TMP/CTMP pulping line opened at the Mechanical Pulping Technology Center in Anjalankoski, Finland

Published Mar 17, 2003 13.18.00 +2 GMT

Metso Paper, in cooperation with BIC Kymi, opened a TMP/CTMP (thermo-/chemithermomechanical) pulping line at the Mechanical Pulping Technology Center in Anjalankoski, Finland. The inauguration ceremony with customers and cooperation partners was held on Monday, March 17, 2003. The new TMP/CTMP line augments the Technology Center's other mechanical pulping processes, including PGW (pressure groundwood) pulping, screening and bleaching, as well as reject handling.

BIC Kymi ordered the pulping line built by Metso Paper. BIC Kymi is a regional support organization for innovation and product development in the Kymenlaakso region. It belongs to the European BIC (Business Innovation Center) network and is owned by the Kouvola Region Federation of Municipalities, Kotka-Hamina Region of Finland Ltd. and the Kymenlaakso Polytechnic Institute. The target of the cooperation agreement between Metso Paper and BIC Kymi is to promote the development and knowledge of TMP/CTMP pulping technology, particularly the application of these technologies for hardwoods. The total investment was approximately EUR 7 million and was financed by Metso Paper, the Development Fund of the Kouvola Region Federation of Municipalities and the Structural Fund of the INTERREG III A South-East Finland program.

The TMP/CTMP line features a two-stage pressurized main-line refining with an average daily pulping capacity of 25 tons. The production is compatible with Metso Paper's pilot paper and board machines in Anjalankoski and Jyväskylä, Finland. Additionally, the TMP/CTMP will be integrated with the recycled fiber and stock preparation pilot processes.

Metso Paper’s Mechanical Pulping Technology Center in Anjalankoski has the capability to simulate the pulping processes of all commercially viable mechanical pulps. The pilot processes are used for customer trials, pulp production for the company's own pilot paper machines, and for mechanical pulping technology product development. Customers have shown great interest in the new TMP/CTMP line and a considerable number of reservations for customer trials have already been made.

Metso Corporation is a global supplier of process industry machinery and systems. The Corporation's fiber and paper technology business area, Metso Paper, is the world's leading supplier of technology, systems and equipment for the pulp, paper, converting and panelboard industries. Metso's other core businesses are divided between Metso Minerals (rock and mineral processing) and Metso Automation (automation and control technology). In 2000, the net sales of Metso Corporation were EUR 3.9 billion, and the personnel totaled approximately 22,000. Metso Corporation is listed on the Helsinki and New York Stock Exchanges.

More information: Arto Aaltonen, Executive Vice President, Metso Paper, tel. +358 20 484 3202 Ulf Hellberg, Vice President & General Manager, Mechanical Pulping, tel. +46 60 16 58 57 Harri Nerg, Vice President & General Manager, Mechanical Pulping Technology Center, tel. +358 20 483 3651