Varel Paper and Board to Rebuild Containerboard Machine in Germany

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Varel Paper and Board, Varel, Germany, has awarded Germany-based Voith Paper a major rebuild of its PM 4. The sophisticated project is aimed at increasing production capacity and extending the product range of PM 4, but is also focused on efficient energy use and environment-friendly paper production. The rebuild will begin before the end of this year.

Varel currently produces corrugating medium and testliner in a basis weight range of 120 to 220 g/m2 on PM 4. The rebuild will hoost capacity of PM 4 to 300,000 metric tpy and, in the future, about 50% of its production will be white liner grades. Because of the additionally required raw materials, the rebuild involves a major extension of the stock preparation system to three lines.

PM 4 will undergo a complete modernization. It will be equipped with new approach flow systems, the headboxes will be renewed, and both fourdrinier wires will be extended. A DuoD hybrid former will be installed for the back ply, while the top ply will be equipped with a DuoShake unit.

The dryer section will be completely renewed, and a SpeedSizer film press including non-contact web drying will replace the old unit. In addition, PM 4 will receive a new soft calender and a MasterReel unit. On the winder, a new unwind station for larger parent rolls will be installed. Voith Paper Automation will completely modernize the paper machine control system. A particularly interesting aspect of this rebuild is the working width of the new components, which will be widened from 5.1 m to 5.3 m.

Varel Paper Mill will handle engineering and planning and will be assisted by Voith Paper. Startup of rebuilt PM 4 is scheduled for mid-February 2011.

With this rebuild, Varel plans to achieve considerable energy savings, but also is planning for several energy and environmental gains. Thus, one key target of the rebuild is to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions throughout the paper production process.