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03
'23
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Andritz News
ANDRITZ TO UPGRADE COMPLETE PULPING LINE FOR SOUTH AFRICA’S LARGEST PAPER PACKAGING PRODUCER
ANDRITZ has received an order from Mpact Operations (Pty) Ltd. to upgrade a pulping line at its Mkhondo Paper Mill in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
ANDRITZ will upgrade the entire neutral sulphite semi-chemical pulping (NSSC) line, which processes eucalyptus and pine to provide fluting and liner board for the production of containerboard. The comprehensive ANDRITZ solution comprises key equipment for the wood processing, cooking, washing and refining sections to increase the line’s capacity from 225 bdmt/d to 365 bdmt/d and at the same time enhance product quality.
- A new chipping line will provide excellent chip size distribution to secure a homogenous cooking result with minimal amounts of fines for improved material efficiency.
- The conversion of the cooking system will maximize fibre quality and pulp cleanliness.
- The use of clean condensate to generate fresh steam for chip pre-steaming will provide clear environmental benefits in terms of fresh-water usage and primary steam utilization.
- Excellent washing results with the new generation Compact Press technology will lead to high humidity resistance of the product.
- ANDRITZ TwinFlo Prime refiners will optimize the fibre quality prior to washing and thus the product quality. Using water-lubricated bearing technology, the latest LC refiner innovation allows a more environmentally friendly operation.
- ANDRITZ PrimeFilter D will ensure superior preparation of clear and super clear filtrate.
- ANDRITZ will also provide supervision over the erection, commissioning, and start-up as well as the training of the operating personnel. The start-up of the upgraded line is scheduled for the first half of 2025.
The upgrade to the pulping line is part of the bigger mill upgrade project where Mpact announced in December 2022 the approval of a R1.2 billion (~ EUR 60 million) capital investment project at its Mkhondo Paper Mill. It forms part of Mpact’s portfolio optimization and strategically positions the mill to meet the increasing demand for quality, sustainable, fresh produce packaging solutions driven by robust South African export fruit sector growth.
