UPM-Kymmene Oyj has ordered a Metso DNA Steam Network Manager system for the Kaukas pulp and paper mill in Lappeenranta, Finland. Startup is scheduled for Spring 2014.

Designed to optimize the steam network, DNA Steam Network Manager uses model predictive control to balancing steam consumption and generation to ensure a stable steam supply under all conditions. A special feature of this delivery is the ability of the system to also follow spot prices for electricity and provide set points for electricity production at the most favourable times.

As well as the pulp mill’s recovery boiler, UPM operates a biomass-fired power plant at the Kaukas site together with Kaukaan Voima Oy. In addition to mill energy needs, this plant supplies roughly 85% of all district heating consumed by the city of Lappeenranta.

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According to Teijo Salonpää, Solution Manager at Metso, the Kaukas mill will now have the ability to ensure that energy demands within the mill as well as district heating needs are met while optimizing electricity production.

Fully integrated in the Metso DNA process automation system, the levelling demand calculations are based on steam demand, steam generation and network pressure. The actual measurements are constantly compared to predicted values to control the multiple steam producers and compensators in the mill. Predicted values, driven from detected process upsets enable control actions before any change is seen in feedback controls. This will prove to be extremely effective with the mill’s paper machines, rapidly dumping steam to compensators following a web break or ramping up production in preparation for machine start-up.

The system will also provide significant savings by reducing production time lost to disturbances in the steam network using compensators during periods of high demand. DNA Steam Network Manager constantly calculates compensator capacities to determine the amount of steam they can charge or discharge to meet demand. In addition to dedicated steam accumulators, compensators used by DNA Steam Network Manager can include deaerators/feedwater tanks, balancing or dump condensers, steam reduction stations, boilers, condensing turbines and various other mill sub-processes.

UPM’s Kaukas mill is located on the shore of Lake Saimaa in Lappeenranta in Southeast Finland. In addition to the integrated pulp and paper mill, which produces magazine paper, the Kaukas sawmill and UPM’s research centre are also located at the same site. The pulp mill has two production lines with an annual capacity of 740,000 tonnes of hardwood and softwood pulp.

Metso’s automation solutions are designed to maximize the profitability of our customers’ businesses by improving their production performance and their cost, material and energy efficiency. Our extensive range of flow control and process automation solutions and services is supported by a worldwide network of automation experts. The Automation business’ biggest customer industries are oil & gas, and pulp and paper. We also have a strong growth focus in mining and construction and power generation. www.metso.com, www.twitter.com/metsoautomation

Metso is a leading process performance provider, with customers in the mining, construction, and oil & gas industries. Our focus is on the continuous development of intelligent solutions that improve sustainability and profitability. Metso’s shares are listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. Metso employs around 16,000 professionals in 50 countries. Expect results. www.metso.com, www.twitter.com/metsogroup