Energy Optimization of a Kraft Pulp Mill

New regulations, economical and environmental requirements urge industrial companies to continuously improve the efficiency of their production technologies. The application of process integration tools for process retrofit is a must whenever energy or raw material intensive processes are considered. Since pulp and paper processes use a large amount of energy and water, the application of process integration techniques in this area is essential and can contribute to the protection of the environment to a great extent. CadSim Plus simulation software has been used to simulate several sections of a kraft pulp mill. Based on the process flow sheet and the developed simulation, pinch analysis was undertaken using the software Aspen HX-Net 2006. Potential of energy savings has been identified and the feasibility of the associated heat exchangers network (HEN) modification has been evaluated by the process simulation. The combination of both computer tools, has allowed to carry out the study of energy optimization of the process, maintaining the conditions of operation and evaluating the feasibility of the possible changes in the design of the heat exchangers network that allow minimizing the energy consumption.