ABB is upgrading a pulp and paper mill for a Japanese customer in Kyushu area with the latest version of its L&W Autoline automated paper testing system. Automated systems reduce measurement uncertainty, test variability, and manual gathering and testing of paper samples, which is time-consuming and can produce inaccuracies.

The ABB L&W Autoline delivers rapid, accurate and repeatable quality reports, enabling mills to make more informed decisions and take quicker corrective action to shift production targets, and achieve more consistent performance and higher profits.

The customer has used ABB's L&W Autoline 300 for paper quality assurance for nearly 30 years, and L&W Autoline 400 for mill optimization since 2006, at its mill, which uses virgin pulp, used paper and bamboo to produce paper and board.

ABB is supplying a L&W Autoline with modules to measure Air Permeance, Thickness, Tensile , Burst P Lower and Grammage. The team is also providing two standalone instruments for tensile and tear, and a lab management system (LMS). The L&W LMS will collect measurement data from all the machines and send it via the client's existing communication network, making it quicker and easier for staff to analyze and use it to optimize mill operations.

"We chose to upgrade to ABB's next-generation Autoline for its many new features," shared the customer. "One of the many benefits of the upgrade is that the ABB LMS allows us to keep the existing communication network. The mill reports that it has been more than satisfied with L&W Autoline product reliability and local support, and looks forward to enjoying the many benefits of the new, upgraded system."

"The L&W Autoline provides quicker measurement and minimized paper jam due to new functionality, crip paper feeding and removing the curl function, maximizing the customer's quality control speed," said Hiromichi Yoda, Local Division Manager, Process Industries at ABB in Japan. "All of this is backed up with ABB's Preventive Maintenance package, meaning that the customer can look forward to sustainable and reliable paper quality control for decades to come."

"Automated paper testing is growing in both importance and popularity in Asia," he added. "Looking at the market and competition, ABB's L&W Autoline stands out for its speed, modern data management system and ease of integration at the mill."

Measuring multiple paper properties in both directions, including cross-directionally (CD), is very important for pulp and paper operators in terms of quality control. Measuring the same position for different properties is difficult and requires multiple standalone instruments, which increases the manual workload for employees and can lead to measurement errors.

L&W Autoline measures multiple properties simultaneously, precisely and quickly (one property in less than four seconds) at the same positions for efficient and accurate reporting of the most important paper properties. The system is designed to support several paper machines, improving efficiency and giving staff more time to focus on quality optimization.

Valmet's Advantage DCT 200 tissue machine is equipped with the latest technology to ensure highest product quality while reducing energy and water consumption and CO₂ emissions.

"We appreciate Valmet for being an indispensable partner in Crown Paper Mill's success. The cutting-edge technology and unwavering support have elevated our operations, making Valmet an invaluable contributor to our industry leadership. We look forward to continued collaboration and shared success," says Abdullah Al Katheeb, Managing Director, Crown Paper Mill.

"It has been a pleasure to follow Crown Paper Mill from the start-up of the first Valmet machine. They pay attention to all details required to produce premium tissue with high efficiency, focusing on quality in all aspects. We are proud to be chosen again as their supplier and we look forward working together to make the new machine as successful as the previous one," says Kent Nika, Sales Director South America, Tissue Mills business unit, Paper business line, Valmet.

Technical information of the delivery
The new tissue line will have a design speed of 2,200 m/min and a width of 5,6 meters. The production line is optimized to save energy and deliver excellent paper properties. The line will have an annual production capacity of 70,000 tons.

Valmet's scope of supply comprises a complete tissue production line including an Advantage DCT 200 tissue machine equipped with OptiFlo headbox and Yankee cylinder. It will also be featured with the Advantage tissue technology including ViscoNip press, AirCap Heli hood with air system, WetDust systems and a SoftReel reel as well as a Focus Rewinder. Valmet will also deliver detailed mill engineering, full stock preparation equipment as well as automation, including Valmet DNA Distributed Control System (DCS) with built-in machine condition monitoring and Valmet IQ Quality Control System (QCS). In addition, the delivery also includes Valmet's flow control and Valmet Performance Center services.

About the customer Crown Paper Mill
Headquartered in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD), Crown Paper Mill is a leading producer of jumbo tissue paper rolls in the region. The mill has an annual production capacity of 100,000 tons of tissue for facial, toilet, kitchen, towel, napkin, C-fold and carrier grades for the United Arab Emirates' market and surrounding region.