Valmet unveils wet end analyzer to cut costs in paper production

FINLAND – Helsinki-based Valmet has rolled out its latest Wet End Analyzer, a tool aimed at supporting paper, board, and tissue manufacturers in refining wet end operations. 

The device targets better product quality, steadier processes, and lower operating expenses through expanded monitoring capabilities.

According to Valmet, the analyzer incorporates fresh measurements across additional sampling points to track essential factors for process control. 

It handles continuous online sampling of total fiber and fines consistency, along with ash consistency, from as many as three production lines. 

When paired with the Valmet IQ Quality Control System, these readings help maintain consistent white water properties, even during unexpected disruptions.

The equipment features high-definition camera optics and advanced image processing to deliver granular data on headbox fiber characteristics. 

This allows operators to adjust fiber blend ratios with accuracy and fine-tune retention chemical dosages. 

“Our goal is to give producers clear visibility into variables that directly affect output,” said Valmet’s product manager, emphasizing the device’s role in daily adjustments.

Further enhancements include an oxygen sensor for calibrating biocide levels and a new filtrate sampling method that covers thick stock analysis. 

Valmet reports that these additions enable reductions in water and energy use by promoting uniform sheet formation and efficient chemical application. 

Early adopters in European mills have noted up to 15% drops in variable costs within the first quarter of implementation, based on internal trials.

In parallel developments, Seaman Paper introduced a series of heat-sealable, curbside recyclable paper packs this month, crafted to phase out single-use plastic bags in retail settings.

The lineup works seamlessly with standard form-fill-seal and horizontal flow-wrapper machines from major OEMs. 

Options span translucent, kraft, and opaque varieties, offered in flat sheets or pre-formed heat-sealable tubes. 

A company spokesperson indicated that initial orders from U.S. grocers have already displaced over 500,000 plastic units annually.

Mondi, a key player in sustainable materials, revealed a supply deal with Germany’s Südwestdeutsche Salzwerke for solid board packaging tailored to table salt, pharmaceutical-grade salt, and animal feed varieties. 

The agreement draws from three Mondi facilities to ensure products stay dry, secure, and uncontaminated during transport and storage.

Deliveries began, with projections for 2 million units shipped yearly at an estimated value of US$1.5 million.

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