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Comparative analysis and benchmarking of commercial and emerging fast pyrolysis technologies, TAPPI Journal May 2023

ABSTRACT: It is well established that producing sustainable fuels and replacing the fossil-based ones is one of the key solutions to achieving net-zero emissions goals. One of the most advanced commercial-scale pathways to biofuels available today is fast pyrolysis. However, due to the need for a supportive regulatory environment and mitigation strategies for uncertainties related to costs and feedstock quality, fast pyrolysis is not yet being widely implemented. In this case study, three fast pyrolysis technologies with a technology readiness level (TRL) of 6 and above have been compared to distinguish between them and identify the conditions under which they are economically viable. The circulating fluidized bed (CFB), rotating cone (RC), and mechanically assisted fluidized bed (MFB) fast pyrolysis technologies were considered. First, the flow diagram and a mass and energy balance comparison were addressed. It was revealed that the RC configuration has better bio-oil yields because it can handle smaller particles. The MFB configuration has a progressive condensation unit at the end of the process, which produces a nearly dry oil having a higher energy content. Four implementation scenarios were studied. The first was the fast pyrolysis standalone process, where all options had marginal economic attractiveness, and the RC configuration economically outperformed the other two. Integration of a fast pyrolysis plant into a sawmill in the second scenario was found to bring significant improvements in revenues and internal rate of return (IRR). Realization of the full value of bio-oil (the third scenario) brought significantly more revenues for the MFB. Finally, the fourth scenario involved adding a progressive condensation unit, which increased the capital expenditure (CAPEX) by 3%•4% while increasing revenues by 32%•35%. A sensitivity analysis highlighted the importance of financial support towards capital cost and the full valuation of bio-oil for the economic viability of fast pyrolysis processes. Progressive condensation leading to more added-value bio-oil makes the standalone fast pyrolysis process more profitable.

Enhancing tissue wet pressing performance and dry end material efficiency for cost savings, TAPPI Journal May 2024

ABSTRACT: The steadily growing global tissue paper demand lays a foundation for new technologies targeting tissue production optimization, as well as improved material and time efficiency. Tissue making is an especially energy-intensive field of paper industry, creating unique demands for performance in wet pressing and drying processes to cut energy usage. Intelligent roll solutions offer new tools for tissue making to achieve these goals. These tools aim at improving press nip, moisture, and tension profiles; reeling nip and parent roll hardness profiles; rewinder runnability; and end product web handling characteristics in converting. Intelligent rolls can be utilized in all the main processes and positions on tissue production lines. With these tools, production cost reductions and energy savings can be obtained by optimizing the press nip-to-Yankee cylinder contact, avoiding moisture profile errors requiring overdrying with the Yankee hood and reducing reeling/winding broke under low nip load conditions typical to tissue windups. The intelligent roll system consists of a helically mounted force or temperature sensors, roll covers, measurement electronics, digital radio transmission, and a receiver system connected to a user interface or the mill automation system. What distinguishes these implementations is that no layout changes or added external measurement devices are required, helping to fit into compact tissue machine environments, regardless of the equipment type • traditional, hybrid, or through-air drying (TAD) concept. In tissue processing equipment, the optimal positions for these rolls are press nip rollers, reeling cylinders, rewinder or converting line paper lead rolls, or rewinder winding drums. In addition to these, temperature profile measurements are utilized, with the main application being the sheet temperature profile detection after Yankee drying for moisture profile and drying process optimization.

Comparative analysis and benchmarking of commercial and emerging fast pyrolysis technologies, TAPPI Journal May 2023

ABSTRACT: It is well established that producing sustainable fuels and replacing the fossil-based ones is one of the key solutions to achieving net-zero emissions goals. One of the most advanced commercial-scale pathways to biofuels available today is fast pyrolysis. However, due to the need for a supportive regulatory environment and mitigation strategies for uncertainties related to costs and feedstock quality, fast pyrolysis is not yet being widely implemented. In this case study, three fast pyrolysis technologies with a technology readiness level (TRL) of 6 and above have been compared to distinguish between them and identify the conditions under which they are economically viable. The circulating fluidized bed (CFB), rotating cone (RC), and mechanically assisted fluidized bed (MFB) fast pyrolysis technologies were considered. First, the flow diagram and a mass and energy balance comparison were addressed. It was revealed that the RC configuration has better bio-oil yields because it can handle smaller particles. The MFB configuration has a progressive condensation unit at the end of the process, which produces a nearly dry oil having a higher energy content. Four implementation scenarios were studied. The first was the fast pyrolysis standalone process, where all options had marginal economic attractiveness, and the RC configuration economically outperformed the other two. Integration of a fast pyrolysis plant into a sawmill in the second scenario was found to bring significant improvements in revenues and internal rate of return (IRR). Realization of the full value of bio-oil (the third scenario) brought significantly more revenues for the MFB. Finally, the fourth scenario involved adding a progressive condensation unit, which increased the capital expenditure (CAPEX) by 3%•4% while increasing revenues by 32%•35%. A sensitivity analysis highlighted the importance of financial support towards capital cost and the full valuation of bio-oil for the economic viability of fast pyrolysis processes. Progressive condensation leading to more added-value bio-oil makes the standalone fast pyrolysis process more profitable.

ANDRITZ to Supply World’s Largest Lignin Production System to Södra Pulp Mill in Sweden

SolarPress Green Sets New Standards for Bio-Based Roll Covers

Ten Years of XcelLine: The Backbone of Modern Paper Production Celebrates a Milestone

Enhanced Paper Inspection Through New Camera Technology

This TAPPI webinar showcases ISRA Vision's revolutionary Nova Core Web Inspection System, featuring cutting-edge multi-line cameras operating at 400kHz with 67-micrometer resolution at 1600 meters per minute. The system integrates AI-powered Pearl classification, delivering 6% better defect identification than traditional methods while reducing equipment costs by 30%. Advanced detection modes including HDR, TDI, and true color inspection enable precise classification of dirt particles, impurities, and formation defects. With energy-efficient LED technology and robust design for harsh paper mill environments, this solution addresses critical quality control challenges while minimizing operational costs and maximizing production efficiency for mid-career professionals seeking advanced technical insights.

ANDRITZ to Supply Environmentally Leading Chemical Recovery Technologies to The Navigator Company

ANDRITZ secures turnkey contract with Navigator Company to supply advanced recovery boiler technology, ash leaching system, and NCG collection upgrades for Setúbal pulp mill in Portugal. The HERB recovery boiler features 2,100 tds/d capacity with enhanced automation, digitalization, and extended operational periods without water washing requirements. This fourth ANDRITZ recovery boiler delivery to Navigator demonstrates proven partnership success in sustainable pulp technology implementation. The comprehensive solution supports Navigator's Responsible 2030 environmental agenda while improving mill safety, operational efficiency, and green energy production capabilities through CircleToZero waste elimination initiatives, scheduled for Q1 2025 commissioning.

ANDRITZ Plant Will Prepare Date Palm Waste for Fiberboard Production

ANDRITZ partners with WESER and DIEFFENBACHER to deliver innovative fiber preparation technology for Egypt's groundbreaking MDF/HDF plant in Toshka, transforming agricultural waste into valuable building materials. This sustainable manufacturing initiative processes date palm fronds from 40,000 acres into high-quality fiberboards for flooring and furniture applications, demonstrating industry leadership in circular economy principles. The complete turnkey solution features advanced washing, conditioning, and pressurized refining systems with proven energy-efficient technology, scheduled for production launch in autumn 2025. This project exemplifies the growing importance of alternative raw materials in modern panel manufacturing.

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