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International technology group ANDRITZ has received an order from the Brazilian pulp and paper company Suzano to deliver an energy-efficient Ash ReCrystallization (ARC) plant for the recovery boilers at its eucalyptus kraft pulp mill in Barra do Riacho, Brazil. The estimated start-up date for the ARC plant is the first half of 2022.

3D rendering of the Ash ReCrystallization (ARC) plant3D rendering of the Ash ReCrystallization (ARC) plantThe ANDRITZ ARC plant removes the harmful chloride and potassium from the ElectroStatic Precipitator (ESP) ash and returns valuable chemicals to the chemical recovery cycle. The plant to be supplied is designed to handle 550 tons of ESP ash daily.

Featuring the new energy recovery technology, the ARC plant will optimize energy efficiency significantly. This technology is also based on an enhanced evaporative crystallization concept that will improve the recovery process. With this order, ANDRITZ is demonstrating its strong global position in the supply of state-of-the-art and environmentally friendly ARC plants.

Suzano is the largest pulp and paper company in Latin America and a leader in the paperboard market. The company is also the largest producer of eucalyptus pulp in the world. This proven process technology from ANDRITZ will help Suzano achieve their financial and sustainability goals.

ANDRITZ GROUP

International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems and services for the pulp and paper industry, the hydropower sector, the metals processing and forming industry, pumps, solid/liquid separation in the municipal and industrial sectors, as well as animal feed and biomass pelleting. Plants for power generation, flue gas cleaning, recycling, and the production of nonwovens and panelboard complete the global product and service offering. Innovative products and services in the industrial digitalization sector are offered under the brand name Metris and help customers to make their plants more user-friendly, efficient and profitable. The publicly listed group has around 26,800 employees and more than 280 locations in over 40 countries.

ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER

ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper provides equipment, systems, complete plants and services for the production of all types of pulp, paper, board and tissue. The technologies and services focus on maximum utilization of raw materials, increased production efficiency and sustainability as well as lower overall operating costs. Boilers for power generation, flue gas cleaning systems, plants for the production of nonwovens and panelboard (MDF), as well as recycling and shredding solutions for various waste materials also form a part of this business area. State-of-the-art IIoT technologies as part of Metris digitalization solutions complete the comprehensive product offering.

ABB has released its High-Performance Infrared-Reflection (HPIR-R) moisture sensor, which provides the fastest, most precise moisture monitoring available on the market today. Taking up to 5,000 measurements per second, the sensor delivers precise, high-resolution measurement that enables mills to increase throughput while reducing operating costs.  

  • ABB’s new patented technology offers unprecedented speed and accuracy of moisture measurements, even in difficult locations
  • Accurate measurement can lead to significant cost savings; a ~1% change in moisture can generate up to $400K in energy savings
  • Precise measurement helps reduce drying costs and emissions for more sustainable operations

This advanced, patented technology will help pulp, paper and board producers to always know the precise moisture levels, giving them confidence to raise moisture targets and improve their CD profiles, enhancing end product quality with fewer rejects as a result.

Being able to measure and control the moisture levels as the sheet moves through the paper machine is critical to reducing energy requirements. This leads to optimized drying, decreased steam usage, significant energy savings in dryer sections and reduced carbon emissions. In fact, changing the steam pressure to create a moisture change of just 1% can equate to $400K in energy savings.

The small spot of infrared energy used in the sensor provides excellent streak resolution and accurate edge-to-edge sheet measurement, even in the most difficult environments. Measurement while scanning is continuous, with no beam chopping or filter wheels ensuring optimum signal-to-noise ratio and maximum measurement rate.

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ABB’s new HPIR-R moisture measurement, which also has a built-in sheet temperature sensor, is designed to be fully air-cooled and field repairable. That, coupled with its insensitivity to dust and disturbances enables high uptime and lower total cost of ownership than similar solutions.

“Unlike competitive offerings, ABB’s HPIR-R moisture sensor provides the highest frequency measurements possible, which helps customers to improve quality, reduce downtime, decrease costs and increase yields,” said Andy Broomfield, Product Line Manager at ABB. “It has been designed for papermakers looking for accurate and precise moisture measurement in hot, difficult machine environments.”

While it can be placed in any location, the highest impact application for this reflection moisture sensor is before a size press, where better precision and accuracy let you raise the moisture target, giving optimized starch/sizing pickup and reduced drying energy demand. This also applies to pre-coat locations.

Another high-value application is placing it after the wet press section, enabling operators to adjust press loadings to improve the moisture profile and increase sheet dryness going into the dryers. In addition to energy savings, this also gives higher sheet strength in that sensitive area of the machine, meaning improved runnability and sheet break recovery.

Part of the ABB Ability™ Quality Management System, the sensor is fully digital with high-speed measurements provided alongside a rich set of diagnostic data which is ideal for analytics to inform on-site or corporate-level decision-making. It is applicable for all network platform types  and can be used to measure publication grades, graphic papers, board, tissue, packaging, specialist and recycled grades.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com

ABB’s Process Automation business is a leader in automation, electrification and digitalization for the process and hybrid industries. We serve our customers with a broad portfolio of products, systems, and end-to-end solutions, including our # 1 distributed control system, software, and lifecycle services, industry-specific products as well as measurement and analytics, marine and turbocharging offerings. As the global #2 in the market, we build on our deep domain expertise, diverse team and global footprint, and are dedicated to helping our customers increase competitiveness, improve their return on investment and run safe, smart, and sustainable operations. go.abb/processautomation

AFT recently had another successful refiner start-up with the BillerudKorsnäs group, world leader in packaging grades.  Our new pulp mill reject refiner started-up in December at the 460 000 t/d Skärblacka mill in Sweden, designed to defiberize knots, shives and fiber bundles coming from pulp screening. Combined with Finebar® technology, AFT refiners deliver optimized performance and energy savings which will help support BillerudKorsnäs’ sustainability goals through resource-efficient production.

AFT refining at BK SkarblackaAFT refining at BK Skarblacka

The Skärblacka installation also includes an AFTLinx integration unit for monitoring refiner performance remotely.  Our optional IoT gateway collects equipment-specific operating data to address customer needs for remote product support and service. The data access allows AFT specialists to assist with start-ups, conduct comprehensive real-time machine diagnostics, and provide advice for optimized refiner operation. 

About AFT:

AFT is a global supplier specialized in stock preparation, screening, refining and paper machine approach flow systems. With over 100 years of experience, we offer expert solutions that help mills produce more while using less energy, water and chemicals.  Our solutions are tailored to the customer’s furnish, their application, and the end-product being produced in order to optimize their return on investment. 

For more on AFT refining products and services, contact us at http://ow.ly/6u4m50HtSAb

PulPac has just announced the filing of an additional patent application, further refining its pioneering cellulose forming technology for competitive fiber-based packaging and single-use products. 

The new patent application comprises a hybrid tool that uses the pressing force to work in mould parts both in a pressing direction and in a lateral direction. The hybrid tool efficiently uses one pressing stroke for manufacturing a product having a general form in the pressing direction and a special feature such as for example undercut in the lateral direction. This is especially advantageous when manufacturing products like lids and other applications where e.g. stacking and denesting features are important. The hybrid tool also brings possibility of enhanced surface quality and improved tool life.

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“Innovation is a core function at PulPac. It is at our heart and how we drive change for a sustainable future together with our clients. This patent application is a good example on how we continuously can refine and make Dry Molded Fiber even more effective or adapt it to specific demands or product applications” says Peter Ekwall, IP Manager at PulPac

Dry Molded Fiber is a fiber forming technology that can replace single-use plastic with sustainable fiber-based alternatives at low cost.

About PulPac
PulPac provides the packaging industry with a groundbreaking manufacturing technology for low-cost, high-performance fiber-based packaging and single-use products. By pioneering the technology of cellulose molding PulPac enables their customers to replace single-use plastics with a sustainable and cost competitive alternative globally. www.pulpac.com

About Dry Molded Fiber
Dry Molded Fiber, invented and patented by PulPac, is a manufacturing technology designed for the circular economy – using renewable pulp and cellulose resources to produce low cost, high performance, fiber-based packaging, and single-use products. Dry Molded Fiber gives up to 80-90% lower CO2 footprint at similar cost as plastic. It is up to ten times as efficient as conventional fiber molding invented over 100 years ago. The dry process also saves massive amounts of valuable water resources. In addition, energy savings are significant - as the molded products need no drying.

2019 11 25 090513The Engineering News-Record (ENR) has presented the 2021 rankings for international top design firms in ENR Global Sourcebook. AFRY is ranked as #1 in the Pulp & Paper industry and #1 in the Power cogeneration sector, and has leading positions in several other sectors.

The ENR Global Sourcebook for 2021 is ranking companies based on an annual revenue of international businesses. A breakdown of sector rankings for AFRY in Industrial Processes and Power can be seen below:

Industrial Processes sector: AFRY #5

  • Pulp & Paper: AFRY #1
  • Food & Beverages: AFRY #2
  • Chemicals (non-petroleum): AFRY #3
  • Mining: AFRY #7
  • Steel and non-ferrous metals: AFRY #9

Power sector: AFRY #6

  • Cogeneration: AFRY #1
  • Operations & Maintenance: AFRY #3
  • Hydro: AFRY: #4
  • Transmission & Distribution: AFRY #5
  • Nuclear: AFRY #7

“These results showcase AFRY’s global market position as a key player in our core sectors. We are committed to support our clients in accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable society” says Jonas Gustavsson, President and CEO at AFRY.

Link to ENR global sourcebook 2021: https://www.enr.com/toplists/Sourcebook

About ENR:
Widely considered the industry benchmark, the annual ENR global sourcebook and top lists ranks international engineering and construction companies, based on revenue for industry sector and specific services performed in the previous year. ENR is an industry publication which focuses on providing news, data and analysis for industry professionals. The ENR outlet is well recognised throughout the construction and design industries. 

AFRY is a European leader in engineering, design, and advisory services, with a global reach. We accelerate the transition towards a sustainable society.

We are 16,000 devoted experts in infrastructure, industry, energy and digitalisation, creating sustainable solutions for generations to come.

Making Future

Verso Corporation (NYSE: VRS) ("Verso") has just announced the filing of a preliminary proxy statement for a special meeting of stockholders, at which Verso stockholders will consider and vote upon various items related to the proposed and previously announced transaction with BillerudKorsnäs AB ("BillerudKorsnäs"). If approved, all Verso stockholders will receive $27.00 per share in cash upon closing of the transaction, representing immediate and certain value at a significant premium.

The preliminary proxy statement provides detailed disclosure regarding, among other things, the robust process overseen by the Special Committee, the Special Committee's consideration of indications of value, the fairness opinion received from Rothschild & Co., its financial advisor, regarding the merger consideration and the analysis underlying that opinion, the Special Committee's efforts to seek the best price reasonably available for stockholders, and the Board and the Special Committee's rationale for accepting BillerudKorsnäs' offer as being in the best interests of stockholders.

verso logo 2017As outlined in the preliminary proxy statement and as previously announced, Verso formed a Special Committee of the Board to review an unsolicited proposal from a stockholder in July 2021 and alternatives thereto. In addition to, and prompted by, the initial proposal from the stockholder, Verso received an indication of interest from BillerudKorsnäs, which, following careful negotiations and discussions led by the Special Committee and its advisors, ultimately resulted in a final offer of $27.00 per share in cash. The consideration corresponds to a premium of approximately 57% compared to the unaffected closing price of Verso's shares on July 9, 2021, the day prior to the submission of an unsolicited, non-binding proposal to acquire Verso for $20.00 per share in cash, and a 35% premium over that unsolicited proposal.

The Board and the Special Committee determined that this offer was clearly superior to any alternative transaction or the risk-adjusted value that could reasonably be achieved through continued execution of Verso's standalone plan and is confident that the proposed transaction provides the best alternative for all stockholders.

The Board encourages Verso stockholders to read the preliminary proxy statement which outlines the compelling rationale for consummating this transaction. When available, Verso will file its definitive proxy statement with the SEC, and will mail its definitive proxy statement and a proxy card to Verso's stockholders entitled to vote at a special meeting relating to the proposed merger, seeking their approval of the respective merger-related proposals.

About Verso Corporation
Verso Corporation is a leading American owned and operated producer of graphic, specialty and packaging paper and market pulp, with a long-standing reputation for quality and reliability. Verso's graphic paper products are designed primarily for commercial printing, advertising and marketing applications, including direct mail, catalogs, corporate collateral, books and magazines. Verso's specialty paper products include release liner papers and label face stock for pressure sensitive, glue-applied and laminate applications. Verso produces packaging paper used in higher-end packaging and printing applications such as greeting cards, book covers, folders, labels and point-of-purchase displays. Verso also makes market pulp used in printing, writing, specialty and packaging papers, facial and toilet tissue, and paper towels. For more information, visit us online at versoco.com.

2016 04 08 083453From March 1, 2022, Mitsubishi HiTec Paper will increase the prices for all speciality papers (thermoscript, jetscript, giroform, supercote, barricote) by 10% worldwide. The reason for this is the continued increase in the cost of gas, chemical raw materials and logistics services.

Customers will be contacted directly by the Mitsubishi sales team.

Mitsubishi HiTec Paper Europe GmbH is a German subsidiary of Mitsubishi Paper Mills Ltd., Japan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of specialty paper. The roughly 770 employees at Mitsubishi HiTec Paper Europe produce high-quality direct thermal, inkjet, carbonless, label and barrier papers for flexible packaging at two tradition-rich locations in Bielefeld and Flensburg. Each factory stands out for own base paper production, state-of-the-art production machinery and innovative coating technologies. Through its dense global sales network, Mitsubishi HiTec Paper Europe supplies a full range of specialty papers for many applications and printing technologies – and is a highly capable partner whenever customized coated paper solutions are required.

Metso Outotec is proud to introduce the Metso Outotec MDM900 mill discharge slurry pump, the latest addition to its flagship Mill Discharge (MD) Pump Series. The massive MDM900 is one of the world’s largest mill discharge slurry pumps, designed for heavy-duty use in concentrator plants, where capacity and wear-resistance are of essence. The MDM900 is an all-metal, thick-walled, extra heavy-duty pump designed specifically for extremely arduous mill duty applications.

“Slurry handling is vital in maximizing a minerals processing plant’s productivity and efficiency. The advanced design of the MDM900 enables minimized slurry velocities in the pumps, thus reducing the rate of wear significantly. This translates to increased uptime and productivity for our customers. We are also proud to have implemented many environmentally sustainable design initiatives in the MDM900 pump, which is part of our Planet Positive offering, as are all our MD Series pumps. As examples of its environmentally sustainable features, I would like to mention the reduced footprint of this massive pump, and its standard low-flow shaft seal to minimize the pump’s freshwater requirement during operation,” says Diwakar Aduri, Product Manager for MD Pumps at Metso Outotec.

Metso Outotec MDM900 pumpMetso Outotec MDM900 pump

Specifications of the MDM900 mill discharge slurry pump

  • Flows up to 13,500 m³/h (60,000 gpm)
  • Heads up to 40 m (132 ft)
  • Frame: FR2100
  • Impeller diameter: 2100 mm (83 inches)
  • Inlet size: 900 mm (36 inches)

Metso Outotec MD Series pumps offer outstanding uptime and sustained efficiencies. The MD pumps have been designed for efficient operation and long wear life to match the mill’s uptime. Metso Outotec’s MD Series pumps come in two tailored solutions, MDM and MDR. The MDM (Mill Discharge Metal) pumps are available in size ranges of 250-900, and the MDR (Mill Discharge Rubber) models come in size ranges of 250-700. Both pump types are suited for heavy-duty use in concentrator plants offering excellent resistance to abrasion and erosion.

Find out more about the Metso Outotec MD Series mill discharge pumps on our website.

Metso Outotec is a frontrunner in sustainable technologies, end-to-end solutions and services for the aggregates, minerals processing and metals refining industries globally. By improving our customers’ energy and water efficiency, increasing their productivity, and reducing environmental risks with our product and process expertise, we are the partner for positive change. Metso Outotec is committed to limiting global warming to 1.5°C with Science Based Targets.

Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, Metso Outotec employs over 15,000 people in more than 50 countries and its sales for 2020 were about EUR 3.9 billion. The company is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki. mogroup.com

Valmet introduces the Valmet Fiber Furnish Control application package for board and papermakers to stabilize refiner operation for maximized production efficiency with ensured furnish quality. Based on real time measurements of multiple fiber properties and freeness, the control features advanced feedback and feedforward solutions together with model predictive control.

The Valmet Fiber Furnish Control application can be fully integrated into an existing Valmet DNA Automation System or Valmet IQ Quality Control System. The solution is also available as a stand-alone version including all necessary basic licenses and hardware if required.

Demonstrated results

valmet logo rgbIn the development phase, the control performance of the Valmet Fiber Furnish Control was followed closely for 18 months at a mill in Finland, where the solution ensured that stock production and quality targets were met from two fiber lines, while providing energy savings. In the fiber refining lines, freeness variability was reduced by 30% to almost 70% compared to the time before the control was introduced.

“In the one and a half years since the project started, the reduction in web breaks due to the more homogenous fiber furnish resulted of several extra days of production. The best thing was the positive feedback from the operators on how they were able to focus more on controlling the machine when making grade changes,” says Ismo Joensuu, Manager, Board & Paper Analyzers, Automation business line, Valmet.

Key fiber properties taken into account

Typically, refiner controls have been based on specific energy or freeness targets where key fiber properties such as fiber length, fines, shives and fibrillation are followed. Valmet Fiber Furnish Control can be connected to a Valmet Fiber Furnish Analyzer, which continuously measures these properties in adjusting the specific energy setpoint for target freeness. Another key element of the control are Valmet’s consistency measurements which provide reliable and accurate measurements essential for the stabilizing control functions.

Read more: www.valmet.com/fiber-furnish-control

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers.

Valmet's strong technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bioenergy production. Our advanced services and automation solutions improve the reliability and performance of our customers' processes and enhance the effective utilization of raw materials and energy.   

Valmet's net sales in 2020 were approximately EUR 3.7 billion. Our 14,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day. Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.   

Read more www.valmet.com

Nouryon, a global specialty chemicals leader, has signed a 15-year agreement with Suzano, a world leading eucalyptus pulp producer. Under the long-term agreement, Nouryon will commission its sustainable Integrated Manufacturing Model for the new Suzano eucalyptus pulp mill in the municipality of Ribas do Rio Pardo, located in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The project, called the “Cerrado Project”, is a $2.8 billion pulp mill with annual production capacity of 2.55 million tons per year and one of the largest private-sector investments currently under development in Brazil. The pulp mill production is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2024.

“At Nouryon, we are committed to providing our customers innovative and sustainable solutions while continuously optimizing our own operations and environmental footprint. We are pleased to build on our long-term relationship with Suzano as they embark on this significant investment to meet the world’s growing demand for sustainable end-products developed from renewable materials,” said Johan Landfors, Executive Vice President and President, Technology Solutions and Europe at Nouryon.

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Nouryon has successfully operated its Integrated Manufacturing Model in Brazil since 2005 with four existing pulp mill installations that support the country’s fast-growing pulp industry. The concept provides Suzano with tailor-made onsite solutions to manage essential raw materials needed in pulp production. Nouryon will invest in a hydrogen peroxide and a sodium chlorate manufacturing facility at the site and will construct and sell a chlorine dioxide manufacturing facility and tank farm to Suzano. Nouryon will be using renewable electricity from Suzano’s new pulp mill to produce sodium chlorate. Additionally, the production process will generate green hydrogen, which is used to sustainably manufacture hydrogen peroxide. It will provide important sustainability benefits as the onsite facilities reduce transportation of raw materials, improve overall safety and maximize available resources.

“Nouryon is proud to partner with Suzano on this important project and grow our Renewable Fibers business in South America – where the market continues to grow at nearly twice the global average,” said Antonio Carlos Francisco, Vice President, Technology Solutions South America at Nouryon. “Supplying both hydrogen peroxide and sodium chlorate in the region for the first time strengthens our leading position in specialty chemicals and underscores our commitment to growing with our customers.”

Read more about Nouryon’s work in the pulp, tissue and packaging industry, about other investments that Nouryon has made to grow with its customers and about our commitment and contribution to a sustainable future.