Engineering Analysis of Lightweight High-Opacity Newsprint production by Fiber loading, 1999 Papermakers Conference Proceedings

John H. Klungness, Matthew L. Stroika, Marguerite S. Sykes, Said M. AbuBakr, Werner Witek, Oliver U. Heise
We estimated the capital effectiveness of fiber loading in regard to producing lightweight high-opacity newsprint. Fiber loading enhances fiber bonding at increased precipitated calcium carbonate levels without significant loss in Canadian standard freeness or additional use of energy. We investigated the return on investment (ROI) for fiber loading precipitated calcium carbonate for a hypothetical 600 metric ton/day newsprint mill. Savings were obtained from substituting lower cost fiber-loaded precipitated calcium carbonate (FLPCC) for higher cost fiber, reducing grammage and drying energy costs, and obtaining a premium for lightweight paper. Fiber loading produces a positive ROI given typical engineering costs. Assuming that a 4-g/m 2 reduction in fiber and a 6% addition of precipitated calcium carbonate is a reasonable goal for fiber-loaded newsprint, high ROIs can be reached. Assuming that FLPCC is available at $150/metric ton and 1% hydrogen peroxide is added along with typical stabilizing chemicals, the ROI is estimated to be 59.7%. If the cost of FLPCC is $75/metric ton, the ROI is estimated to be 73.4%. Other ROIs are calculated for various scenarios. Given the high possible ROIs of fiber loading for newsprint, the capital effectiveness of this process should be assessed for mottled and white-top linerboard as well as printing & writing grades.