Green Transformation: Unveiling the Future and Innovations in Solid Waste Management of Paper Mills
The paper industry plays a crucial role in human life globally, providing various paper products for approximately 5 billion people. The average consumption of paper and paperboard worldwide is about 55 kilograms per person per year. Although the digitalization process has altered some production and consumption patterns, the usage of paper and paperboard continues to increase annually, especially in major markets such as North America, Europe, and Asia. As the demand for paper rises, the amount of solid waste generated by paper mills has also significantly increased, with each ton of paper typically producing 200-300 kilograms of solid waste.
The solid waste generated by paper mills is diverse, primarily including pulp residues, waste paper, chemical residues, packaging waste, and ragger wire. Ragger wire is a common waste product in the pulp production process, usually containing plastics, small metal parts, and insoluble paper, with steel wire content reaching 30%-35%.
Over time, the quantity of solid waste from paper mills has sharply increased, and the presence of various pollutants poses severe challenges to the environment.
Environmental Hazards and Carbon Emissions
If solid waste from paper mills is not properly managed, it can lead to various environmental issues. Firstly, untreated wastewater and solid waste can cause water pollution, severely affecting aquatic ecosystems.
Secondly, these harmful substances can seep into the soil, leading to soil contamination and harming plant growth. Additionally, during the incineration or treatment of waste, harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and dioxins may be released, degrading air quality and directly threatening human health.
Furthermore, inadequate waste recycling and treatment result in the waste of valuable resources and exacerbate environmental burdens through landfilling.
Paper mills consume significant amounts of energy and water during production, and their greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide, further contribute to global warming. For every kilogram of paper produced, approximately 3.3 kilograms of carbon dioxide are emitted into the atmosphere, intensifying the greenhouse effect and becoming one of the greatest environmental threats.
Additionally, organic solid residues from the papermaking process, such as wood waste, sludge, and volatile organic compounds, can also impact the environment, increasing soil and water pollution.
Application of Harden's RDF Preparation System in Paper Mills
To address these issues, Harden Machinery Ltd. has developed a resource recovery system specifically for paper mill waste, focusing on processing ragger wire, light residues, and other materials generated during production. The system utilizes a large dual-shaft shear shredder as the core equipment, which can be programmed to control settings based on different material properties.
Through processes such as conveying, shredding, disintegration, metal removal, and screening, the system achieves efficient separation of metals, mixed impurities, and combustible materials (SRF), thereby converting paper mill waste into usable resources.
For example, a solid waste RDF alternative fuel preparation center successfully launched by a paper mill in Hubei, China, in early 2024 has been recognized as a key project for high-quality development in the province's manufacturing sector for 2023. This project employs Harden Machinery Ltd.'s RDF preparation system designed specifically for paper mill solid waste, focusing on converting light residues and ragger wire into high-calorific RDF alternative fuel.
The system has a daily processing capacity of over 400 tons, with an annual production of more than 100,000 tons of RDF alternative fuel. This high-calorific fuel will be used in the paper mill's self-owned thermal power plant's fluidized bed boiler, replacing traditional fossil fuels and is expected to save approximately 80,000 tons of traditional fossil fuels annually, reducing costs by several million yuan.
Harden's one-stop ragger wire recovery system provides a comprehensive solution for paper mill waste management, including waste wire shredders, hammer crushers, and metal separators. This system has gained widespread application in the market due to its efficiency and innovative design.
Through this system, paper mills can effectively recover high-value metals, with a steel wire recovery rate approaching 45%, while also converting remaining waste into combustible RDF (refuse-derived fuel), significantly reducing landfill pressure. This integrated processing solution not only enhances resource utilization but also plays a vital role in promoting environmental sustainability.
Processing Efficiency and Environmental Benefits
Harden's RDF preparation system for paper mills utilizes intelligent equipment to efficiently separate non-combustible materials and impurities from solid waste, ultimately producing RDF with a particle size of approximately 50mm and a purity rate exceeding 95%. This improvement in processing capability not only significantly enhances the resource utilization of waste but also reduces environmental risks.
Furthermore, this technology can effectively address the large amounts of light residues and ragger wire generated during the papermaking process, achieving resource recovery and harmless treatment, thus providing a practical solution for the sustainable development of the industry.
Future Outlook and Industry Impact
As global carbon reduction goals become increasingly important, the application of RDF alternative fuel technology in paper mills will serve as a crucial means to promote low-carbon development. By converting solid waste into RDF, paper mills can effectively reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions while meeting their energy needs. The promotion of this technology will enhance the ability of paper mills to respond to environmental regulations and market demands, strengthening their competitiveness in the industry.