Arauco chooses Bellmer to rebuild its Alto Paraná PM 1 in Argentina for the production of fluff pulp

ÖSCHELBRONN, Germany, Oct. 5, 2011 (Press Release) - Alto Paraná works, located in Puerto Esperanza, Misiones Province, form part of Arauco (Cellulosa Arauco y Constitución S.A.). With a capacity of 3.2 million tons/year of bleached and unbleached kraft pulp, Arauco is the second largest producer of market pulp worldwide.

On the border of Brazil and the Argentine Province of Misiones are located the Iguazú Falls - one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Some of the waterfalls are up to 82 metres high! The water flowing over the falls varies between 1,500 m³/s and more than 7,000 m³/s. In 1984, the Ar-gentine National Park Iguazú was designated UNESCO Word Heritage Site.

Alto Paraná exports its high quality fluff pulp to the countries of the Mercosur, as well as to Europe and Asia. Fluff pulp is used for the production of highly absorbent products, such as disposable diapers and feminine hygiene products.

To meet the growing demand and in order to improve quality even further, the management took the decision to rebuild the PM 1 for production of fluff pulp. This order represents another milestone for Bellmer Ibérica.

The Bellmer scope of supply comprises the proven circular distributor TURBOCircler^TM, with dilu-tion water system TURBODiluter^TM to achieve optimum CD profiles.

The existing headbox will be rebuilt and equipped with a new intake chamber in order to enhance formation considerably.

New dewatering elements, a new steam blow box and a new tail cutter are also part of Bellmer's scope of supply.

Also, a new belt threading system will be installed to transport the pulp from dryer outlet to the new building where finishing equipments will be installed.

For this new section of the line, Bellmer will provide the complete automatic TURBOReeler^TM reel-ing system with reel spool magazine, via TURBOTransporter^TM up to TURBOUnwind^TM stand.

Furthermore, a new QCS system will be supplied for automatic pulp quality control.

The slitter winder TURBOWinder^TM assures optimum reeling quality of the paper rolls. The winder has a working width of 4,960 mm and a maximum working speed of 800 m/min. Due to the robust design it is very durable. Furthermore, the winder is characterized by a high degree of automation and easy operability. Last, but not least, the cost-performance-ratio is very convincing.

Extensive engineering works of the German-Spanish team as well as mounting and start-up jobs are also included in the diversified scope of delivery.

Start-up shall take place end of 2011.