Chemegate

GATE 2026 Chemical Engineering, Q18 · Chemical Technology

The correct answer is B, DE → CH → DI → WA → BL.

Question

In a traditional continuous Kraft (Sulfate) pulping process, consider the following major steps: Bleaching (BL), Chipping (CH), Debarking (DE), Digestion (DI), and Pulp Washing (WA). Which one of the following is the CORRECT sequence of steps for this process?

  • A. DE → BL → WA → DI → CH
  • B. DE → CH → DI → WA → BL
  • C. DE → CH → WA → DI → BL
  • D. DE → BL → WA → CH → DI

Official answer: DE → CH → DI → WA → BL

Why

GATE 2026 official key: (B). The correct Kraft process order is Debarking → Chipping → Digestion → Washing → Bleaching.

Explanation cross-checked for consistency. Final answer matches the official IIT answer key.