On January 16, 2024, Shandong Huatai Paper and Voith Paper successfully started up PM 11 in the eastern Chinese province of Shandong. PM 11, a former newsprint machine, was successfully rebuilt for the production of high-quality graphic paper. The machine’s web width is 10.2 meters and the design speed 1,800 m/min. With the help of leading Voith technologies, the annual capacity of the rebuilt PM 11 can be increased from 400,000 to 520,000 tons.
“After the rebuild of PM 10 from newsprint to writing paper in 2016, the successful start-up of PM 11 represents a significant milestone in Huatai’s transformation process to high-quality graphic paper,” confirms Wei Lijun, General Manager of Shandong Huatai Paper. “The rebuild has not only transformed the almost 20-year-old paper machine into a modern paper machine but has also significantly improved the machine’s stability and capacity. We look forward to writing more success stories with Voith in the future.”
Kurt Yu, President Asia, Voith Paper, adds: “This cooperation not only demonstrates our customer’s confidence in Voith’s technological excellence but is also the highest compliment in our 30 years of cooperation in terms of mutual trust and synergy. We are very much looking forward to continuing our work with Huatai Paper to support its transformation and modernization and achieve a win-win situation.”
Customized scope of supply for long-term production efficiency
The customized rebuild includes a variety of state-of-the-art technology solutions with a focus on stability, reliability and efficiency. The solutions not only help to extend the service life but also lead to more sustainable and cost-efficient operation.
This involves upgrading the MasterJet Pro G headbox and implementing the optimization of dilution water technology to improve paper quality while reducing energy costs. The Voith experts upgraded the forming section similar to the DuoFormer concept for optimum formation and higher throughput. In addition, the ParaSlice nozzle concept and the EdgeModule system were integrated to stabilize the fiber orientation profile (CD profile). The newly installed ProRelease+ HighEnd boxes in the pre-dryer section significantly increase the vacuum level to 3000 Pa, ensuring the stability of the paper web at high speeds and minimizing the risk of paper breaks.
In addition, a SpeedSizer AT with its uniform film application ensures even and high-quality paper profiles. The CombiDuoRun dryer concept and an efficient new dryer section hood are used in the after-dryer section. Voith’s roll covers ensure optimum sheet release and reduce paper breaks. By installing digital solutions from the Papermaking 4.0 portfolio, in particular the OnQuality quality management system (QCS) and the OnControl automation technology (MCS), the PM 11 has been brought up to date, resulting in a significant increase in operating convenience and control stability.
With an annual production capacity of 1.5 million tons of newsprint, Shandong Huatai Paper is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of newsprint. As a long-standing partner, the customer has placed several orders with Voith for the construction of new plants, including the Huatai PM 10 rebuild project, which was successfully completed in 2016.
