Re: "rag rope" waste reduction -Reply

["Terry Albrecht" <Terry_Albrecht@owr.ehnr.state.nc.us>]

Albert,

Thanks for your feedback on rag rope.  The process you described 
is exactly the same as Jackson Paper's process in NC.  I do feel they 
could keep the baling wire out of the hydropulper, but it does 
appear to play a key role in aiding the removal of the other 
contaminants in the pulper - plastics, tape, etc.  

My client is having two additional challenges with this process.  
First, alot of fiber pulp is carried out on fiber bundle.  I was 
thinking that the the hot water feed (or a portion of it) could be 
redirected to  "wash" the rag rope as it is being pulled out of the 
pulper.  This could help reclaim pulp and make a cleaner product if 
it were ever to go to a steel recycler.  Has your client consider such 
a modification?  Secondly, the local landfill were the rag rope is 
disposed is closing by the end of the year, and Jackson Paper is hard 
pressed to handle the material as efficiently as possible.   They may 
consider baling the rag rope for better transport,  but the 
guillotine used to periodically cut the rag rope does not work very well. 
Typically someone manually cuts the rag rope with a torch.  Any 
thoughts for improved waste handling?

I'll forward responses to you.  Thanks again.  
Terry Albrecht, PE
NC Division of Pollution Prevention &
Environmental Assistance
Asheville Office
25 Heritage Drive
Asheville, NC 28806
Phone (704) 232-5080
Fax   (704) 251-6353