Features Energy Management Operations & Management Paper Pulp
Domtar optimizes operations at Plymouth mill with energy efficiency projects

August 28, 2018 – Domtar is working on optimizing operations at its Plymouth mill, starting with increasing energy and resource efficiency. 

Last year, the company set a goal to make its pulp business a growth driver. 

“We’re undertaking a number of energy and environmental sustainability initiatives to continue to reduce our overall energy footprint,” said Plymouth mill manager Allan Bohn. “All of those things will add up to streamlining the mill in terms of the number of energy assets we operate.”

A number of these operational efficiency projects will come to fruition in 2019. For example, the mill will save hundreds of thousands of pounds of steam per hour and several million gallons of cooling water per day by improving its fibre waste (hog fuel) boiler and installing a new cooling tower with heat exchangers.

Additionally, by eliminating the use of a biomass boiler that previously supported a recently retired pulp machine, the mill will consume less biomass to produce the same amount of pulp. 

“We’re working closely with our union partners to ensure we have the resources and structure to ensure a strong future for the mill,” said Bohn.

He said the organic continuous improvement actions have reduced chemical usage and energy consumption, and improved productivity, earning the mill the opportunity to grow those initiatives through company-funded investment.

Throughout the continuous improvement projects, the mill is setting production records for slush and fluff pulp.