Valmet introduces new reliability monitoring applications for fiber processing equipment

Valmet Oyj’s trade press release on July 6, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. EEST

To enhance predictive maintenance, Valmet is launching new reliability monitoring applications for fiber processing equipment. They are part of the Valmet Industrial Internet offering and provide powerful tools for fiber producers to secure equipment availability and to improve process performance.

“Many fiber production machines operate in extremely harsh environments, and we have had to design and build a robust system. Despite the challenging conditions, we have managed to develop a signal input that previously didn’t exist,” says Heikki Kettunen, Senior Manager R&D, Intelligent Rolls, Valmet. The monitoring system combines modern sensor, signal processing and data transfer technologies applied to fiber production processes.

One of the first commercial applications is Valmet TwinRoll Press Vat Temperature monitoring. The application monitors pulp flow distribution inside the press through temperature measurements and visualizes, for example, the situations when the press gets plugged and pulp flow is disturbed. This application can be used as a standalone input to monitor press plugging or it can be connected to Valmet’s extensive TwinRoll Press performance monitoring systems to secure the overall reliability and washing efficiency of the press.

Another new application is Valmet Feeder Rotor Position Monitoring. To maintain an optimal steady state in the continuous cooking process, low- and high-pressure feeders must provide a stable chip flow in the digester feeding line. The monitoring system visualizes feeder adjustments, identifies impending problems, and supports operators with more accurate adjustments for successful chip feeding.

Modular system design, scalability and connectivity set the path to improved process performance and equipment reliability

Valmet reliability monitoring applications can be installed as a standalone device for single equipment monitoring. “However, this modular platform has been designed with the possibility to expand, which means additional signal inputs can be added, and a connection with other customer systems like mill DCS can be established. These features enable a transition to more comprehensive process reliability and performance improvements,” says Juha Ruotsi, Global Technology Manager, Valmet Rolls and Workshop Services.

VALMET
Corporate Communications

For further information, please contact:
Juha Ruotsi, Global Technology Manager, Fiber Workshop Services, Services business line, Valmet, tel. +358 40 5194 280
Carlo Marrocco, Director, Fiber Workshop Services, Services business line, Valmet, tel. +1 514 262 9203

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. With our automation systems and flow control solutions we serve an even wider base of process industries.

We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers. Our 17,000 professionals work close to our customers and are committed to improving our customers’ performance – every day.

The company has over 220 years of industrial history and a strong track record in continuous improvement and renewal. In 2022, a major milestone was achieved when the flow control company Neles was merged into Valmet. The combined company’s net sales in 2021 was approximately EUR 4.5 billion based on the respective company figures.

Valmet’s shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki and the head office is in Espoo, Finland.   

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