Papierfabrik August Koehler SE Trusts Voith With The Upgrade Of Its PM 5

• SpeedSizer AT improves competitiveness and increases flexibility
• Fewer downtimes and web breaks
• Contactless high-performance qDryPro Compact dryer increases efficiency
• Upgrade to pave the way for future speed increase and second expansion phase

Papierfabrik August Koehler SE has engaged Voith to comprehensively modernize the PM 5 paper machine at its main paper mill in Oberkirch. This vote of confidence in Voith is further evidence of the long-standing successful business relationship between the two companies.

Voith worked with Koehler to develop a customized concept for the PM 5 that improves competitiveness and increases flexibility. Downtimes and web breaks will be reduced and efficiency increased. The upgrade with high-tech components will allow paper coated on both sides to be produced in a larger operating window in future. The paper machine is also being prepared for a speed increase in a possible second expansion phase. To achieve these ambitious project goals and improve the customer’s competitiveness, Voith’s upgrade incorporates the applicator unit SpeedSizer AT, which is ideal for fast running paper machines, the energy efficient, contactless high-performance dryer qDryPro Compact, and the PrevoSystem for short and reliable threading. For the pulpers in the press and reeling section, new pulping units are to be installed for even more effective pulping of the broke.

SpeedSizer AT: Optimum film application at all times
SpeedSizer AT enables uniform, flawless application of sizing and coating films and improves paper qualities, penetration and surface coverage. The carbon fiber support beam is dimensionally stable regardless of external temperature fluctuations. It maintains maximum straightness and allows uniform film application over the entire operating period. The doctor rod holder used will be the patented modular system SpeedRod M, in which doctor rod, doctor bed, pressure hose and clamp hose are integrated in one component. Any type and diameter of doctor rod can be selected without necessitating laborious machine adjustments. Because individual components can be replaced, malfunctions can be fixed quickly and easily, downtimes reduced and production losses minimized. The SpeedSizer AT has already proven effective in more than 300 customer installations.

qDryPro Compact: Energy efficient, contactless high-performance drying
The qDryPro Compact is a high-performance dryer for paper and board grades with single or double-sided coating. There is usually very little space available for paper machine upgrades. This is why the air system of the qDryPro Compact was designed to be especially space-saving. The air circulation fan is integrated into the dryer. The combination of infrared and hot air drying is extremely energy efficient, because it uses only the waste heat from the infrared heaters to heat the air hood.

PrevoSystem: Reliable and short threading processes
Voith’s scope of supply also features the Prevo threading and cutting system including the PrevoThread C vacuum threading belt and a PrevoCut DTC double tail cutter. Because an inefficient threading process can stop production for up to an hour for every web break and restart, Voith developed the fully automated PrevoSystem, which ensures reliable threading processes and short threading times. It reduces production losses after every web break and increases productivity. 1,000 Prevo solutions installed worldwide testify to its benefits.