The new paper machine at the Obbola paper mill in Umeå, Sweden, will produce 725,000 tons of kraftliner per year. With a wire width of 10,200 mm and a design speed of 1,400 m/min, the PM 2 will be the most productive of its kind. The start-up of the machine is scheduled for the first quarter of 2023.

• Comprehensive project scope including BlueLine stock preparation system, XcelLine paper machine, long-term efficiency agreement and the Voith Process Line Package (PLP)
• Most innovative Papermaking 4.0 concept to increase efficiency, product quality and machine availability
• Excellent mechanical properties through a customized concept with intelligent controls

Taking full responsibility for the entire papermaking process and project handling
As full-line supplier for the entire papermaking process, Voith follows the Process Line Package (PLP) concept approach and assumes comprehensive responsibility for the project, covering the BlueLine stock preparation system and XcelLine paper machine. The comprehensive product scope includes detailed engineering and the supply of all sub-systems and components for the process line. The PLP reduces the number of required interfaces and contact persons and simplifies the entire project handling.

Highlights of the OCC plant include the IntensaPulper, the industry benchmark for energy efficient pulping, and the maintenance free Bagless Disc Filters. The production line will enable industry benchmarks in kraftliner strength and convertibility to be achieved through a unique combination of proven components and intelligent controls. The multi-ply forming section with the DuoFormer Base and the MasterJet Pro headbox are tools for the online control of critical product quality criteria. The well-proven TripleNipcoFlex press section has been adapted for the production of kraftliner in order to achieve the highest production rates and surface quality levels. The CombiDuoRun dryer section, including EvoDry steel dryers and an intelligent S&C system, will ensure maximum runnability and energy efficiency. The VariFlex Performance winder incorporating SmoothRun technology will provide consistent quality rolls at maximum operational efficiency.

Obbola paper mill. Photo credit: Bergslagsbild

Long-term efficiency agreement
The long-term efficiency and service agreement will start right away. With digital applications on the existing PM 1 and a full-scale training program for the paper mill team supported by the Voith learning platform DRIVE as well as on-site services and trainings, a smooth start-up of PM 2 will be assured. The PM 2 will then be embedded in an extensive preventive maintenance program and efficiency optimization strategy for highest productivity of the production line.

“We know about the growing market for paper-based packaging. Our intention is to enable our customer to achieve excellent mechanical properties through a customized concept with intelligent controls,” states Christoph Mueller-Mederer, President, Projects EMEA at Voith. “The order from SCA means for us to provide the whole package consisting of safety, service, quality and efficiency partnership as well as to take full responsibility for the process line.”

Setting standards with digitalization and innovation
The scope of supply for SCA includes the biggest and most innovative package in Voith Paper history and sets a benchmark in digitalization. The Papermaking 4.0 technologies cover products of the OnEfficiency product family, which use machine learning to increase the efficiency of the plant. Furthermore, it stabilizes and improves product and process quality. The OnCare products – with monitoring applications as well as digital services like OnCall Video and the connectivity to the Voith Paper Webshop – complement the OnCumulus IIoT platform product portfolio and provide the foundation for a digital integration of the value chain and predictive maintenance. The new paper machine thereby benefits from the full digitalization scope.

“The market’s most advanced kraftliner machine PM 2 with the best available technology will considerably improve the mill’s competitiveness, cost position and product quality,” says Mats Nordlander, President, Paper of SCA. “We see the partnership with Voith as the next step of our digitalized future.”

About the Voith Group
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its broad portfolio of systems, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets of energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, the company today has more than 19,000 employees, sales of € 4.2 billion and locations in over 60 countries worldwide and is thus one of the large family-owned companies in Europe.

The Group Division Voith Paper is part of the Voith Group. As the full-line supplier to the paper industry, it provides the largest range of technologies, services, components and products on the market and offers paper manufacturers solutions from one single source. The company’s continuous stream of innovations takes papermaking to the next level and facilitates resource-conserving production. With its Servolution concept, Voith offers its customers tailored service solutions for all sections of the production process. Voith Papermaking 4.0 ensures that equipment is optimally connected, while the secure use of generated data enables paper manufacturers to improve plant availability and efficiency.