Optimized for high efficiency and low consumption

With a width of 11.15 meters and an annual production of 550,000 tonnes, PM 1 is completely Valmet-supplied. This encompasses stock preparation, a paper machine, a parent roll handling system, two winders, a full set of automation systems, and automatic flow control at key sections. PM 1 uses fresh pulp as the raw material to produce high-grade fine paper. The fresh pulp is actually sourced from the Beihai mill’s chemical pulp line, which is also supplied by Valmet. This makes the Sun Paper Beihai mill one of the industry’s leading models featuring a pulp and paper integration strategy.

The PM 1 team from the Guangxi Sun Paper Co., Ltd. Beihai mill with Valmet’s technical team standing in front of PM 1.

A new speed record for Sun Paper

In July 2024, PM 1’s running speed exceeded 1,700 meters per minute, setting a new record for Sun Paper’s fine paper machines’ fastest operating speed. This is proof of Sun Paper’s efficient operation and lean management practice. It is also a result of Valmet’s advanced technologies and the seamless cooperation between the two companies.

“From addressing legacy issues to providing equipment optimization services, the Valmet team has demonstrated exceptional professionalism and service. Sun Paper and Valmet worked in unison and focused on continuous improvement and optimization, having enabled the paper machine to steadily achieve high-speed and efficient production,” says Li Guangdong, Production Director of PM 1 at Guangxi Sun Paper Co., Ltd, Beihai Mill.

Han Lu (on the left), Production Supervisor of PM 1 at Guangxi Sun Paper Co., Ltd. Beihai Mill.

Dong Jiyu (on the right), Deputy Production Director of PM 1 at Guangxi Sun Paper Co., Ltd. Beihai Mill.

Low-consumption and high-efficiency

As one of the widest and fastest high-capacity fine paper machines in China, PM 1 requires high operating precision and strict quality standards. “At a high operating speed of 1,700 meters per minute, this paper machine offers great time efficiency and few paper breaks. And the paper produced with fresh pulp shows very stable quality,” says Dong Jiyu, Deputy Production Director of PM 1 at Guangxi Sun Paper Co., Ltd. Beihai Mill.

The paper is produced with fresh pulp and it shows very stable quality.

The machine also boasts an energy and water consumption below the industry average. “PM 1 has currently achieved an electricity consumption of less than 480 kWh per tonne of paper, a steam consumption of less than 1.3 tonnes per tonne of paper, and a water consumption of less than five m³ per tonne of paper,” notes Han Lu, Production Supervisor of PM 1 at Guangxi Sun Paper Co., Ltd. Beihai Mill

Li Guangdong, Production Director of PM 1 at Guangxi Sun Paper Co., Ltd. Beihai Mill.

“Feeding a paper machine with a high proportion of fresh pulp is always a challenge for operating efficiency, mainly because of the fluctuating nature of fresh pulp,” says Valmet’s Project Director, Hannu Korhonen. PM 1 benefits from Valmet’s integrated chemical pulp line and paper machine production line supply, and both parties discussed how to better control the variability brought by fresh pulp. This enabled PM 1 to perform with outstanding operating efficiency and produce high-quality products.

Key Valmet technologies

PM 1 produces a wide range of fine paper products, including copy paper, wood-free offset paper and high-brightness offset paper. These products are characterized by stable cross-machine-direction (CD) formation, high bulk, a smooth surface, a low rate of shrinkage and stretch, and good printability and color reproduction, which have earned Sun Paper a good market reputation. The excellent product quality ensures Sun Paper’s products continue to lead the industry.

Valmet supplies everything the Sun Paper Beihai mill needs, also providing efficient internal collaboration in process technologies, services, and automation. This greatly enhances the Beihai mill’s goal of producing high-quality paper with fresh pulp efficiently, safely, and stably.

Shi Xiuyong, Technical Manager of PM 1 at Guangxi Sun Paper Co., Ltd. Beihai Mill.

Li Guangdong proudly states that thanks to Valmet’s leading technology, including the conical refiner, the OptiFlo Gap headbox provides precise cross-machine-direction (CD) control, high uniformity, and stable consistency, and the OptiCalender Hard calender ensures the machine produces uniform CD paper web thickness and end products with high smoothness and a fine surface finish. He also points out that every customer has reported excellent printing adaptability.

“The Valmet Hirun System is a key component of ensuring stable high-speed operation, and it plays a crucial role in continuously increasing machine speed,” Shi Xiuyong, Technical Manager of PM 1 at Guangxi Sun Paper Co., Ltd. Beihai Mill adds.

PM 1 paper making line at Guangxi Sun Paper Co., Ltd. Beihai mill.

Dong Jiyu notes that the paper machine’s key technologies not only ensure high stability and easy operation, but also prioritize personnel safety at all times.

“Valmet’s Conical Refiner Conflo units, OptiFormer Gap forming section, and OptiPress Linear press section are indispensable,” Han Lu says. “Valmet’s Conical Refiner Conflo units have been widely applied in different Sun Paper production mills, with more than 160 units installed. PM 1 also includes Valmet’s tail threading solution, which keeps threading time in the dry end short, and two OptiWin Drum two-drum winders that greatly reduce changeover time.”

Looking forward to working together

Driven by innovation and focusing on technology and efficiency, Sun Paper is dedicated to realizing pulp and paper integration and achieving low-carbon production. The efficient operation of PM 1 at the Beihai mill is a successful example of their pulp and paper integration strategy. Valmet will continue to support Sun Paper with strategic cooperation, further enhancing the market’s recognition of Sun Paper for outstanding product quality. 

Text Dana Zhu

PHOTOS Jun Lu