An application of safety analysis technique for thermal optimization of a paper machine

Abstract

This investigation proposes a systematic framework based on the Fault Tree analysis, for the energy and exergy optimization of a paper machine. In the first step, energy and exergy analysis was performed on the dryer section and its related steam and condensate system, to assess the existing performance of paper machine. In the next step, checklists were developed for the identification of key safety and operational issues related to the steam and condensate system. Then, a fault tree analysis was applied to make out and resolve the root causes. Corrective actions were taken in order to rectify various problems. As a result, energy and exergy efficiencies of the system increased by 22% and 14%, respectively. Moreover, an improvement in steam and condensate recovery system was observed.