Catalyst Projects to Boost Biron Mill’s Efficiency and Environmental Performance
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Catalyst Paper (Richmond, B.C., Canada) announced this past week that the company will invest approximately $2.7 million in two projects at its Biron, Wis., USA, mill that will improve operational efficiency and lighten its environmental footprint.
One project will convert the fuel source of Biron’s No. 4 boiler from high-sulfur coal to natural gas. The second project will modify the TMP reboiler to reclaim unused waste steam from the thermomechanical pulping process to heat fresh water supplying the paper machines, decreasing the demand on both coal and natural gas.
These projects offer significant environmental benefits. They will substantially reduce sulfur dioxide emissions, while achieving major reductions of particulate, nitrogen oxide, and greenhouse gas.
With the No. 4 boiler conversion, Biron will also meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s Maximum Achievable Control Technology standard, which impacts the mill on Jan. 31, 2017.
"These two projects represent an important milestone for our mill," said Lucas McLeod, VP & GM at the mill. "Today, we take an important step forward to position Biron for improved efficiency and environmental performance, which supports Catalyst’s commitment to continuous improvement."
The economic impact of this work is significant as we anticipate investing approximately $1 million in local/regional expenditures during the construction of both projects.
Work on the reboiler is underway and expected to be completed in October 2016. Work on the No. 4 boiler conversion is expected to commence in February 2017. The company anticipates start up by May 1, 2017.
