Question

Which of the following is the primary function of digestion?

(a) To separate the fibers

(b) To produce a well cooked pulp

(c) To bleach the pulp

(d) To increase the strength of the pulp

The question was posed to me during a job interview.

Origin of the question is Pulping, Digestion and Bleaching in portion Paper and Paper Based Packaging Materials of Food Packaging Technology

Answer 1

The correct choice is (b) To produce a well cooked pulp

For explanation: The primary function of digestion is to produce a well cooked pulp, free from the non-cellulosic portions of the wood (i.e., lignin and to a certain extent hemicelluloses). It’s other functions are- to achieve a maximum yield of raw material (i.e., pulp from wood) commensurate with pulp quality and to ensure a constant supply of pulp of the correct quality.