In December 2016, PMP (Paper Machinery Producer), Poland, signed a contract with Sappi North America for delivery of an Intelli-Jet V® hydraulic headbox for its No. 12 paper machine (PM 12), located in Cloquet, Minn., USA. The project goal is to improve headbox functionality and to improve product quality and production. 

The scope of delivery includes a 212 in. (5.38 meter) Intelli-Jet V hydraulic headbox that will significantly improve paper quality, including excellent formation. Other benefits of PMP’s technology include hydraulic and thermal stability, sheet edge quality, clean operation, improved headbox access, and more. 

The headbox will be supplied with a sophisticated Consistency Profiling System to ensure excellent basis weight control, resulting in uniform paper web structure and better CD basis weight profiles. PMP’s Intelli-Jet V hydraulic headbox technology is a part of PMP’s Intelli-Paper® platform for papermakers. Currently, more than 130 Intelli-Jet V headboxes are working successfully on six continents.

In addition to the headbox, PMP will provide stock approach equipment, including the CP pump and screen, as well as basic engineering of stock approach items. The delivery also includes a thermal compensation system, which will stabilize the thermal performance of the headbox by maintaining a uniform temperature of the most crucial headbox parts. The control of temperature of these parts will have a direct impact on CD flow profiles and will help minimize the time required to obtain quality production after startup. PMP will support Sappi through the entire project process of engineering, installation, startup, operator training, maintenance training, and optimization. The delivery, erection, and startup are scheduled for October 2017. 

Sappi North America, headquartered in Boston, Mass., is a subsidiary of Sappi Limited (JSE), a global company headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, with more than 12,000 employees and manufacturing operations on three continents in seven countries.