Klabin tests new biomass boiler at Monte Alegre mill

SAO PAULO, April 21, 2008 (RISI) - Klabin on April 14 started up blowing-off procedures for a new biomass boiler, part of its MA-1100 project at the Monte Alegre boxboard mill, located in Telêmaco Borba, Paraná state, southeast Brazil.

The MA-1100 comprised PM 9 which has a capacity of 1,100 tonnes/day of cartonboard as well as a 140,000 tonnes/yr chemi-thermomechanical pulp (CTMP) line, a new biomass steam and energy co-generation plant, the refurbishment of the mill's digester, evaporation, caustisizing and lime kiln. Klabin invested $35 million in the new turbo generator.

According to the company, the blowing-off procedure is important to ensure operational safety of the new equipment. It will probably make some noises which will be heard in Telemaco Borba, mainly in the vicinity of the Tibagi River. In order to minimize it, Klabin plans to install a silencer on the steam pipes to reduce the intensity of these noises.

In spite of the discomfort, the company stated that the blowing-off causes no harm to the population or the environment.

The blow-off sessions will be held over a period of approximately three weeks. With the biomass boiler installation, Klabin will increase the use of renewable energy sources, including branches and wood residues generated by Klabin and the companies of the industrial district in Telemaco Borba.