Tembec's (Canada) specialty dissolving pulp mill in Tartas, France, has ordered a Valmet IQ quality control system (QCS) and an expansion of its existing Valmet DNA distributed control system (DCS) for its pulp dryer. By complementing its current control system with this investment, the mill is targeting to improve process stability and reduce lost time during transition phases such as startups, breaks, and speed changes. Startup of the new QCS is scheduled for October 2016. Typically the order value of this kind of automation system deliveries is below EUR 1 million, according to Valmet.

"We decided to change our DCS and QCS according to our obsolescence management plan. The choice was done between our existing supplier and Valmet. We chose Valmet because of better reactivity and potential quality benefits," said Ludovic Berdinel, project department director at Tembec Tartas SAS.

"The mill was convinced about our capability to improve their pulp dryer performance through our automation solution and process skills," said Boris Hosteins, sales manager, France & North Africa, Automation, Valmet.

Replacing an obsolete third-party QCS, Valmet's delivery includes a Valmet IQ scanner with basis weight and moisture sensors, machine-direction controls, and reporting. Valmet IQ is a comprehensive quality monitoring and control system. The solution combines all of the key elements of a QCS system from measurements, controls, and profilers to condition monitoring and machine vision into one scalable system. Guaranteed compatibility between different generation Valmet products helps to future-proof investments and maximizes the effectiveness of existing equipment.

Valmet will also expand the mill's Valmet DNA distributed control system that has controlled the pulp dryer processes for the past four years. The delivery includes additional 650 I/Os to replace outdated programmable logic controllers. 

Tembec Tartas SAS is the leader in production of specialty cellulose used in consumer-oriented industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, packaged foods, and construction. Its parent company Tembec is a large, diversified and integrated forest products company which stands as the global leader in sustainable forest management practices. The company's principal operations are located in Canada and France.