Papierfabrik Niederauer Mühle to Install New Sizing Technology

Papierfabrik Niederauer Mühle GmbH, Germany, has ordered from Valmet (Finland) a sizer and auxiliaries for its PM 3 containerboard machine located in the company's Kreuzau mill in Germany. The goal of the project is to improve strength properties of the white top liner grades. This high quality paper is used, for instance, as printed cover layer for cardboards and as headliner. The sizer is scheduled to start up during the first quarter of 2015. The value of the order was not disclosed.

 

In addition to the new sizer, Valmet's delivery will include a calender rebuild, an air dryer, starch preparation, and starch supply systems, as well as ropeless tail threading equipment. 

 

"The new sizer will combine the best features of both spray application and film application, and improve the strength properties of the white top liner grades. The main advantages of the back side spray application technology compared with conventional starch application methods are drying energy reduction, fast and accurate starch amount control, and elimination of wearing parts. The top side film application ensures excellent properties of the white top liner surface," said Ilkka Naatti, product manager of coaters and sizers at Valmet. 

 

"Niederauer Mühle will also be the first paper mill in Central Europe to benefit from the advantages of safe, reliable, and fully ropeless tail threading technology in the size press area. After rebuild of the tail threading process, PM 3 will be totally ropeless for all machine parts," Naatti added.

 

Niederauer Mühle specializes in white corrugated medium paper, with basis weight ranging from 120 - 200 gsm. Its production volume is more than 300,000 metric tons of paper per year today. The company currently has 155 employees.