FPInnovations signs license agreement with TEXO for software to manage recausticizing process in kraft pulp mills

MONTREAL, June 29, 2011 (PRNewswire) - FPInnovations and TEXO Consulting and Controls are very pleased to announce that they have signed a new license agreement for the sale of FPInnovations' Recausticizing Control Technology (RCT). RCT is an advanced software which efficiently manages the recausticizing process in kraft pulp mills resulting in reduced energy costs. Potential energy savings are approximately $1 million per year for atypical mill.

"Kraft pulp mills continue to search for additional ways to reduce their chemical cost and energy consumption, and produce more electrical power. The RCT is a simple solution to reduce both energy consumption and operating costs. Its simplicity is revolutionary compared to current recausticizing control systems on the market. We believe this technology will be very attractive to North American, European, Australian and New Zealand markets, which represents our growth market", stated Mario Leclerc, TEXO Consulting and Controls' Vice-President of Deployment.

The RCT software works in conjunction with a FPInnovations-developed FTNIR Sensor Technology currently sold by FITNIR Analyzers Inc. By combining these two innovative technologies, kraft mills can optimize the efficiency of a key part of their chemical recovery system.

Chris J. Kanters, FPInnovations' National Director of Intellectual Property, Contracts & Licensing stated that "RCT came out of FPInnovations' Chemical Pulping research program. We're very proud of our research team's work which is the result of years of R&D on the Kraft recovery process". He added, "This technology has already been successfully implemented in five Canadian Member mills."

FPInnovations and TEXO Consulting and Controls have previously signed licence agreements for FPInnovations' Lime Kiln Control and Chlorine Dioxide Generator Control technologies. These agreements, including RCT, support the creation of advanced process control solutions for the whole kraft fiberline.

About FPInnovations
FPInnovations is a not‐for‐profit world leader that specializes in the creation of scientific solutions in support of the Canadian forest sector's global competitiveness and responds to the priority needs of its industrial and government members. It is ideally positioned to perform research, innovate and deliver state‐of‐the‐art solutions for every area of the sector's value chain, from forestry operations to consumer and industrial products. FPInnovations' staff numbers more than 500. Its research laboratories are located in Québec City, Montréal andVancouver, and it has technology transfer offices across Canada.

About TEXO Consulting and Controls Inc.
TEXO specialized in asset optimization using advanced process control applications that are DCS resident. TEXO invests in R&D effort for innovative APC solutions. The ultimate goal is to reduce variability at the kraft digester. APC applications for recausticizing, for brownstock washing and for kraft pulping make it possible for clients who produce pulp and green energy to remain in control of their objectives while becoming more competitive.