A new large volume chip storing system delivered by Valmet has improved the chip feeding into the cooking plant at The Navigator Company's pulp mill located in Figueira da Foz, Portugal.

Wood Pulp

Valmet delivers new large volume chip storing system for The Navigator Company's pulp mill in Portugal

A new large volume chip storing system delivered by Valmet has improved the chip feeding into the cooking plant at The Navigator Company's pulp mill located in Figueira da Foz, Portugal. It is the first chip storing system of GentleStore type that Valmet delivers to Portugal and replaced an existing, high energy consumption, pneumatic conveying system. The storage volume is near to 180,000 cubic metres, as the company says in the press release received by Lesprom Network.


The new heavy-duty chip storing system is designed to withstand the wind conditions in the coastal area of Atlantic Ocean. It operates on the first-in first-out principle allowing to use 360° circle. The chips are reclaimed gently from the whole cross section of the pile, which ensures excellent blending and homogenization of the chips. It has several features that grants low operation and maintenance costs. The fully automatic storing system including conveyors is integrated with the existing woodyard.

Having an automated system will improve the chip quality and safety, as no bulldozers or front-loaders are used. Less traffic together with minimized chip damage, dust and noise generation will enhance the woodyard operation up to date. The system has been running very well since the start up in May 2017.

The Navigator Company is Portugal's third largest exporter of goods. It is the leading European and fourth largest global manufacturer of uncoated woodfree (UWF) printing and writing paper.

Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries.