New equipment at Fraser Papers sawmill helps boil down expenses
Published Tuesday May 26th, 2009
Efficiency | Biomass boiler, kiln create new opportunities for mill
It was construction on a scale rarely seen last week in Plaster Rock. Construction workers piloted the 150-tonne crane that lifted a massive new biomass boiler from a heavy-duty trailer to its new home. It will now provide the heat and energy needs for Fraser Papers sawmill and kiln dry operations. Workers and managers watched anxiously as the massive boiler was gently maneuvred onto sturdy steel framework. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when the thick steel cables finally slackened and the boiler was in place.
"We have been waiting a long time for this day," said Paul McKinley, manager of Fraser Papers sawmill operations in Canada and the United States. "This is a huge step for the operation in Plaster Rock, no question about it."
The biomass boiler replaced four 1930s-era wood-fired boilers, and two oil-fired boilers that were frequently pressed into service.
"This new boiler was desperately needed to make us stay as cost-efficient and competitive as we can. We were burning oil to produce most of our steam and heating needs. We have eliminated all oil usage, several million litres of oil annually," McKinley said.
The boiler has the capability to produce electricity from a turbine and is capable of generating more green electricity than the mill can use.
"The new boiler will basically burn bark. It is capable of burning sawdust and shavings, but those products are more valuable as sales to other value-added plants. The boiler is also able to burn waste from the forest as well."
McKinley said the building to house the boiler will be constructed around the unit, with the boiler building slated for completion, along with the rest of the mill improvements, in late June or early July.
McKinley said with the mill improvements almost complete, the only thing left is for the North American lumber market to turn around.
In 2008, the province announced a $40-million loan for the struggling forestry company to modernize its mill operations throughout the province. At that time, Peter Gordon, president and CEO of Fraser Papers, said the Plaster Rock mill would be a priority for the company.
Fraser Papers employs 820 people in New Brunswick.
The biomass boiler may be the heart of the massive upgrade at Fraser Papers sawmill operations in Plaster Rock, but the mill has seen other improvements.
The new kiln, with its gleaming new stainless steel interior, has yet to dry a single stick of lumber, but Fraser officials can't wait to see how improved efficiencies and changes at the plant will make the mill more competitive.
"Drying lumber in our old kiln could take up to 15 days. This new system will do it as low as three days," Winston Craig, the mill manager, said.
"We will also be prepared to provide the heat treatment that we will need for lumber export. It's not 100 per cent needed right now, but will be in the future. Anything going to Europe has to be heat treated. We haven't had the capacity to do that before," Craig said.
The changes have proceeded smoothly, with Plaster Rock mill completing the changes on time and on budget, Craig said.
Disabled
Search Articles
More CE Network Sites & Partners:
