A method and apparatus for the treatment of pulp mill condensates is
described. A hollow fiber contactor, incorporating a hydrophobic
membrane, was used to remove several undesirable compounds from pulp mill
condensates. For example, TRS compounds and SO.sub.2 were efficiently
stripped from kraft and sulphite mill evaporator condensates,
respectively. Methanol was also removed from kraft mill condensates but
at a lower efficiency than TRS. Furthermore, other undesirable compounds
found in condensates of pulp mills that contribute to the BOD and COD
loading to effluent treatment systems were also removed. These contactors
are cost effective since air, vacuum or a suitable solvent or scrubbing
solution can be used as the stripping medium to drive off through the
membrane several undesirable compounds from the feed solution. The
undesirable compounds removed can thus be burned in the recovery boiler,
lime kiln or a dedicated boiler.