RTS pulping is a thermo-mechanical pulping process performed at lower Retention time, higher Temperature, higher refiner Speed. Energy consumption is decreased by increasing the rotational speed of the primary refiner, leading to reduced residence time, smaller plate gaps, and higher refining intensity. Temperatures of about 165°C are used which results in a reduction in specific energy consumption without any loss in pulp quality and with brightness improvement. Reportedly, RTS pulp has slightly higher strength properties and comparable optical properties to TMP pulp (Kramer, et al., 2009. p. 99).
| Development Status | Products |
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Commercial
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| Parent Process: Mechanical Pulping | |
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| Energy Savings Potential |
A study estimates RTS pulp can be manufactured with about 15% lower specific energy requirements than pulp produced with conventional refining system. Another study reports specific energy of RTS pulping process 20% lower than Thermo-mechanical pulping. Increasing rotational speed on TMP refiners are estimated to reduce energy use between 15 to 30%, depending on plate type and refiner mode (Kramer et al., 2009. p.99). |
| CO2 Emission Reduction Potential |
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| Costs |
For a typical mill with 1000 ton per day capacity, a reduction of 20% in motor power requirement translates into $5 million annual savings (Sabourin, 2006). |
This Energy Guide discusses energy efficiency practices and energy-efficient technologies that can be implemented at the component, process, facility, and organizational levels.
Published July 2000
This presentation provides information on energy saving opportunities and potentials of high efficiency processes in thermo mechanical pulping. The presentation was given by Marc Sabourin or Andritz was used in 2006 Forum on Energy in Appleton.
Emission reduction potential is estimated at 128 kg CO2/t-pulp (Martin et al., 2000. p. 21)