2026 Introduction to Wet End Chemistry Course

The TAPPI Introduction to Wet End Chemistry course equips you with the latest technology and terminology for optimum papermaking performance.

Instructors for this course know that quality products and cost savings are both important objectives, so they focus this three-day interactive training on innovative wet end chemistry principals and the use of additives to efficiently change or create new paper products.

This is the only training program that offers an in-depth focus on additives and what they can and can't do for your process.

Through case studies, break-out sessions and networking with others in the course, you’ll learn how to:

• Implement new wet end technology to reach higher efficiency and consistent, quality products
• Use additives to improve or create new products
• Reduce downtime and off-spec production
• Make better judgments on selection and use of chemicals
• Better troubleshoot problems
• Respond quickly to changing fiber qualities, regulations and competitive pressures

This course is ideal for engineers involved in training, particularly within mills that have brought in newer employees or lost valuable experience through retirement.  Many chemical engineers entering paper mills today don’t have a specific background in pulp and paper manufacturing and may not understand how to apply what they’ve learned to the papermaking wet end process.  

In this course, you will learn the importance of better communication of correct terminology in context to the chemicals and additives used in making better paper products that can rev up production.

Learning Outcomes
You could pour over all the how-to manuals available and still not retain this level and quality of working knowledge. Completing this workshop will enable you, among other skills, to:  

• Identify the properties of papermaking furnish and the process components and discuss how they interact to affect wet-end chemistry phenomena.
• Discuss possible solutions to paper machine process and paper quality problems associated with wet end additives and arising from chemical deposits.
• Identify additives that can be used to change the balance of charge for purposes of process control, trouble-shooting and optimization situations.
• Identify the most important factors affecting first-pass retention and the rate of drainage of water from the fiber mat during paper formation.
• Identify classes of wet-end chemical additives that can be used to achieve paper property objectives in various grades.

This course sets a maximum number of participants to encourage the most interactive discussions possible with ample question-and-answer opportunities.

Who is Attending?
This course is designed for superintendents, product developers, process engineers, process and quality control technicians, as well as suppliers who need an introductory- to intermediate-level understanding of wet end chemistry.  

• Chemical and Process Engineers
• Mill Superintendents and Department Managers
• Research and Development Engineers
• Technology and Chief Chemists
• VP Research and Development
• Technology Directors
• Process & Quality Control Technicians
• Account Representatives for Chemical, Machinery, Equipment Suppliers

Participants should have one to five years of paper industry experience, and college-level chemistry and math courses are helpful.

Larry Anker, Ph.D.
Solenis
A TAPPI Fellow and Director of North America pulp and paper applications for Solenis. He earned a B.S. Degree in Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics from Washington and Lee University and his Ph.D. in Chemistry at Penn State University.

Przem Pruszynski, Ph.D.
Global Industrial Technical Consulting
Chemistry expert focused on non-chemical approaches to production efficiency and machine stability, author and co-author of nearly 100 papers and publications, formerly in R&D leadership positions with Dow and Nalco.

Scott Rosencrance, Ph.D.
Kemira

Scott is Global Vice President of Commercial Development for Kemira. Previously, he has led various regional and global areas including sales, marketing, technical applications, regulatory, and R&D. Scott earned his B.S. in chemistry from Fairmont State University, an MBA from Auburn University and a Ph.D. from Penn State University.  He is the author of more than 85 patents and publications and past recipient of the George Westinghouse Signature Award. He is a TAPPI Fellow, editor-in-chief emeritus forTAPPI Journal, a current member of the journal editorial board, Chair of the TAPPICon Technical Program Committee, the current Chair of the Pulp and Paper Division for TAPPI, as well as author and editor of a series of technical books concentrated on advances in additive technology and application for the pulp and paper industry offered by TAPPI Publications.  

Earn 2.0 CEUs for completion of this course curriculum.

Introduction to Wet End Chemistry - Course Schedule

DAY 1
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Introduction to the Course

Learning Objectives, Themes, Models
Water Chemistry
Water Chemistry Quiz
Team Formation
Water Chemistry Case Study
Fiber, Fines and Wood Chemistry
Wood Extractives
Interfering Substances and Contaminants

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Lunch

1:00 - 5:15 p.m.

Fibers and Fines Case Study
Charge and Zeta Potential
Feeding and Injecting Additives
Retention and Retention Aids
Retention Aid Quiz and Case Study
Questions and Answers

DAY 2
8:00 a.m. - 1:10 p.m. 

Questions and Answers
Dry Strength Agents
Dry Strength Case Study
Wet Strength Additives
Alum, Sizing and Rosin
Alum, Sizing and Rosin Case Study and Quiz
Synthetic Sizes

1:10 p.m. - 2:10 p.m.

Lunch

2:10 - 5:45 p.m.

Synthetic Sizes Quiz
Synthetic Sizes Case Study
Dyes and Whiteners
Fillers
Dyes and Fillers Quiz
Dyes and Fillers Case Study
Process Control in Wet End
Process Control Quiz
Questions and Answers

DAY 3
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Questions and Answers
Microbiological Control
Enzymes for the Wet End
Slime and Enzymes Quiz
Deposit Control
Pitch Control
Deposit Control Quiz
Deposit Control Case Study
Interactions in the Wet End

12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Break

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Foam and Entrained Air
Course Evaluation, CEU Credits

Adjournment

2026 Registration Rates

Cancellation Policy:

If you find that you have to cancel, your full registration fee will be refunded if TAPPI’s Registration Department receives written notification (fax acceptable at  +1.770.209.7206 by  (May 5, 2026).  Please note:  There will be a 50% refund for all written cancellations made after (May 5, 2026) but no later than 5 business days prior to the start of the course (May 26 2026).  Understandably, after May 26 2026, no refunds can be issued.  Substitutions, however, will be accepted any time without a penalty.   

Refund:

100% - Cancellation received by (May 5, 2026)

50% -  Cancellations received after (May 5, 2026) and no later than (May 5, 2026). 

NO REFUND- Cancellations received after (May 26, 2026).

This course will take place at TAPPI Headquarters:

15 Innovation Dr, Suite 115, 

Peachtree Corners, GA 30092

Local Hotels Near TAPPI Headquarters

HILTON ATLANTA NORTHEAST
5993 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
www.atlantanortheast.hilton.com
(0.9 mi. from TAPPI)

Includes:

• Complimentary wireless internet throughout hotel
• Complimentary self-parking
• Complimentary shuttle within 5 minutes from hotel
• This rate is good for any TAPPI related travel for staff/BOD/Training Courses etc.

Reservation Link: Book Now

Registration Phone: 1-888-HILTONS OR 770-447-4747

Crowne Plaza
6050 Peachtree Industrial Blvd
Norcross, GA 30071
www.ihg.com/crowneplaza
(1.5 mi. from TAPPI)

Includes: 

• Complimentary breakfast
• Complimentary wireless internet throughout hotel
• Complimentary self-parking
• Complimentary fitness center onsite
• Complimentary shuttle within 5 minutes from hotel
• Meeting Facilities 

Reservation Link: Book Now

Reservation Phone: 1-877-666-3243

TAPPI Press is known as an industry leader for publishing reliable and practical publications and training products created and peer reviewed by industry experts for professionals and students alike. 

Course attendees receive a 20% discount on titles selected for this course when purchased with registration. Pick-up onsite and SAVE ON SHIPPING!

This is a great time to refresh or master new skills and restock your corporate or personal library. 

Advances in Papermaking Wet End Chemistry Application Technologies
Special Member Price: $118.00            
Special Non-Member Price: $145.00

Make Paper Products Stand Out; Strategic Use of Wet End Chemical Additives
Special Member Price: $83.00              
Special Non-Member Price: $107.00

Process Chemicals for Papermaking
Special Member Price: $111.00            
Special Non-Member Price: $145.00    
             

Principles of Wet End Chemistry
Special Member Price: $46.00              
Special Non-Member Price: $66.00 
     

Chemical Processing Aids in Papermaking: A Practical Guide Special Member Price: $74.00              
Special Non-Member Price: $111.00  
    

Handbook of Pulp and Paper Technologist (The Smook Book) 4^th Edition
Special Member Price: $89.00              
Special Non-Member Price: $115.00 

Starch and Starch Products for Wet End Application 
Special Member Price: $117.00            
Special Non-Member Price: $173.00      

Troubleshooting the Papermaking Process
Special Member Price: $98.00              
Special Non-Member Price: $129.00