A Fine Paper Mill Improves Performance While Reducing Costs by 15% Annually

GoalImprove operational efficiency and performance at a fine paper mill.

<h6>Customer Challenge</h6> <p>A fine paper mill located in North America was using an old, less efficient, sizing agent. The product was often over-sized in accordance with Hercules&trade; Size Test (HST) targets which was leading to higher costs, more potential for deposition and the need for higher Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD), which could also lead to system charge concerns and foam.</p> <h6>Recommended Solution</h6> <p>Solenis recommended that the mill replace the incumbent product with a product from the Hercon 600 series, a range of sizing emulsions, that are designed to retain the dimer in the sheet and allows for better control of the HST.</p> <h6>Results Achieved</h6> <p>Hercon 620 was select for the application and immediately lowered the chemical loading of the wet-end reducing the deposition potential while also keeping fiber charge more anionic. A reduction in foam and subsequent defoamer was also experienced. Higher product solids, in addition to higher efficiency, allowed for a reduced number of trucks to the site and so lowering carbon footprint. The HST consistency allowed for grade optimization with less size chemical adjustments. The mill achieved 15% annual cost savings. <img style="max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto;" src="/link/63a625844232492abcb068c829524d93.aspx" alt="" width="2390" height="1388" /></p>