Thai Paper to Rebuild PM 5 from P&W to Glassine at Thailand Mill

Thai Paper Co., Bang Pong, Thailand, has ordered through Valmet, Finland, a rebuild of its No. 5 paper machine. PM 5, currently producing printing and writing papers with 100,000 metric tpy of capacity, will be modified for high quality glassine paper production. Valmet's delivery will include modernization of key sections of the paper machine. The rebuild targets the highest end product quality and efficient production. The rebuilt production line is scheduled to startup during the fourth quarter of 2015.

 

The value of the order was not disclosed. However, the value of paper machine rebuilds depends on the scope of the delivery. This kind of rebuild is typically valued at around EUR $20 million, according to Valmet.

 

Panthep Supachaiyakit, managing director, Thai Paper Co., said that "Thai Paper and our partner, Nippon Paper Industries, selected Valmet based on its innovative technology and proven track record on successful rebuilds, which align well with our target to produce high-value added products such as high quality glassine paper to cater the growing demand for label in the domestic and regional markets."

 

Pornpracha Wattanakijsiri, head of Valmet South East Asia, said that "we are pleased to continue our long term cooperation with SCG Paper and its subsidiary, Thai Paper, in this project. Our aim is to bring our strong experience with special papers to the project to ensure smooth and successful project converting PM 5 to glassine grades." 

 

Valmet's solution for this grade conversion and modernization of the 3.9 meter-wide (wire) PM 5 consists of a new off-line multinip calendar and new air dryers as well as a re-reeler rebuild with new moisturizers. There will also be modifications in the stock preparation, headbox, and drying section, with alterations in the sizer area including contactless web turn device.  

Valmet's new OptiFiner Pro refiners, which are part of the stock preparation, ensure energy efficient refining of long fibers to meet the high demands set by glassine paper production. These modifications of the paper machine ensure the base paper to be dense, thin, and strong. The rebuild re-reeler moisturizes the base paper efficiently for improved smoothness and the best possible calendering result. The OptiCalender Multinip off-line calender improves further the surface properties of glassine paper grades.

 

Thai Paper Co., is a subsidiary company in SCG Paper's Fibrous Chain Business, a joint-venture between SCG Paper and Nippon Paper Industries Co. of Japan. SCG Paper's Fibrous Chain Business produced around 470,000 metric tpy of pulp and 570,000 metric tpy of printing and writing paper.

 

The Thai Paper Mill, located in Ban Pong, Ratchaburi Province, has five paper machines producing high quality uncoated and coated wood free paper grades. The annual production capacity of the existing mill is 293,000metric tons. The company was established in 1983 and is now one of Thailand's leading producers in printing and writing paper industry.

 

 

In the photo, from l-r, are: Surasak Amawat, managing director, Siam Cellulose Co.; Panthep Supachaiyakit, managing director, Thai Paper Co.; Roongrote Rangsiyopash, president of SCG Paper; Hannu T Pietilä, Valmet area president, Asia Pacific; Timo Dufva, Valmet VP projects; and  Pornpracha Wattanakijsiri, Valmet head of South East Asia.