Customer case:

Regular quality control system upgrades keep measurements reliable

Nov 22, 2024

Sappi Kirkniemi Mill in Finland produces 750,000 t/a of Galerie papers for heatset web offset printing serving the high-volume print market. The coated mechanical papers are used for creating high-quality catalogues, brochures, and publications around the world. The mill uses the Valmet IQ Quality Control System (QCS) for monitoring and optimizing end-product quality. The system includes seven intelligent scanners, precise measurements, and advanced control applications. Valmet’s lifecycle services help to ensure the reliability of the Valmet IQ Quality Control System and Valmet DNA Distributed Control System (DCS).

Marko Nora, Maintenance Engineer, Sappi Kirkniemi and Sauli Seikkula, Manager, Paper Solutions Services, Valmet

Thanks to over ten years of good cooperation from both teams, Valmet understands our needs well, and we know what Valmet has to offer us. We work together on the automation system and quality control system (QCS), for which there has been a long-standing maintenance agreement. I’ve been satisfied and received fast support.

Marko Nora, Maintenance Engineer at Sappi Kirkniemi.

Each year, Sappi’s and Valmet’s teams review a lifecycle plan that helps to visualize the lifecycle of the equipment base.

“The lifecycle plan allows me to identify maintenance needs and better manage costs. Having visibility several years ahead enables us to spread investments over multiple years, avoiding surprises. It also ensures we stay on the upgrade path of the equipment.”

“In the latest upgrade, we received more measurements and automation for color adjustments. When the QCS and DCS come from the same supplier, they work together more seamlessly,” says Marko Nora.

Summary

Location	Lohja, Finland
Goals of regular upgrades	Maximize production line runnability by ensuring usability, and keep the system within lifecycle support
Solution	Long-term cooperation with service agreements for automation systems since 2007, Lifecycle Plans, annual maintenance, OT Cybersecurity services, on-call services, trainings and spare parts. Valmet IQ Quality Control System Valmet DNA Distributed Control System
Benefits of regular upgrades	Following the lifecycle plan and systematically updating the system ensures it stays on the upgrade path and gets lifetime support. Additional features and performance improvements. Upgrades are tailored based on needs and can be executed in phases. Ensure the usability and availability of the Valmet IQ Quality Management System.

Automation services

Valmet's automation services are focused on innovative solutions improving our customers’ profitability and optimizing their production and maintenance.

Quality Management

Save fibers, chemicals & energy. Increase the competitiveness of the entire value chain from pulp, board, paper, tissue, and nonwoven making to final converted end products.

Valmet DNA Distributed Control System

Valmet DNA Distributed Control System (DCS) gives you complete control of all your processes and provides user-friendliness and transparency far beyond traditional automation systems.