5% increase in paper machine production and better profiles with Valmet IQ Steam Profiler

PM6, a 5.1 meter trim width machine, produces protection paper used by the steel industry for protective interleaving in steel coils. Installed before the press section, the IQ Steam Profiler heats water in the sheet, lowering its viscosity and allowing it to drain more readily before the Yankee cylinder dryer.

“We selected Valmet for the steambox based on our contacts with them and previous good experience with the company. From the beginning we had good support and a very clear picture of project,” says Skarström. The design was important for Jan Weiland, Project Manager, “The simplicity of the steambox impressed me, it was very easy to set up,” he says. “Startup, complicated by Covid 19 restrictions, went smoothly and Valmet were very flexible with social distancing observed at all times and extensive use of remote Internet meetings.”

The target for the profile and part of Valmet’s performance guarantee was a 50% better 2-Sigma moisture profile at the reel and an increase dryness of 1.4%. Both targets have been met.

From left to right, Jan Weiland (Project Manager), Börje Dahl (Line Manager PM6) and Stefan Skarström (Production Manager).

Unique profiling accuracy

The IQ Steam Profiler is a multi-zone steambox system that provides unique profiling accuracy through its electromechanical actuator with position feedback. It features advanced steam injection technology that maximizes steam absorption efficiency and temperature increase to provide the increased dryness after the press. The delivery included most of the auxiliary components including pneumatic retraction equipment, operator interface, and CD moisture control.

Performance guarantee and 5% production increase

“The target for the profile and part of Valmet’s performance guarantee was a 50% better 2-Sigma moisture profile at the reel and an increase dryness of 1.4%. Both targets have been met,” declares Skarström. Earlier, the production capacity of the machine was limited by the drying capacity of the Yankee. The increase in dryness has now allowed an increase in machine speed of 30 to 40 meters/minute depending on grade, which translates to 1200 tpy increase in production.

Better runnability with fewer web breaks

Additional benefits have been seen with fewer web breaks and more stable quality decreasing waste. “Before installation, the web released earlier from the Yankee and now with the better profile, the web release zone is much more stable,” says Weiland.

“Operators have been very positive; they also see the improvement in runnability and the winder operators are very happy with the installation. Valmet met their performance guarantees and we met our targets, it’s a win-win,” concludes Skarström.

Information about the customer Ahlstrom-Munksjö

Ahlstrom-Munksjö is a global leader in fiber-based materials, supplying innovative and sustainable solutions to customers worldwide. Its offerings include decor paper, filter media, release liners, abrasive backings, nonwovens, electrotechnical paper, glass fiber materials, food packaging and labeling, tape, medical fiber materials and solutions for diagnostics.