Earlier this year, PMP (Paper Machinery Producer), Poland, launched another Intelli-Nip® Shoe Press as a core technological item in a new Intelli-Press® press section for Apis Sp. z o.o., Szczecin-Skolwin at its mill in Poland.

Intelli-Nip® Shoe Press technology is a hybrid of energy saving solutions with impressive paper properties and has become a preferred solution worldwide, according to PMP. Currently, PMP is executing four new projects that include this shoe press solution—in the U.S., Mexico, Columbia, and China.  

The Apis project involved the re-start of its existing PM1 (reel trim 5,425 mm), originally built by Fampa (a predecessor of PMP), and change its production profile from newsprint to fluting and liner grades. Beside a production’s philosophy change, it was important to reach an annual production capacity goal of 100,000 metric tpy of premium quality fluting and liner grades (basis weight range of 80-140 gsm ) at an operating speed of 500 m/min.

 

To meet budget expectations, the scope of delivery was divided between parties. The Apis team took care of a significant number of changes in the stock preparation area and the paper machine’s wet end (a headbox and a wire) and, in addition, a refurbished size press was added. The new press section was fully designed and built by PMP, based on deliveries and services provided by PMP’s Polish divisions—PMPoland S.A. and PMP Rolls & Services. 

PMP was also responsible for pre-assembly services of the press section, movement tests before shipment, logistics, and on site services (including erection, commissioning, start-up, training, and optimization). 

To achieve technological project goals within the press section area, PMP designed a modern Intelli-Press, including three nips—a plain roll on the first position (nip load 90 kN/m), a suction roll on the second position (nip load 30-40 kN/m), and the Intelli-Nip® Shoe Press on the third position (design nip load 750 kN/m, module type 1300). 

As PMP explains, a sophisticated press section configuration helps to achieve a dryness after press at the level of 50% following low steam consumption figures, supports reaching PM targeted annual capacity, and, in a visible way, reduces open draws that increases production effectiveness (higher PM effectiveness, stable PM operation, less paper breaks). In addition, shoe press technology helps to achieve expected paper properties, especially much better bulk and stiffness. 

Apis Sp. z o.o. was established in 2002, and began production of corrugating board in its first year. It has increased production capacity from year to year and has gained significant market share.