GEM Trap Retrofit for Paper Mill
Energy savings of over $600,000 USD have been made by this major paper mill. The paper mill is owned and operated by one of the world’s largest manufacturers of containerboard, corrugated and solid board containers, folding cartons, and paper bags. An ISO 14001 certified organisation, the paper mill constantly works to minimise its impact on the environment by reducing energy consumption.
As part of a steam optimisation exercise, the paper mill’s Project Manager contacted Thermal Energy International (TEI) to conduct a bucket test to demonstrate GEM Trap’s superior efficiency over existing mechanical traps on site.
Subsequent to the bucket test, TEI commenced a site survey at the paper mill’s three major areas: the coater machine, two paper machines, as well as the steam distribution and heater of the third paper making machine.
Following the installation of the GEM Traps, the steam consumption was measured. An equivalent of over $200,000 USD in energy savings per annum was observed. Given the original investment of just above $40,000 USD, and based upon actual savings achieved following the trap installation, it is calculated that the payback period took well under 1 year.
Furthermore, mechanical traps in two other areas of the site which house the containerboard machines were also fitted with GEM Traps. Again, the consumption of steam was measured subsequent to the installation and was found that the reduction in steam usage equated to over $400,000 USD a year, yielding a payback of less than 5 months.
Over and above the substantial energy savings and short payback period, the reliability of the GEM Traps is unrivaled.
Although we have now closed the Coated Paper facility, our packaging operations have been unaffected. The GEM Traps installed in these areas of the site have not needed replacing and continue to provide us with energy savings.
- Project Manager
