Performance-based Defoamer Control Minimizes Costs While Reducing Variability

GoalMinimize costs and reduce variability with SmartWash technology.

<h6>Improvement Opportunity</h6> <p>A North American pulp producer was utilizing a multi-product washing program to optimize pulp cleanliness prior to bleaching. The ratio control defoamer program was often over-ridden by the operators when pulp quality changed coming from the digesters. An additional drainage aid program was used as needed to keep final conductivity below targets. The drainage aid was used inconsistently amongst the operators leading to conductivity swings or unnecessary costs.</p> <h6>Recommended Solution</h6> <p>Solenis recommended the implementation of the SmartWash Technology to reduce the need for operator reaction to changing process conditions and to provide more consistency in the utilization of the washing chemistries. The program monitors process KPI&rsquo;s and adjusts chemistry based on the performance of the process and the demand at individual defoamer/drainage aid feed locations.</p> <h6>Results Achieved</h6> <p>Implementing SmartWash resulted in an overall reduction in defoamer usage of 15% while reducing the conductivity swings from the washers. Additionally, by consistently turning on the drainage aid when required and turning it off when it was no longer needed, the average consumption of this chemistry was reduced by 50%.</p> <p><img style="max-width: 100%; width: auto; height: auto;" src="/link/595c96ed578a4678b95429075d087a61.aspx" alt="" width="2390" height="1201" /></p>