ABB has been selected as a project partner for the installation of the world’s widest uncoated machine-glazed (MG) paper machine at Gascogne Papier’s kraft pulp and paper production plant in Mimizan, France.
Replacing three older machines, the facility’s PM7 will be fully integrated and standardized using the ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control system (DCS), the ABB Quality Control System (QCS) for pulp and paper, drives and motors. Advanced QCS controls will enable automatic grade changes and multivariable cross-direction. The full scope of supply includes 8000 I/O, ACS880 multi-drives and ABB’s energy-efficient SynRM IE5 motors. The package will help Gascogne Papier save on energy costs while simultaneously reducing waste by making more on-spec paper.
ABB’s technologies will be used on the new paper machine that has a web width of 6.8 meters and a design speed of 1,300 meters per minute. It will be capable of producing 125,000 tons per annum of basis weight paper between 25 and 120 grams per square meter, setting a new industry benchmark for uncoated MG papers.
ABB began deliveries early in 2023, with QCS and drives deliveries to Gascogne planned for 2024, along with commissioning of the machine.
