Plant Overview
The plant operation at Buchanan is relatively simple.
The saws and milling machines in the plant are connected to a vacuum
system that collects dust and carries it to a storage silo. Larger
pieces of wood that are not handled by the vacuum system are fed
through a hog that grinds them into pieces small enough for the
boiler's fuel feed system to handle. Conveyors feed the wood dust
to the boiler. Steam from the boiler drives the turbine generator.
Low pressure steam from the turbine generator is fed to the kilns,
with excess steam piped to condensers which reduce it to water that
is then re-circulated to the boiler's feedwater system.
Based on referrals from other local operations
similar to theirs and their assessment of experience and expertise,
Buchanan chose SEECO, a Birmingham, Alabama-based firm, to provide
the cogeneration system. As part of the basic service offered, SEECO
performed a feasibility study that established estimates of the
savings Buchanan could expect and that helped to size the system.
This system includes a Coppus turbine, GE generator,
two air-cooled condensers manufactured by SEECO, a motor control
center, steam piping, and all of the other associated electrical
and mechanical elements that make up a cogeneration system. SEECO
performed all the installation for the system, which started operating
the end of June 1999.
What about results? Buchanan is certain enough
of the system's value that they have indicated they will expand
the system whenever their manufacturing operation grows to the
point that they need to add a second shift, which would greatly
increase the amount of waste being generated.
Are they pleased so far? "It's a quality
installation," says Nesmith. And he adds, "I wish all
parts of our plant startup had gone as smoothly as the cogeneration
portion."
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Vacuum
hood on saw is part of the complete dust collection system.
Low
pressure steam from the turbine is used to dry incoming hardwood
in these kilns.
Air-cooled
condensers were also provided by SEECO.
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