Metso Paper Inaugurates Rebuilt Pilot Paper Machine in Finland

Helsinki, Finland, 13 February 2007 -- Metso Paper inaugurated the rebuilt pilot paper machine PM 2 on 13 February 2007, at the Rautpohja Paper Technology Center in Jyväskylä, Finland.

The PM 2 was successfully started up after the rebuild in September 2006. The rebuild investment included a new press section, modernization of the dryer section, and several other improvements throughout the process line. The pilot PM 2 now has a design speed of 3000 m/min.

The rebuilt pilot paper machine features a closed draw press section, designed with a totally new felt change system, with which the felts can be pulled into the press with a new-type of felt insertion equipment. Ergonomics and safety have been raised to a new level with a cross-machine access way and other operator-friendly solutions.

Another new feature is an impingement drying unit, which substantially reduces the number of dryer cylinders. Its drying capacity enables a noticeable speed increase. It is also an excellent tool for quality and runnability control.

In total, Metso Paper has 12 technology centers covering paper, board, tissue making, and all commercial pulping processes. The Rautpohja pilot PM 2 is one of the three pilot paper machines. In addition, Metso Paper has a pilot board machine, two pilot tissue machines, and an extensive range of surface treatment pilot equipment for paper finishing. With these pilot facilities, any kind of raw material can be tested from fiber to print.