In 2022, full-line supplier Voith successfully commissioned a Compact Dispersion System in the stock preparation of PM 70 at Saica Paper in Nogent-sur-Seine followed in 2023 by a Compact Dispersion System for stock preparation on PM 60 at Saica Paper’s Champblain site in Laveyron. Saica Paper, a leading manufacturer of paper and cardboard packaging in Europe, has expressed high satisfaction with the modern technologies that optimize its production processes and increase product quality.
The Compact Dispersion System is said to have reliable and high dewatering performance, fast and efficient steam heating, and outstanding technology. The system offers reliable operation with only three machines, according to Voith. Compared to competitive solutions, the fewer number of machines reduces space requirements by up to 35 percent. At the same time, the reduced complexity simplifies system handling and increases availability, according to the press release. In addition, energy savings of up to 10 percent are said to be achieved.
“The implementation of Voith’s Compact Dispersion Systems has enabled us to significantly improve the strength of our paper products while reducing the use of starch on the paper machine,” explains Susana Fernández-Carrión, stock preparation plants manager at Saica. “At the Nogent-sur-Seine site in particular, the consistent use of the Compact Dispersion System has enabled us to adopt higher-quality paper grades within our group.”
The new systems, consisting of an InfiltraScrewpress (ISP) screw press, a SpeedHeater, and an InfibraDisp (IFD) disperser, were commissioned in May 2022 (Nogent-sur-Seine) and January 2023 (Champblain Laveyron). They have provided Saica with improved strength of the end product and reduced starch consumption, with the added bonus of lowering the organic load at the wastewater treatment plant.
“The results are impressive and demonstrate how effective our solutions are. Particularly noteworthy is the automatic zero-point detection, which further improves the reliability of our systems,” emphasizes Anne Marchand, global product manager dispersion at Voith Paper. “The successful cooperation with Saica in all phases of the project was a key factor in this success.”
The long-standing partnership between Saica Paper and Voith is further strengthened by these successful projects. Both companies are optimistic about the future and see great potential in the application of dispersion technology for brown packaging papers, despite the higher energy consumption.
With these new facilities, Saica Paper continues to set standards in the paper industry and demonstrates that innovative technologies and trusting partnerships are the key to sustainable success.
The adoption of Voith’s system by Saica suggests a larger trend in the industry toward more modular, space-saving equipment. I’d be interested in learning about the operational results after a few months of use.