Valmet and Mercer Stendal have signed an agreement to modernize valves at Mercer's pulp mill in Arneburg, Germany. The project will bring significant energy savings and reduce CO2 emissions. The delivery includes 800 intelligent Neles NDX valve controllers and 500 Neles B1 pneumatic actuators.

The first part of the delivery was successfully commissioned in April 2021, and the remainer will progressively be delivered by the end of 2023.

Because of the positive impact on energy consumption and emissions, up to 30% of the investment is supported by grants from BAFA (Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle, Germany's Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control).

Mercer Stendal will leverage data from these intelligent valve controllers for predictive maintenance and condition monitoring. With the upgrade, the company aims to further minimize unplanned downtime and improve plant availability.

The delivery includes 800 intelligent Neles NDX valve controllers of the latest generation and 500 Neles B1 pneumatic actuators which will replace older actuators. The agreement also includes on-site support for installation and configuration of the NDX valve controllers within Valmet's DNA Field Device Manager.

Valmet's Neles NDX intelligent valve controller is the next generation positioner, designed to operate on all type of control valves and in all types of industrial applications. It guarantees end product quality in any range of operating conditions with unparalleled performance, best-in-class diagnostics and years of reliable service. It offers several operational cost benefits such as savings on supply air, inventory management and valve maintenance.

Valmet's Neles B1-series quarter-turn actuators are designed for use both in control and on-off service. This actuator offers extremely long cycle life and is well suited for almost any type of rotary valve. It's designed to be wear and corrosion resistant and enables safe and easy maintenance.

Mercer Stendal is a subsidiary of the North American group Mercer International Inc. Mercer Stendal produces softwood pulp, bioenergy and various biochemicals from about 3.5 million solid m3 annually.

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries.