Optimal atmospheric emission control in the wood pulp industry

A mathematical programming model was formulated to determine the optimal atmospheric emission control alternatives for the pulp industry. Generalized multi-path diagrams were developed showing the emission sources, the unit emissions from these sources, and the available control alternatives. Using these diagrams it is possible to depict a given mill by selecting the appropriate flow paths. The formulation of the optimization model as a mixed integer-linear programming problem is presented. Then the results of a sample analysis using the model are described. A procedure is presented for determining the net cost of particulate emission standards as well as a sensitivity analysis of the impact on the optimal solution of varying the value of recovered chemicals.