Voith launches CellPress roll cover to boost pulp industry efficiency

GERMANY – Voith has introduced CellPress, a new roll cover designed to withstand the extreme chemical and thermal conditions of pulp dewatering machines.

The solution targets one of the pulp industry’s persistent challenges: the early wear and tear of roll covers caused by exposure to aggressive chemicals and high heat.

Developed for chemical pulp applications, CellPress has demonstrated significant improvements in performance, with mills reporting lower susceptibility to contamination, higher wear resistance, and extended service life. These gains translate directly into reduced downtime and measurable operating cost savings.

The durability of CellPress lies in its robust material properties. Its low water absorption minimizes swelling and deformation, while its resistance to reactive substances, such as oxygen, ozone, chlorinated compounds, sodium hydrogen sulfide, and methanol, slows down material-related aging.

This stability helps mills maintain consistent hardness and dewatering performance over extended periods.

In addition, the cover’s ability to withstand temperatures of up to 140°C makes it suitable for positions exposed to heavy thermal loads, such as those near steam boxes.

Early field applications have shown tangible benefits. At a South American pulp mill, a lump breaker cover with CellPress remained in excellent condition after 15 months of continuous use, allowing it to be reground and reused.

The result was an annual saving of about US$30,000 for the operator. Similarly, at a European twin wire press, fabric life increased from 180 to 260 days, even under heavily loaded operating conditions.

The pulp and paper sector is under increasing pressure to optimize efficiency while advancing sustainability.

Roll cover failures can lead to costly downtime, material waste, and higher energy use. Solutions like CellPress not only extend the lifecycle of critical components but also reduce replacement frequency and waste generation, supporting mills’ environmental targets.

The launch also coincides with a global rise in demand for pulp and paper, particularly in packaging markets driven by e-commerce and consumer preferences for sustainable alternatives to plastics.

According to industry data, the global pulp market is projected to grow steadily through 2030, spurring investments in equipment designed for durability and cost efficiency.

By pairing material innovation with proven field performance, Voith positions CellPress as a strategic tool for mills navigating both competitive pressures and the sustainability transition.

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