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Client

Meadow Lake Mechanical Pulp Inc.

Year

2021

Location

Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan 

Project Summary

In 2021, our team installed a 26-diffuser aeration system within Meadow Lake Mechanical Pulp Inc. industrial pulp and paper mill distillate equalization pond. This project was completed with our largest Can-Air Diffuser Pro XL diffusers to produce maximum aeration within the pond to help improve dissolved oxygen levels to aid in pulp quality. This project was completed in the Fall of 2021. 

Mechanical Pulp & Paper Mill DEP Aeration 

Project Objective 

  • Provide adequate mixing and aeration to reduce Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and increase dissolved oxygen (DO) in the closed loop water system to better pulp quality in Distillate Equalization Pond (DEP) 1.

Methods 

  • Install 26 Can-Air Diffuser Pro XL diffusers  

  • Install a 250HP compressor (total CFM = 1218)

  • Install custom lengths of reinforced 3/4" AquaTube airline 

  • Connect all airlines to a central 26-way manifold for easy control 

  • Utilize on-site crane to lower diffusers into the lagoon 

Challenges 

  • Supply chain issues

  • Approval delays

  • Late installation  

Timeline

2020-2022

Diffuser installation: 2021

Project fully completed: 2022

Planned Solutions 

  • With severe compressor and enclosure delays, our team proposed a temporary rental compressor unit and worked with Meadow Lake Mechanical Pulp to help source an appropriate compressor to allow the system to operate.

  • To minimize further delays resulting from approval delays, AEC's manufacturing team rushed the fabrication of the required aeration diffusers to allow for installation before winter.

  • The installation took place November 2021. Weather precautions were taken.

Results 

  • The system became operational in November 2021 using a rental compressor. The purchased compressor was delivered to site in spring 2022, and the system has since been operating to specification. Operators have noted a significant increase in DO levels, which has led to discussion of reduction of biologicals in the pond. 

Meadow Lake Mechanical Pulp Can-Air Aeration System
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