Sdra Cells Norwegian kraft pulp mill at Tofte has been forced to cease pulp production due to a rupture in its recovery boiler.


"It sounds like they may have suffered what is known as a black smelt explosion, caused by unevaporated water reacting with unburned residue or hot ash at the bottom of the boiler," said Esa Vakkilainen, senior research manager at recovery boiler specialist Andridz-Ahlasperon.


The shutdown occurred on 30 September, and means production will not begin again until December 2000. Around 80,000 tonnes of softwood and eucalyptus pulp will be lost from market production, affecting both suppliers and customers.


The pulp production line had initially hoped to re-commence in October, but the damage has proved to be far more extensive than was originally feared.


Tofte information officer Frank Tangen said: "We had to shut down production at once because of the danger of an explosion.


"We are conducting research into the cause, but it looks like most of the pipes will have to be changed. We had hoped to be up and running by 19 October, but we have not had an incident like this happen before."


The majority of the 80,000 tonnes affected by the shutdown is exported to Europe, with around 4,000 tonnes coming into the UK.


Story by Andy Scott