Holmen Board and Paper gains high production flexibility after ANDRITZ starts up rebuilt paper machine
Holmen’s paper mill in Braviken, Sweden, is now running with maximum production efficiency and flexibility after international technology group ANDRITZ successfully completed the rebuild of the paper machine (PM52).
ANDRITZ implemented its unique concept to allow for flexible production of book paper, newsprint, and containerboard based on thermo-mechanical pulp (TMP) on PM52. The machine has a wire width of 9.3 m and a design and operation speed of 1600 m/min. The rebuild enables Holmen to strengthen its position in the packaging market by increasing both the quality and production capacity of containerboard grades.
Mechanical pulp-based containerboard products developed by Holmen are considered significant innovations in the paper packaging space. They offer basis weight reductions of up to 20% compared to traditional products combined with excellent visual appearance. High paper strength is achieved without the use of surface starch and with a very low carbon footprint.
ANDRITZ provided engineering, installation and start-up services and supplied key components for the comprehensive rebuild. Central to the project was the conversion of the former using ANDRITZ's patented PrimeForm TW shoe blade gap forming technology, which ensures optimal MD/CD ratios, superior formation across paper grades, and maximum dewatering capacity. The pulsation-free engineered impingement shoe and patented variable wrap technology are key contributors to the high flexibility of the new forming section. The new PrimeFlow AT headbox enhances jet quality, fiber dispersion, and orientation. In addition, the press section was rebuilt to increase dryness, save energy and improve the runnability of the machine. The scope of supply also included a clothing package, a spare parts package, extended control systems and an automation package for enhanced efficiency.
Peter Dahlén, Technical Director at Holmen Board and Paper, said: “We are very satisfied with the ANDRITZ solution, which meets our high requirements and enables us to increase production efficiency and capacity as planned. With the sophisticated new concept, we can now switch seamlessly between different paper grades. The new forming section provides a wide set of optimization tools, and we are impressed by how forgiving the geometry adjustment is while the machine runs at full speed.”
“This project demonstrates our commitment and ability to provide innovative, high-performance technology and full-service support that help our customers meet the demands of a dynamic market,” emphasizes Gerald Steiner, Senior Vice President, Paper and Tissue at ANDRITZ.
Holmen Board and Paper produces premium paperboard and innovative paper products for a wide range of end-uses, using mainly fresh fiber from sustainably managed forests. The company operates four production facilities in Sweden and the UK.
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After the successful rebuild of PM52 at Holmen Braviken, the machine now operates with a new concept for TMP furnish-based packaging, graphic and book paper.
ANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ provides advanced plants, equipment, services, and digital solutions for a wide range of industries, including pulp and paper, metals, hydropower, environmental, and others. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in Austria, the publicly listed group employs about 30,000 people at 280 locations in over 80 countries.
As a global leader in technology and innovation, ANDRITZ is committed to fostering progress that benefits customers, partners, employees, society, and the environment. The company’s growth is driven by sustainable solutions enabling the green transition, advanced digitalization for highest industrial performance, and comprehensive services that maximize the value of customers’ plants over their entire life cycle. ANDRITZ. FOR GROWTH THAT MATTERS.
ANDRITZ PULP & PAPER
ANDRITZ Pulp & Paper provides sustainable technology, automation, and service solutions for the production of all types of pulp, paper, board and tissue. The technologies and services focus on increased production efficiency, lower overall operating costs as well as innovative decarbonization strategies and autonomous plant operation.
The product portfolio also includes boilers for power generation, various nonwoven technologies, and panelboard (MDF) production systems. With waste-to-value recycling, shredding and energy solutions, waste and by-product streams from production are converted into valuable secondary raw materials as well as into sustainable resources for energy generation. State-of-the-art IIoT technologies as part of Metris digitalization solutions complete the comprehensive product offering.