On-Site Chemical Complexes for ECF Bleaching, 1994 International Pan Pacific Conference Proceedings

C. Moser, E. Hinze, J. King, D. Leong

Meeting the market demand for ECF Pulp while operating a mill in relatively remote or developing locations in S.E. Asia has brought on-site chemical production to the forefront of interest in the Kraft Wood Pulping Industry. Balancing the production of, and the demand for, bleaching chemicals poses a challenge to the designer. Is there a process which will allow on-site production of chlorine dioxide and caustic for ECF bleaching without producing surplus chlorine or overloading the mill salt cake balance.

The answer to the questions is yes! The combination of a HCl based integrated chlorine dioxide plant with a membrane type chloralkali plant, when properly designed, achieves this balance.

Considerations for having an on-site chemical complex run deeper than capital costs versus operating costs. The availability of chemicals and the hazards associated with shipping them have to be accessed as well.