Valmet to supply APC systems for Nippon Paper

Photo: Valmet

Valmet has received repeat orders of advanced process control (APC) systems and analyzers from Nippon Paper in Japan. The solutions will be delivered to three of the Nippon Paper mills and consist of  Valmet Advanced Process Control (APC) systems and Valmet Kappa Analyzers for the mills bleaching and lime kiln processes. The solutions will provide Nippon Paper with savings in chemicals and in energy consumption, as well as reduce end product quality variability. The new, latest technology kappa analyzers replace Nippon Paper's existing analyzers. The new advanced process controls and kappa analyzers will be in operation in 2016.

Additionally, Valmet will provide Nippon Paper with performance services which will sustain the results and savings long term. The services contain expert support and consultation, and the processes will be improved further in in close cooperation with the customer as part of the services.

The order was included in Valmet's first quarter 2016 orders received.

The order is based on excellent results from an earlier delivery to Nippon Paper's Akita mill. In 2015, a performance improvement project was successfully delivered for Nippon Paper Akita mill.

"The highlight of the project is the speed in which Akita mill was able to achieve significant savings," comments Mr. Kameda, Senior technical manager of automation department, Akita Mill, Nippon Paper. This was achieved by delivering a holistic solution consisting of APC, analyzers as well as process consultation. The savings were delivered on schedule and clearly exceeded all targets.

The Akita mill now enjoys bleaching chemical savings of 7 %, 28% decrease in final brightness standard deviation, 5.5% saving in specific energy at the lime kiln, and has entered into Performance Sustainability agreement with Valmet to maintain and improve those savings long term.

"Through our proven automation and analyzer technology, and with our global and local professionals, we deliver concrete benefits and move the customers operations to a whole new level," says Atsushi Yamamoto, Sales Manager, Japan, Automation, Valmet.

In the past 12 months, Valmet has received a record number of orders for kappa analyzers. This has further strengthened Valmet's leading position on the global kappa analyzer market and increased its market share.

All greenfield pulp mills started up in the 2000s are equipped with Valmet's kappa analyzers. Since its introduction in 1992, Valmet has installed over 430 Valmet Kappa Analyzers in pulp mills around the world. Today, all leading chemical pulp producers worldwide use this technology in their processes.

Valmet's performance solutions are part of comprehensive services offering and are designed to provide sustained performance improvement to pulp and paper producers. Valmet is a market leader of advanced process control (APC) with its 320 installations globally. The solutions combine advanced process control and optimization technology and expertise, and utilize Valmet's process measurements and analyzers. The solutions are scalable from one department to a line or mill level optimization.