Papier- und Kartonfabrik Varel Raises Energy Production with New Steam Turbine

Papier- und Kartonfabrik Varel, Germany, reports that it has started up steam turbine 9, significantly boosting the mill's power generation efficiency. Steam turbine no. 9 has an output of 13.9 MW and substitutes/replaces power generation from steam turbines No. 1 and 2. Both of these turbines were taken out of regular operation, but are still available as reserve capacity.

Main steam to the turbine is at 480°C and 80 bars, exiting at 170°C and 6 bars. Compared with previous installations, energy efficiency has been improved by 25%, which significantly reduces specific carbon dioxide emissions.

The new turbine's weight is 25 metric tons and the generators weigh 45 metric tons. Together with the gear box and auxiliary aggregates, total weight of the unit is approximately 100 metric tons. "Integration of such a complex segment into a running power plant was a major logistical challenge, which our staff of energy division and others involved passed with great success," the company noted.

Papier- und Kartonfabrik Varel produces paper and board from 100% wastepaper and is one of the top producers of paper and board packaging in Europe.

TAPPI
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