Valmet, Finland, has received repeat orders for advanced process control systems and analyzers from Nippon Paper in Japan. The solutions will be delivered to three Nippon Paper mills and consist of Valmet Advanced Process Control (APC) systems and kappa analyzers for the mill’s bleaching and lime kiln processes. The solutions will provide Nippon Paper with savings in chemicals and energy consumption, as well as reduce end product quality variability. 

The new, latest technology kappa analyzers replace Nippon Paper's existing analyzers. The new APC controls and kappa analyzers will be in operation this year.

Additionally, Valmet will provide Nippon Paper with performance services that will sustain the results and savings long term. These services contain expert support and consultation, and the processes will be improved further in close cooperation with the customer, as part of the services.

The current Nippon Paper order is based on results from an earlier delivery (a performance improvement project) to the company’s Akita mill in 2015. The highlight of that project was the speed at which the Akita mill was able to achieve significant savings, the mill reported. This was achieved by delivering a holistic solution consisting of APC and analyzers, as well as process consultation. The savings were delivered on schedule and exceeded all targets.

The Akita mill now enjoys bleaching chemical savings of 7%, a 28% decrease in final brightness standard deviation, a 5.5% saving in specific energy at the lime kiln, and has entered into a Performance Sustainability agreement with Valmet to maintain and improve those savings long term.

In the past 12 months, Valmet reports that it has received a record number of orders for kappa analyzers. This has further strengthened its position on the global kappa analyzer market and increased its market share. 

All greenfield pulp mills started up in the 2000s are equipped with Valmet's kappa analyzers. Since its introduction in 1992, Valmet has installed more than 430 Valmet Kappa Analyzers in pulp mills around the world.

Nippon Paper Group is a major producer of paper and paperboard in the world. Nippon Paper Akita is the leading Japanese producer of paper, paperboard, and pulp.