A n I n t r o d u c t I o n t o T h e r m o C h e m R e c o v e r y I n t e r n a t i o n a l, I n c. Black Liquor and Biomass Steam Reforming at Norampac s Trenton Mill TAPPI 2007 International Conference on Renewable Energy May 11, 2007 www.tri-inc.net
Topics Introduction to Norampac Review of Steam Reformer Technology Overview of Norampac Black Liquor System Highlights of the Reformer Operation View of the Future Conclusion Questions
Norampac - Trenton, Ontario Division of Cascades Canada Inc. Located in Trenton, Ontario, Canada Semi-chem pulp mill and 500 tpd corrugating medium paper machine World s first commercial low temperature black liquor steam reformer Started up September 03 Over 18,000 hrs of operation
TRI s Technology TRI s PulseEnhanced TM steam reformer is a patented technology that: Produces medium Btu Syngas Customize Syngas to meet downstream process needs Process wide spectrum of Biomass Energy self sufficient Is inherently stable and safe Fuel Biomass/ Black Liquor Bed Solids Fluidizing Steam H 2 rich Syngas Clean Flue Gas
PC Heater Animation
Norampac Steam Reformer Flow Sheet PULSED HEATER COOLING WATER CIRCUIT STEAM TO MILL STEAM TO CONCENTRATOR STEAM AIR NATURAL GAS CYCLONES P.H. FLUE GAS PRODUCT GAS BED SOLIDS BIN STEAM STEAM SUPER HEATER AIR P.H. FLUE GAS STEAM BOILER BOILER FLUE GAS BOILER FEED WATER CONCENTRATOR 60% LIQUOR COOLING CONVEYOR SOLIDS SUPERHEATED STEAM 27% LIQUOR PULSED HEATER COOLING WATER CIRCUIT PROCESS CONDENSATE DISSOLVING TANK WEAK WASH UNFILTERED Na 2 CO 3 SOLN. FILTER Na 2 CO 3 SOLUTION FILTER CAKE
Norampac Steam Reformer
Highlights Of Reformer Operation Reformer operation extremely stable Single operator per shift Bed temperature, bed level, liquor flow straight trend lines Syngas combustion has proven to be very stable Overall system net steam positive Above 45% capacity and through combustion optimization Turn-down ratio phenomenal can operate at 10% to 100% design capacity for extended durations High chemical recovery (94-97%) Meets all environmental emissions targets No contaminant build-up during the mill liquor loop closure
Highlights Of Reformer Operation Mechanical Issues PC Heater to date largest contributor to downtime and needed design improvements - Baffle redesigned to reduce forces and improve section modulus - Decoupler seal being redesigned to better allow for thermal expansion - Aerovalve redesigned and successfully tested at GP Expansion joints redesigned to accommodate reformer vessel movement Process Issue Carbon conversion is less than design and represents an economic opportunity - Injector optimization in progress - Steam Grid design modification - Air Addition to fluidizing medium being considered
View of the Future PC Heaters reliability issues are understood and solutions have been implemented or are in design Operational run time expected to continue to improve Concept and testing program in place to improve carbon conversion: Optimized steam grid Air addition
Conclusion Steam reformer remains a viable and integral part of the mill s operation Norampac is solidly behind this technology and continues in its diligence to work with TRI to resolve remaining issues Confident that modifications can be made to improve carbon conversion
We would like to thank Norampac for their leadership, support and dedication in working closely with TRI to make this world s first low temperature steam reforming installation a commercial success, and an integral part of the mills operation.
Norampac Steam Reformer Renewable Energy