To maximize the machine performance over its life cycle, the mill needs products and services that can identify areas of improvement and convert these potential to profit. Improving processes and controls is a cheap and quick way to raise paper-making efficiencies and paper machine performance, and has a significant impact on the bottom line.
Pulp and Papermaking by its nature is a very dynamic process. The tough process and harsh conditions in the mill environment both contribute to the rapid deterioration of pulp and paper machines and decline in instrumentation and control of machine variations. As a result, profitability can suffer severely due to variability in pulp and paper properties, low machine performance and high costs.
ABB has developed tools and expertise to analyze and identify bottlenecks, and support performance improvements using advanced techniques. The first step determines the status and availability of the machine. The next step involves marking out the areas for improvement in both short and long term, and also identifying specific actions to produce immediate benefits and savings with the least efforts. It usually entails replacing, modifying and optimizing instrumentation and controls.
Process & Control Optimization requires no capital expenditure, and produces quick benefits and returns on investment. ABB has implemented many optimization projects which helped plants to increase their productivity from 2% to 10%. Other concurrent benefits include quality improvements and raw material and energy savings. The payback on the investment is typically from few weeks to few months.