Pulp and Paper Energy Saving Technology

Author: Chief Editor: Lin Yuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-02
Features: Excerpt: Efforts to Reduce Energy ConsumptionSection: Reducing Energy Consumption and Increasing Energy Self-Sufficiency
I. Overview
In the past 20 years, the pulp and paper industry in various countries has not only reduced energy consumption per unit of product but has also gradually addressed the issue of energy self-sufficiency. During the 10-year period from 1973 to 1983, Sweden's pulp and paper industry saw a significant reduction in fuel consumption. For example, in 1973, fuel consumption was 2.2×10^6 m3, in 1978 it was 1.5×10^6 m3, and by 1983 it had dropped to 0.7×10^6 m3. Over these 10 years, fuel consumption was reduced by two-thirds. Assi Company in Sweden successfully replaced fuel with sawdust in the lime kiln of the Lovholmen. The energy self-sufficiency rate of the U.S. pulp and paper industry has reached 57%–58% and is expected to exceed 60% soon. The maximum self-sufficiency rate should not be lower than 70%. In 1983, the energy consumption per ton of paper in the UK decreased by 8%. Additionally, some paper mills in the UK also used a mix of biogas, natural gas, and heavy oil as fuel. The energy consumption comparison of the seven major pulp-producing countries is shown in Table 1-1-1. These seven countries account for 85% of the world's chemical pulp production. The primary energy consumption of Finland's pulp and paper industry, including electricity, accounts for approximately 23% of the country's total energy consumption. Sweden accounts for 17%, Canada for 9%, and other countries are all less than 4%. Due to a lack of energy, Finland utilizes black liquor and waste wood as energy, accounting for about 15% of the total. The oil crisis of 1973 led to increased attention to fuel conservation in the pulp and paper industry worldwide. Between 1972 and 1979, U.S. fuel consumption per ton of paper decreased by more than 20%, Canada by 12.5%, and by 1984 it had dropped to 15%. During the same period, the total energy consumption per ton of paper in the U.S. decreased by 10%.