Analysis of a New Waste Paper Defibering and Deinking Process. Final Report

摘要

A new defibering and deinking system was characterized and compared to existing deinking technology to determine potential energy savings. The system consists of two sets of chemical interactions (one for defibering and deinking and one for separation of ink from fiber in suspension) using proprietary chemicals and a process sequence intended to enhance the process chemistry. Front end pulping and washing, which defibers the waste paper and removes contaminants other than ink, is followed by flotation for ink removal and final washing and thickening. Claims for the system include: the capability to remove problem inks, coatings, pigments, etc. other systems cannot; energy conservation due to the use of fewer prime pieces of equipment and more energy efficient ink flotation equipment; equipment cost savings due to the use of fewer prime equipment pieces; and operating cost savings from the use of lower cost paper furnishes. Preliminary findings based on laboratory and pilot testing, and available cost and energy consumption data show these claims to be reasonable. Therefore, full-scale testing of the RRL system is recommended to validate process performance estimates. (ERA citation 09:004887)