(Helsinki, Finland, Sept. 19, 2016) Tembec’s specialty dissolving pulp mill in Tartas, France, has ordered a Valmet IQ quality control system (QCS) and an expansion of its existing Valmet DNA distributed control system (DCS) for its pulp dryer. By complementing its current control system with this investment, the mill is targeting to improve process stability and reduce lost time during transition phases such as start-ups, breaks and speed changes. Start-up of the new QCS is scheduled for October 2016.
The order was included in Valmet’s second quarter 2016 orders received. Typically the order value of this kind of automation system deliveries is below EUR one million.
“We decided to change our DCS and QCS according to our obsolescence management plan. The choice was done between our existing supplier and Valmet. We chose Valmet because of better reactivity and potential quality benefits,” says Ludovic Berdinel, Project Department Director at Tembec Tartas SAS.
“The mill was convinced about our capability to improve their pulp dryer performance through our automation solution and process skills,” says Boris Hosteins, Sales Manager, France & North Africa, Automation, Valmet.
Replacing an obsolete third-party QCS, Valmet’s delivery includes a Valmet IQ scanner with basis weight and moisture sensors, machine-direction controls and reporting. Valmet IQ is a comprehensive quality monitoring and control system. The solution combines all of the key elements of a QCS system from measurements, controls and profilers to condition monitoring and machine vision into one scalable system. Guaranteed compatibility between different generation Valmet products helps to future-proof investments and maximizes the effectiveness of existing equipment.
Valmet will also expand the mill’s Valmet DNA distributed control system that has controlled the pulp dryer processes for the past four years. The delivery includes additional 650 I/Os to replace outdated programmable logic controllers.
Tembec Tartas SAS is the leader in production of specialty cellulose used in consumer-oriented industries such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, packaged foods and construction. (Source: press release)
Pictured Above: Valmet IQ quality control system (QCS) (courtesy Valmet)