International technology Group Andritz has received an order from Lee & Man Paper to supply two semi-chemical fiberlines for its mills in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, and Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China. Start-up of both lines is scheduled for the end of 2022.

The new fiberlines will have a capacity of 1,000 admt/d each and process eucalyptus wood chips to produce semi-chemical pulp, an intermediate grade between kraft pulp and mechanical pulp. Semi-chemical pulp provides excellent fiber properties for corrugated boards, such as fluting paper and other grades produced at the mill.

The scope of supply comprises the main equipment for both fiberlines, featuring the following technological highlights:

• Andritz continuous digester specifically designed for the semi-chemical pulping process.
• Medium-consistency blow line refiners, type 1CP, to defibrate and homogenize cooked chips at low specific energy.
• 5-stage counter-current washing with highly efficient vacuum VT washers and Andritz screw presses to achieve minimum loss in washing and lowest carry-over of detrimental substances.

Andritz will also provide the basic engineering as well as supervision of mechanical installation work, commissioning, and start-up.

Edmond Lee, CEO Lee & Man Paper, says: "We decided to focus on our own fresh fiber production as an alternative to imported kraft and recycled fiber pulp as raw materials. With the new fiberlines, we will become more self-sufficient in pulp imports and less vulnerable to market fluctuations. Andritz's operating experience with similar installations in recent years, especially the first and only installation of this kind in China, was the main driver for our decision."

Established in 1994, Lee & Man Paper manufactures linerboards of various grades and corrugating medium of different specifications used for several industrial packaging purposes.

Andritz Pulp & Paper provides equipment, systems, complete plants and services for the production of all types of pulp, paper, board and tissue.