Separation, treatment and utilization of inorganic residues of chemical pulp mills

Abstract

The major inorganic solid residues of chemical pulp mills include green liquor dregs, various lime residues, recovery boiler fly ash, and salt cake produced at the chlorine dioxide generator. Only a small proportion of these residues is currently utilized outside the mill area: landfill disposal and reuse at the mill are the most typically applied methods. The situation should be improved in the future for environmental and economical reasons. The focus of this review is on the separation of inorganic pulp mill residues to enhance the possibilities of their utilization. Solid-liquid separation operations, such as filtration and sedimentation, and the associated treatment processes, are described in close detail. The review aims at recognizing the most promising residues for utilization, as well as enhancing the understanding of the material balance of chemical pulp mills. The review also covers the most potential industrial applications for the utilization of residues, as well as the possibilities of using them as raw material in value-added products.