Preparations for the start-up of Metsä Fibre’s next-generation bioproduct mill are currently under way in Äänekoski, Finland. Start-up is scheduled for late summer. In 2015 Metso was selected as the main supplier of the bioproduct mill’s valve solutions. Metsä Fibre and Metso have worked in close collaboration to select the technically and economically optimal valve solutions to keep all the mill’s processes operating reliably. Metso has supplied the customer with about 3,000 valves and related devices and has also signed agreements on comprehensive maintenance and spare parts services. The total order is one of Metso’s largest valve orders in Finland.
Metso has supplied the new mill with Neles® ball valves, segment and butterfly valves for on-off and control applications and Neldisc® butterfly valves for manual on-off duty. The control valves are equipped with Neles® ND9000 series valve controllers, which have the capability for advanced performance follow-up and also enable predictive maintenance planning activities.
Metso is also ensuring the correct timing of future maintenance needs of the mill’s valve installations by utilizing digital valve controller properties and product information management.