Screen rebuilds increase production.

SCREEN REBUILDS INCREASE PRODUCTION. Voith Paper, Heidenheim, Germany explained that by modifying two older type Finckh screens from centripetal to centrifugal operation at Metsa Tissue Raubach, Germany, the mill achieved an increase in production by 20%, to approximately 85 metric air dried tons per day over a basis weight range of 15.2 to 17.1 g/[m.sup.2]. The rebuild also improved screening efficiency and reduced specific energy. Both screens operate in parallel as first stage screening in the approach flow system ahead of the PM 3 headbox. A new, second screening stage ensures continuous, economic reject discharge with minimum fiber losses. The rebuild required no foundation work, but called for the exchange of the rotors and screen baskets as well as some piping adaptation work, and was completed during a minor scheduled shutdown.

IN OTHER VOITH NEWS:

* Voith Paper Automation signed an OEM agreement with Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA to extend all automation components from Voith Paper Automation to the Rockwell "Integrated Architecture Platform." This platform will predominantly be used for Voith's paper machines and process solutions in the U.S.

* The Zhuhai Hongta Renheng Paper Co. Ltd., Zhuhai, China, has placed an order with Voith Paper for the rebuild of Board Machine Number 2. The order will be handled together with Voith's Chinese branch office in Shanghai and the Voith Paper manufacturing facility in Liaoyang. Machine speed will be increased from 430 meters/min to 600 meters/min. The primary goal of Zhuhai Paper's investment is to increase product quality. Board Machine 2 has a wire width of 4800 mm. It produces 170 to 400 gsm folding boxboard.