Extending roll lifecycles through modernizations (webinar)
Jul 6, 2021
The best solutions in the pulp & paper industry come from partnerships and the collaboration between manufacturers and mill personnel. A Valmet webinar presented July 14th, 2021 describes how mills can work with Valmet to address their machine line process needs through targeted new products as part of Valmet's "beta process."
Explain the influence real machine processes have on R&D
Walk you through the beta process using a real example
Explain how beta products influence your roll life cycle management
Discuss some new mechanical modernizations and roll covers
Webinar presenters David Williams and Paul Delicati discuss Valmet's beta process of product development which ensures that customer roll lifecycles are maximized and roll effectiveness is maintained and improved. Valmet R&D relies on close communication and partnering with customers as part of the four-stage process when developing new roll covers and mechanical roll upgrades. Without customer involvement, there can be no true advances in the industry.
Here's an example of the type of material which is covered in the webinar:
The Valmet 4-stage beta process
New product development typically starts with questions from the field, such as, "We are losing the sheet edge at the pickup roll after nine months. The clothing reps are saying it's the roll. What can we do?" After defining the technical and market need, the four steps (or gates) in the beta process are undertaken as follows:
Gate 1: development work completed by R&D
Takes place in Rautpohja
Engineering completed
Manufacturing and operating instructions developed
Gate 2: test roll constructed or covered
Can take place regionally depending on needs
Gate 3: Production roll manufactured
Offered at discounted price with standard warranties
Gate 4: Product launched
Typically takes place after 2-3 years of monitoring field performance of beta covers
Example roll modernization
An example of a roll modernization product which has gone entirely through the 4-stage beta process is the Valmet Suction Roll Upgrade Edge Blow. It is one of a number of products which will be reviewed in the webinar - each product having a problem statement, solutions, benefits and current phase in the development process.
Product definition
Valmet Suction Roll Upgrade Edge Blow
Problem statement
On paper and board machines, if the ribbon from outside the trim squirt cut follows the pickup felt, it causes breaks in one of two mechanisms. It is immediate, as the tail follows the sheet. Or it can take time as the felt edge becomes dirty and eventually the sheet falls off.
Solutions
The edge deckle can be designed with an air fitting that provides a positive pressure on the deckle pushing the ribbon into the couch pit. This keeps the tail and sheet split and the fabric clean.
Benefits
Extends roll life cycle with reduced wet end breaks due to busted edges.
Current phase
Completed the beta phases, released as a product for five+ years.
For more information on roll covers, roll upgrades, and Valmet's beta process, view the webinar and contact your Valmet representative.
