Magnesium Hydroxide Challenge: Higher fusion chemical needed for boiler optimization and general safetyAction: • Determined the trial equipment location, analyzed the data, and discovered that Magnesium was better for the process• Designed the process, ordered a tank, agitator, pump, and built an agitator bridge alongside the mechanical engineer, and troubleshot the pump and equipment Result: Saved $100k per year on chemical cost and more due to less downtime for the main boilerPressroom VisitationChallenge: Company paper was being run poorly at the pressroom as claims were being filed, which affected reputation Action: • Met with the pressroom manager and operators and knowledge-shared while watching the paper run on the press together• Tested the rejected rolls for hardness and poorly wound rolls Result: Formed a better relationship with the pressroom, who then chose Ponderay paper over the competitionMachine Steam SystemChallenge: Sections of the machine in the dryers from the high motor load were getting lostAction: • Analyzed steam trends and found the cans were filling up with condensate• Self-taught the steam system and performed a steam audit which determined that multiple valves were not operating correctlyResult: The main valve was replaced which led to less downtime on the machine and saved 0.75 $/ton

Water Treatment Screw Press OptimizationChallenge: The screw press in water treatment needed optimizingAction: • Analyzed the sludge produced and found that the dryer the water treatment cake, the better the screw press performance• Created logic for how the screw press should operate, tested chemicals, and observed it running in closed-loop auto controlResult: This project saved the company $50k in chemical cost and helped the boiler performance