Title:
Innovative Hydrothermal Carbonization (HTC) Process for a Nordic Pulp and Paper Mill
Author(s):
Mäki, E., Saastamoinen, H., Melin, K., Matschegg, D., Davidis, B., Spekreijse, J., Kourkoumpas, D.S., Tzelepi, V., Sagani, A., Axegård, P.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The common way of handling sludge from pulp and paper (P&P) mill.s wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is combusting it at the site. Combustion is rather a way to dispose the sludge than take advantage of its energy content. This case study assesses the potential to convert the wet low-value feedstock, specifically WWTP.s secondary sludge, to a more valuable bioenergy product called HTC biocoal through hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) combined with wet oxidation using C-Green.s innovative OxyPower HTC technology. We assess the integration to a Nordic sulphate pulp mill as a retrofit and compare it to baseline scenario of combusting sludge in the recovery boiler. The approach contains assessment of effects of integration to pulp mill.s mass and energy balance, and market, economic and environmental assessments. The results show that the retrofit has positive impacts on the pulp mill.s mass and energy balance, such as reduced evaporator and recovery boiler load. Greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 77% compared to baseline scenario proved the environmental benefits of the retrofit. However, it is challenging to find an economic case for HTC biocoal production in P&P industry due to efficient sludge treatment already taking place. Furthermore, End-of-Waste status is needed before entering the markets.
Keywords:
bioenergy, sludge, wastewater treatment, retrofitting, hydrothermal carbonization, pulp and paper industry
Topic:
Biomass Conversion to Intermediate Bioenergy Carriers, Sustainable Biofuels and Bio-Based Products
Subtopic:
Hydrothermal Processing
Event:
29th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
3DV.1.4
Pages:
954 - 960
ISBN:
978-88-89407-21-9
Paper DOI:
10.5071/29thEUBCE2021-3DV.1.4
Price:
FREE
