ANDRITZ GROUP
PULP & PAPER products
Pulp production
Kraft pulp
A-Recovery+
Methanol purification

A-Recovery+ chemical recovery concept for methanol purification in kraft mills

Purifying raw methanol to commercial-quality bio-methanol

ANDRITZ's innovation called A-Recovery+ shines a new light on the chemical cycle in a kraft mill. It offers tailored solutions to optimize the chemical balances in the mill and the ability to generate additional revenue and/or avoid the purchase of costly make-up chemicals.

Today, for example, raw methanol originating from the kraft cooking process is often used as a support fuel – typically combusted in the recovery boiler or lime kiln. Methanol is usually the last fossil-based chemical in a kraft mill, preventing the establishment of a completely fossil-free mill.

The A-Recovery+ chemical recovery concept for methanol purification uses a patented, mineral oil-based extraction process. Purified methanol can be used as a low-NOx fuel for combustion in the recovery boiler or lime kiln, or as a support fuel in the sulfuric acid plant. Commercial-grade bio-methanol can also be sold for revenue or used in ClO₂ generation if performed on-site.

A-Recovery+ methanol purification

Methanol purification plant (3-D rendering)

Benefits of A-Recovery+ methanol purification

Environmental and economic savings
Avoids cost of purchased fuels
Additional opportunities for revenue generation with bio-methanol
Removes obstacles to fossil-free operation

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Over recent times pulp mills have become much more than simply “tonnes per year” in terms of revenue. First came the added extra of energy and district heating, then extracts of tall oil and turpentine, now all sorts of areas for extra revenue are being identified at pulp mills. As a clear example – and with the help of ANDRITZ – Swedish market pulp giant, Södra, recently started up the world’s first biomethanol plant at its Mönsterås mill in Sweden.

A-Recovery+ chemical recovery concept allows mills to see the chemical cycle in a new light

Over the years, chemical recovery technology suppliers have worked with pulp mills to “close” the chemical recovery loops in order to reduce emissions and effluent – and also to increase recovery efficiency. These loop closures have sometimes led to a build-up of certain chemicals and the creation of side streams that are either ignored or disposed of.