Article ID: | iaor20032872 |
Country: | United States |
Volume: | 26 |
Issue: | 14 |
Start Page Number: | 1253 |
End Page Number: | 1267 |
Publication Date: | Nov 2002 |
Journal: | International Journal of Energy Research |
Authors: | Sderstrm Mats, Karlsson M. |
Keywords: | manufacturing industries, production |
In the pulp and paper industry, energy costs represent a relatively large proportion of the value of production. When investing in new equipment, considerations concerning boundary conditions, such as electricity and oil prices, are therefore of great importance. A vital requirement is the identification of other key parameters influencing production costs as well as possible interaction between these parameters. In this paper, a sensitivity analysis is accomplished by using an optimization model that minimizes the system cost combined with a systematic approach involving a statistical method. The paper analyzes the possibilities of investing in a new chemical recovery cycle, including a new recovery boiler and evaporation plant, at a Swedish board mill. The study includes a survey of future changes, together with forecasts of boundary conditions, such as changes in the price of electricity and oil. Interactions between different parameters are also examined.