Metro MDF places repeat order with Valmet Panelboard

Published Dec 13, 1999 00.00.00 +2 GMT

Metro MDF of Thailand has again selected Valmet Panelboard as the complete supplier of process technology and machinery for a new MDF plant to be installed at the company’s mill site in Karnchanburi. The new MDF line will be located adjacent to the first MDF line, which was delivered by Sunds Defibrator ( now Valmet Panelboard) in 1994. The new MDF plant will utilize rubberwood and Eucalyptus. Main production will be thin boards from 2 mm up to 6 mm MDF. The wood chips will be processed in an M-54 Defibrator™ followed by a one-stage flue-gas-heated dryer.

New Uniformer™ technology After being conveyed through an efficient latex separator, the Z-sifter, the fiber mat will be formed in the unique new Uniformer™ forming station, featuring active mat equalizing equipment resulting in a mat with higher integrity at less energy consumption. The MDF plant will be equipped with a new-generation frame-type continuous 17-meter Küsters press by Valmet. After the hot pressing, the boards will be cut and stacked by a Valmet press out-feed system.

The heat energy for the plant, comprising flue-gas for the dryer and hot oil for the continuous press, will be produced in a 19- MW solid-fuel energy plant from Valmet. Steam will be produced using an existing steam boiler.

Valmet, the Fiber and Paper Technology business area within Metso, a world leading supplier of technologies, systems and equipment for the pulp, paper and panelboard industry was formed following the recent merger of Sunds Defibrator and Valmet Paper Machinery.

Metso Corporation was created through the merger of Valmet and Rauma on July 1, 1999 and comprises three business areas – Fiber and Paper Technology, Automation and Control Techno-logy and Machinery. In 1998, the pro forma net sales of Metso amounted to EUR 3.7 billion (FIM 22 billion). The combined number of employees was approximately 23,000. Metso Corporation is listed on the Helsinki and New York Stock Exchanges.