At Mercer Stendal, sustainability starts within. In 2024, Mercer Stendal led a continuous improvement project to reduce the production of green liquor sludge—a by product of the kraft pulp process—by 15%.
The Challenge
Green liquor sludge forms during the incineration of black liquor and requires disposal, impacting costs and the environment. Previously, over 1,100 tons were disposed of monthly, prompting a need for innovative solutions.
The Approach
The project team analyzed process data to identify key issues, including combustion parameters, filter washing practices, and condensate discharge. Solutions included:
–Manual Optimization: Adjusting process parameters to minimize waste.
–Filter Enhancements: Introducing less permeable filter cloths to retain more reusable lime.
Results and Future Plans
These adjustments reduced sludge disposal to 930 tons per month, lowering costs and environmental impact. To further enhance efficiency, future steps include exploring sludge drying and ongoing process monitoring.
This project highlights Mercer’s dedication to sustainability through internal innovation, driving environmental benefits alongside operational improvements.
