Fibre customer magazine 2022/2023

Annual savings on a tissue paper machine achieved through the development measures proposed by Metsä Fibre during the refining audit

Metsä Fibre conducts dozens of refining audits annually

Typical savings in energy and fibre cost are 1–5 euros per tonne

Importance of fixed issues

Low

Moderate

High

Production 17.5 kt/y

> € 15,000

> € 35,000

> € 75,000

Production 35 kt/y

> € 35,000

> € 75,000

> € 150,000

Production 70 kt/y

> € 75,000

> € 150,000

> € 300,000

Metsä Fibre’s Technical Customer Service’s toolbox in- cludes a program that has been used for quite a while to simulate raw material recipes for paper and paperboard production and examine various alternatives. This avoids unnecessary test runs. “Fines Management Audit is an addition to our tradition- al services. Other pulp producers do not offer this service. We are the top experts in our raw materials, and we want to help our customers achieve the best possible efficiency and quality in their own production processes.” •

Production simulations assist analyses The audit service begins with a survey of the present state of the customer’s production, including extensive sampling of all the fibre raw materials, wire waters and so on. If re- quired, work is also done with chemical suppliers. Then, the samples are analysed, and a report on the state of fibres and fines is submitted to the customer. In addi- tion, Metsä Fibre’s technical experts propose measures to improve process efficiency. The biggest savings are often achieved in pulp refining. Any mistakes that occur there will inevitably be felt in the later stages of the production process. Technical Customer Service has developed an applica- tion that makes it easy to assess refining. This is an equally important tool in pulp refining audits. “For example, the replacement of refiner fillings is always a major and expensive investment, and its impact must be certain before making any decision. The application we de- veloped can model the refining process with various fillings and helps determine in advance which of them works best.”

Juho Rossi Technical Customer Service Manager with 15 years of experience in the paper industry. Responsible for the markets in North America and Türkiye at Metsä Fibre.

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