Paper mills are highly energy-intensive industries where electricity and steam are required continuously for processes such as pulping, drying, paper forming, and finishing. Rising electricity tariffs can increase production costs and reduce profitability. A steam turbine-based captive power system allows paper mills to utilize available steam more effectively and generate electricity within the plant, reducing dependence on grid power.
In a typical paper mill, high-pressure steam is generated through boilers using fuels such as biomass, wood waste, or other available fuels. Instead of reducing this steam pressure through pressure-reducing valves, the steam can be expanded through a steam turbine to generate mechanical power and electricity. The exhaust steam can then be supplied to the process at the required pressure. This enables the mill to generate electricity while continuing to meet its process steam requirements.
Paper mills can improve overall energy efficiency by selecting a steam turbine according to their steam flow, inlet pressure, inlet temperature, exhaust pressure, and power requirement. Turtle Turbines provides customized steam turbine solutions for paper mills to support efficient steam utilization and captive power generation.
Steam turbine-based power generation can provide long-term benefits such as lower electricity costs, improved energy utilization, and greater power reliability. When biomass fuels or other renewable energy sources are used, paper mills can also reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and support sustainability goals. With proper steam system integration, steam turbines can become an effective solution for reducing energy expenses and improving the overall profitability of paper manufacturing operations