ANDRITZ improves pulp mill performance at Mondi Frantschach, Austria

2021/12/22

International technology group ANDRITZ has successfully improved performance of the pulp mill at Mondi Frantschach by implementing new advanced process controls.

The target was to reduce the variability of Kappa, an indication of the lignin content in the pulp, in order to run the process a step closer to its maximum specification limits. This measure leads to higher production efficiency in the mill because less wood is needed to produce the same amount of pulp.

As part of the optimization project, ANDRITZ Automation commissioned and fine-tuned three advanced process controls (APCs) in Mondi´s continuous cooking process. The controls implemented, including the chip level control for digester and impregnation vessel, the digester H-factor control (kinetic model for the rate of delignification in kraft pulping) and the blow-flow consistency control, were fully developed with Metris X – the distributed control system (DCS) developed by ANDRITZ Automation to simplify operational complexity, lower project risk, and improve plant performance. Metris X is a key application of the Metris UX Platform, a state-of-the-art digitalization platform that enables full functionality and support for industrial plants throughout their entire life cycle.

ANDRITZ’s scope of supply included the analysis of data correlated to Kappa, return of investment (ROI) calculations, an evaluation of the cooking process, instrumentation, and former Kappa control, performing of trials on the actual process, and the commissioning, start-up and fine-tuning of an advanced process control solution for Kappa stabilization.

The solution delivered proved better than the former system in all instances, showing that ANDRITZ Automation is capable of delivering the results promised.

Mondi Frantschach would like to point out that the fruitful working cooperation between the Mondi Frantschach team and ANDRITZ Automation was a key factor in this great achievement of further improving the complex kraft pulping process.

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ANDRITZ GROUP
International technology group ANDRITZ offers a broad portfolio of innovative plants, equipment, systems and services for the pulp and paper industry, the hydropower sector, the metals processing and forming industry, pumps, solid/liquid separation in the municipal and industrial sectors, as well as animal feed and biomass pelleting. Plants for power generation, flue gas cleaning, recycling, and the production of nonwovens and panelboard complete the global product and service offering. Innovative products and services in the industrial digitalization sector are offered under the brand name Metris and help customers to make their plants more user-friendly, efficient and profitable. The publicly listed group has around 26,800 employees and more than 280 locations in over 40 countries.

ANDRITZ AUTOMATION
ANDRITZ Automation covers the entire project life cycle of the plant. Starting with project management, hardware and software development, through installation works, commissioning, and operator training, to maintenance and design work for extensions and improvements. With the Metris technology brand, ANDRITZ Automation offers a wide range of digitization products that customers can use individually and in combinations for their own essential and sustainable benefit. The proprietary Metris UX platform adds significant value to the planning, operation, asset management, maintenance, and optimization of production plants and the associated supply chains. The division has around 2,000 employees and is active in over 100 locations.