Metso to deliver new flotation cell to Stora Enso in Germany

HELSINKI, May 21, 2008 (Press Release) - Metso Paper will deliver an OptiCell flotation cell of the latest technology to Stora Enso's Maxau mill in Germany. This will be one of the very first OptiCell flotation deliveries. The delivery comprises primary and secondary cells with which the mill aims to increase the flotation capacity and improve the end product quality. The start-up is scheduled for fall 2008.

Particular to the new OptiCell flotation cell is its linear and elliptical design and high technology injector. The new cell design is based on computational fluid dynamics. The elliptical and linear shape has traditionally proven to provide excellent characteristics for smooth flow velocities, allowing maximized bubble rise and efficient froth removal. Another feature is the new up-flow feed injector that enables ideal flow pattern before aeration and less piping with easy operation and maintenance. As a result of the newly developed injector design the maximal air generation is about 20% more compared to conventional technology. A higher share of energy can therefore be utilized in creating turbulence to break down the size of air bubbles. These features all combine to enable efficient air generation and ink removal.

The Stora Enso Maxau Mill is located directly on the Rhine near Karlsruhe, where it has its own port. The mill uses recovered paper as its main raw material for paper production. The mill's deinking facility has a capacity of 380,000 tonnes of recovered paper per year. The site also includes a ground wood mill as well as a thermomechanical pulping system (for the processing of sawmill scraps). The three paper machines in Maxau produce approximately 700,000 tonnes of high-quality magazine paper and newsprint a year.