Investigating potential energy savings from raw materials variability attenuation: A case study in pulp and paper industry

Power consumption is becoming more expensive by the day. This is not far from the fact that power generation is facing a lot of challenges coupled with increasing demand. Industrial sector power demand shares a significant proportion of this generated power. It is therefore a necessary task to manage well industrial energy use through appropriate energy efficiency methods practice so as to minimise energy losses. In this study energy efficiency opportunities in pulp and paper (P&P) mill are identified and the saving potential is then quantified. An energy flow model with the help of an energy audit are used to quantify energy supply, generation, conversion and end use thereby exposing areas of energy losses of the mill. This analysis will serve as an eye opener to future and current P&P making operations in South Africa, and as a base case for stimulating changes toward more efficient energy utilization in the pulp and paper industry. Quite a reasonable energy losses avenues were identified, audited and options of improvements suggested. The results proved that quite a sensible amount of energy is lost in the P&P case study and a near future look into the opportunities and barriers have been noted.

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Forests, fiber, and the environment – In view of the fiber supply to the pulp and paper industry

The Forestry Chronicle ◽

10.5558/tfc75247-2 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 75 (2) ◽

pp. 247-255 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Dinesh Mohta ◽

D. N. Roy

Keyword(s):

Raw Materials ◽

Paper Industry ◽

Wood Fiber ◽

Pulp And Paper Industry ◽

Developed Countries ◽

Wood Pulp ◽

Vital Role ◽

Pulp And Paper ◽

High Yield ◽

Paper Mills

Forests play a vital role in the social, economic, and environmental development of any country. Paper, composed principally of wood fiber, is an essential commodity in promoting literacy, communication, documentation, and packaging. However, there is much concern about the world's forests being over-utilized. This has led to serious repercussions, not only to humanity, but also to the earth's biodiversity as a whole. It is now time that forests be used in a more responsible and ethical manner. Because of reduced forest area, increasing pulpwood costs, and an increasing demand for pulp and paper products, it might be expected that the focus would shift to high yield pulping processes or to the use of cellulosic non-wood raw materials. Non-woods are available in good supply all over the world, but are currently under-utilized. It is estimated that replacing 5–10% of wood pulp with non-wood pulp would have an important impact on the conservation of forests and the environment. This replacement of wood pulp by non-wood pulp could be environmentally and economically acceptable even in developed countries. By doing so, pulp and paper mills would have a lead role in reducing their dependency on forests for fiber. This determination and commitment would enhance the long-term sustainability of forests and the pulp and paper industry. Above all, it would be a sustainable step towards "our common future." Key words: forest, sustainable development, fiber supply, pulp and paper, non-woods

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