| 1 | Production capacity | Specify the target output in tonnes per day or year, planned operating hours, product mix, and expected ramp-up schedule. | Capacity must be consistent across pulp preparation, viscose preparation, filtration, spinning, finishing, and utilities—not just the spinning line. | Request a process-wide capacity balance that states assumptions, bottlenecks, and expected availability. |
| 2 | Product specification | Define whether the plant will make filament yarn, staple fibre, or both, along with required denier or dtex, cut length where applicable, and quality targets. | Product type and dimensions influence spinneret design, spinning positions, drawing, cutting, washing, and finishing equipment. | Confirm the proposed line can produce the specified range and identify changeover parts and time. |
| 3 | Cellulose pulp supply | Document pulp grade, cellulose content, viscosity, moisture, ash, and the variability of incoming material. | Pulp properties affect steeping, alkali-cellulose ageing, viscose dope preparation, filtration, and spinning performance. | Check the equipment supplier’s feedstock assumptions against actual pulp specifications and sample test results. |
| 4 | Steeping and pressing | Review steeping vessels, pulp handling, press capacity, liquor circulation, and controls for alkali concentration and temperature. | Steeping with sodium hydroxide forms alkali cellulose; consistent impregnation and pressing support repeatable downstream processing. | Request operating ranges, instrumentation details, cleaning access, and safeguards for caustic handling. |
| 5 | Shredding and ageing | Assess shredder throughput, particle consistency, ageing vessel capacity, residence-time control, and temperature management. | Shredding increases surface area; controlled ageing adjusts cellulose chain length before subsequent viscose preparation steps. | Ask for design residence times and control tolerances based on the intended pulp and product specifications. |
| 6 | Xanthation and dissolution | Evaluate closed reactors, charging and dosing systems, mixing, temperature control, and provision for safe handling of carbon disulfide. | Alkali cellulose reacts with carbon disulfide to form cellulose xanthate, which is then dissolved to prepare viscose dope. | Review closed-system design, leak detection, ventilation, hazardous-area classification, and emergency procedures. |
| 7 | Ripening, filtration, and deaeration | Check tank volume, dope temperature control, filter stages and area, differential-pressure monitoring, and vacuum deaeration capacity. | Ripening develops dope properties; filtration removes undissolved matter, while deaeration reduces bubbles that can disrupt spinning. | Confirm the system is sized for the specified dope flow and that filter replacement can be performed safely and efficiently. |
| 8 | Spinning and coagulation | Compare spinneret and spinning-position requirements, bath circulation, temperature control, and compatibility with the chosen product format. | Viscose is extruded into an acidic coagulation bath; bath composition and operating conditions must suit the process and product. | Request process-flow information, bath-control instrumentation, and performance evidence for the intended product range. |
| 9 | Chemical recovery and emissions | Include carbon disulfide recovery, scrubbers, wastewater treatment interfaces, exhaust collection, and monitoring in the equipment scope. | Viscose production uses hazardous chemicals and can generate emissions and contaminated process streams; controls depend on local regulations and plant design. | Obtain a written emissions and recovery balance, applicable permits list, and clearly defined battery limits. |
| 10 | Utilities, maintenance, and acceptance | Confirm power, steam, cooling water, compressed air, floor space, spare parts, operator training, and maintenance access. | Utility demand and maintainability affect operating cost, uptime, and the ability to meet the planned production schedule. | Set measurable factory and site acceptance criteria for capacity, product quality, energy use, safety functions, and documentation. |