Optimization and Management of Flotation Deinking Banks by Process Simulation

In this work, the contribution of flotation deinking banks design on ink removal efficiency, selectivity, and specific energy consumption was simulated using a semiempirical approach. Single-stage with mixed tank/column cells, two-stage, and three-stage configurations were evaluated, and the total number of flotation units in each stage and their interconnection were used as main variables. Explicit correlations between ink removal efficiency, selectivity, energy consumption, and line design were developed for each configuration. When considering a conventional two-stage configuration as reference, a decrease in the specific energy consumption for constant ink removal efficiency and selectivity was obtained with the single-stage bank with a stack of flotation columns at the front of the line, whereas an increase in ink removal selectivity for constant ink removal efficiency and specific energy consumption was obtained with the three-stage bank. The present results show that the performance of conventional flotation deinking banks can be improved by optimizing process design and implementing mixed tank/column technologies in the same deinking line.