Proper Water Management Reduces Costs at the Mill
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While 71% of our planet’s surface is covered with water, only 3% is freshwater and, of that, only 0.5% is available for us to use (https://www.usbr.gov/mp/arwec/water-facts-ww-water-sup.html). All industries are reliant on this limited resource, but some are significantly more reliant than others. The pulp and paper (P&P) industry is one of the largest consumers of industrial process water in the US and the second largest in Europe (https://www.fisheri.com). During the past decade increased attention has been paid to overall efficiency of paper mills and to the P&P industry’s environmental footprint. Key factors such as potential cost savings, limited water resources, environmental impacts, legislation, and product quality have led to a greater focus on water management.
While the industry strives to decrease freshwater usage and increase water recycling, it is not an easy task. Building water recycling processes and managing potential risks and pitfalls requires an overall understanding of processes, chemistry, and conditions. On November 7, attendees of TAPPI’s 2023 Pulping, Engineering, Environmental, Recycling and Sustainability (PEERS) Conference,November 5-8, 2023 in Atlanta, GA, can hear Aimee Ray of Aqua-Chem discuss how water management in the form of water recycling can help mills achieve their environmental and sustainability goals.
Ray’s presentation, Advanced Water Treatment and Recycling Solution for Low Water Consumption Paper Mill, Case Studies, is part of PEERS’ Recycling track that addresses new developments in the recycling field with an emphasis on recycling previously unusable raw materials, packaging compatibility and environmental sustainability. Additional track presentations include:
- Siliconized Paper Release Liner, Another Source of Recovered Fiber by Farminder Anand, Avery Dennison
- Recycling 101 by Marty Daniel, Thiele Kaolin Company
- Deinking of Water‐based by Roe‐Hoan Yoon, Virginia Tech
Learn more about the Recycling Track
PEERS 2023
PEERS focuses on the latest advancements in technology, as well as fundamental process knowledge and control issues mills face each day. Its. Its peer-reviewed technical program includes seven tracks that address critical operational areas Engineering, Reliability, Corrosion and Materials, program tracks include: Pulping and Bleaching; Energy, Recovery, Lime Kiln and Recaust; Environmental; Recycling; Sustainability; and Nonwood.
Returning this year are the popular Hot Topics Breakfasts, November 7 and 8 at 6:45am. These sessions include a complimentary buffet breakfast followed by peer discussions on the industry’s latest technical/production developments and operating problems. Open to all conference attendees, these breakfast gatherings provide an opportunity for people with similar interests to get together and discuss pertinent topics.
PEERS also offers multiple networking events, a New Technology Showcase, and an exhibit floor where attendees can speak with suppliers about the latest technologies and solutions.
View the full program.
PEERS 2023 is co-located with the International Bioenergy & Bioproducts Conference (IBBC). Attendees can attend both technical programs for only one registration fee. Mills receive special discount pricing.
To register or for more information, visit tappipeers.org or tappi-ibbc.org.
