Feb 19, 2024
In 2022, Valmet launched an ambitious R&D program and ecosystem called Beyond Circularity. 'Resource-efficient industries' is one of its seven streams. It aims to develop solutions for maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste.
“Maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste are vital circularity targets and are crucial for our customers. These topics have long been on Valmet’s agenda, so it was natural to include them in the Beyond Circularity program,” says Sampo Immonen, leader of the stream and Director, Line R&D in Valmet’s Paper business line.
“We’re innovating and developing new technologies to find more energy-efficient solutions for our customers. We’re also developing solutions to close material loops and to utilize the low-energy heat lost in industrial processes to enhance material and water efficiency, and to use materials with a high energy content as energy storage in the industry as a part of smart electricity networks. We’re also developing sustainable new solutions for machine components,” Immonen says.
All these topics are strongly linked to Valmet’s Climate program – Forward to a carbon-neutral future and support its ambitious targets.
Research and development work is undertaken in five sub-streams:
“Today, collaboration is even more important in product development, as we need quick solutions for the complex challenges we face. I believe the program will give a good boost to our research and development work,” says Immonen.
The stream has five ecosystem projects, which have received funding from Business Finland and the EU:
The POWER Beyond co-research project is seeking innovations and applications for frictionless aerostatic bearings, aerostatic sealing and improved vibration control. Working with Aalto University and other industrial partners, we are especially looking for ways of making paper machine rolls more energy efficient.
“A paper machine roll traditionally features oil-lubricated pads for deflection compensation, a method that requires energy because of pumping and friction. We’re exploring opportunities to replace these hydrodynamic bearings with frictionless aerostatic seal units and loading shoes that adapt to the roll’s surface and movement,” says Valmet’s Technology Manager Jyrki Huovila.
If it proves feasible, the project may result in aerostatic applications with a wide industrial appeal. Such aerostatic bearings would allow looser tolerances and would be cheaper to produce.
Another key research area is improved vibration control, which could enable higher drive speed ranges and more efficient machinery within various industries. Valmet is especially interested in improving the vibration stability of paper machine winders through active hydraulics.
The project began in 2022 and will continue into 2025. The research has already produced promising breakthroughs, and the first proof of concept with test equipment was successful in a laboratory setting.
Read more about the project.
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