- The new CTO-plant processes up to 40,000 tonnes of crude tall oil annually.
- Softwood tall oil is used internally, while hardwood tall oil is sold externally.
- The plant features automation and online control for continuous production.
- Additional equipment and storage facilities will be completed by the end of 2020.
New CTO-Plant Commissioned
Mondi has commissioned a new crude tall oil (CTO) plant at its Syktyvkar pulp and paper mill. This plant processes all sulphate soap generated as a by-product of the pulp production process, enabling the mill to produce up to 40,000 tonnes of crude tall oil annually.
Production and Usage
The CTO-plant produces both softwood and hardwood tall oil through sulphuric acid treatment of sulphate soap. Softwood tall oil is used within the mill to mitigate pitch deposits at the digesters, while hardwood tall oil is sold to external companies in industries such as petrochemical, road construction, and paint and coating. Additionally, tall oil has seen increased use in biodiesel fuel production, particularly in Scandinavian countries.
Advanced Technology
The state-of-the-art equipment in the new plant allows for automation and online control of nearly all process parameters, facilitating continuous production of tall oil. This technological advancement is part of the Horizon strategic investment program aimed at eliminating bottlenecks in pulp and paper production and accommodating increased production capacity.
Future Developments
To maintain the new CTO-plant, staff have undergone specialist training. Further investments include a 600 m3 sulphate soap storage tank, a dispatch unit with a new bridge for loading oil into rail tank cars and tank trucks, and an additional storage tank to ensure a steady stock of tall oil. These projects are expected to be completed by the end of 2020.
