Pilot Scale Black Liquor Concentration using Pressure Driven Membrane Separation

Abstract
Black liquor concentration using pressure driven membrane separation has long been proposed as a means of achieving energy savings and breaking production bottlenecks. To date, limitations in membrane performance and stability under black liquor process conditions have prevented those promises from being realized outside of tightly controlled laboratory settings.
In this work, we describe the first successful pilot scale field deployments of a membrane system for black liquor concentration. Using a purpose-built system and commercial sized, spiral wound graphene oxide membrane elements we have logged nearly 6000 hours of runtime across deployments to multiple mills sites. We demonstrate concentration of black liquor from 14% to >20% total solids, while generating permeate water comparable in quality to that of evaporator condensate and an 81% reduction in energy consumption relative to evaporation. At a commercial scale, these results translate to $2 M/year in net energy savings for a typical mill as well as an opportunity to support production increases or mill expansions. These results represent a significant leap forward in the ability of membrane systems to deliver substantial value via black liquor concentration.
Application: In this work, the authors describe the first successful pilot demonstration of black liquor concentration using a membrane system. This technical demonstration paves the way for commercial sized systems achieving substantial cost and energy savings. 

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