The Impact and Use of Diamondback Hoppers in the Paper, Pulp and Biomass Industries

The early developments of using DiamondBack® hopper technology for wood chips in a steam environment, and its impact on modern pulping technology will be discussed. The underlying needs for wood steaming and retention time control will be explained. The first successful application of the DiamondBack® hopper in our industry opened a pathway to new developments, which have revolutionized the pulp and paper industry and its ability to build ever larger single line processing facilities, with improved quality and better financial results. The technology has lately been applied also in the fledging biomass treatment industry. Jerry Johanson’s knowledge, understanding of the challenges, and commitment to the development was and is vital to its success.