The Fibre Excellence pulp mill in Saint-Gaudens launched its major maintenance and modernization shutdown on June 7, mobilizing 6 million euros and 1,200 people. The company explains that the operation will improve safety and efficiency while reducing the environmental footprint.
"During the major shutdown, the teams will carry out several modernization operations at the plant, including work on the pulp press to improve heat recovery and thus reduce steam consumption. This shutdown will also allow the commissioning of the plant's new wash press, dedicated to pulp washing: this new installation will make it possible, in line with its environmental policy, to reduce the use of chemical products. The Big Stop will allow the finalization of the connection with the buried bioxide pipeline, which improves the safety of the site.»
The operation will also allow for repairs, early treatment of obsolescence and preventive replacement of parts or equipment. Several pieces of equipment used in the process of extracting cellulose from wood - the impregnator, the digester, and the oxygen reactor - will be inspected. Finally, inspection of recent work and maintenance of the black liquor boiler will be carried out, the plant says.
Located at the foot of the Pyrenees since the 1950s, the Fibre Excellence Saint-Gaudens plant produces 300,000 tons of bleached pulp each year, from hardwood and softwood.
