Displaying items by tag: abb

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 percent change in moisture can generate up to $400,000 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 percent can equate to $400,000 in energy savings.

ABB’s patented High-Performance Infrared Reflection (HPIR-R) moisture sensor gives the fastest moisture measurement on the market ABB’s patented High-Performance Infrared Reflection (HPIR-R) moisture sensor gives the fastest moisture measurement on the market

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.

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

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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.

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.

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“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

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ABB has successfully completed the installation and remote commissioning of the new Slice xP (II) Profiler system, a new actuator for slice lip weight control, at ITC Paperboards and Specialty Papers’ Tribeni mill in West Bengal, India.

  • ITC Paperboards and Specialty Papers, which is among the country’s most technologically advanced and eco-friendly paper businesses, has upgraded to ABB’s Slice xP (II) Profiler system, a new actuator for slice lip weight control 
  • ABB India’s Pulp & Paper Quality Control Systems (QCS) team completed remote commissioning as part of a modernization project at the mill in West Bengal state
  • Switch to the latest system enhances reliability and accuracy, with the fastest possible recovery from grade changes and process upsets

The project, managed by the specialist Quality Control Systems (QCS) team at ABB India, included the replacement of ABB’s existing cross-direction (CD) weight control system (Slice Profiler) with the latest Slice xP (II) Profiler under product phase out notification. The Slice xP (II) is ABB’s latest actuator technology for slice lip weight control head boxes and falls within the weight extended profiling (xP) family designed to meet exacting specifications that exceed process requirements.

As a result of the upgrade to Slice xP, which is easy to install and maintain, ITC will benefit from reduced CD profile variability and advanced diagnostics through the built-in monitoring of each actuator. Its high-speed, non-contact positioning sensors ensure precision even after a power loss. This enables mills to achieve a fast recovery from grade changes and process upsets.

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ITC’s Tribeni mill has produced a diverse range of industrial and fine papers for more than 50 years, with production capacity standing at 50,000 tons per annum. As well as having all relevant ISO accreditations for quality management, environmental standards and health and safety, ITC is Forest Stewardship Council® - Chain of Custody certified; it uses responsibly produced raw materials including timber sourced from sustainably managed forests.

“The move from a phase out product to a new product not only improves our reliability and achieves higher maintenance, but it also reduces our risk of breakdown and therefore inventory costs,” said Biplab Bhattacharya, Head of Electrical & Instrumentation at ITC Paperboards and Specialty Papers. “ABB’s well-considered lifecycle policy enabled us to be proactive with our upgrade strategy. The team’s ability to deliver remotely was critical in achieving our modernization goals to schedule.”

“This has been a significant advancement of remote commissioning for ABB, made possible by the team’s strong domain expertise. Despite several challenges related to health and safety, logistics, and the fact it was the first time we’ve had to commission such a system in India using remote support, we are pleased that the entire process went smoothly and without any issues,” said Rajmohan Arumugam, Engineering Manager – QMS at ABB. “The upgrade will help ITC to improve quality and reliability over the actuator’s lifecycle to ensure on-spec paper at the lowest cost.”

The Weight xP actuator family is an integral part of the ABB Ability™ Quality Management System, which is based on the ABB Ability™ System 800xA distributed control system (DCS). It has a more precise non-contacting sensor that does not lose position even after power loss and the state-of-the-art patented Measurement Fusion Techniques – to model the position of the actuator in software and compare this against the position measured by the physical sensor and provide real-time diagnostics performed when the actuator is in motion. The latest actuators are even more accurate, representing the most progressive solution in the field. A removable service module also allows for rapid actuator replacement with no impact on slice lip alignment or profile disturbance.

ABB has an unmatched history of providing superior linear and radial actuator technology. ABB pioneered stepper control of headbox slice spindles in 1985. Since then, close to a thousand headboxes have used ABB actuators and controls to produce CD weight profiles with consistently low variability.

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 Process Automation 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

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ABB has just released the findings of a new global study[1] of international business and technology leaders on industrial transformation, looking at the intersection of digitalization and sustainability. The study, “Billions of better decisions: industrial transformation’s new imperative,” examines the current take-up of the Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) and its potential for improving energy efficiency, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and driving change. The goal of the new ABB research is to spur discussion within industry regarding opportunities to leverage the Industrial IoT and empower companies and workers to make better decisions that can benefit both sustainability and the bottom line.

“Sustainability goals more and more are a crucial driver of business value and company reputation, and Industrial IoT solutions are playing an increasingly important role in helping enterprises achieve safe, smart and sustainable operations,” said Peter Terwiesch, President of ABB’s Process Automation business area. “Unlocking insights hidden in operational data holds the key to enabling literally billions of better decisions throughout industry and acting upon them, with significant gains in productivity, reduced energy consumption and lower environmental impact.”

The study, commissioned by ABB, found that an organization’s “future competitiveness” is the single greatest factor – cited by 46 percent of respondents – in industrial companies’ increased focus on sustainability. Yet while 96 percent of global decision-makers view digitalization as “essential to sustainability,” only 35 percent of surveyed firms have implemented Industrial IoT solutions at scale. This gap shows that while many of today’s industrial leaders recognize the important relationship between digitalization and sustainability, the adoption of relevant digital solutions to enable better decisions and achieve sustainability goals needs to accelerate in sectors like manufacturing, energy, buildings and transport.

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Further key learnings from the study

  • 71 percent of respondents reported greater priority given to sustainability objectives as a result of the pandemic
  • 72 percent said they are “somewhat” or “significantly” increasing spending on Industrial IoT due to sustainability
  • 94 percent of respondents agreed the Industrial IoT “enables better decisions, improving overall sustainability”
  • 57 percent of respondents indicated the Industrial IoT has had a “significant positive effect” on operational decision-making
  • Perceived cybersecurity vulnerabilities are the #1 barrier to improving sustainability through the Industrial IoT

Win-win scenarios with the Industrial IoT

With 63 percent of executives surveyed strongly agreeing that sustainability is good for their company’s bottom line, and 58 percent also strongly agreeing it delivers immediate business value, it’s clear that sustainability and traditional priorities of Industry 4.0 efforts – speed, innovation, productivity, efficiency, customer-centricity – are increasingly intertwined, opening up win-win scenarios for companies looking to drive efficiency and productivity while making strides on climate change.

“The International Energy Agency[2] estimates that industry accounts for more than 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions today,” said Terwiesch. “If we are to reach climate objectives such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement, industrial organizations need to implement digital solutions as part of their sustainability strategies. Embracing these technologies at all levels – from the boardroom to the facility floor – is key, as every member of the industrial workforce can become a better decision-maker when it comes to sustainability.”

ABB innovations for sustainability

ABB is committed to leading with technology to enable a low-carbon society and a more sustainable world. Over the past two years, ABB has reduced greenhouse gas emissions from its own operations by more than 25 percent. As part of its Sustainability strategy 2030, ABB expects to be fully carbon neutral by decade’s end and to support its global customers in reducing their annual CO2 emissions by at least 100 megatons by 2030, the equivalent of removing 30 million combustion cars from the roads each year.

ABB’s investments in digital capabilities are core to this commitment. With more than 70 percent of ABB’s R&D resources dedicated to digital and software innovations, and a robust ecosystem of digital partners, including Microsoft, IBM and Ericsson, the company has established a leading presence in Industrial IoT.

The ABB AbilityTM portfolio of digital solutions enables a host of industrial use cases to power improvements in energy efficiency, resource conservation and circularity, including condition monitoring, asset health and management, predictive maintenance, energy management, simulation and virtual commissioning, remote support and collaborative operations. Examples of ABB’s more than 170 Industrial IoT solutions include ABB AbilityTM Genix industrial analytics and AI suite; ABB AbilityTM Energy and Asset Manager; ABB AbilityTM Condition Monitoring for Powertrains; and ABB AbilityTM Connected Services for industrial robots. To learn more about ABB Ability, visit: https://global.abb/topic/ability/en

To continue the conversation on this important topic, ABB will host an industry webinar on Wednesday, March 2, focused on the convergence of digitalization and sustainability, and how the Industrial IoT and related technologies can help save energy, conserve resources, and improve safety for personnel and communities. Leading technology journalist and climate investor Molly Wood will moderate this virtual panel discussion featuring senior executives, best-selling authors and other thought leaders to explore this convergence and how industrial organizations can empower better, more sustainable decision-making throughout the enterprise. 

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

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Wednesday, 26 January 2022 17:41

L&W Sample Cutter release

Please see below a product update from ABB who is expanding their portfolio and releasing their new L&W Sample Cutter, a new device for sample preparation that can be used with two of their lab testing devices, the Tearing Tester and Bending Tester. It can also be used with the L&W Autoline Elrepho Module.

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The L&W Sample Cutter is a triple shear, manually operated cutting tool for easy and quick preparation of accurate and precise test pieces for use in tearing, bending resistance and folding strength tests. The punch and die are made of sturdy tempered tool steel to ensure precision cutting, essential for reliable testing across a wide range of paper grades and grammages. 

Operation is simple, with the samples needing to be correctly placed in the machine and cross-machine directions aligned with the back stop within the cutter. The ergonomic design and slanting edges of the punch ensure that only slight to moderate force is needed to cut the test pieces. 

The cut test pieces slide towards the operator automatically for quick and safe collection of the test pieces. Furthermore, there is a safety device around the punch to protect the operator from hand or finger injuries.

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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.

2022 01 24 102831

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

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ABB will provide two next-generation L&W Autoline automated paper testing systems to MM Board & Paper (MM) and has secured a new service agreement with the major packaging manufacturer. The new solution will modernize and optimize quality control and minimize operational costs at the company’s Frohnleiten mill.

The mill, 28 kilometers from the city of Graz, serves MM as its research and development, product safety and compliance, and analytical chemistry center. It is a leader in food safety due to the production of cartonboards that have certified barriers to protect packaged foods. MM Frohnleiten produces 520,000 tons of cartonboard per year – the highest in Europe – and has reliably used the L&W Autoline 300 for quality testing for 20 years. MM has chosen to upgrade to ABB’s newest L&W Autoline for its unique features, most notably its proven ability to test bending stiffness, fulfilling current industry standards.

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The new L&W Autoline includes a unique dual test function that reduces queuing by allowing simultaneous testing of the mill’s boards. Manually gathering and testing samples is a time-consuming process that can produce inaccuracies. With more data points and faster, more accurate results than previously possible, the new L&W Autoline provides the same results as lab equipment and delivers accurate, quality reports in minutes. 

It features the smoothest and most reliable feeding system on the market that pulls the samples through the machine to minimize jamming and help reduce fix costs. It also has high-volume information storage, which enables identification of quality trends over time. For intuitive simplicity, it incorporates a real time visualization touchscreen interface, requiring minimal training, that provides direct feedback to operators on the unit and throughout the mill.

“We enjoy a long-term relationship with ABB whose team has consistently delivered a high standard of service since we first signed a contract with them in 2001,” said Gerald Lösch, Technology manager at MM Frohnleiten. “We were convinced by their best-in-class, new L&W Autoline solution that also supports our commitment to producing our cartonboard products efficiently and in a resource-friendly way.”

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“Our R&D team worked closely with the customer in advance to carry out testing of the bending stiffness at our L&W factory in Sweden as we knew how important this was to MM,” said Stephan Dresel, Sales at ABB. “This proved that our new generation of L&W Autoline is the best solution currently on the market that can meet the same standards for bending stiffness testing online as in the lab.”

The new L&W Autoline allows mills to make more informed decisions and take quicker corrective action, allowing the paper or board maker to shift production targets, and achieve more consistent performance and higher profits.

The scope of the testing modules, which is the same for both units, includes: Gloss, Bendtsen, PPS, Thickness, Elrepho, Moisture and Grammage.

MM is a leading producer of cartonboard and folding cartons in Europe focusing on sustainable and innovative fiber-based packaging solutions.

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.

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ABB will deliver automation, electrification, quality control systems, motors and drives for Renewcell’s new industrial textile recycling production line in Sundsvall, Sweden. Renewcell is a fast-growing Swedish sustaintech company specializing in textile-to-textile recycling.

  • ABB wins large-scale order for automation, electrification, quality control systems, motors and drives at world’s first commercial-scale textile recycling plant
  • Innovative approach can help save some 90 billion liters of fresh water per year, equivalent to 36,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools
  • Pulp drying techniques applied to clothing to avoid landfill and make fashion more sustainable

With ABB technology, a former SCA paper mill will be transformed into the world’s first commercial-scale recycling plant for cellulosic textiles – created by dissolving natural materials such as cellulose which is then regenerated to create a wide range of fabrics. Renewcell is already working with several fashion manufacturers, and in 2020, the company and H&M Group entered a multi-year partnership to replace virgin fibers with recycled textiles in clothing.

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The contract between ABB and Renewcell marks an important milestone for the fashion industry, as it has a major impact on the environment due to the production of raw materials that are made into clothing. According to Renewcell’s preliminary calculations, textile fibers made from its recycled raw material use approximately 50 liters of fresh water per kg in production, compared to around 1,600 liters for cotton and 90 liters for non-cotton cellulosic material viscose. With a maximum production capacity of 60,000 tons per year Renewcell’s innovative approach could help to preserve around 90 billion liters of fresh water, the equivalent of 36,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The process also lowers waste, plastic pollution and both CO₂ and chemical emissions. The use of recycled fabric can help brands deliver on their promises to reduce their negative impact.

“The ABB team proved their unique ability to deliver a complete automation and electrification solution based on their products and services,” said Patrik Lundström, CEO at Renewcell. “They have the knowledge, presence and experience that we need to keep this project on track, both in terms of budget and schedule. We also share a joint vision when it comes to resource efficiency, circular economy and sustainability so are pleased to be working closely with them on this exciting project.”

“As a technology company, we at ABB believe that electrification and automation technologies can play a key role in transforming industries and reducing their environmental footprint,” said Theodor Swedjemark, ABB’s Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer. “We are honored to support Renewcell in their exciting journey towards increased circularity of the fashion industry – an ambition that is fully aligned with our own efforts to systematically improve circularity across ABB’s supply chain as part of our 2030 sustainability strategy.”

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Joachim Braun, Division President, Process Industries, ABB said: “This contract allows us to apply our deep pulp and paper expertise and project experience to help Renewcell reduce its emissions and preserve resources, and ultimately change fashion for the better. Until now, less than one percent of textiles were recycled because the technology to recycle and create new textiles did not exist. This is a significant development for the industry and we’re proud to apply our quality control processes to the sustainable fashion movement.”

The process for clothing recycling is similar to pulp drying, breaking down cellulose in cotton and viscose textiles to recycle into new raw materials. This similarity enables Renewcell to use the existing infrastructure, including buildings and the supply and processing of raw water, waste water, compressed air and electricity at the SCA mill. This will be coupled with ABB’s paper and automation expertise, to manufacture recycled textiles that might otherwise have gone to landfill or incineration.

ABB brings its domain expertise from the pulp and paper industry, for example with specific technology to control the pulp dryer – a piece of equipment that was previously in use to dry raw wood pulp for paper and packaging – and quality control knowledge specific to the process. The customer requested weight and moisture measurement based on testing on a pilot machine.

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Among the ABB technology that will be installed in the new plant is the market-leading process control system ABB Ability™ System 800xA that will provide operators with wide visibility and precise control from a central command center to ensure that production is as resource efficient as possible, with less material consumption and reduced waste. In addition, ABB’s PMC800 drive systems will reduce the cost of ownership over the automation lifecycle and improve energy efficiency during production. ABB will also supply ACS880 variable speed drives (VSDs) and IE4 super premium efficient motors, an efficiency level above the IE3 standard mandated by EU Ecodesign regulations. Combining high-efficiency motors with VSDs can typically reduce energy consumption in flow-controlled pulp and paper applications by 30 percent or more.

ABB is committed to helping its customers reduce their emissions and preserve resources. Last year, ABB released its Sustainability Strategy 2030 which focuses on the areas where the company can make the biggest impact – reducing carbon emissions, preserving resources and promoting social progress.

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.

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ABB and Södra have entered a long-term, strategic partnership to co-develop a roadmap to drive new levels of efficiency, engagement and digitalization across Södra’s enterprise to ultimately define the next generation mill.

  • Södra, Sweden's largest forest owners association and an international forest industry group , appoints ABB to optimize performance, efficiency and sustainability across its millsDigital transformation project to set new benchmark for the next generation mill
  • Together, Södra and ABB will lead the way in successful digital transformation with the aim of creating a new benchmark for both the forest and pulp industry, and the broader industry, globally.

The contract, effective from September 2021, is designed as a continuous engagement model, with ongoing reviews of short and long-term goals to ensure the digitalization of Södra’s operations. Södra’s intent is to build its digital capabilities and increase efficiency, sustainability and circular resource utilization throughout the value chain.

“ABB’s collaborative approach, global technology leadership and digital expertise was key to our decision to choose them as our partner,” said Magnus Björkman, President of Södra Cell Business Area. “Their foresight of what we want to achieve through this digitalization project will bring new levels of efficiency in our operations and create an even more desirable workplace of continuous learning for this and the next generation of workers.”

The scope will be jointly defined using the full industrial digitalization technology stack based on the foundation of ABB’s Ability ™ portfolio, including:

  • ABB’s 800xA Distributed Control System (DCS), an integration platform with unparalleled connectivity to enterprise and plant systems providing a collaborative environment where real-time decision making is a reality
  • ABB’s Pulp and Paper digital solutions which supply advanced software applications that enable modern mills to maximize visibility, reliability, productivity and energy efficiency
  • ABB Ability ™ Genix Industrial Analytics and AI Suite, a platform with the ability to collate and contextualize data from diverse sources

“Digitalization is an invaluable enabler for the growth and advancement of our industry, and we are committed to the transformation of traditional mills into the optimal mill of the future,” said Björn Jonsson, Hub Manager, Process Industries at ABB. “Our vision is for operators and the industry to benefit from fully-automated, optimized and connected mill settings, with digital solutions and real-time insights allowing them to reach the highest quality standards. This collaboration with Södra is a perfect example of how our digital portfolio, coupled with our proven track record of industry collaboration and support, can help mills reach new heights of efficiency.”

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The project framework will be shaped based on ABB’s proven approach of working with each customer on their specific journey to identify their objectives and what works to best address their challenges, and then to co-develop and verify solutions as needed to encourage adaption and continued progress.

ABB is working across more than 50 countries to provide its comprehensive portfolio of integrated digital solutions, automation and electrification systems, industry-focused products and services to help customers optimize all phases of the papermaking process. The company works across packaging, paper, tissue and pulp disciplines to help drive availability, performance, cost and quality improvements.

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

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ABB’s appointment by Voith to deliver end customer electrification package enables SCA to transform kraftliner production capabilities at Swedish pulp and paper mill

ABB has been contracted by machine supplier Voith to deliver drives and electrification to support the build of SCA’s new kraftliner machine PM2 at its Obbola mill in Umeå, Sweden.

The contract is in addition to an automation and control system upgrade based on the ABB Ability™ System 800xA distributed control system (DCS), drives and instrumentation package that SCA awarded to ABB for the brownfield expansion, complementing ABB’s existing installed base and long-standing service agreement.

The installation of a new machine, infrastructure and optimized capabilities means that SCA’s annual production at Obbola will increase from the current 450,000 tonnes of kraftliner to 725,000 tonnes. The feat of bringing a brand new, large and wide machine online will meet the growing demand for renewable packaging with higher production capacity and efficiency.

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“Increased focus on sustainable packaging and e-commerce is boosting demand for high-quality packaging paper,” said Per Strand, Project Director at SCA. “The new machine from Voith and the associated ABB product selection will allow substantial increases in production and will allow the Obbola mill to meet increased market demands.”

Voith, as a full-line supplier, is taking responsibility for the entire papermaking process and project handling of the new Obbola mill. ABB’s scope includes sectional drives suitable for high power and high power density machines as well as specialized motor requirements, ABB Ability ™ System 800xA drive control system with ABB Ability ™ Data Logger tool and Safety PLC solution for the drive system safety functions.

“This contract allowed the opportunity to demonstrate ABB’s willingness to share a project scope with OEMs like Voith and serve the end customer in a way that harnesses our local presence and global know-how,” said Per-Inge Bengtsson, Sales Manager for ABB Pulp & Paper, Sweden.

“We are able to work closely with contracted parties to offer a more agile management style that enables us to better mitigate risks and balance expectations for both the OEM and customers.

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

Process Automation: 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.

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