Virtual testbed for biorefineries integrated with pulp mills

This virtual test bed offers a unique opportunity to evaluate new biorefinery concepts at an early stage, identify potential integration benefits with the pulp mill and provide feedback for continued development and optimization in lab or pilot scale.

The test bed consists of detailed process simulation models (reference mill models) for modern pulp mills based on best available techniques (BAT) and includes all unit operations in the pulp mill. The models contain mass balances for fiber, water, Na, S, K, Cl and the major non-process elements when biomass is processed, as well as energy balances with steam systems and secondary heating systems. An established  method for techno-economic and sustainability evaluation is available.

The reference mill models can be adapted to existing factories to evaluate different biorefinery concepts.