Vacuum system rebuild with Runtech EP Turbo Blower started up at Smurfit Kappa Ania

With RunDry system including save-alls, doctors and EcoFlow multi dewatering measurement system installed in 2018, Ania PM2 reached higher dryness after the press and was able to increase machine speed. Installation of the EP Turbo Blower further optimizes the dewatering process and decreases the energy usage by almost 50%. Mill is also able to close the water ring supply, as EP Turbo Blowers operate without water.

 “This rebuild is a succession of our great cooperation. It took PM2 to a world-class level in vacuum-system-specific energy consumption (SEC). 15 kWh/t is a good target for all brown paper producers,” says Mario Battiston, Sales Manager, Runtech Systems.

EP500 series Turbo Blowers are two-stage blowers optimal for places where higher vacuum levels are required or for the paper mills which are located in higher elevation. It is suitable for both greenfield and retrofit installations. EP Turbo Blowers are always variable speed and capacity, which allows the vacuum system to be optimized quickly without bleed air and with minimal throttling and expansion losses. Compact construction makes the installation fast and easy. 

Smurfit Kappa is one of the leading providers of paper-based packaging in the world, with operations in 23 European countries and 12 countries in the Americas. Smurfit Kappa Ania mill produces annually over 220,000 tons of testliner and recycled fluting on their two machines in Ponte all’Ania, Lucca, Italy. 

Installation place in the mill was very challenging due to space, but EP Turbo Blower unit is very compact and easy to install. EP Turbo Blower was photographed during warm-up runs with (from the right) Project Manager Stefano Coli and Managing Director Massimiliano Listi, Smurfit Kappa Ania, with Ville Mattsson, Managing Director, and Mario Battiston, Sales Manager, Runtech Systems.