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Reference project
Delivers Breakthrough Effluent Solution for Pulp Mill
Introduction.
The AxoPlus® system delivers a sustainable solution for pulp mill effluent, protecting potable water sources
In this project, we are partnering with a global leader in fiber-based materials—a Kraft pulp mill with a vision to become the preferred provider of sustainable specialty materials. The company operates through three divisions designed to address global trends: Filtration & Life Sciences, Food & Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials.
The company adds value by combining fibers with advanced technology, driven by an innovative and entrepreneurial culture, and continuously exploring new materials and applications.
The problem.
Our client runs a kraft pulp mill with a production capacity of nearly 200,000 tons per year of both unbleached and bleached products. A specialty of the mill is ultra-pure pulp, specifically designed for electrotechnical applications.
The pulp mill is the last remaining facility in Sweden without proper effluent treatment, presenting a significant environmental challenge. This issue is heightened by the presence of a pristine lake, which serves as a crucial water source for potable water production. Historically, the mill’s substantial discharges of organic materials and nutrients into the lake have caused severe eutrophication and the formation of dead zones.
Eliminating these discharges is essential for creating lasting positive change, and environmental authorities have long called for decisive action.
Over the years, the mill has faced increasingly stringent environmental standards, driven by rising public awareness and the EU Water Framework Directive.
After exploring the market and engaging with multiple potential suppliers, the company initially implemented a biochemical treatment process to address wastewater challenges. However, this approach failed to deliver the desired results.
The solution.
Managing the mill’s requirements involved handling not only the process water flow from the bleach plant but also the flow from the drying machine, making the treatment system essential for maintaining operational efficiency and meeting environmental standards.
The AxoPlus system clearly had the essential features to meet the mill’s environmental goals. The solution included an AxoPlus system with a capacity of 60 m³/h, featuring an AxoPur reactor with a hydraulic capacity of 80 m³/h and a flotation unit. To address the mill’s treatment needs, which required a capacity of 640 m³/h, we conducted a three-month on-site trial to assess the system’s performance.
During this period, the systems were operated to evaluate, optimize, and demonstrate the functionality and reliability of the technology under the mill’s prevailing conditions.
The results were highly positive, both in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The reactor’s dimensions matched those planned for the full-scale system, which is designed to operate using multiple reactors functioning in parallel.
The test system was installed at the mill and integrated into regular operations.
Delivery
AxoPlus system designed for a capacity of 60 m³/h including a flotation unit and an AxoPur reactor with hydraulic capacity 80 m³/h
Energy consumption
0.2–0.4 kWh/m³
Performence
Removal of Suspended solids 75-85%, Phosphorus 75-85%, Total Organic Carbon (TOC) 35-40%
Evaluation.
Our client successfully addressed the environmental challenges at its kraft pulp mill by implementing the AxoPlus system for effluent treatment. The results were highly positive, demonstrating exceptional efficiency in reducing suspended solids and phosphorus with 75-85%.
Furthermore, the combination of AxoPlus, followed by the existing MBBR unit at the mill as post-treatment, achieved a highly efficient reduction of TOC/COD—up to 70%. AxoPlus largely removes ecotoxic extractives, which can otherwise reduce the efficiency of the MBBR. As a result, the MBBR operates more efficiently when positioned as a post-treatment to AxoPlus, effectively breaking down the shorter carbon chains.
The system demonstrated low energy consumption, ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 kWh/m³, outperforming alternative treatment methods. This partnership effectively demonstrated the reliability and efficiency of electrocoagulation technology, solving complex wastewater treatment challenges for the pulp and paper industry.
