A n I n t r o d u c t I o n t oA n I n t r o d u c t I o n t o

T h e r m o C h e m R e c o v e r y I n t e r n a t i o n a l , I n c .T h e r m o C h e m R e c o v e r y I n t e r n a t i o n a l , I n c .

Black Liquor and Biomass Steam Reforming at

Norampac’s Trenton Mill

TAPPI 2007 International Conference on Renewable Energy

May 11, 2007 www.tri-inc.net

Black Liquor and Biomass Steam Reforming at

Norampac’s Trenton Mill

TAPPI 2007 International Conference on Renewable Energy

May 11, 2007 www.tri-inc.net

Advanced Biomass Conversion Technologies for the Pulp and Paper Industry

Topics

Introduction to NorampacReview of Steam Reformer Technology Overview of Norampac Black Liquor SystemHighlights of the Reformer OperationView of the FutureConclusionQuestions

Advanced Biomass Conversion Technologies for the Pulp and Paper Industry

Norampac - Trenton, Ontario

Division of Cascades Canada Inc.

Located in Trenton, Ontario, Canada

Semi-chem pulp mill and 500 tpd corrugating medium paper machine

World’s first commercial low temperature black liquor steam reformer

Started up September 03

Over 18,000 hrs of operation

Advanced Biomass Conversion Technologies for the Pulp and Paper Industry

TRI’s Technology

TRI’s PulseEnhancedTM steam reformer is a patented technology that:

Produces medium Btu Syngas

Customize Syngas to meet downstream process needs

Process wide spectrum of Biomass

Energy self sufficient

Is inherently stable and safeFluidizing Steam

Bed Solids

H2 rich Syngas

Biomass/Black Liquor

CleanFlueGasFuel

Advanced Biomass Conversion Technologies for the Pulp and Paper Industry

PC Heater Animation

Advanced Biomass Conversion Technologies for the Pulp and Paper Industry

Norampac Steam Reformer Flow Sheet

CONCENTRATOR

BOILER

STEAMSUPER

HEATER

DISSOLVINGTANK

FILTER

WEAK WASHPROCESS CONDENSATE

SUPERHEATED STEAM

NATURAL GAS

AIR

AIR

STEAM TO MILL

STEA

M T

O C

ON

CEN

TRA

TOR

P.H. FLUEGAS

P.H. FLUEGAS

27%LIQUOR

60%LIQUOR

PRODUCT GAS

STEAM

STEA

M

SOLIDS

UNFILTERED Na2CO3 SOLN.

Na2CO3 SOLUTION

FILT

ER C

AK

EB

OIL

ERFE

ED W

ATE

R

BO

ILER

FLU

E G

AS

COOLINGCONVEYOR

BEDSOLIDS

BIN

CYCLONES

PULSED HEATER COOLING WATER CIRCUIT

STEA

M

PULSED HEATER COOLING WATER CIRCUIT

Advanced Biomass Conversion Technologies for the Pulp and Paper Industry

Norampac Steam Reformer

Advanced Biomass Conversion Technologies for the Pulp and Paper Industry

Highlights Of Reformer Operation

Reformer operation extremely stable• Single operator per shift• Bed temperature, bed level, liquor flow straight trend lines

Syngas combustion has proven to be very stableOverall system net steam positive• Above 45% capacity and through combustion optimization

Turn-down ratio phenomenal – can operate at 10% to 100% design capacity for extended durationsHigh chemical recovery (94-97%)Meets all environmental emissions targets No contaminant build-up during the mill liquor loop closure

Advanced Biomass Conversion Technologies for the Pulp and Paper Industry

Highlights Of Reformer Operation

Mechanical Issues• PC Heater –to date largest contributor to

downtime and needed design improvements- Baffle redesigned to reduce forces and

improve section modulus- Decoupler seal being redesigned to better allow for thermal

expansion- Aerovalve redesigned and successfully tested at GP

• Expansion joints redesigned to accommodate reformer vessel movement

Process Issue• Carbon conversion is less than design and represents an

economic opportunity- Injector optimization in progress- Steam Grid design modification- Air Addition to fluidizing medium being considered

Advanced Biomass Conversion Technologies for the Pulp and Paper Industry

View of the Future

PC Heaters reliability issues are understood and solutions have been implemented or are in designOperational run time expected to continue to improveConcept and testing program in place to improve carbon conversion:• Optimized steam grid• Air addition

Advanced Biomass Conversion Technologies for the Pulp and Paper Industry

Conclusion

Steam reformer remains a viable and integral part of the mill’s operationNorampac is solidly behind this technology and continues in its diligence to work with TRI to resolve remaining issuesConfident that modifications can be made to improve carbon conversion

Advanced Biomass Conversion Technologies for the Pulp and Paper Industry

“We would like to thank Norampac for their leadership, support and dedication in working closely with TRI to make this world’s first low temperature steam reforming installation a commercial success, and an integral part of the mills operation.”

Advanced Biomass Conversion Technologies for the Pulp and Paper Industry

Norampac Steam Reformer

RenewableEnergy