Howe Sound Biomass Boiler to be Converted to BFB Unit

Metso, Finland, and Howe Sound Pulp & Paper, Canada, have announced an agreement to retrofit the existing Babcock and Wilcox biomass power boiler at Howe Sound's pulp and paper mill at Port Mellon, B.C. Metso will convert the existing hydrograte stoker boiler to a bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) boiler. To be conducted in June 2011, the retrofit will increase the boiler's steaming rate on biomass, improve the overall reliability and operability of the boiler, reduce maintenance costs, and increase the mill's ability to produce power for the BC Hydro grid.

The retrofit includes pressure parts, fuel and ash handling, and installation. Complete automation of the boiler island includes the process automation system, emission monitoring and reporting, instrumentation, and electrification retrofit.

Funding for the project is part of the Green Transformation Program provided by the Canadian government.

"As a result of this investment in our boiler, we will become one of the largest independent producers of wood-fuelled renewable electricity in British Columbia," said Mac Palmiere, president and CEO of Howe Sound Pulp & Paper.

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