Applying Numerical Optimization Tools to Lime Kilns

The pulp and paper industry is at a turning point. The industry not only needs to address the demands of the changing global economy along with increasing competitiveness, but they must also prepare for policy changes and technological improvements in the field of energy. This presentation will discuss the manual steps that have be used, and discuss the potential strategy to automate those steps to optimize the energy consumption of a lime kiln.

Keywords: 

• Lime Kiln
• Energy Optimization
• Computer Modeling
• Data Reconciliation
• Process Optimization  

Learning Outcomes: 

1. Understand how computer models are used to assist the reconciliation of process data and optimization of energy consumption in a lime kiln
   
   

Who Should Attend: Pulp and Paper

1. Process Engineers
2. Controls Engineers
3. Recaust Superintendents/Area Manager  

Peter Gorog is a member of Houghton Cascade Holdings, LLC, in Lynden, WA. Prior to this, he worked for the Weyerhaeuser Company for 24 years as a Senior Engineering Advisor on chemical recovery and energy production, specializing in rotary kilns and recovery boilers. He directed multimillion dollar projects that set the industry standards for materials of construction and air systems for recovery boilers, and refractories for kilns and black liquor gasification. He is a TAPPI Fellow and has received several awards including the 2007 Canadian NSERC Synergy Award for Innovation for industrial collaboration with Canadian universities and the 2021 TAPPI Technical Award and Beloit Prize recognizing his contributions to the Engineering Division and pulp and paper industry. In 2022 he was a contributing author on TAPPI’s book titled “Lime Kilns and Recausticizing: The Forgotten Part of the Kraft Mill”. He holds 5 patents and published over 30 papers.

Wesley received his BSc. of Chemical Engineering from McMaster University and MSc. in Chemical Engineering/Process Control from the University of Alberta. He works as a Principal Reasearcher at FPInnovations located in Vancouver BC, Canada . He has worked in the pulp and paper industry for 18 years, initially applying advanced control to many areas of the P&P process during his time at Andritz Automation.  At FPInnovations, his work is focused on modeling/control of the lime kiln, control and optimization of continuous digesters and modeling chip piles.