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Fortress Paper’s co-gen project delayed by second pump failure

The co-generation facility at Fortress Paper’s Thurso, Que., dissolving pulp mill is once again experiencing pump problems. The company reports that the high pressure water pump at its Fortress Specialty Cellulose Mill was re-installed on…

The co-generation facility at Fortress Paper’s Thurso, Que., dissolving pulp mill is once again experiencing pump problems. The company reports that the high pressure water pump at its Fortress Specialty Cellulose Mill was re-installed on July 12, allowing the cogeneration facility to operate for 20 days before being shut-down again due to pump failure. The back-up high pressure water pump was then installed on August 5, but “its operation was again unsustainable due to inadequate repairs,” says a press release.

Fortress Paper has placed an order with an alternate supplier for a high pressure water pump which is expected to arrive in approximately four weeks for installation.

Despite these setbacks, Fortress reports that it completed all major testing of equipment during the operating period. The facility successfully completed 18 and 24 MWH output testing. The company anticipates completing the final 100-hour test as soon as the new pump is installed and tested.

Chad Wasilenkoff, CEO of Fortress Paper commented, “Although the performance of the repair by the supplier of the pump has been disappointing, we are pleased that we were able to complete all major testing of equipment. The company will proceed with an alternate pump supplier in order to complete the final 100-hour test before delivering power to the Hydro Quebec grid and ultimately reducing our production costs.”