UPM's paper mill in Dörpen, Germany. Photo: UPM

UPM Nordland Papier is expanding the use of a new water-saving technology at its paper mill in Dörpen, Germany. Following successful trials, more pumps will be equipped with a system that, according to supplier John Crane, can reduce freshwater consumption by up to 180 litres per hour for each pump.

The technology, Smartflow IG, is used in pumps with double mechanical seals. Such seals normally require a continuous flow of barrier or sealing water for cooling and safe operation.

At the Dörpen mill, the first installations have reduced this water consumption to almost zero, while the pumps have continued to operate reliably, according to UPM.

Water flow adjusted to actual cooling demand
Instead of allowing freshwater to flow continuously, Smartflow IG regulates the supply according to the seal’s actual cooling requirements.

The system uses a temperature-activated component made from a shape-memory alloy. The material reacts to temperature changes and automatically adjusts the water flow as operating conditions change.

According to John Crane, the system requires neither an external energy supply nor advanced automation. It can also be installed on existing pumps without major modifications.

For a paper mill operating a large number of pumps, relatively small savings at each unit can add up to a significant reduction in total water consumption.

Less water also reduces treatment demand
UPM Nordland Papier produces fine paper and graphic paper in Dörpen. The mill already uses around four cubic metres of freshwater per tonne of paper produced.

The new technology targets a part of water consumption that is linked not directly to fibre and paper production, but to auxiliary equipment surrounding the process.

Reducing sealing-water use also means that less water has to be treated before being discharged from the mill. The technology can therefore also reduce the load on wastewater treatment systems.

Peter Reisige, responsible for technical services at UPM Nordland Papier, says the results from the first installations have been positive enough for the mill to purchase additional systems and gradually install them on more pumps.

UPM’s initiative comes as water efficiency is becoming increasingly important for European industry. The European Commission’s water resilience strategy includes a target to improve water efficiency in the EU by at least 10 per cent by 2030.
  

Source: pulpapernews.com