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Tembec selects near-infrared analyzers for Skookumchuck pulp mill

After a successful six-month trial, Tembec Pulp Group’s Skookumchuck operations has selected Fitnir Analyzers Inc. to control its causticizer processes. Fitnir’s near-infrared analyzer will measure liquor samples from six of the mill’s process…

After a successful six-month trial, Tembec Pulp Group’s Skookumchuck operations has selected Fitnir Analyzers Inc. to control its causticizer processes. Fitnir’s near-infrared analyzer will measure liquor samples from six of the mill’s process streams. Constant monitoring of the samples will reduce over-liming and scaling within Tembec’s pipe lines, leading to improved process stability and mechanical performance, decreased down time, and subsequently, lower operating costs.

“The successes achieved during the trial are only the tip of the iceberg. We anticipate numerous direct and indirect benefits, which provided easy justification for the purchase of a Fitnir analyzer. A payback period of less than one year and, once operational, a potential savings of more than half a million dollars annually is estimated,” said Gavin Baxter, power and recovery manager.

“Measurements and control developments enabled by Fitnir’s leading edge analyzer provide further insights into optimization and cost reduction, thereby allowing Canadian mills like Tembec to be more competitive.”

The cost savings recorded from the demonstration system were realized primarily as a result of steam savings, decreased gas usage and, most significantly, reduced dependence on expensive purchased lime. The reduction of lime usage at the mill will also have the added benefit of lessening the mill’s environmental impact.

Implementation is expected to begin in July 2011 and completed by August 2011.