ABSTRACT
Process integration is a proven powerful tool for the improvement of the overall energy efficiency and the optimization of the water usage in pulp and paper mills. The application of thermal Pinch analysis, combined with practical mill experience, has resulted in very important energy, operating and capital cost savings for many mills. American Process Inc. (API) has applied Process integration in more than 200 pulp and paper mills for energy optimization and the minimization of the water usage and the effluent flow. API has also developed the O-PinchTM, a complimentary methodology to the pinch analysis that focus on operational projects with low or no capital cost. This paper will provide the theory and practice of Pinch technology, as well as examples of its application in different mills.
Keywords: cogeneration, heat recovery, operational review, Pinch technology, process integration, pulp and paper.
Authors*: Bahador Bakhtiari1
Vesa Pylkkanen1
Theodora Retsina1
* Authors’ reference:
1. American Process Inc., Atlanta. GA. USA
Corresponding author: Bahador Bakhtiari. Atlanta. 30308. USA. Phone: (404) 872-8807.
E-mail: [email protected]
