Metso Paper-supplied UPM Changshu PM 1 tops the world speed record – set by itself

Published May 2, 2006 13.00.00 +2 GMT

The Metso Paper-supplied PM 1 OptiConcept fine paper machine at UPM's Changshu, China mill has again set a new world speed record for fine paper production. On April 25-26 the 10.4-m-wide (wire) machine was run at 1,654 m/min (5,427 ft/min) for more than 24 hours.

The previous world record was the 1,620 m/min achieved with the very same machine on 10-11 January 2006, less than 8 months after its initial start-up in May 2005.

During the most recent record run the machine produced 70 g/m2 copy paper. "It was normal running without any special adjustments," said Stephen Masterson, PM 1 Unit Director. "Runnability was good and paper quality was well within our specifications," he added.

UPM-Kymmene (Changshu) Paper Industry's PM 1 produces uncoated fine paper in a basis weight range of 60 to 120 g/m2.

The record-breaking Changshu PM 1, which is the world's largest and fastest unit for uncoated fine paper, was started up in May 2005. With a wire width of 10.4 m and a design speed of 2,000 m/min, it can produce 450,000 tonnes of uncoated woodfree paper annually.

In addition to the paper machine, the Metso delivery included air systems and winders. Metso Automation supplied an extensive automation and field systems package to the production line.

Metso is a global engineering and technology corporation with 2005 net sales of approximately EUR 4.2 billion. Its 22 000 employees in more than 50 countries serve customers in the pulp and paper industry, rock and minerals processing, the energy industry and selected other industries. www.metso.com

For further information, please contact: Jari Peuhkuri Senior Paper Technology Manager Paper and Board Business Line Tel. +358 40 580 2362, +86 1350 623 7136 E-mail: jari.peuhkuri@metso.com