Grupo Lwart Lwart Lubrificantes Lwarcel Fibras Especiais Lwart Química

Industrial Activity

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The best available environmental practices in the industry were the basis for Lwarcel’s investment decisions regarding its planned expansion from 2000 to 2006. The continuation of policies and procedures already in effect at the company (such as reducing water consumption and effluents) contributed, along with additional measures, to further positive results in environmental oversight:
    - Lowest water consumption and effluent generation in the industry in Brazil;
    - Water consumption: 24 – 26 cubic meters per ton of pulp.
    - Effluent generation: 19 – 21 cubic meters per ton of pulp.



In 2008 Lwarcel’s Water Consumption Reduction Program, made up of 7 projects, took 1st Place in the Third São Paulo State Industrial Fair (FIESP) Prize for Water Conservation and Reuse.



EFFLUENT TREATMENT STATION (ETE)

The purpose of this station is to remove organic matter resulting from the pulp production process, as indicated by biochemical oxygen demand (BOD; DBO), chemical oxygen demand (COD; DQO), and absorbable organic halogens (AOX).

The pollutants are removed by aerobic microorganisms during treatment with activated sediments and pure oxygen, and are transformed into less toxic compounds with lower molecular weight, such as H2O and CO2.

 

Photo: Lwarcel Effluent Treatment Station

The system is divided into 3 stages:
- Preliminary treatment: removal of offensive solids and fibers remaining after processing, and correction of pH and temperature.
- Primary treatment: removal of sedimentable solids.
- Secondary or biological treatment: to reduce the level of biodegradable organic matter remianing after the previous stages.
All stages are carried out with a view toward ensuring that the environment does not suffer any damage from effluents generated by the plant and supporting their disposal in conformity with legal requirements.


Principal characteristics of Effluent Treatment Station (ETE):

 




Implementation of the best technology available to control gaseous effluents

Lwarcel monitors atmospheric emissions from its processes with a view toward reducing impact on the environment and interference with the well-being of neighboring communities.

In order to minimize unpleasant odors emanating from gasses released during the stages of processing, Lwarcel operates a system to capture and burn these gasses in the lime kiln or the incinerator.

The principle sources of these gasses are the evaporation plant for black liquor and the cooking of the wood.

 




Management and appropriate disposal of solid residues generated from the process

Management of solid waste generated in the plant, with appropriate disposition depending on the type of waste:

- Reuse of calcium residues in the forest, combined with sediment from the ETE and ash from the Fluidized-Bed Vessel.

- Policy of separation of potentially toxic waste, such as light bulbs, tires, and used motor oil and batteries, which are sent to licensed recyclers;

 




Environmental Monitoring

- Assessment of treatment of liquid effluents and water quality;

- Monitoring of atmospheric emissions and solid wastes;

- Monitoring of subterranean water;




Odor detection task force

The company has instituted a working group denominated the Odor Detection Group, composed of plant workers and their family members who, based on previous training, contact the company any time they detect an emission. This group of employees was established in 1999 and has become esential, any time there is a technical or climatic incident, for the plant to initiate investigations and take corrective action.