The invention is a method for efficiently preparing alkali cellulose
having a uniform alkali distribution therein. More specifically, the
invention is a method for preparing alkali cellulose comprising steps of
bringing pulp into continuous contact with an alkali metal hydroxide
solution in a pipe type contactor to generate a contact mixture and
draining the contact mixture; a method for preparing cellulose ether
comprising use of the alkali cellulose; and an apparatus for preparing
alkali cellulose, comprising a pipe type contactor having at least one
inlet port at one end thereof for introducing pulp and an alkali metal
hydroxide solution, and an outlet port at the other end for discharging a
contact mixture, wherein the pulp and the alkali metal hydroxide solution
are moved from one end to the other end while bringing them into contact
with each other, and a drainer for separating a cake from the contact
mixture discharged from the contactor.