Valmet, Finland, will supply automation system for Kemira's new sodium chlorate production line under construction in Joutseno, Finland (photo below). The automation system will control the production process and ensure its reliable operation. The system will be delivered in April 2017.

"The choice of a supplier was influenced by various factors, such as the skills of our staff, life-cycle stages of our present systems, and integration synergies with them, as well as the expected lifetime costs. Additionally, the reliability of our present systems supported the choice," said Tony Granqvist, electrical automation manager, Kemira.

"We have cooperated closely with Kemira's Joutseno plant since the early 1990s. The plant has Valmet automation systems that we have expanded and upgraded over the years to meet its automation needs," noted Kari Karppinen, sales director, Automation business line, Valmet.

 

 

The new chlorate production unit is expected to be in operation during the fourth quarter of 2017. Sodium chlorate is the raw material for chlorine dioxide (ClO2), which is produced on-site at the pulp mills and is the primary bleaching agent for kraft pulp.

Valmet will deliver a Valmet DNA automation and information management system for the new production line. The delivery will include installation, commissioning, and also training.

Kemira is a global chemicals company serving customers in water-intensive industries. It provides expertise, application know-how and chemicals that improve its customers' water, energy and raw material efficiency. The company's focus is on pulp and paper, oil and gas, mining, and water treatment. In 2015, Kemira had annual revenues of EUR 2.4 billion and around 4,700 employees.