Refiner steam separation system for reduction of dryer emissions

A refiner steam separation system, comprising:

• a blowline for transporting a mixture of fiber material and steam;
• a first steam separator having a first inlet communicating with said blowline for receiving the mixture therefrom and a first exit for discharging partially cleaned fiber material from said separator and for preventing a first portion of the waste steam from passing therethrough;
• a second steam separator having a second inlet and a second exit for discharging cleaned fiber material from said separator and for preventing a second portion of the waste steam from passing therethrough;
• a first relay pipe in communication with said first exit and said second inlet for transporting the partially cleaned fiber material therebetween;
• a second relay pipe in communication with said second exit for transporting the cleaned fiber material therebetween;
• and
• a resin input communicating with said second relay pipe for supplying resin therein and mixing resin with the cleaned fiber material.

A method of reducing volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions generated during refining cellulosic fibrous material, comprising the steps of:

• transporting a mixture of fiber material and process steam containing VOCs in a blowline at a first flow velocity into a steam separator;
• releasing waste steam from said steam separator through a waste steam outlet;
• discharging cleaned fiber material from the separator into a relay pipe while preventing a substantial portion of the process steam from passing into the relay pipe;
• transporting the cleaned fiber material through the relay pipe at a second flow velocity while mixing the cleaned fiber material with a resin having low levels of VOCs;
• and
• drying the mixed cleaned fiber material and resin in a dryer duct.

A method of refining cellulosic fibrous material, comprising:

• transporting a mixture of fiber material and steam in a blowline;
• separating a portion of the steam from the fiber material to create a cleaned fiber material;
• releasing waste steam through a waste steam outlet;
• and
• transporting the cleaned fiber material through a relay pipe while mixing the cleaned fiber material with a resin.

A method of refining cellulosic fibrous material, comprising:

• transporting a mixture of fiber material and steam in a blowline;
• separating a portion of the steam from the fiber material to create a cleaned fiber material;
• transporting the cleaned fiber material through a relay pipe;
• and
• inserting resin into the relay pipe;
• delivering said cleaned fiber material mixed with resin to a dryer.

A method of refining cellulosic fibrous material, comprising:

• transporting a mixture of fiber material and steam to a steam separator;
• separating a portion of the steam from the fiber material in the steam separator to create a cleaned fiber material;
• discharging the cleaned fiber material from the steam separator
• delivering said cleaned fiber material mixed with resin to a dryer;
• and
• mixing the cleaned fiber material with a resin.