Innovative torrefaction-based fuel pellet from paper mill waste
Transform non-recyclable paper mill waste into eco-friendly fuel pellets using torrefaction. This solution reduces landfill waste and lowers carbon emissions for power producers, with a focus on handling pulper rejects.
Overview
Convergen Energy WI LLC has developed an innovative solution to transform non-recyclable industrial waste into eco-friendly fuel pellets. By utilizing torrefaction, this technology converts paper mill waste, including challenging pulper rejects, into a viable alternative to fossil fuels. This process significantly reduces landfill contributions and lowers the carbon footprint for both raw material suppliers and power producers. The technology has been validated through extensive research and life-cycle analysis, showing promising results in reducing emissions and enhancing fuel performance in co-generation facilities.
Technical specifications
The core technology involves torrefaction, a thermal process that effectively handles the high moisture content and contaminants found in pulper rejects. It generates energy for drying the materials and produces a fuel with low chlorine levels and high BTU content. Key features include:
- Torrefaction to remove contaminants and moisture
- Production of a high-performance, low-emission fuel pellet
- Designed to process up to 4 tons per hour of wet pulper rejects
- Development of a prototype dryer for low melt temperature plastics
Technology readiness level
Currently, the technology is at TRL 6, with successful pilot tests completed. The next steps toward commercialization include constructing and testing a prototype dryer and conducting stack testing to assess flue gas emissions. These developments will facilitate the final design and permitting of a commercial demonstration unit.
About Convergen Energy WI LLC
Convergen Energy, based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, is a clean power operator that specializes in converting diverse industrial by-products and agricultural residues into engineered renewable fuel pellets. The company’s manufacturing facility has a capacity of 150,000 tons per year, producing pellets that provide performance qualities similar to coal but with significantly reduced emissions. Beyond fuel production, the company provides zero-landfill consultancy, sustainability management services, and invests in, owns, or operates power and steam generation facilities to support its customers' transition to renewable energy sources.
By diverting non-recyclable materials such as paper, plastics, and nonwovens from landfills, the company enables universities, utilities, and manufacturers to reduce their fossil fuel consumption, lower carbon footprints, and achieve regulatory compliance. Convergen Energy works with sustainability managers to integrate these renewable solutions into existing boiler systems or provides alternative energy generation. The company, which is a NianticVista Energy company, has helped divert over 450,000 tons of by-products from landfills since its inception in 2009.
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