Valmet, Finland, reports that it has received two orders for automation technology from Kotkamills Oy in Finland to complement the paper machine technology and automation system orders received in April and July 2015 for a paper machine conversion project. Kotkamills is currently rebuilding its magazine paper production line PM 2 and converting it to produce high-quality barrier board and folding boxboard grades. The rebuilt machine will start up during the second quarter of 2016. Valmet's automation system deliveries will take place in April 2016.The value of the orders was not disclosed.

"Valmet has long experience and a lot of know-how in automation solutions for the paper industry. We are confident that we will be able to increase efficiency and make the most of the process with Valmet's solutions. The products now ordered match well with and complement the automation concept that we have chosen. We have been using Valmet's automation earlier, so our operators and maintenance staff know it well," said JariMäkelä, manager, automation and electrification, Kotkamills.

"Our solutions will enable Kotkamills to improve board quality management as well as the management of the whole production process. Using this technology, the mill will be able to produce high-quality board and improve machine runnability," HarriKohonen, sales manager, automation business line, Valmet, pointed out. 

 

The orders include two automation systems, analyzers, measurements, consistency transmitters, and optimizing process controls for various process stages in board production.

Valmet will supply Valmet DNA automation systems for the thermomechanical pulp (TMP) plant and the coating kitchen to replace Valmet's earlier-generation systems. For the TMP plant, Valmet will also deliver an online Valmet Pulp Analyzer (Valmet MAP) and optimizing process controls with which the plant can control low-consistency grinding and reach its desired board properties.

Additionally, the delivery includes more than 20 consistency transmitters for the TMP plant and the board machine. The latter will be equipped with a Valmet Retention Measurement (Valmet RM3) and a Valmet Wet End Analyzer (Valmet WEM) to control whitewater consistency and chemistry. In connection with the delivery, Valmet will upgrade the mill's existing automatic Valmet Pulp Expert analyzer.

All of the solutions will be integrated with the Valmet DNA automation and Valmet IQ quality management systems that are included in the orders announced earlier. One seamless automation system for the process and machine controls from a single supplier ensures that the solutions are a seamless match.

Kotkamills already has an automation service agreement with Valmet, including remote service support. In case of disruptions, Valmet's experts have access to the mill's automation systems through a remote connection.