Billerud Optimizes Its Bleaching Process Using Online Optimization

Authors:
Patrik Flisberg;Mikael Rönnqvist;Stefan Nilsson
Affiliations:
Department of Mathematics, Linköping University, SE-58183 Linköping, Sweden;Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration, NO-5045 Bergen, Norway;Billerud AB, SE-61710 Skärblacka, Sweden
Venue:
Interfaces
Year:
2009

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Abstract

Billerud, a Swedish company with four integrated pulp and paper mills, serves specific packaging-market segments. In 2000, the process-engineering department at Billerud's mill in Skärblacka sought to improve the mills' bleaching process. It contacted Linköping University, which collaborated with Eurocon Automation AB to develop a decision-support system, OptCab. Eurocon Automation AB now offers OptCab as a general tool in the market. Its core is an online optimization system that dynamically updates a process description and optimizes the bleaching control process. The system, which has been fully operational since 2004, has provided numerous benefits to Billerud. Chemical use has decreased by approximately 10 percent, saving approximately two million euros since its installation; the environmental impact has also been reduced; and the brightness quality of paper that the mill produces is more uniform and stable. Moreover, OptCab requires less operator time, freeing the operators for development and analysis work.