Fripa Sets Speed, Production Records with TissueFlex V3

Papierfabrik Albert Fripa, Miltenberg, Germany, reports that its PM 6 tissue machine has achieved record production by maintaining a constant speed of 2,025 m/min for more than 60 days. The highest level of nip dewatering under the shortest dwell time in the press zone was provided by Voith's TissueFlex V3 press felt, in use for more than 100 days throughout the entire record production run. The consistent performance of the machine was supported by the cleaning combination of the DuoCleaner Express and TissueForm V Crescent-Former fabric. Together these benefits resulted in additional production of more than 5 metric tpd at such a low level of energy consumption that energy-wise there was an opportunity to further increase machine speed.

The successful production run started on October 19, 2010, with a normal startup performance curve. As the machine data showed low energy usage, regular profiles, and good sheet properties, it was decided to increase the speed to 1,950 m/min, and then to 2,025 m/min. This speed was maintained until the TissueFlex V3 reached the end of its planned life on February 01, 2011.

Fripa is a family company in Germany with 375 employees. Its product range includes toilet tissue, kitchen towel from virgin fiber, and hand towel based on recycled fiber. This was the first time in nearly three years that the machine had been able to run at its maximum operating speed over a long period of time.

TAPPI
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