Design and Installation of a Replacement Thermal Oxidizer for Odor Abatement, 1997 Environmental Conference Proceedings

In 1995 the Mead Publishing Paper Division facility in Escanaba, MI, decided to replace its thermal oxidizer (TO) to correct operational problems with the unit and to provide improved odor control. The TO handles gas streams from the evaporator hotwell, condensate stripper and batch digester system. Mead contracted with an established engineering firm to assess and design a system modification or upgrade. The first requirement was a reliable and accurate analysis of the composition and mass flow rates of the gas streams collected and fed to the existing TO. An environmental testing group was contracted to perform continuous on-line measurements for total reduced sulfur (TRS) compounds, methanol and volumetric flow rate for the feed gas streams during hardwood and softwood pulp production. Design considerations included compliance with proposed Cluster Rules and future production predictions. The TRS loadings were significantly greater than the industry norm. The resulting design was completed and a TO was installed and operational within twelve months from the initial design considerations and testing. Completion of the project required Mead acceptance that the TO vendor warranty was met and the system demonstrated compliance with state permit limits.