Finding a way

By Doug Sweet, Doug Sweet & Associates, Inc.

BRUSSELS, May 31, 2009 (Viewpoint) - Adapting to the present US pulp and paper industry needs, a regional energy conference was conducted in the Northwest at the end of February. As travel restrictions grow for paper mill employees, and each mill person is now doing what seems to be the job of at least two people, it is often difficult to be away from a mill for any reason. However, local mill management gave approval for a talented group of employees to take a day from normal mill operations and search out ideas to help reduce operating cost by saving energy. The event was the Paper Mill Energy Savings Symposium, in Portland, OR.

The one-day energy conservation seminar attracted 18 representatives from 12 northwest US mills

This was initiated and organized by Courtney & Nye, Inc., a well-established manufacturer's representative company based in the Portland area. As suppliers for Nash vacuum pumps and service, IBS & James Ross showering, dewatering and doctoring equipment, it has been somewhat difficult for a capital equipment supplier to maintain any business level during this economic downturn. They looked at opportunities for improving sales in the recently depressed market and thought it would be worth the attempt to organize and sponsor a useful seminar with practical solutions for papermakers in the region. The event was advertised to its paper mill customers from Northern California through Washington. There was no cost to the attendees.

The one-day symposium was attended by 18 people from 12 mills, which included machine superintendents, process engineers and maintenance personnel. Presentations included:

• Forming - Optimizing Dewatering and Reducing Energy Usage (Jim Faufau: IBS)
• Pressing and Drying - Improving Press Dewatering, Doctoring, and Reducing Dryer Steam (Jeff Chandler: James Ross/IBS)
• Vacuum System Optimization and Energy Reduction (Doug Sweet: Doug Sweet & Associates, Inc.)
• Energy Conservation Programs Offered by Local Utilities and Governments (David Juhasz: Cascade Energy Engineering)

The "meat and potatoes" of the presentations included practical applications of various technologies to identify energy savings opportunities that can be achieved through system modifications, process changes and capital projects. Several case studies, with results, were provided to enhance the realistic applications of products and processes. A significant added feature was the presentation covering energy savings initiatives that are available in this region where projects reducing electrical energy consumption can be partially or fully funded by the utility, government entity, or both. Programs like this could not have come at a better time. Some mills have not been exposed to the programs and interest was strong during that final session of the symposium.

Mill management of the participants should be congratulated by allowing some of their essential staff to be away from the mill for a day (or more, including travel time). The investment was very low in comparison with gains in knowledge, brainstorming opportunities and associating with other pulp and paper professionals. As industry organizations are struggling to minimize losses in attendance at annual conventions, it was refreshing to find a successful effort to bring together a talented group from a dozen mills. As a former business associate used to say, "I have not yet seen a company save their way into prosperity".

Doug Sweet, Doug Sweet & Associates, Inc., Birmingham, AL: www.dougsweet.net

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