Waste Paper Dissolution Routing for Energy Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current waste paper processing methods are energy-intensive and inefficient, particularly when dealing with waste paper of varying quality, as they often require multiple pulping lines, disposal machines, and washing drums.

Innovation Solution

A method where difficult-to-dissolve waste paper is fed to a pulper and easier-to-dissolve waste paper is processed in a pulping drum, with selective routing of fibrous materials between the pulper and pulping drum to optimize energy use and system simplicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pulping lines with disposal machines and washing drums are used to process waste paper of varying quality, then the system can handle different types of fibrous materials, but the energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to handle different waste paper qualityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The waste paper feed is divided into two streams: easier-to-dissolve material goes to the pulping drum, while more difficult material goes to the pulper. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining the ability to handle mixed quality waste paper

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pulping drum is designed to serve multiple functions: it can process easier-to-dissolve waste paper independently, and it can also receive material from the pulper for further dissolution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate disposal machines and washing drums, reducing energy consumption while maintaining system versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a conventional system with pulper, disposal machine, and washing drum is used, then waste paper can be processed reliably, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of waste paper dissolutionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The functions of the disposal machine and washing drum are merged into the pulping drum. The pulping drum now performs both the dissolution function and the cleaning/deflaking function that were previously separate, simplifying the system while maintaining reliable processing of waste paper

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pulping drum is designed to perform multiple functions: processing easier-to-dissolve waste paper, receiving material from the pulper for further dissolution, and performing cleaning and deflaking operations. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate units needed while maintaining system reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If easier-to-dissolve waste paper is processed in a pulping drum, then energy consumption is reduced, but the system requires selective routing capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The waste paper feed is segmented into two streams based on dissolvability: easier-to-dissolve material is routed to the pulping drum, while more difficult material goes to the pulper. This segmentation enables energy-efficient processing while maintaining operational simplicity through clear functional differentiation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary classification of waste paper by dissolvability before processing. This preliminary action allows the easier-to-dissolve material to be directed to the more energy-efficient pulping drum, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation through automated routing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach reduces energy consumption and simplifies the processing system, enabling reliable and energy-efficient dissolution of waste paper regardless of quality, by eliminating the need for certain equipment like washing drums and disposal machines.

Implementation Method 1

a pulper (1), in which the fibrous materials (9) are mixed with water (25) with the aid of a rotor (3) and at least partially dissolved

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical agitation: Stirring

Implementation Method 2

a pulping drum (12), in which the fibrous materials (9) are broken up

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical impact: Impact Force

Implementation Method 3

inside which the fibrous materials are broken up and subsequently also separated from the reject

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

It is advantageous to subject the fibre/contaminant suspension to a heavy part separation based on sedimentation before it is fed to the pulping drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSedimentation: Sedimentation

Data Source

PatentEP2657397B1Method for dissolving fibrous materials
Publication Date: 2014.12.31 ANDRITZ AG
  • EP2657397B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2657397B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2657397B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves supplying a part (21) of a fibrous material (9) to a substance dissolver (1). The part of the fibrous material is mixed and partly dissolved with water (25) by a rotor (3). Another fibrous material (9') is supplied to a digestion drum (12), and the part of the former fibrous material to be supplied to the substance dissolver is supplied according to the substance dissolver of the digestion drum for dissolving process. The part of the former fibrous material from the substance dissolver is supplied by pump (5) of the digestion drum.