Asia Symbol's PHV conversion project successfully commissioned
Nov 26, 2024
On November 18th, 2024, Asia Symbol (Shandong) Pulp and Paper Co., Ltd. successfully commissioned the rebuild of the PL12 pre-hydrolysis vessel (PHV) into a kraft digester, which was smoothly integrated into the pulp line under normal operation, marking a one-time successful start-up of the innovation project.
This is the world's first case of converting a pre-hydrolysis vessel (PHV) for dissolving pulp into a kraft pulp digester. It has pioneered an innovative model of single ImpBin for impregration, supplying dual digesters for the first time. This new model will help the cooking plant to achieve higher flexibility and better pulp quality, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
Group photo of Asia Symbol pulp business team and Valmet expert team.
"Firstly, I am extremely proud that the PL12 rebuild project has been successfully commissioned in one go. The success of the project will effectively reduce the operating costs of the PL12 pulping process and extend the major maintenance cycle, helping Asia Symbol to maintain a leading position in fierce market competition with a forward-looking vision and strategic perspective. The smooth progress and unprecedented success of this rebuild project is the result of full resource commitment and seamless collaboration from both sides. The capable team from Asia Symbol's pulp business and seasoned experts from Valmet, both domestic and international, have jointly demonstrated an excellent spirit of craftsmanship, laying a solid foundation for the success of this project." says Xiao Guangcai, General Manager of Pulp Business, Asia Symbol (Shandong) Pulp and Paper Co., Ltd.
Commemorative signature at start-up.
"I am honored to be part of this rebuild project. Throughout the project, both sides has worked close together and multiple rounds of logic interlock checks between the old and new systems has been conducted. Valmet engineering team has worked hard to ensure that the pressure balance issues in the dual digester process were properly resolved. This project not only reflects the spirit of collaboration between both teams but also demonstrates Valmet's deep understanding of technical challenges and its response capabilities." says Fredrik Sundell, Project Manager, Global Project Management, Pulp and Energy Business Line, Valmet.
Technical information about the delivery
This rebuild project is the world's first innovative case of a single ImpBin supplying dual digesters. The daily output of the pulp line after the transformation is 2770 air-dried tons.
Valmet's key deliveries include screen plates, top separator modification, special instruments and APC package for the new Digester 2 and Digester 1. The engineering work for the old and new digesters includes process design, equipment layout, piping work, on-site installation and start-up services, and related spare parts are also included in the delivery.
About Asia Symbol (Shandong) Pulp and Paper Co., Ltd.
Asia Symbol (Shandong) Pulp and Paper Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Singapore's Golden Eagle Group, is a world-leading pulp and paper producer capable of providing over 2.2 million tons of bleached sulfate eucalyptus pulp annually. The company owns a state-of-the-art continuous cooking production line, employing the sulfate process for pulping and ECF (Elemental Chlorine-Free) bleaching technology. It uses imported eucalyptus and acacia wood chips as raw materials, producing pulp products that are known for their high strength, high brightness, and consistent quality. These products are widely used in the production of high-grade cultural paper, high-grade packaging paper and paperboard, tissue paper, and various special papers.