Smelt Dissolving Tank Heat Recovery Application
Thermal Energy International (TEI) implemented a FLU-ACE Condensing Heat Recovery System on the smelt dissolving tank vent at this pulp mill.
The system was designed to recover an average of 12 MMBtu/h of waste heat energy that would otherwise be exhausted to the atmosphere. The waste heat from the exhaust is used to preheat boiler makeup water, reducing steam use in the deaerator. This resulted in elimination of the mill’s consumption of No. 6 fuel oil and a commensurate reduction in greenhouse gas and other emissions equivalent to removing 2,085 cars from the road.
The project delivers annual energy cost savings of $1,400,000 as well as providing the added benefit of an 85% reduction in the visible plume previously produced by the smelt dissolving tank vent exhaust. The project was implemented on a turn-key basis and was completed on budget and on schedule with the system going into commercial operation in April 2008.
Utilising TEI’s Thermal AUD (Alternate Utility Delivery) programme, the equipment is owned and operated by TEI over a given term whereby the recovered energy is metered and charged on a $/MMBtu rate basis that provides a continuous energy cost saving to the user. This provides an immediate cost savings benefit to the user without the requirement to deploy any internal capital - positive cash flow from day one.
The equipment started up on time and on budget, with no impact on mill operations, reaching target heat recovery and savings from the get-go.
- General Manager
The project was recognised by Pulp and Paper Technical Association of Canada (PAPTAC) in 2008 and presented with their Energy Conservation Award as one of the best examples of energy conservation opportunities applied in Canada.
