Machine producing unique fully recyclable barrier board is up and running in Kotka

The unique barrier board machine was started up in July 2016 in Kotka, Finland. “The Kotkamills board machine is a bit different than other packaging board manufacturers’ machines. We are producing a unique recyclable end product using a technique that gives a smooth, non-plastic, liquid-barrier coating on the surface of the board. Just over a year since being commissioned, the machine is operating without problems and putting out a product of uniform quality,” smiles Technical Director Timo Tallinen.

The commissioning was preceded by a machine rebuild project implemented on a very tight timetable and for which Neles supplied about 90 percent of the needed valve solutions. The investment decision was made in spring 2015, and the rebuild project and related equipment purchases were specified in more detail in January 2016. The new machine was started on July 22, 2016, just six months after the shut-down and dismantling of the old machine.

Kotkamills’ experts described the set timetable as impossible in practice, but it was made possible through the seamless collaboration between all the participants involved in the project. The mill’s technology was modernized, the production side processes were improved to meet the requirements of the new machine and the growing production output. “We renewed the electrical lines and automation, we updated the mill’s air conditioning, and we renewed the water and steam pipelines. A more robust overhead crane was installed in the production hall, we expanded the wastewater treatment plant, and we renewed the pulp production and packaging facility,” Manager, Technical Services Jan Lousa explains the extensive scope of the modification.

“We chose Valmet’s valves because we have long experience with them. We have a long history of collaboration and we were already familiar with their experts. The mill had a comprehensive installed base of Neles valves, and we wanted to continue the collaboration with a familiar supplier,” Lousa says. The valve purchase agreement signed with Neles was made with the preliminary need specifications in late 2015, after which the valve needs were further defined in early 2016. Ultimately, the number of valves delivered to the plant was about 30 percent higher than originally estimated.

“Valmet has an understanding of the process industry and the expertise; it can meet customers’ needs and offers solutions that are best for our needs. It makes it easier to be a customer. The expectation when you buy from Valmet is that you’ll get the best technology the market offers as well as a reliable partner. It certainly isn’t the cheapest alternative, but it’s definitely the most reliable in terms of technology,” notes Technical Director Timo Tallinen. The valve requirements of the rebuilt machine focused particularly on reliability. The valves control the pulp thickness, surface level and the pulp feed in the different process phases.

“The significance the valves have in the reliability of board machine’s operation is extremely important. The valves and their sizing must meet the process requirements and must be operationally reliable; otherwise, we can’t achieve the desired quality,” Jan Lousa says about the customer’s requirements.