The long-term relationship between Sappi Ngodwana and Metso is strengthened by a new contract for automated valves and services to increase the mill's efficiency.

Metso will deliver all the automated process valves required for Sappi's fiberline expansion in the Ngodwana mill in South Africa. In this project, called Go-Cell, the existing fiberline is being expanded to produce chemical (specialised) cellulose, also known as dissolving pulp. In total, over 700 automated valves will be delivered during the final quarter of 2012, and the mill start-up is scheduled for early 2013.

Metso was chosen as a supplier because of the proven quality and reliability of its solutions in similar applications worldwide. The existing, large installed valve base in the mill makes it beneficial for Sappi to select Neles products once again, as this will facilitate the successful management of shutdowns, inventories and spare parts. The decision to choose Metso was further reinforced by the long relationship between the organisations and the excellent service support provided to the mill.

Metso will supply all the automated on-off and control valves with intelligent Profibus positioners for the new fiberline, and for upgraded process areas in evaporation, recausticising and ash leaching. The delivery includes valves in stainless steel, duplex stainless steel, titanium, SMO and ceramic material in sizes from DN25 to DN500. All valves are equipped with pneumatic cylinder actuators and intelligent positioners or limit switches. The delivery also comprises Neles metal-seated ball valves, segment and triple eccentric Neldisc butterfly valves as well as Jamesbury soft-seated ball valves.

In addition to typical process valves, Metso will also supply specially designed high-consistency valves for the fiberline as well as capping and discharge valves for six batch digesters for the cooking plant. All these high-performance solutions will support the mill's goals of increased efficiency and reduced energy consumption.

The expanded fiberline will produce 210, 000 tonnes per annum of chemical (specialised) cellulose, which is widely used in the textile, pharmaceutical and food industries. Sappi is the global leader in chemical (specialised) cellulose production.

Experienced in valves

Metso is the leading provider of valve solutions and services. Metso's Flow Control solutions include control valves, automated on/off and emergency shut-down valves, as well as smart positioners and condition monitoring technology. Metso's world-leading brands include Neles, Jamesbury and Mapag.

Due to Metso's strong position in advanced valves technology, services are a major part of their offering. Several of their service centers are located close to major production facilities in order to support customers. For valve customers, Metso already has 32 service centers around the globe, and a new supply and service center was opened in India last spring.