Unintended consequences of complying with environmental regulations

As mills have responded to environmental regulations and have reduced the quantities of effluent and air emissions, there have been some surprising consequences. The quality of the receiving waters has improved. Mills do not smell nearly as terrible as they used to and the air is noticeably cleaner. However, reducing the quantities of effluent and emissions has resulted in problems for many mills. These problems show up as: Increased levels of chlorides in the liquor cycle and in the white water. Higher sulfidities in the liquor cycle. pH changes in the paper mill. Changes in paper machine retention. Inert buildup Vessel and pipe scaling Increased microbiological activity often interfering with secondary treatment plants. Higher operating temperatures. Increased corrosion. This paper addresses increased corrosion especially within the liquor cycle. It touches on causes, how to predict propensity for increased corrosion and how to remedy the imbalances that will cause increased corrosion.