Metso Paper rebuilds a pilot machine to help producers make better use of energy, reduce maintenance and improve yield
April 2007
By Graeme Rodden, Editorial Director, Magazines
Metso Paper inaugurated its rebuilt pilot PM 2 at its Rautpohja Paper Technology Center in Jyväskylä, Finland, in February.
The rebuild included a new press section, modernization of the dryer section as well as other improvements, bringing the machine's speed up to 3,000 m/min.
Metso Paper is looking at running the machine five days/week, two shifts per day. The expectation is that the machine will be used 50% for Metso Paper's own research and 50% for customer research. However, customer does not necessarily mean a paper producer; it could mean other suppliers that Metso Paper works with, such as chemical or paper machine clothing manufacturers.
Speaking at the opening, one Finnish government official, while stressing the importance of R&D, decried the lack of same done by the producers, saying all the onus now was on the suppliers. When asked if PM 2 would be used for product development or machine development, the answer came back that with the situation today, they go hand in hand.
One of the challenges that modern papermakers face is how to maintain a high-quality draw through the press at high speed. Everything must be almost perfect for a papermaker to run consistently at high speeds. Automation is an important facet in achieving this. Metso believes that the theoretical limit for machine speed has not yet been reached, although 2,500 m/min was one figure mentioned. Coaters should be able to run at 3,000 m/min.
Another aspect is that modern technology allows producers to make paper at a lower basis weight but with the same properties as a heavier weight paper, thus saving fiber and energy. This is a trend being seen in the packaging sector especially.
New paper machines will allow for the same production but with a smaller environmental footprint. PM 2 is designed to help producers find ways to make better use of energy, reduce maintenance and improve yield.
At the wet end, the OptiFlo II headboxes as well as the OptiFormer and BelBaie V forming sections can be developed in both horizontal and vertical configurations.
The machine has a closed draw OptiPress section featuring Metso Paper's new felt change system in which the felts are pulled into the press with a newly designed insertion system, eliminating the need for a cantilevering design. The press section can be run in different configurations, including a third press. Ergonomics and safety also play a large role in the new design with its ease of access and other operator-friendly features. For example, the walkways have been replaced with a mobile working platform.
The rebuild of the dryer section includes the OptiDry twin impingement concept. This allows for a reduction in the number of drying cylinders and its capacity means speeds can be increased. The OptiDry twin is located in the front of the drying section, increasing the dryness of the web just after the press section so that the sheet dry content and paper temperature are higher at the first cylinder. This prevents sticking, strengthens the web and permits faster machine operation.
Finally, PM 2 is equipped with the latest Metso Automation technology including a metsoDNA control system with more I/Os, sensors, profilers and runnability systems than many commercial paper machines.
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