The BlueLine OCC stock preparation unit customised by Voith for Papierfabrik Palm recently started operation. The facility in Aalen in the southwest of Germany is regarded as one of the largest and most advanced systems worldwide. As a result of the new stock prep system, Palm will now be producing testliner and fluting even more sustainably.
The BlueLine OCC stock preparation unit allows a maximum yield of high-quality stock from recovered paper. It is designed for a daily capacity of 2,700 metric tons. Thanks to an especially low energy consumption and the comprehensive AquaLine Flex water management system, the stock preparation line at Palm is setting industry standards for the efficient use of resources.
“We wanted the new stock preparation unit to deliver high-quality furnish plus greater sustainability through energy savings and the efficient use of resources,” says Andreas Haas, Chief of Engineering, Palm. “We are realising these goals thanks to Voith’s technical expertise, customised solution and professional implementation.”
The efficient use of resources is made possible by a combination of tried and tested sub-systems, proven machines and modern automation. As a result, the seamlessly coordinated BlueLine process dispenses with the need for the intermediate vats, additional tanks and agitators that often interrupt operation in conventional systems. This simplification saves on pumps, piping and valves, and consequently, the energy for their operation. Energy savings of up to 20 percent are therefore possible compared with conventional systems.
As well as greater energy efficiency, the new system also saves significant volumes of water. To achieve this, Voith’s complete AquaLine Flex water management system, including wet end process, was installed. In combination with a special disc filter configuration, the process also ensures that only very clean filtrate gets into the wastewater treatment system. As a result, the water management system does not need a primary clarifier.
Palm also achieves more efficiency due to increased fibre yield in the screening process. Thanks to its optimised machine housing, the IntegraScreen ensures consistent flow and pressure conditions around the screen basket, which results in high contaminant separation efficiencies. In addition, equally efficient and energy-saving pulping is achieved through the IntensaPulper. The special vat geometry and asymmetric arrangement of the rotor creates an internal flow pattern in the IntensaPulper that converts flow energy into pulping performance. This allows energy savings of more than 20 percent. Moreover, the HiClean HCL5-I cleaner offers a high intake stock consistency that is also reflected in low energy consumption.
