explains the theory and chemistry of various bleaching methods. This is a generic module, but can be customized to deal with the bleaching processes used in any mill.
 
Recausticization - This module shows and explains the Kraft process liquor cycle for green, white, and black liquor. The chemistry of the Recaust area, the lime kiln, and causticizing are explained in operator terms.
 
Optimizing Plant Performance - This module provides a detailed approach of how operating personnel can develop plans for optimizing their systems. This model raises the expectations and provides detailed explanations of the duties and responsibilities of investigating systemic improvements. The module includes issues that need to be understood to optimize plant performance, run trials, and communicate before, during, and after these activities.
 
:: close the window ::