Soluciones Integrales de Combustión has implemented a steam system for the paper industry in a town in Andalusia. This steam system will provide the thermal energy necessary to generate and distribute steam for the industrial application at the factory.

Currently, the steam system is already operational in the plant’s corrugating process, which produces corrugated cardboard for the packaging industry by transforming paper rolls into corrugated cardboard sheets. This transformation is achieved using heat, pressure, and an adhesive, resulting in the necessary strength and durability to meet the characteristics of the packaged products.

The corrugator is the heart of the cardboard production lines. These lines are divided into a wet section, where the corrugation is formed, and a dry section, where the sheets are cut and prepared.

Soluciones Integrales de Combustión supplied the boiler, burner, preheater, chimneys, steam manifolds, pressurization tank, piping, valves, auxiliary components, and the electronic control system for the steam system. The Basque-Madrid-based thermal engineering firm also handled the assembly and commissioning of the installation to ensure optimal operation.

Operation of the Steam System for the Paper Industry

The steam system is the installation responsible for generating steam in the boiler and transporting it through a network of pipes to the corrugating machine. This steam is then used to power the industrial process of efficient energy generation.

Therefore, the steam system requires specific equipment such as boilers, burners, valves, and steam traps, as well as steel piping, gas evaporation systems, preheaters, and pressurization tanks. The plant also requires ensuring preventive maintenance and operational safety, as well as compliance with current legislation for pressurized equipment.

Heat Recovery in the Paper Industry

SICAPH combustion air preheaters, designed by Soluciones Integrales de Combustión, are used in boilers and furnaces across various industries due to their performance-enhancing capabilities. They are considered best practice for boiler installations because of the improvements they bring to environmental, technical, and economic performance.

For example, the use of a combustion air preheater  in this steam system for the paper industry allows for the transfer of heat from the outgoing combustion gases to the fresh air, which then re-enters the burner or combustion chamber. This results in reduced pollutant emissions, fuel savings, and lower chimney outlet temperatures.