Only 18 years after the introduction of the first steel Yankee dryer in the market, Toscotec achieved the unheard-of result of 200 TT SYD (Toscotec Steel Yankee Dryer) sold worldwide. Looking back, let us retrace the steps of this incredible journey. 

Toscotec’s TT SYD: from invention to innovation.

Building on 40 years of experience in the construction of steel cylinders, in 1999 Toscotec started designing steel Yankee dryers for the tissue industry. In 2000, it launched the world's first TT SYD. With this breakthrough, Toscotec introduced a major change in the market, which was dominated at the time by cast iron dryers and used steel Yankees only for limited applications on tissue machines. It was the beginning of a technological revolution, which led to the supremacy of steel technology over cast iron.

Although the tissue industry criticized this new technology when Toscotec first introduced it, steel Yankee dryers are now acknowledged as the best drying technology for tissue and have been embraced by all major manufacturers. 

Toscotec’s innovation tapped into the industry’s need for energy savings in the energy-intensive papermaking process: the use of steel instead of cast iron allowed a reduction in shell thickness that decreases thermal resistance and thus increases heat transfer. The result was higher drying capacity, achieved by increased steam condensation inside the dryer. Data obtained from steel Yankee dryer’s installations confirmed that the heat exchange coefficient and the drying capacity of steel Yankees exceed those of cast iron by more than 30%, given the same dimensions and operating pressures.  

Furthermore, Toscotec’s patent technology of head insulation guarantees a further reduction in steam energy loss, an important improvement in drying efficiency.

In October 2012, Toscotec celebrated its 100^th TT SYD sold worldwide. This achievement had already proven the scale of this technological innovation and the added value of Toscotec’s design, but the Italian supplier continued pursuing its strive for innovation and launched the second generation of steel Yankee dryers in 2013. This newly improved design increased TT SYD’s grooves in length and width therefore expanding the heat transfer surface, decreased the Yankee’s shell thickness and improved its linear pressure.

In 2017, Toscotec installed the biggest steel Yankee dryer ever used on a tissue machine, TT SYD-22FT with web width 5600 mm, diameter 22 feet (6705 mm). This application represents the result of the successful combination of research, development and targeted investments.Toscotec is also the only worldwide supplier to have steel Yankee dryers running in five continents.

Toscotec’s TT SYD Technology Lab.

In December 2016, Toscotec inaugurated the TT SYD Technology Lab, a new technology centre completely dedicated to the design and manufacturing of steel Yankee dryers.

Strategically located in the province of Massa Carrara near the port, to ensure easy shipping of large diameter Yankees, this fully integrated facility operates assembly, machining and finishing of TT SYD of diameters up to 26 ft.

All new Steel Yankee Dryers in Western Europe are Toscotec-supplied.

The Italian supplier sets yet another record, an unprecedented result in the tissue industry worldwide: Toscotec supplied 100% of new steel Yankee dryers currently installed in paper mills in Western Europe. The technology-obsessed European market is testament to the undeniable advantage of TT SYD’s design.

For more than 18 years, Toscotec has been the world's undisputed leader in the supply of steel Yankee dryers, boasting a market share of over 60%.

Toscotec achieves 100 TT SYDs sold in Asia.

Toscotec’s achievement in Asia is the result of its flexibility and the capability of its R&D and Engineering departments to develop steam energy-based customized solutions. Focused on the specific requirements of this market area, Toscotec developed a new line of tissue machines and energy recovery solutions, with the lowest possible energy consumptions and the potential for future implementations to increase production. Toscotec’s steel Yankee dryer is at the core of this concept: TT SYD ensures the highest drying efficiency, hence allowing paper mills to cut their energy bill significantly.

As a result, TT SYDs sold in the Asian market exceed 100 units, including Yankee replacements and complete new plants, where they are paired with Toscotec’s Yankee hoods and recovery systems based on the available energy (steam, exhaust from cogeneration, diathermic oil).

YES YANKEE DRYERS: the TOSCOTEC INFINITELife Service for Steel Yankee Dryers.

Strong of 18 years of experience on steel Yankee dryers, Toscotec Service team offers a comprehensive package of services for TT SYD, focused on regular maintenance and periodic inspections. The former aims at maintaining optimal performance and ensure their endless life. The latter consists of structural periodic checks aimed at testing and inspecting the conditions of the Yankee’s structural welds, to satisfy requirements from insurance and local authorities. A team of highly specialized professionals also offers counselling and problem shooting on water/steam quality and treatment, sharing their experience on how to best deal with this sensitive and complex aspect of the tissue making process.

Conclusion

Looking into the future, Toscotec is developing the new Steel Yankee Dryer, which will represent another turning point in tissue manufacturing. A great challenge for a supplier with a lustrous past. With a record-breaking 200 steel Yankee dryers sold worldwide under its belt, the Italian company has proved the superiority of its state-of-the-art TT SYD technology in today’s tissue industry.

Organisations from across the paper cup supply chain have signed an agreement with the Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (ACE UK) to accelerate UK recycling of PE lined paper cups. The cross-industry collaboration will work towards delivering a long-term, nationwide paper cup recycling solution which complements and builds on the recycling activities achieved so far by the paper cup industry.

The companies signed up to the agreement are: Benders Paper Cups, Bunzl Catering Supplies, Caffe Nero, Costa Coffee, Dart Products Europe, Greggs, Huhtamaki, International Paper, McDonald’s UK, Nestlé, Pret A Manger, Seda Group, Starbucks, and Stora Enso.

Using ACE UK’s extensive recycling expertise, gained running the beverage carton industry’s recycling programme, the fourteen companies will fund an activity programme which will give many more people access to recycling for paper cups. The programme includes: 

• From 1^st January 2018 all ACE UK bring banks will accept paper cups for recycling, delivering an additional 382 recycling points located in 97 local authorities across the UK. With a further 33 recycling points across an additional eight local authorities scheduled during the next phase.
• Cups from these recycling points will be processed at ACE UK’s recycling facility in Halifax.
• Drawing on its experience and existing relationships with local authorities, waste management organisations and recycling bodies, ACE UK will work to include cups in local authority kerbside collections. Currently 66% of local authorities collect beverage cartons at kerbside, in addition to those which collect through bring banks, and it is hoped to achieve similar levels of coverage for cups.

ACE UK has been successfully running the beverage carton industry’s recycling programme for the last ten years driving significant increases in carton recycling as part of its role as the UK beverage carton industry trade body. During this time it has worked closely with local authorities and waste management companies so that today 92% of local authorities collect beverage cartons for recycling through either bring banks or kerbside collection.

Commenting on the agreement Richard Hands, CEO of ACE UK said: “The paper cup industry is facing very similar recycling challenges to the ones the beverage carton industry faced when we started our programme ten years ago. Whilst our primary focus will remain on increasing beverage carton recycling, we believe our expertise, experience and existing relationships can help the paper cup industry create a step change in cup recycling. Whilst it is early days, we have a clear measured plan agreed and expect to see significant progress in cup recycling over the next two years and beyond.”

The agreement builds on activities implemented and supported during the last year by the companies involved, such as in-store cup recycling, single site and pilot recycling projects including ‘One More Shot’ and the ‘Square Mile Challenge’.

Neil Whittall Global Category Director of Speciality Coffee at Huhtamaki UK, and chair of the Paper Cup Recycling and Recovery Group (PCRRG) said: “Whilst paper cups are fully recyclable, the industry recognises that many are not being recycled because of a lack of collection facilities. Companies across the industry have been working to address this barrier and increase cup recycling.

“This agreement with ACE UK represents a significant advance in UK recycling infrastructure for paper cups. It will also help us accelerate progress towards the PCRRG’s objective of ensuring the majority of the UK population have access to information, schemes and facilities to allow them to recycle their paper cup, as set out in our Paper Cup Manifesto.”

“Furthermore by generating greater volumes of cups for recycling this will create a market for the material, making cups more attractive to waste management companies and creating the potential for more schemes to be introduced to collect cups from a much wider range of locations such as offices and high street locations.”

Mike Turner MD, International Paper Foodservice Europe and chair of European packaging trade body Pack2Go added: “This collaborative agreement, funded entirely by the signatories, is a clear demonstration of the commitment of these organisations, from across the paper cup supply chain, to address the barriers to recycling and deliver practical solutions to maximise recycling of paper cups.”

Valmet has taken a new, important step in building a leading Industrial Internet ecosystem by signing a partnership agreement with Kemira. The purpose of the agreement is to bring added value to pulp and paper customers by combining the know-how of the two companies in utilizing process data to improve the customers' processes.

In June this year, Valmet announced a similar Industrial Internet ecosystem agreement with Tieto. The target of the ecosystem being built is to bring leading industry players together to provide a comprehensive Industrial Internet offering to pulp, paper and energy customers and to continuously create new value adding applications.

"Through this cooperation and the companies' complementary know-how, customers' production process data can be integrated and optimized for the customers' benefit. This provides superior performance for the customers instead of each actor operating independently," says Jari Almi, Director, Industrial Internet, Valmet.

"Kemira and Valmet are leading suppliers to the industry globally and both companies are also actively developing digital solutions. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the speed, quality, reliability, predictability and performance of our customers' business. With these synergies, it makes great sense to join forces to create value and reshape business collaboration models," says Antti Matula, Vice President of Product Lines and Business Development at Kemira.

Valmet has renewed its Industrial Internet offering which is built on the company's long experience as the process technology, services and automation provider to the pulp, paper and energy industries. Building a strong Industrial Internet ecosystem of key actors serving these industries is an important part of Valmet's aim to bring the leading Industrial Internet services to its customers globally.

Link to valmet.com: Valmet Industrial Internet

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 2016 were approximately EUR 2.9 billion. Our 12,000 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, www.twitter.com/valmetglobal  

Kemira is a global chemicals company serving customers in water intensive industries. We provide expertise, application know-how and chemicals that improve our customers' product quality, process and resource efficiency. Our focus is on pulp & paper, oil & gas and water treatment. In 2016, Kemira had annual revenue of around EUR 2.4 billion and 4,800 employees. Kemira shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.
www.kemira.com

Related Article from Kemira

Kemira and Valmet partner for the development of industrial internet solutions for pulp and paper industry

Two global leaders, chemicals company Kemira and process technology, automation and services company Valmet, have signed a partnership agreement for the development of digitalized data-based applications and services for their customers in the pulp and paper industry.

“Kemira and Valmet are leading suppliers to the industry globally and both companies are also actively developing digital solutions. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the speed, quality, reliability, predictability and performance of our customers’ business. With these synergies, it makes great sense to join forces to create value and reshape business collaboration models,” says Antti Matula, Vice President of Product Lines and Business Development at Kemira.

"Through this cooperation and the companies' complementary know-how, customers’ production process data can be integrated and optimized for the customers' benefit. This provides superior performance for the customers instead of each actor operating independently," says Jari Almi, Director of Industrial Internet at Valmet.

Kemira is a global chemicals company serving customers in water intensive industries. We provide expertise, application know-how and chemicals that improve our customers' product quality, process and resource efficiency. Our focus is on pulp & paper, oil & gas and water treatment. In 2016, Kemira had annual revenue of around EUR 2.4 billion and 4,800 employees. Kemira shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.
www.kemira.com

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 2016 were approximately EUR 2.9 billion. Our 12,000 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.
www.valmet.com

New CASM 100 electromechnical actuator offers exceptional flexibility for a broad range of applications

SKF has launched the versatile CASM 100 electromechanical actuator with a variety of different modules, making it exceptionally adaptable to satisfy a range of applications in a variety of sectors.

This problem-solving technology can, for example, be used in the automation sector on applications including servo presses, test benches, plastic injection moulding, dosing machinery and conveyors. In the metals sector, it can be used for continuous casting, steel bar handling, the regulation of foundry processes. It also has sawing and other applications in the woodworking sector, and roll adjustment in pulp and paper mills.

The product’s modular design offers a base platform with new modules planned for release over time to cater for future needs. The standardised interface between modules – similar to the concept of LEGO bricks – increases the unit’s flexibility and makes it backward compatible. This modularity design also offers the benefit of easy integration and fast assembly.

The CASM 100 actuator has a range of applications including the control of robots, handling and packaging machines, sorting systems and cutting machines. The availability of different modules also allows customers to change the CASM 100 to suit their own specific application needs, selecting the optimum combination of performance and cost.

The actuator consumes up to 80% less energy than pneumatic alternatives and 50% compared to hydraulic solutions. It also uses fewer consumables because, in many applications, is virtually maintenance-free, only requiring re-lubrication using standard grease. There is also no need to change hydraulic fluids and seals so it is remarkably clean, leak-free, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly.

Featuring a linear design that will withstand the harshest conditions, the CASM 100 is manufactured from high-grade materials, boasts a long service life and offers an outstanding level of precision and repeatability. The actuator has a force range up to 82kN and linear speed up to 890 mm/s, and will support OEMs and machine builders migrating to the latest Industry 4.0 technology.

The CASM 100 also benefits from a wide assortment of accessories, outstandingly long stroke lengths (up to 2m) to fit an array of applications, and an inline and parallel gearbox, the latter with spur gear technology and manual override available as standard for an extra safety in operations in case of power losses.

SKF is a leading global supplier of bearings, seals, mechatronics, lubrication systems, and services which include technical support, maintenance and reliability services, engineering consulting and training. SKF is represented in more than 130 countries and has around 17,000 distributor locations worldwide. Annual sales in 2016 were SEK 72 787 million and the number of employees was 44 868. www.skf.com   

® SKF is a registered trademark of the SKF Group.

Demand for products from the Swedish forest is on the increase in China. In 2017, Södra increased sales of paper pulp by more than 50 percent. At the same time, Södra’s sales of sawn timber in the country have increased steadily since 2010.

Södra’s core markets for both paper pulp and sawn timber are located in Europe. However, China is currently one of the fastest expanding markets. In January–September this year, Södra’s sales of paper pulp increased by more than 50 percent to the country compared with the same period in 2016. Uses for paper pulp include cardboard packaging, and toilet and kitchen paper.

“Growth in China is robust. With the increased volumes provided by our investments we can tap into this growth. Demand for raw material from certified forest is on the increase with a clear focus on sustainability, and this is something we can contribute towards,” said Magnus Björkman, Vice President Marketing and Sales, Södra Cell International.

The market is showing no signs of slowing in the near future and there is also strong pressure for sawn timber to China. Södra began delivering sawn timber to the country in 2010 and sales have grown each year. Södra established a sales office for sawn timber in Shanghai in 2015. To meet rising demand in the region, an additional sales office was opened in Hong Kong on 1 October.

Starting in 2018, Södra’s position in China will be further strengthened when a new purchasing office is established in Shanghai, under the name of Södra International Trading. Focus will be on purchasing indirect materials, such as machinery and processing equipment.  

Södra was founded in 1938 and is the largest forest-owner association in Sweden, with a membership of more than 50,000 forest owners. We engage in modern and responsible forestry, and operate state-of-the-art mills in which we process our raw material. Through value-generating relationships and a long-term approach, Södra is leading the way for the next generation of forestry.

Sustainability is in Klabin's DNA, and to sustain its investments in these practices, the company recently (September 2017) raised funds in the international market through its first issue of green bonds amounting to around R$ 1.6 billion, maturing in 10 years. The company, which pioneered the adoption of sustainable practices, is a benchmark in sustainable development and its issue received the "High Standard" rating from consulting firm Sustainalytics. The offering drew significant investor interest, with demand exceeding the offer of green bonds sevenfold.

Sustainability governance at Klabin is strongly structured and functions on four key pillars: Sustainability Committee; Sustainability Commission; Sustainability and Communication Department; and a working group on impacts of climate change, all with the mission to raise the level of transparency across the company and structure its actions.

Klabin has been, for three years, prominently featured in the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), an international organization that analyzes companies' efforts to minimize and manage the environmental impacts of their operations. In 2016, it was elected "Sustainable Company of the Year" and the most sustainable company in the paper and pulp sector by Guia Exame de Sustentabilidade. Moreover, since 2014, it has been included in the portfolios of the Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE) and Carbon Efficient Index (ICO2) of the São Paulo Stock Exchange (BM&FBovespa).

The issue of green bonds strengthens initiatives under Klabin's sustainable strategic planning and is in synergy with the company’s Vision and commitments to its Sustainability Policy.

More information about Klabin's projects that were selected in each category available for Green Bonds can be obtained from the Sustainalytics report: http://www.sustainalytics.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Klabin-Green-Bond-Framework-and-Opinion-08302017_FINAL.pdf. Updates on the allocation of funds will be made annually on Klabin's Investor Relations website: http://ri.klabin.com.br/

The Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and they may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act. This notice does not constitute an offer to sell the Notes or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities. Any public offering of securities to be made in the United States will be made by means of a prospectus that may be obtained from Klabin and that will contain detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements.

About Klabin

Klabin is the largest producer and exporter of paper for packaging in Brazil, the only company in the country to offer a one-stop solution in hardwood, softwood and fluff pulp, and the leader in corrugated board packaging and industrial bags markets. Founded in 1899, it has 17 industrial units in Brazil and one in Argentina.

With its entire management guided by sustainable development, Klabin pursues integrated and responsible growth that combines profitability, social development and environmental commitment. Klabin has been a component of the Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE) of the São Paulo Stock Exchange (BM&FBovespa) since 2014. It is also a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact and the Brazilian Pact to Eradicate Slave Labor, and seeks suppliers and business partners that share its values of ethics, transparency and respect for the principles of sustainability. 

Learn more at www.klabin.com.br

A.Celli Paper is pleased to confirm the start of a precious collaboration with the Portuguese Group The Navigator Company S.A. through the agreement for the supply of a latest-generation rewinder model E-WIND^® T200 for their facilities in Cacia, in the district of Aveiro, in Portugal.

The tissue rewinder model E-WIND^® T200, highly evolved from the point of view of design, has a 5670-mm format and guarantees a maximum production speed of 2000 mpm. It will be equipped with leading-edge technological innovations, among which:

• Dust removal system including total enclosure closed hood covering also unwinder stand units
• Latest bulk loss control system on winding and unwinding systems which allows the lowest loss currently on the market
• Output sorting platform.

The machine, whose startup is scheduled for 2018 3Q, will allow the Portuguese group to work very high quality papers.

This new investment by The Navigator Company is the latest of many demonstrations of the technological reliability of the most evolved generation of Tissue rewinders  model E-WIND®, as well as of the fact that A.Celli Paper once again proves to be a precious, expert and professional partner capable of walking side by side with customers, building important relationships.

The Navigator Company
The Navigator Company is today one of Portugal’s strongest presences in the world, playing a structuring role for the national economy by vertically integrating its business model: applied research, forestry, cellulose pulp, renewable energy, paper and tissue.

In the pulp and paper industry, The Navigator Company is of great importance in the national economy, and was honored in June 2013 as the “Best Company in Europe” by the European Business Awards in the category “Business of the Year”.

The Company’s production capacity and exports make it a driving force for Portugal’s economy, accounting for approximately 3% of all goods exported by the country, with turnover representing close to 1% of GDP.

Verso Corporation (NYSE: VRS) has just announced that Robert M. Amen, chairman of the company's board of directors, has decided not to stand for reelection at the company's 2018 annual meeting of stockholders and, in connection with his decision, has resigned as chairman of the board effective October 6, 2017.  In connection with Amen's resignation as chairman, the Verso board has selected Eugene I. Davis, chair of the Strategic Advisory Committee and chair of the Finance and Planning Committee of the board, and Alan J. Carr, chair of the Compensation Committee of the board, as interim co-chairmen of the board.

In a joint statement, Davis and Carr said, "On behalf of the entire board, we want to express our gratitude to Rob for his service to Verso. With grace, wisdom and dedication, Rob led by example as chairman of the board. We are pleased that he intends to remain on the board until the end of his term as a director, and we wish him the best in all of his future endeavors."

About Verso

Verso Corporation is the turn-to company for those looking to successfully navigate the complexities of paper sourcing and performance. The leading North American producer of printing and specialty papers and pulp, Verso provides insightful solutions that help drive improved customer efficiency, productivity, brand awareness and business results. Verso's long-standing reputation for quality and reliability is directly tied to our vision to be a company with passion that is respected and trusted by all. Verso's passion is rooted in ethical business practices that demand safe workplaces for our employees and sustainable wood sourcing for our products. This passion, combined with our flexible manufacturing capabilities and an unmatched commitment to product performance, delivery and service, make Verso a preferred choice among commercial printers, paper merchants and brokers, converters, publishers and other end users. For more information, visit us online at www.versoco.com 

Fabio Perini S.p.A. offers MyPerini, a range of complete Converting and Packaging lines suitable for every production demand at a highly competitive price. MyPerini lines are characterized by the best consolidated, leading-edge technologies and include Fabio Perini S.p.A. patented systems.

Designed to meet most production demands, they are the perfect balance to optimize TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) and attain the best OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).

MyPerini lines are proposed in several versions and in the 2800-mm format.

Fruit of the high technological level of Fabio Perini S.p.A., they include the consolidated “Sincro” transfer system and, based on the model and version, the patented winding system with active Punzoncini and the Catalyst technology for the embosser.

As for Converting, the MyPerini family is comprised of 3 versions suitable for different production needs: MySincro, MyLine and Mytime.

All the lines feature the possibility of completing the system by including the MyPack offer for packaging up to 200 packs/min and 20 bundles/min.

Choosing a MyPerini solution means having not only a quick answer in terms of delivery and startup, but also an optimal one thanks to the balanced configuration, reduced line space and ease of use by the operator. Additionally, MyPerini is a guarantee of a long-lasting solution due to its consolidated technology, to the technical updates in the course of time and to the high level of post-sales service that have always characterized Fabio Perini S.p.A.

COMPANY PROFILE

Fabio Perini S.p.A. was born in 1966 in Lucca, Italian hub and world tissue production and converting technology center. Today, with its 5 production facilities in Italy, the United States, Brazil and China, it helps its customers stay competitive and grow thanks to complete production solutions for converting and packaging. Technology, globalization and ongoing, continuous investments in research have led the company to stand out internationally and to be acknowledged as a true excellence in the world of tissue.

www.fabioperini.com

DIGITAL TISSUE™

Digital Tissue™ is Fabio Perini’s interpretation for the offer of predictive and self-learning systems with a view towards Industry 4.0 in Tissue. It is the instrument that helps Fabio Perini customers build ecosystems characterized by continuous improvement in skills, methods and information. A vision that aspires to be global, where every ecosystem can exist on its own but at the same time contribute to the global growth of the Tissue industry by creating a sturdy and reliable system where errors, loss of time and variability in product quality are overcome.

Leading producer of bioproducts and bioenergy Metsä Fibre, part of Metsä Group, and ABB have signed an agreement to connect ABB electrical systems installed at the Äänekoski bioproduct mill to the ABB Ability Collaborative Operations solution portfolio. The solutions include the remote monitoring of electrical systems using cloud services, and remote access to ABB experts 24/7 aimed at raising the performance and reliability of electrical systems to a new level.

ABB supplied the Metsä Group’s bioproduct mill in Äänekoski in Central Finland in 2016 with a comprehensive electrification solution including the mill’s entire electrical power distribution system and process electrification. Metsä Fibre and ABB have now signed an agreement to connect a considerable number of the supplied devices to ABB Ability Collaborative Operations. This will enable remote monitoring of functionality and availability of the electrical devices and electrical systems through Metsä Fibre as well as ABB experts and allow real-time collaborating to achieve the highest possible availability and performance.

“This gives us an at-a-glance overview of the status of all of ABB electrical devices connected to the system. We can see what level of stress the frequency converters are under, and can monitor their condition and react to deviations proactively,” says Botnia Mill Service’s Ossi Puromäki, who is in charge of the bioproduct mill’s lifecycle contracts.

Photo: Metsä Group

ABB Collaborative Operations is a true Internet-of-Things application and is part of the company's portfolio of ABB Ability with industry-leading digital solutions. Collaborative Operations provides performance management, remote monitoring and preventive analysis technologies to ensure security, and improve efficiency and productivity in various industries. ABB Collaborative Operations Centers connects people in enterprise-wide production facilities and headquarters to ABB’s technology and expertise.

The electrical power distribution system at the mill includes 650 frequency converters alone. Condition monitoring is also facilitated by extensive device-specific alarms and, as ABB Ability presents its data in the cloud, ABB experts can provide instant support in tackling problems. Furthermore, analyzing the data collected from electrical systems and devices for its predictive value also enhances reliability over the long-term.

“Monitoring helps us to do maintenance on the right device at the right time, instead of simply servicing all devices at predefined intervals. This will optimize both costs and quality of upkeep,” says Puromäki.

“Our mill’s most important performance indicator is its availability rate, which we target to maintain at 98 percent and above on an annual rate. Maintenance plays a critical role in ensuring this high level of performance,” said Timo Merikallio, Project Director of bioproduct mill project. ”At the same time, we simply don’t have all expertise at the mill. Therefore, maintenance based on cooperation with trusted partners is key for us.” Merikallio continued.

“ABB has been remotely monitoring paper mill drives and electrical distribution systems for many years. Applying this knowledge in the context of ABB Ability Collaborative Operations takes it to a whole new level and demonstrates our leadership in delivering real benefits to our customers through big data. It allows us to turn data into insights and immediate actions that significantly improve our customers’ operations in terms of availability, performance and quality,” says Jim Fisher, Global Product Group Manager for Pulp and Paper.

The Metsä Fibre site will primarily be monitored from the Helsinki ABB Ability Collaborative Operations Center, which ABB has opened in October this year. Along with the existing centers in Westerville, Ohio, USA and a planned center in Singapore, scheduled to be opened beginning of next year, this center will focus on the pulp and paper industry, giving access to ABB industry experts on the “follow the sun” principle and supporting customers anywhere in the world.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in electrification products, robotics and motion, industrial automation and power grids, serving customers in utilities, industry, and transport and infrastructure globally. Continuing history of innovation more than 125 years long, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization and driving the Energy and Fourth Industrial Revolutions. ABB operates in more than 100 countries and has about 136,000 employees. www.abb.com