Industrial effluents

Paper industry

The paper-making process is one of the most water-intensive industrial production processes. This is because, without the physical properties of water, it would not be possible for a consistent structure to be achieved when the constituents of paper are processed in sludge. A high level of water consumption is inevitable in the processing of natural raw materials (wood, cellulose, vegetable fibers) and also in the process of recycling waste paper. This creates a high level of waste water for processing. The residues in the waste water are a problem particularly in the case of de-inking: the process of recycling printed waste paper.

Reducing costs and minimizing pollutants with decanters from GEA

This demonstrates the tremendous advantages of a GEA decanter, both in terms of competitive advantages by way of reducing costs in the paper industry and also for environmental protection by minimizing pollutants.

In addition to the above-mentioned constituents, further chemical substances are also added depending on the desired paper quality – for instance whiteners, inks or dust-inhibiting agents – which have to be removed from the waste water at the end of the production process.

Chemical substances can be reused

During pre-clarification and post-clarification, primary, secondary and flotation sludges are produced which are dewatered individually or together by the decanter. Because of the high dry substance, the storage and disposal costs are reduced, the volume of fresh water is minimized, and expensive chemical substances can be reused on several occasions – a factor which likewise has a positive impact on the economic balance. The dewatered sludge can either be dumped, dried or incinerated.

GEA further supplies equipment like jet and vacuum pumps for conveying liquids such as water or sludge and solids like fibers in the paper industry.

GEA Insights

Lemgo plant building

Past and future merge in Lemgo's pioneering district heating project

Theo van der Zwaag from the Netherlands stands in front of a GEA automated feeding robot.

Automation makes a difference for cows, humans and planet

CIAL Chile Employees stand in front of a line of defrosters from GEA.

GEA's defrosting solution sees success at CIAL in Chile

Receive news from GEA

Stay in touch with GEA innovations and stories by signing up for news from GEA.

Contact us

We are here to help! With just a few details we will be able to respond to your inquiry.