Paper Technology International 2020 - Journal - Page 35

PAPERTECHNOLOGYINTERNATIONAL
Volatile fatty acid, amylolytic activity, ATP, bacteria and
fungi counts, pH, temperature, conductivity, ORP and water
hardness were the most important parameters monitored; a
model was created to interpret the status quo and the desired
outcomes of the treatment.
After one year of system knowledge and deep process
understanding, Buckman implemented its ammonia-based
precursor for monochloramine technology.
Monochloramine is the chemical compound with
the formula NH²Cl. Buckman monochloramine is formed in
situ from ammonia solution and a halogen-free precursor in
combination with sodium hypochlorite. Monochloramine acts as
a mild oxidant with a high affinity for specific microbial proteins.
The mode of action on microorganisms inhibits food uptake
and formation of organic acids by blocking microbial enzymes.
The trial started in the most difficult season of the
year, between spring and summer, when water sources were
changed and reduced on top of increasing environmental
temperatures.
Figure 2: Headbox after process treatment with Buckman MCA.
A perfect storm, you may think? No, it wasn’t, thanks to the
strong preparation and expertise involved from both parties.
The outstanding results achieved since the start up would
not have been possible without Buckman’s proprietary dosing
equipment, installed following the customer’s requirements on top of
highest safety standards guaranteed by both companies.
Buckman’s proprietary dosing equipment, boosted by stateof-the-art digital features, is designed to apply different dosages
flexibly to the various parts of the process and assures the highest
safety standards (multiple interlocks, shut off valves, remote control).
The application of Buckman’s monochloramine technology
provides significant benefits on various levels beyond its
antimicrobial properties. The process stability in combination with
infection control allows for closing the water circuit at the desired
level by keeping the wastewater treatment plant and paper mill at
maximum efficiency.
Moreover, monochloramine is also an extremely effective
biodispersant and is able to penetrate organic deposits even if they
are layered with mineral scale. It helps to clean up the process
and keeps it free from organic/inorganic deposits going forward,
providing an opportunity to reduce stops for boilouts and schedule
stops only around required machine maintenance.
Five-year consolidated results show:
•
20% less fresh water consumption
•
74% reduction in calcium carbonate precipitation in
anaerobic reactors
•
No need to inject fresh anaerobic biomass in the
reactors thus saving money and emissions
•
Improved performance of anaerobic biomass generated
emissions
•
60% more biogas with a 1.5% savings of total
consumption of fresh methane
•
40% reduction of calcium carbonate in the activated
sludge tank, resulting in less required maintenance
•
15% increase in machine runnability due to fewer
breaks
Annual return on investment for the mill is calculated at more than
100.000 €/y; return on environment is unbelievable considering the
water saved can fill more than 120 Olympic pools.
The above results are the expression of continuous dedication, high
level service provided on a weekly basis and a customer-centric
approach. Even during the recent pandemic, Buckman was able to
keep this high level standard thanks to digital features installed in
the dosing unit, online monitoring and bulk tank level sensors.
Focused on continuous improvement and innovation, Buckman has
recently launched its Ackumen™ Platform and implemented it in this
mill.
The benefit of having the Ackumen Platform link with the application
is to collect a lot of different and more data, all in context.
The purpose of the Ackumen Platform is not to simply gather
data but to deliver actionable insights. What is an insight? It’s the
detection of a pattern of anomalous behavior; the analysis of its root
cause in measurable, rational terms; and finally, a recommended
course of action to resolve the issue. Due to increasing challenges
affecting the packaging industry, Ackumen will help to identify
additional opportunities to further optimize the system to save even
more water, energy and money.
The partnership with Buckman and this leading packaging group
was celebrated in their Sustainability Report 2020. The Company
stated how Buckman helped them to achieve their sustainability
goals related to climate change mitigation.
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