Commercialization of Biopulping: An Energy-Saving and Environmentally-Friendly Technology for the Paper Industry, 2003 Fall Technical Conference

The biopulping process for treating wood chips prior to mechanical pulping has been scaled up through an extensive development program and has been demonstrated at 50 ton semicommercial scale. Detailed engineering analyses and design studies have been performed for full production-scale mill implementation, and the technology is ready for commercial use. This paper will summarize the 50 ton pilot scale equipment constructed to allow in-mill evaluation tests, and design studies for commercial scale implementation of biomechanical pulping. Economic evaluation of the process will be presented, including production economics and operating costs. The economic advantages of biomechanical pulping derive from several effects, led by significantly improved strength properties and significantly reduced refiner energy requirements. Production cost savings can be substantial. For example, at least $5 million/year net savings before license fees can be realized in an operation producing 242 ton/d of biomechanical pulp for 800 ton/d of blended LWC furnish. The work is being funded by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Energy through its Inventions and Innovations program and the National Industrial Competitiveness through Energy, Environment, and Economics (NICE3) program.