Exploring the Power of Pulp and Paper
Closing date: 18 October 2019
The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa’s Process Research Unit in collaboration with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) invites South African universities to tender project proposals for research work that will advance the development of new skills and commercial opportunities in the pulp and paper sector.
PROPOSALS SHOULD RELATE TO THE FOLLOWING:
The development of a treatment process to convert difficult-to-recycle papers into a recyclable raw material for re-use in the papermaking process
Some papers are difficult to recycle in South Africa. Label release liner contains silicon while paper sacks and boxes for food contain wet-strength additives. PAMSA seeks a novel process, using existing or new technology, so that these types of paper can be recycled locally into new paper and packaging.
The process should focus on a scalable, modular system that can be used by small enterprises or entrepreneurs to produce a recycle compliant product – at low capital cost, energy usage and environmental impact.
The design needs to take cognisance of the environmental impact of the process and regulatory compliance.
Big Data and the Internet of Things (IoT)
Modern manufacturing processes are generally automated. Huge amounts of data are collected from various points in the manufacturing line, much of which is not used to optimise the process. This is due to only specific inputs being required for control purposes. However, the analysis of all the data holistically and the various impacts on the process could reveal important information thereby a continually optimising processes.
The project would involve a study of a selected paper process resulting in recommendations for its optimisation and the financial benefit that could be obtained using this approach.
Development of a process (other than pyrolysis) to recover liquid and solid products from paper mill waste streams for beneficiation and further use
Paper mills in particular currently generate waste streams that are contain residual fibre and other solid material (paper sludge) and thus cannot be recovered internally. These streams are a potential source of commercially viable products and their exploitation would minimise the sector’s environmental impact.
A new and novel process is required to separate the various constituents from paper sludge for beneficiation into simple products with commercial value, taking cognizance of the restrictions placed on effluent discharge. Ideally the liquid waste stream should be re-usable, sending it back to the process, while solid waste must comply with the new landfill requirements for discharge.
PROJECT PROPOSALS SHOULD INCLUDE:
- Overall project scope, clearly defined deliverables and motivation.
- Innovation and uniqueness.
- Timeline with clearly defined target dates.
- Overall estimate of cost and expected cash flow over project life.
- Resources required, with particular emphasis on up-skilling human resources, including number of masters and/or doctorates that could be developed.
- Potential for entrepreneurial development and community upliftment.
Queries and submissions
Mike Nash | 083 660 0923