Zero effluent system for enzymatic starch cooking
April 2023
News
As part of the offering for board and paper makers, Valmet has developed Enzymatic Starch Cooking ZE (zero effluent) to improve operational reliability and quality of the starch cooking process. It consists of two separate units for binder starch and surface size starch, with built-in heat recovery and a new circulation system.
“The new starch cooking system has a smaller carbon footprint as (thanks to improved design) it causes less wasted starch compared to conventional cooking processes, and uses the generated waste energy. The patented innovation is in line with Valmet’s promise to offer its customers technologies for enabling an entirely carbon-neutral paper production,” says Aapo Viiankorpi, product sales manager, Board, Paper and Tissue Solutions, EMEA, Valmet.
One system has already been delivered to Guangxi Jingui Pulp and Paper’s (GJPP) Qinzhou mill in China, and was successfully started up in 2022.
“The starch cooking system adopts the new integrated technology to collect waste heat from the cooking process for heating fresh water. Recycling hot water is in line with our targets for low carbon operations. The integrated design improves our field installation efficiency. It covers a smaller and more compact area than before, and the operation is easy to master,” says Lin Xiupeng, Chief of Paper Chemical Section at APP Guangxi Jingui Pulp and Paper.
About Enzymatic Starch Cooking ZE
Enzymatic Starch Cooking ZE has two pre-assembled and pre-tested skid units with patented process solutions for a super-wide capacity range of 20 – 120 tonnes of dry solids per day.
The cooking system offers a fully continuous operation even during the normal production stops, with circulation loops resulting in zero wasted starch. The system will constantly produce fresh, stable, and high-quality starch. The built-in heat recovery is used in integrated hot water preparation. These innovations are resulting in energy savings and decreased load and cost for water treatment.
Further reading:
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...
Fuel your competitive edge with tech that transforms
News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition 2025, taking place from 22 to 24 July at the Durban Exhibition Centre, offers a vibrant, solution-focused platform tailored to the unique needs of KwaZulu-Natal’s industrial, manufacturing, engineering, maritime, agricultural and mining sectors.
Read more...
Helm wins for AI and automation at Business Excellence Awards
News
Helm, the South African leader in AI-powered customer experience solutions, has been recognised at the Business Excellence Awards 2025, receiving two prestigious awards.
Read more...
Schneider Electric launches first registered Innovation Hub in Africa
Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric has officially launched its first registered Innovation Hub in Africa. This provides an interactive environment where visitors can explore the company’s integrated solutions across key segments and businesses such as energy, buildings, data centres, industrial, and power and grid.
Read more...
4Sight OT Automation receives Schneider Sustainability Impact Award
Schneider Electric South Africa
News
4Sight OT Automation is a winner of the Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Award in South Africa.
Read more...
A strategic milestone for Conical Technologies
Conical Technologies
News
Conical Technologies has been appointed as the sole distributor in southern Africa for Mibbo, manufacturers of a vast array of products for the automation industry.
Read more...
Robotics TechTalk at UKZN
News
The Scientific Multidisciplinary Advanced Research Technology Lab at the University of KwaZulu-Natal recently held an exciting TechTalk. It was an opportunity to introduce students to the IEEE Robotics and Automation chapter, SAIMC, and the Robotics Association of South Africa.
Read more...
Top laboratory industry trends in the spotlight at analytica Lab Africa 2025
News
The future of laboratories and transformative diagnostic technologies will come under the spotlight in July at analytica Lab Africa, South Africa’s only trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis, biotechnology and diagnostics.
Read more...
Schneider Electric honoured with Gender Leader Award
Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric has been awarded the Gender Leader Award at this year’s Africa CEO Forum. This award acknowledges those organisations operating in Africa that have shown a significant and continuous commitment to gender diversity and inclusion.
Read more...
Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 closes on a high note
News
The Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 officially wrapped up after three dynamic days at Gallagher Convention Centre, cementing its status as Africa’s leading platform for industrial automation, AI and IoT.
Read more...