Using modern technology, waste energy plant ARN removes energy and raw materials from waste. To be able to recycle diapers, the company built a diaper recycling plant (LRI). After completion, ARN purchased a cyclone separator from Blue Heat. This technology is necessary to prevent plastic particles in the resulting steam causing pollution and possible blockages. To ensure that the new system was implemented properly, the company called on Vicoma.
About the project: plastic particles in diaper recycling plant
The LRI recycles disposable diapers and other incontinence products into plastic granules. The basis for this process is boiling the diapers in three reactors with 40 bar steam. Once the batch is ready, the steam is released to refill a neighbouring reactor. At a pressure of around 12 bar, the steam flows to the condenser, cooling down in the process. Plastic particles picked up in the steam would stick and cause blockages in the condenser. As a solution to this problem, ARN purchased the Blue Tower technology from Blue Heat which extracts the plastic particles from the steam. To ensure the smooth integration of this new technology in the existing plant, the waste energy plant called on Vicoma for the engineering.
Role of Vicoma
Vicoma redesigned the steam pipelines from the connection to the reactors with a new routing. The design needed to take several requirements and starting points into account. As much of the existing structure as possible was to remain intact, while reusing as many existing support structures as possible. It was also necessary to be able to dismantle the pipelines relatively easily with smartly chosen flange connections.
Furthermore, it was important to prevent the plastic particles in the steam from clumping together or sticking to the walls due to the cooling process and speed loss in the pipes. For that reason, the venting pipe should not be too long.
Finally, the agitators in the reactors needed to be able to be lifted out of position from above.
Vicoma used these requirements as their starting point. The design was discussed and approved during a review with the client. Vicoma then elaborated the solution in addition to generating isometrics of the pipeline sections at the request of the client.
Result
Thanks to its pragmatic approach, in-depth knowledge of pipe systems, extensive experience with Plant3D and pipe stress calculations, Vicoma was able to deliver the desired design. ARN received a 3D model, the isometrics package and a stress analysis of the pipe network of the approved solution. The company can now approach their contractor who can modify the pipe system. This was all completed within budget and within the agreed delivery time.
