South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (hereafter referred to as Xamk) is requesting offers for a research service required for the project "CEBIPRO - New analysis technologies for circular economy biorefinery processes": MFC wet-end optimization research. The project's main funder is Business Finland, which has granted funding from the European Union's NextGeneration EU under the Sustainable Growth Programme for Finland for the period 1 January 2023 to 30 April 2025. Xamk is procuring a research service related to microfibrillated cellulose (MFC). The research should include screening 2-3 MFC grades, optimizing the strength increase and drainage properties when adding MFC to the furnish for paper and board applications, optimizing the wet-end chemistry, conducting pilot-scale studies in a flow loop, and compiling a detailed report of the results. We are seeking a proposal for multiple tests to create a performance map for a given MFC in the system and to obtain applicable results and knowledge that can be utilized in an industrial environment. South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences (Xamk) is procuring a research service related to microfibrillated cellulose (MFC). The research should include screening 2-3 MFC grades, laboratory evaluations, flow loop analyses on a pilot or semi-pilot scale, and comprehensive reporting of the results. Xamk will provide the pulp, MFC grades, and chemicals for the study. The service should be conducted during 2024 or at the beginning of 2025. A multiple tests proposal, with focus on scenarios in order - to draw a performance map for a given MFC in system - to gain applicable results and knowledge that can be used in industrial environment 1. Lab evaluation and screening of MFC scenarios based on drainage and mechanical properties o Drainage o Flocculant dose optimization o Floc resistance o Zeta potential studies o Charge demand measurement o Laboratory sheet making o Laboratory sheet analyses (tensile strength, tear strength, burst) o Retention o MFC dyeing 2. Flow loop o One MFC grade is studied with its optimized wet-end strategy using a pilot or semi-pilot scale flow loop o Possibility of high-speed imaging of flocs Specifications of the flow loop: o Flow range: at least 100-2000 lpm o Transparent filming section o All data logged continuously during trials The budget for the service is EUR 75,000 (0% VAT). Tenders exceeding this will not be accepted by the Customer.