Sulzer to equip biomethanol plant

The Veolia plant in Äänekoski will use Sulzer’s separation technology and flow equipment to convert raw pulp mill waste into commercial grade biomethanol suitable for a wide range of industries such as transportation and chemical sectors.

“Our market-leading technologies and products advance both sustainable energy and circular practices,” said Sulzer’s Chemtech Division president Uwe Boltersdorf.

“Sulzer’s innovations are designed to enable efficient processes in support of bio-based and renewable manufacturing.”

The new plant – reportedly the world’s largest – will produce 12,000 tons of biomethanol per year for use in downstream chemical manufacturing or biofuel.

Sulzer’s ECR separation technology will be used by ANDRITZ to transform the waste from a local pulp mill into biomethanol. The plant will also use a variety of Sulzer process pumps to ensure reliable operation.

“We are delighted to see our concept contributing to the construction of the world’s largest facility for renewable methanol purification within a pulp mill,” said ANDRITZ sales director Jaakko Wallenius.

“Our successful collaboration with Sulzer spans several years on a number of projects, and we anticipate continuing this partnership to deliver state-of-the-art circular infrastructures in the future.”