WATER REDUCTION STRATEGIES FOR EXISTING BLEACH PLANTS - SURVEY OF BEST WAYS TO REDUCE WATER USAGE

New bleach plant designs achieve fresh water consumption of 10 m(8)/t or less by implementing recycle schemes proposed at least as far back as the early 1970s. These and Ether developments affecting the bleach plant water consumption arc reviewed to determine applicability to exi sting facilities. Results are also presented front an informal survey sf approximately 15 existing international mills that are using some v ariation of these configurations. The approaches are straightforward, low cost, and flexible to implement. They may achieve either water, ef fluent contaminant and/or chemical cost reductions.