Finnish technology company Valmet has introduced a new generation of its Valmet Wet End Analyser, an advanced measurement system designed to improve process control and product consistency in the pulp, paper, and tissue industries. The upgraded analyser features more sampling points, enhanced data capacity, and new measurement modules to support stable operations and reduced production costs.
The system monitors a larger portion of the so-called “wet end” of a paper machine — the stage where the pulp still contains high water content and small variations can have a significant effect on the final product. By providing operators with continuous and precise real-time data, the analyser enables better process stability, optimised chemical use, and more energy-efficient production.
New features to improve process control
According to Valmet, the new analyser includes several added modules and more sampling points than previous versions. It can simultaneously measure fibre content, ash content, and oxygen levels across three production lines, allowing early detection and correction of disturbances.
– This innovation represents a major step forward in pulp and paper process management. It combines quality control and runnability in a completely new way. The instrument builds on decades of experience and now includes fibre shape and morphology measurements, enabling analysis of how chemical dosing affects pulp properties, said Bogdan Pavlovic, Business Manager for Valmet’s analysers in the board and paper segment.
The system is fully integrated into Valmet IQ, the company’s quality management platform. This means data collected by the analyser can be immediately applied to automatic control functions, closing the loop between measurement and action.
Focus on efficiency and resource optimisation
Beyond process accuracy, Valmet emphasises that the analyser contributes to more sustainable and resource-efficient production. Its new camera and image-analysis technologies provide detailed insight into fibre characteristics, making it easier to fine-tune pulp composition and optimise chemical dosing.
A new oxygen measurement capability allows more precise control of biocide use — chemicals added to prevent bacterial growth in process water. In addition, the analyser includes a new type of filtrate sampling, which broadens process monitoring to coarser pulp fractions, enabling more comprehensive analysis across the production line.
– With these extended measurement capabilities, Valmet supports not only improved operational efficiency but also more sustainable production methods. This aligns with our commitment to increasing resource efficiency across the industry, Pavlovic said.
By minimising variations in fibre and water content in the pulp, the system allows paper machines to operate at higher speeds while maintaining consistent product quality. At the same time, energy use and chemical consumption can be reduced – key goals for mills under growing economic and environmental pressure.
Innovation for a changing industry
The pulp and paper industry is undergoing a rapid technological transformation, with automation and data-driven production becoming essential for competitiveness. Rising energy costs, tighter environmental standards, and fluctuating raw material prices are forcing producers to modernise their operations.
As one of the world’s leading suppliers of technology for the pulp, paper, and energy industries, Valmet sees its analysers as a key tool to meet these challenges. The company has increasingly focused on combining data analytics with traditional process expertise to create more predictable and efficient production environments.
With more than 225 years of industrial experience and a workforce of over 19,000 employees worldwide, Valmet delivers solutions covering the full life cycle of customer operations — from design and installation to maintenance and optimisation.
The new Wet End Analyser is part of Valmet’s long-term strategy to integrate advanced measurement technology into process industries and support customers in achieving higher efficiency and sustainability standards.
Fact Box:
Product: Valmet Wet End Analyser (new generation)
Purpose: Improve process stability, reduce costs, and optimise product quality
Key features: Additional sampling points, measurement of fibre and ash content, oxygen monitoring, fibre structure imaging
Integration: Fully compatible with the Valmet IQ quality management system
Benefits: Lower energy and chemical use, consistent quality, and more stable production
Source: Valmet Oyj
