Case Study: Mill Owners in Oregon Achieve Lower Fuel Costs and Zero Sludge Landfill Disposal with Babcock & Wilcox Biomass Boiler Technology

Mill Owners in Oregon boosts steam output 25% with Babcock & Wilcox

A mill owner in Oregon approached Babcock & Wilcox with the challenge of disposing of its mill-generated biomass and landfilled sludge while also needing to produce additional steam for power generation, all within strict emissions requirements. The customer required a solution capable of burning low-cost, high-moisture fuels.

Babcock & Wilcox implemented an open-bottom bubbling fluidized-bed (BFB) boiler, its first such design in North America. This solution allowed the mill to burn 100% of its sludge and supplemental bark, exceeding the original rated capacity by 25%. The results included the virtual elimination of landfill disposal costs, a major reduction in reliance on natural gas, and no need for an emissions scrubber due to the unit's low-emissions design.