Biopulping: Engineering Scale-up and Economics, 2002 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 semi-commercial scale. Detailed engineering analyses and design studies have been performed for full production-scale mill implementation, and the technology is ready to be commercialized.

This paper will summarize the process scale-up, 50 ton pilot scale equipment and tests, and design studies for commercial scale implementation of biomechanical pulping. Economic evaluation of the process are presented, including production economics, operating costs, and capital requirements.

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 $7 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.