Crable Engineering LLC,

The Color Solutions Company

CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 1

 What is an OBA?
 OBA stands for Optical Brightening Agent, also
known as FWA (Fluorescent Whitening Agent),
optical brightener, fluorescent dye, or simply
whitener.
 Basically it is a special type of dye.
 They are used in most grades of white paper and
board (even in newsprint) to brighten and whiten
the paper.
 Color of the OBA in its concentrated form is
generally amber (dark yellow).
 Mostly they are anionic (or negative) in charge.
 pH is typically between 8.5 and 11.0.

CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 2

 How do OBAs work?
 OBAs absorb a portion of the invisible Ultra Violet
(UV) rays from the sun or another light source.
R
e
l
at
i
veA
b
s
or
p
ti
on
/F
l
uo
re
s
ce
n
ce
1
0
0

8
0

6
0 F
l
uor
e
sce
n
ce

4
0

2
0

U
V
Ab
s
or
p
ti
on
0
3
0
0 4
0
0 5
0
0 6
0
0 7
0
0
W
a
v
el
en
gt
h(
nm
)

 They reemit that energy as visible, blue light.

 This phenomenon, called fluorescence, causes the
total visible reflected light from a sample to
increase, particularly in the blue range.
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 3
 Overuse of OBAs
 OBAs are effective as long as they find new places to bind
to the fiber or to surface starch (size press).
 When there are no more bonding sites available, the OBA
molecules will start attaching to each other.
 Once the OBA molecules start attaching to themselves, a
combination of their “blue” fluorescence and the yellow of
their own natural color produces a phenomenon called
“greening over.”
 When “greening over” occurs, the paper actually starts to
turn green in shade and the brightness and whiteness drop.
 Fluorescence measurement will continue to increase even
though brightness does not when green over occurs.

CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 4

OBA Greenover (Overuse)

CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 5

How many types of OBA are there?
 There are many different types of OBAs used across
multiple industries, such as paper, laundry detergent,
plastics, and textiles.
 But, there are three (3) main types used in the paper
industry: disulphonated, tetrasulphonated, and
hexasulphonated.
 There is even at least one cationic OBA used in the
paper industry – Clariant’s Leucophor FTS. It is used
in some inkjet grades where the size press starch has
a positive charge due to other additives.
 3V, Greenville, Clariant, and now TFM are the major
suppliers of OBA to the paper industry in the U.S.,
Europe, and Brazil.
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 6
Which OBAs are Mostly Used?
 In North America, we use mainly three types of OBA:
disulphonated, tetrasulphonated, and hexasulphonated.
 Disulphonated OBAs (2 sulphonate groups) have the lowest
solubility in water and the greatest affinity for cellulose fiber of
any whitener type. They are recommended exclusively for the
wet-end of the paper machine. Disulphonated OBAs have the
highest potential to green over when overdosed.
 Tetrasulphonated (4 sulphonate groups) is the most universal
of the OBAs. It can be used in the pulp and size press and can
be used in the wet-end of the paper machine. If used in the wet-
end of the paper machine, though, tetras have a greater impact
on charge (negative effect on wet end chemistry) than disulphos.
They can be used at the size press but will not build to very high
brightnesses when applied there. Tetras will also green over
when used excessively.
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 7
 What are the OBAs that we use?
 Hexasulphonated OBAs (6 sulphonate groups) have
the highest solubility in water and are used
exclusively in the size press and in coatings. Hexas
are used to build to the highest brightness and
whiteness levels, and they have the lowest potential
to cause green over.
 *Modified tetrasulphonated OBAs are specialty
products where the tetrasulphonated chemistry has
been slightly altered to allow them to build to higher
brightness levels than normal tetras. They are used
exclusively in the size press. Hexas have mostly
replaced them now since hexa prices have dropped.
 NOTE: tetrasulphonateds are the only type of OBA
approved for use in food contact grades.
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 8
How do they compare for cost?
 Prices for tetrasulphonated OBA are the lowest
and averaged perhaps $0.55/lb and $0.65/lb in
2008 (Eastern USA).
 The price for hexasulphonated OBAs were
about $0.65/lb to $0.70/lb in 2008 (Eastern
USA). Hexa used to cost much more, but it is
now much closer in cost to tetra.
 Disulphonated OBAs are the most expensive
with pricing of approximately $1.00/lb in 2008
depending on whether they are received in bulk
(tank trucks) or in totes (Eastern USA).
NOTE: Prices can rise sharply with raw material
shortages or gross price increases.
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 9
 How much OBA should be added?
 The right OBAs should be added at each location to gradually
build to the final brightness/whiteness.
 At the wet end of the paper machine, if OBA is needed, it is
preferable to add disulphonated to minimize the impact on
wet end chemistry. Also this type of OBA has the best fiber
affinity. Efficiency is good at dosages up to about 10 #/ton.
 In the size press, tetrasulphonated should be used at lower
dosages because it is stronger than hexasulphonated. But at
dosages above about 15 to 20 #/ton the tetrasulphonated no
longer builds. Hexasulphonated should be used at loadings
above 20 #/ton in the size press.
 Too much TOTAL use of OBA will lead to green over, but
adding it in portions allows optimal build internally and on
the surface.
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 10
How much can OBA help brightness &
whiteness?
BRIGHTNESS
 A maximum of 10 points (theoretical) of TAPPI (GE)
brightness can be obtained from the use of OBAs. In
practice, the brightness boost from OBA is usually closer to
7 points.
 If that 10 points is used up by adding an excess of OBA at
the wet end of the paper machine, then additional use of
OBA on the paper machine will have little to no positive
impact.
WHITENESS
 OBA can have a significant impact in raising CIE whiteness.
 Use of OBA can raise whiteness by more than 10 points.
 Making the sheet slightly bluer, though, is a lot more cost
effective.
 Using the right amount of OBA at the best addition points
is still key to keeping cost down.
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 11
Can too much OBA be added at a
single addition point?
 Yes, it is possible to add too much OBA at one
addition point.
 Too much added at any one point will either cause
green over or simply waste OBA and drive up cost.
 Think of building brightness and whiteness like a
drying profile; it should be done thoughtfully to be
efficient.
 A suggested way to build brightness/whiteness:
 Treat new bonding sites (e.g. at refiners or fan pump): up to 10 #/ton
 Then treat the surface of the sheet (e.g. size press or coating): up to
about 15 #/ton (tetrasulphonated) or 40 #/ton (hexasulphonated)
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 12
What can hurt OBA performance?
 Cationic materials such as retention aids, alum, and
coagulants can interfere with OBA. Their use should be
kept to a minimum, and they should be diluted and added
as far from the OBA as possible.
 Acid conditions tend to have a quenching effect on OBA.
 Lignin containing fibers such as those in BCTMP will
reduce OBA effectiveness by absorbing UV energy.
 Fillers can compete with OBA for UV energy. Titanium
dioxide is the worst in this regard, particularly rutile
titanium dioxide.
 Yellow and black dyes are very bad for OBA performance.
 Heavy metals such as iron, manganese, and copper – often
found in process water – interfere with OBA.
 Poor starch quality (yellow) reduces OBA efficiency, too.
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 13
How can OBA affect runnability?
 OBAs have a negative charge and they increase the
cationic demand of the paper machine wet end.
 They can, therefore, strongly impact retention and can
lead to sheet breaks if not monitored and carefully
controlled.
 In order of their negative impact on wet end chemistry,
OBAs are listed:
 Hexasulphonated – worst (added at the size press;
comes back to the wet end through broke)
 Tetrasulphonated – middle
 Disulphonated – least impact (best)
 Tetrasulphonated OBAs added in the wet end of the
paper machine can be problematic at moderate to high
dosages.
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 14
What test measurements will OBA affect?
 OBA addition will impact:
 Fluorescence
 Brightness
 Whiteness
 b* value (slightly on the Elrepho)
 L* value (slightly)
 a* value (lower – green – if overused)

 Increase OBA to raise fluorescence.

 Increase OBA (to its optimum point) to achieve brightness
and whiteness.
 Decrease OBA if greening (lower a* value) is observed.
 Decrease OBA to the minimum flow while maintaining
specifications for cost savings.
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 15
Why is OBA reduction important?
 OBA, like many chemicals, has oil as one of its
elementary ingredients.
 With oil prices rising and fluctuating, OBA prices
could increase dramatically.
 Significant savings can be realized by
systematically reducing OBA use which is not
improving optical properties. One North
American mill saved over $2,000,000 per year
while making the same grades.
 With global demand for OBA going up & possible
supply disruptions, it could become difficult to
get enough material . . at least in a timely manner.
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 16
 How Can We Save OBA?
 Simply put, it is very easy to overuse OBA without
realizing it.
 Regular efforts should be made to cut OBA flow
while observing brightness and whiteness. This is
particularly true after grade changes and sheet
breaks.
 If a cut in OBA flow does not result in a drop in
brightness and whiteness, then it is being overused.
 Use more high brightness filler (PCC).
 Avoid OBA leaks and spills.
 Compare OBA usage to that of previous runs and
continually try to reduce it. Also create a
“dashboard.”
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 17
 How Do We Use the Dashboard?
 Create it using a straightforward template or screen
form.
 The Dashboard is designed to give a quick overview
of most of the factors that influence OBA
consumption.
 It should be referred to regularly to see if there are
any process changes (e.g. increase in dye flow or
drop in pulp brightness) than could increase OBA
usage.
 Corrective action should be taken immediately to
correct the process and allow OBA flow to be
reduced.

CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 18

What does ColorLok® do to OBAs?
 ColorLok® can be a size press additive that interferes with
the OBA’s ability to fluoresce and thus build brightness and
whiteness. It can also cause them to precipitate out of the
starch. Hexas are most resistant to precipitation.
 ColorLok® chemicals usually impart a yellow-green color to
the paper.
 This shift in shade has to be overcome by a combination of
increasing the flow of the tinting dye(s) and usually using
more OBA.
 ColorLok® makes the size press addition of OBA less
efficient than it would otherwise be.
 Therefore, it is appropriate to try using more disulphonated
OBA in the wet end of the paper machine to achieve
brightness and whiteness targets, if necessary.
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 19
Are there safety or handling issues with
OBAs?
 OBAs are not harmful when handled with
appropriate care.
 They do not contain any toxic chemical components.
 They will exhibit fluorescence (blue glow) under
black light.
 In some OBAs, with urea or glycol used as
solvents/stabilizers, sensitivity can result if it comes
into contact with the skin. NOTE: This is not
generally an issue.
 When spilled, OBAs can form a slippery amber
puddle.
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 20
 APPENDIX

Control scenarios with questions . . .

and answers.

CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 21

Scenario 1
TARGETS:
L* = 95.70 TAPPI Brightness = 92.0
a* = 0.25 CIE Whiteness = 145.0
b* = - 2.30
ACTUAL VALUES:
L* = 96.25 TAPPI Brightness = 93.1
a* = 0.52 CIE Whiteness = 146.5
b* = - 2.55
SETPOINTS:
 Tetra OBA is being added to the size press @ 30 cc/min
top and bottom.
 Blue dye is being added at 29 cc/min.
 Red dye is being added at 20 cc/min.

QUESTION:
 What can be done to save OBA and thus cut costs?
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 22
Scenario 2
TARGETS:
L* = 95.70 TAPPI Brightness = 92.0
a* = 0.25 CIE Whiteness = 145.0
b* = - 2.30
ACTUAL VALUES:
L* = 95.50 TAPPI Brightness = 91.6
a* = 0.08 CIE Whiteness = 142.2
b* = - 1.95
SETPOINTS:
 Hexa OBA is being added to the size press @ 50 cc/min
top and bottom.
 Blue dye is being added at 25 cc/min.
 Red dye is being added at 17 cc/min.

QUESTION:
 What can be done to save OBA and thus cut costs?
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 23
Scenario 3
TARGETS:
L* = 96.38 TAPPI Brightness = 96.0
a* = 0.30 CIE Whiteness = 153.0
b* = - 4.25
ACTUAL VALUES:
L* = 96.25 TAPPI Brightness = 97.1
a* = - 0.10 CIE Whiteness = 149.7
b* = - 3.95
SETPOINTS:
 Hexa OBA is being added to the size press @ 65 cc/min
top and bottom.
 Di OBA is being added to the wet end at 50 cc/min.
 Blue dye is being added at 37 cc/min.
 Red dye is being added at 39 cc/min.

QUESTION:
 What can be done to save OBA and thus cut costs?
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 24
Scenario 4
TARGETS:
L* = 96.25 TAPPI Brightness = 96.0
a* = 0.27 CIE Whiteness = 150.0
b* = - 4.25
ACTUAL VALUES:
L* = 95.90 TAPPI Brightness = 95.6
a* = 0.52 CIE Whiteness = 153.2
b* = - 4.80
SETPOINTS:
 Hexa OBA is being added to the size press @
55 cc/min top and bottom.
 Di OBA is being added in the wet end at 35 cc/min.
 Blue dye is being added at 29 cc/min.
 Red dye is being added at 20 cc/min.
QUESTION:
 What can be done to save OBA and thus cut costs?
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 25
Scenario 5
TARGETS:
L* = 96.05 TAPPI Brightness = 96.0
a* = 0.00 CIE Whiteness = 153.0
b* = - 4.25
ACTUAL VALUES:
L* = 95.75 TAPPI Brightness = 94.2
a* = 0.22 CIE Whiteness = 149.9
b* = - 4.11
SETPOINTS:
 Hexa OBA is being added to the size press @ 70 cc/min
top and bottom.
 Di OBA is being added to the wet end at 23 cc/min.
 Blue dye is being added at 32 cc/min.
 Red dye is being added at 26 cc/min.

QUESTION:
 What can be done to save OBA and thus cut costs?
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 26
Scenario 1 - Answers
 Delta L* = + 0.55, Delta a* = +0.30, Delta b* = - 0.25
 Delta TAPPI Brightness = +1.1, Delta Whiteness = + 1.5

 The sheet is light, red, blue, and high in both brightness

and whiteness.

 Blue dye should be cut (perhaps 29 cc/min to 26 cc/min);

 Red dye possibly could be cut too (20 cc/min to 19 cc/min);
 OBA flow to the size press should be reduced on both sides
– perhaps 30 cc/min to 22 cc/min.

 Continue to adjust dye flows to achieve shade, and reduce

OBA until TAPPI brightness is close to 92. CIE whiteness
will drop slightly.
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 27
Scenario 2 - Answers
 Delta L* = - 0.20, Delta a* = - 0.17, Delta b* = + 0.35
 Delta TAPPI Brightness = - 0.4, Delta Whiteness = - 2.8

 The sheet is dark, green, yellow, and low in both brightness and
whiteness.

 OBA flow to the size press should be reduced slightly on both

sides – perhaps 50 cc/min to 45 cc/min to evaluate possible green
over.
 Blue dye should be increased slightly (perhaps 25 cc/min to
28 cc/min) to make the sheet bluer;

 Adjust OBA flows up or down to improve brightness and

eliminate green over (if there is any). Adjust dyes to match
shade. CIE whiteness should rise slightly with the adjustment to
be bluer.
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 28
Scenario 3 - Answers
 Delta L* = - 0.13, Delta a* = - 0.40, Delta b* = + 0.30
 Delta TAPPI Brightness = + 1.1, Delta Whiteness = - 3.3

 The sheet is slightly dark, green, and yellow. It is high in

brightness but low in whiteness.

 There is strong evidence of greening over occurring.

 The flow of di OBA is high; it could be reduced from 50 cc/min
to 35 cc/min or 30 cc/min.
 OBA flow to the size press should be reduced on both sides –
perhaps 65 cc/min to 55 cc/min to evaluate green over.
 Dyes should not be adjusted until the green over is eliminated.

 Continue to reduce OBA flows to improve brightness and

eliminate green over. Then adjust dyes to match shade. CIE
whiteness should rise slightly.
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 29
Scenario 4 - Answers
 Delta L* = - 0.35, Delta a* = + 0.25, Delta b* = - 0.55
 Delta TAPPI Brightness = - 0.4, Delta Whiteness = + 3.2

 The sheet is slightly dark, red, and blue. It is low in

brightness but high in whiteness.

 The flow of Blue dye is high making the sheet blue and
slightly red. (NOTE: It’s a reddish-blue dye.)
 Cut Blue dye from 29 cc/min to perhaps 26 cc/min.
 Reduce Red dye by 1 to 2 cc/min if the sheet remains red.
 This may offer the opportunity then to cut some OBA
because the extra dyes are dulling the sheet.

 Continue to try reducing size press OBA flows as the

brightness allows.
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 30
Scenario 5 - Answers
 Delta L* = - 0.30, Delta a* = + 0.22, Delta b* = + 0.14
 Delta TAPPI Brightness = - 1.8, Delta Whiteness = - 3.1

 The sheet is slightly dark, red, and yellow. It is low in

brightness and whiteness.

 Reduce Red dye by 1 to 2 cc/min to eliminate the red.

 Add Blue dye only if necessary to maintain b* value.
 The di OBA is at a low dosage and the hexa OBA is at a high
dosage.
 Reduce the hexa OBA to the size press from 70 cc/min each
side to 60 cc/min each side. Increase the di OBA in the wet
end to 35 cc/min.

 Continue to try reducing size press OBA flows as the

brightness allows.
CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 31
 END

CRABLE ENGINEERING LLC 32