Retrofit Particulate Controls For Magnesium Sulfite Recovery Boilers, 1992 Environmental Conference Proceedings

An engineering evaluation was conducted of retrofit particulate control options for three recovery boilers at the Alaska Pulp Corporation mill in Sitka, Alaska The objective of the evaluation was twofold: to identify technologies capable of maintaining average particulate emissions from Recovery Furnaces 1, 2 and 3 below the 2 pounds (lb) par air dried ton (ADT) limit specified in the permit to operate for the facility, and to rank order these technologies using a standardized cost estimation formula. The existing particulate control systems were inspected and maintenance and performance records were reviewed in detail. Existing controls include single-stage wet electrostatic precipitators (ESP) on Recovery Furnaces 1 and 3, and a two-stage chevron mist eliminator on Recovery Furnace 2. Performance and maintenance histories for the recovery furnace particulate control devices used at magnesium sulfite and ammonium sulfite mils throughout North America were reviewed in order to identify technologies currently in use that are suitable for application to the recovery furnaces at Alaska Pulp.

Quotes were requested from manufacturers of technologies capable of achieving the 2 Ib/ADT limit. The annualized cost of each control option was determined using the Lang cost estimation method, with an accuracy of + 20 percent. Retrofit recommendations included an upgrading of the internal components in the existing wet ESPs on Recovery Furnaces 1 and 3, and the addition of a Dynawave wet scrubber on Recovery Furnace 2.