Fit for the future: A SEK-700 million investment at Mönsterås
Södra Cell Mönsterås has installed a new evaporation plant with the aim of securing the mill’s long-term energy efficiency and profitability. Officially inaugurated last month, this major investment will reduce the mill’s heat consumption, which is used to produce steam, and in turn increase renewable electricity generation.
Mill Manager Karin Dernegård says: “This is an investment in a modern mill that is strengthening Södra Cell Mönsterås. Our mill is facing an exciting future and our evaporator investment will ensure stable and reliable operation.”
The evaporation plant’s main job is to evaporate water so that the dry solids from the used cooking chemicals increase from 15 percent (which cannot be incinerated) to 80 percent (which can be), as well as to generate steam for pulp production and surplus energy for renewable electricity generation.
The production capacity of the new evaporator line will be 530 tonnes of water vapour per hour. The 7-effect line will feature Tubel technology for high energy efficiency, availability and easy cleaning. It will produce pure condensate for use in the mill’s processes. The line is also designed for lignin extraction which can be used in bio-based adhesives and asphalt, or to produce new biofuels.
This investment means that Södra will be able to extract more green bioproducts from the pulp process, such as tall oil and biomethanol. Both can be used as fuel, for example, or as non-fossil alternatives in various products.
