Equipment performance analysis of a Canadian Kraft mill. Part I: Development of new key performance indicators (KPI)

Most process integration techniques and optimization procedures are based on the implicit assumption that the unit operations and equipment are working efficiently, which is not always the case. Equipment performance analysis by means of key performance indicators is a prerequisite step before undertaking any optimization or improvement measure. However, there are no key performance indicators specifically tailored for the Kraft process equipment, and that take into account both the governing operating conditions and the design parameters. In this paper, new key performance indicators (KPIs) have been developed based on an in depth characterization and dimensional analysis of the Kraft process equipment using the Buckingham Pi (Π) theorem. These KPIs were used to identify process inefficiencies, diagnose causes of inefficiencies and propose remedial actions through a systematic approach. Once adopted, the KPIs proposed could serve to monitor systems performances and allow a tighter process control as they incorporate the design characteristics of the unit operations and their influencing operating conditions.