Nippon Exploring Use of Acid Hydrolysis Liquids Generated in Dissolving Pulp Process

Nippon Paper Industries Co., Japan, reports that it has installed a biogas manufacturing and testing plant (methane fermentation adopted) at its Kushiro Mill (Kushiro, Hokkaido) as part of an analysis and study of advanced utilization of acid hydrolysis liquids. Acid hydrolysis liquids are generated in the manufacturing process of dissolving pulp, for which Nippon Paper Industries established a production system at Kushiro Mill last October.

In methane fermentation, organic components will be converted into methane gas with the help of anaerobic bacteria. The resulting gas can be used as an alternative to heavy petroleum oil. The generated gas is defined as a carbon-neutral fuel that does not emit carbon dioxide, so its use will reduce carbon dioxide emissions if it is used in place of heavy oil. Nippon Paper Industries has already commenced methane fermentation processing of waste liquids coming from the kraft pulp manufacturing process. While applying the technology, Nippon Paper Industries will analyze the use of acid hydrolysis liquid from dissolving pulp, which will be the world's first such case if it is successful.

Acid hydrolysis liquid has a range of potential applications. The first step will be to promote resource savings with the use of methane fermentation processing, as an environmental measure. Nippon Paper Industries will consider higher-degree applications in the future.

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