Economics and feasibility of a greenfield cereal straw market pulp mill

34 ❘ ❘ ❘ 104:10 (2003) T 243 Pulp & Paper Canada OBJECTIVES OF STUDY The main objective of the engineering study carried out by KBR was to develop order-of-magnitude (±25% accuracy) capital cost estimates, and operating cost estimates, for selected process concepts, and to carry out financial analyses to determine the economic viability of such a mill. The details of all these activities are beyond the scope of this paper, and items that are pertinent to some extent will be briefly addressed. The basis for the mill design was largely founded on the laboratory and pilot trial work conducted by the University of Minnesota. The bleach sequences used for the cost estimates were essentially those that were evaluated by the University, with consideration of alternative sequences being beyond the scope of the study. Generally, straw needs to be pre-processed to remove leaves and nodes, which have the highest silica content and very little cellulosic content [3]. However, extensive pre-processing of straw was not included in the scope, since the straw received for the trial work was fairly clean with uniform, cut straw chips providing good cooking yields and acceptable screen losses.