Arkhangelsk Contacts Valmet to Rebuild Board Machine in Russia

Valmet, Finland, will supply an extensive board machine and automation rebuild for Arkhangelsk Pulp & Paper Mill (PPM) in Russia. The project for the board machine 2 (BM 2) is a continuation to the pre-engineering project executed by Valmet earlier this year.

The value of the order was not disclosed. However, the value of an order of this type is typically valued around EUR 50-60 million, according to Valmet. The rebuild is a part of Arkhangelsk's investment project "Reconstruction of Board Department," with a total value of 8.8 billion rubles (about EUR 125 million).

The delivery will include a new Valmet OptiConcept M board machine wet end, a number of improvements to the drying section, a completely new dry end, and a machine control system upgrade. The goal of the rebuild is to increase production by 30%. Startup of the rebuilt machine is scheduled for the second half of 2018.

"Valmet's OptiConcept M board making line focuses on low operating costs combined with energy-efficient and flexible production of high-quality board grades. We have a number of excellent references verifying the targeted outcome. Furthermore, our uniquely wide scope of offering differentiates us from the competitors. The project continues our good cooperation with Arkhangelsk—we have earlier delivered several pulp and paper technologies to them, latest being the pulp mill upgrade and two modern refiner lines," said Vesa Simola, EMEA Area president of Valmet.

Valmet's extensive board machine and automation delivery for the rebuild includes pulpers for broke collection, equipment for approach flow systems for top and back plies, two OptiFlo fourdrinier headboxes, OptiFormer Multi forming section, OptiPress Linear press section, a startup package of paper machine clothing, dryer section rebuild, OptiCalender Compact calender, OptiReel reel, automatic transfer rails, OptiWin Drum two-drum compact winder, and related air systems. The automation upgrade includes a Valmet IQ quality measurement system, Valmet DNA process control system, and a moisturizer. The delivery will also include a semi-automatic reels spool return system and a roll conveying system.

"The customer valued the fact that there is no need for cantilevering beams with OptiConcept M and that there are only minor changes required for the foundations. Space requirement will also be smaller compared with the traditional wet end concepts. The ‘plug and play’ feature of OptiCalender Compact was also appreciated by the customer," said Senior Sales Manager Pekka Turtinen from Valmet.

The 7,000 mm wide (wire) BM 2 produces fluting and kraftliner grades with a basis weight range of 90-200 gsm. The design speed for the new parts is 1,000 m/min. The annual production will be about 330,000 metric tons.