Paper Technology International 2020 - Journal - Page 37

PAPERTECHNOLOGYINTERNATIONAL
How to start improving energy efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions and optimize production?
Anna-Riina Ahonen, Marketing Manager, Runtech Systems
INTRODUCTION:
Papermakers have different reasons for ordering a survey to be carried out on their machine. For example, energy efficiency in the
drying part is poor or there is a lack of drying capacity. There can also be problems with dewatering, poor pocket ventilation, sheet moisture
profile issues, moisture peaks or problems with sheet runnability and tail threading. The machine hall can suffer from ventilation issues,
condensation or corrosion. The performance of ventilation equipment deteriorates slowly, and often malfunctions are noticed only when the
issues cause serious enough problems in production or operating conditions.
Routine service and system audits are an important part
of keeping any process running smoothly. Comprehensive, on-site
machine audits can help identify inconsistencies in performance
as well as evaluate the potential for failure. In addition to extending
the life of a machine, audits can also play a vital role in helping
operators identify opportunities to improve the process, energy and
machine efficiency.
Runtech Systems offers a number of audits, ranging from
full system to component specific, which can help to evaluate a
range of factors. These can range from performance and efficiency
evaluations to general troubleshooting. Each audit comes with a
full written report, including a summary of the results as well as a
detailed analysis with recommendations tailored to your process and
equipment. We also provide you with insights on how to get the most
from your equipment.
Vacuum system and dewatering audits
As we know, vacuum demand varies with different paper
grades, felts and machine speeds. Therefore, a tailor-made solution
with flexible and variable capacity can balance the supply and
demand, resulting in both optimized dewatering and minimized
power consumption. To achieve these results, Runtech performs
professional vacuum system and dewatering audits.
Runtech and Nash engineers have performed thousands
of vacuum system audits and dewatering studies at paper mills
over the last 20 years. Those studies and audits enable Runtech
to benchmark the effectiveness of existing vacuum systems,
dewatering equipment, suction elements, fabrics and felts. All of
this information comes together in an often step-by-step rebuild and
upgrade plan that results in minimized operational expenses coupled
with production increase and/or runnability improvements.
A vacuum system audit is used to document and benchmark
the overall effectiveness of a vacuum system and sheet dewatering
process, highlighting problem areas and opportunities to reduce
operational costs.
During a basic vacuum system survey, vacuum levels are
studied to identify the real vacuum connections. Paper machine
vacuum levels are measured at the vacuum pumps and blowers
to identify problem areas. The dewatering elements – flat boxes,
save-all pans and uhle boxes – are also reviewed. Specialists study
pressure and bleed losses to analyze the energy consumption and
evaluate if the vacuum levels are too high. Energy savings are
calculated based on the EP Turbo Blower speed control technology,
and recommendations and proposals are made.
In addition, we can design new pipeline connection diagrams
and provide engineering drawings as well as new vacuum pump
specifications, if necessary. ROI calculations and reporting always
come as part of the package.
Figure 1: Vacuum system audit is a tool to
document and benchmark the vacuum system
and sheet dewatering effectiveness, to highlight
problem areas and illustrate options to reduce
operational cost associated with the vacuum
system.
Rebuilding a vacuum system with RunEco Turbo
Blowers can decrease the energy consumption
by 30-70%.
35

Paperturn flipbook