Melhoria da produtividade e eficiência econômica na produção de papel por meio da pré-refinação enzimática: um estudo de caso em escala industrial

Abstract

This study evaluated the application of a cellulase enzyme complex in the pre-refining process of a paper machine, aiming to improve pulp drainability (freeness) and increase machine speed. To this end, three months of operation without the enzyme were compared to three months with its application at a dosage of 100 g/ton of paper. Key parameters were analyzed, including refining energy, drainability, vacuum and steam consumption, paper mechanical properties, machine speed, production rate, and financial efficiency. Data were collected hourly through the PI system and filtered to exclude periods of inactivity. The results indicated that the enzymatic complex significantly improved drainability, enabling a 3.44% increase in machine speed and a 3.47% rise in production rate, in addition to reducing vacuum and steam consumption. These operational improvements resulted in a financial gain of approximately R$ 700,000 during the test period, with an annual projected gain of R$ 2.6 million under regular production conditions. Notably, these benefits were achieved without significant changes in critical paper properties, such as tensile and tear resistance. The main challenges involved stabilizing enzyme dosage due to the complexity of the machine's water and broke systems. Nevertheless, the enzymatic complex proved to be a cost-effective and sustainable solution, aligning economic, environmental, and product quality benefits.