Metso Automation’s Advanced Quality Control (AQC) for CD refiners has been enhanced with the addition of FPInnovation’s knowledge of refiner physics developed in its Paprican division. Designed to provide energy savings and reduce overall operating costs, while maintaining product quality and increasing throughput, the new controls utilize the extra flexibility of fiber treatment possible with conical disk refiners.

Collaboration between Metso Automation and FPInnovations, Paprican Division, began in early 2006 with the start of a partnership aimed to further the development of advanced refiner control technology. With the addition of Paprican’s expertise, the Metso AQC system facilitates faster start-ups and more stable quality from the improved understanding of interactions in the CD refiner.

The first delivery to Canadian newsprint mill Papier Masson, a division of White Birch Paper, has been very successful. Refiner control is key to both quality and production efficiency. The control developed between Paprican and Metso Automation now permits refiner operation within a well defined “sweet spot” for desired quality at all production rates. Using a combination of measurements, soft-sensors and Paprican refiner physics, Metso’s AQC control provides Papier Masson with faster start-ups, more even quality and energy savings.

Paprican is the Canadian research institute for the pulp and paper industry. During 2007, a merger took place with the institutes Forintec and Feric, active in wood products and forestry. The new group operates under the name, FPInnovations.

Courtesy of Metso