Valmet introduces the innovative GapWasherTM technology for efficient ash washing

Published June 27, 2000 14.00.00 +2 GMT

Valmet has delivered the first mill-scale GapWasherTM for ash washing to the deinking plant in the MetsäTissue Mänttä Mill in Finland. The new GapWasher has met performance expectations since the start-up in September 1999 and process cleanliness and pulp quality have clearly improved.

The Mänttä mill uses printing house waste and virgin pulp as the main raw materials for tissue paper production. The amount of recycled fibers in the pulp varies depending on quality requirements. The production capacity of the GapWasher is 90 tpd.

The operating principle of the new two-sided washing technology is similar to the technology used in a paper machine twin-wire forming section. Compact design with high unit capacity and washing efficiency combined with optional on-line control provides many advantages compared with existing washing technologies.

The successful introduction of the GapWasher completes the range of Valmet recycled fiber and deinking technologies enabling deliveries of complete lines.

Valmet Corporation is the world's leading supplier of technology, systems and equipment for the pulp, paper, converting and panelboard industries. In 1999, Valmet's net sales was EUR 1.7 billion and it had a personnel of 10,600.

Valmet is part of the Metso Corporation which is a global supplier of process industry machinery and systems. Metso's business areas are fiber and paper technology, automation and control technology and machinery. The net sales of Metso Corporation were EUR 3.4 billion in 1999 and the personnel totaled approximately 23,000. Metso Corporation is listed on the Helsinki Exchanges and the New York Stock Exchange.