After a successful project realized in 2024, Ircon-Solaronics was selected by the Sappi group to improve the coat drying on an off-line coater in their mill in Carmignano di Brenta (Italy).
Many targets for this project have been asked by the group:
- Improving the overall efficiency of the drying equipment by reducing gas consumption
- Improving the way of drying the specialty papers produced on this machine
- Better controlling the web temperature along the machine
- Increasing the productivity for same paper grades
For this project, Ircon-Solaronics:
- Installed the GemDryer technology: The GemDryer systems allow a fast and efficiency web temperature increase up to the gel point while controlling permanently the web temperature
- Installed efficient emitters: The new Ircon-Solaronics Gem12-Hi emitters are the most efficient high intensity emitters on the market which results in a lower gas consumption
- Energy Recovery:because of the drying strategy change, the existing hot air dryers have been reused and fed only with the hot air evacuated from the GemDryer system (this hot air is reused as energy source).
- Web temperature control: optical pyrometers have been installed in different machine locations in order to optimize the drying and paper quality.
Results Obtained:
- Gas savings: -25%
- Drying quality improved
This kind of project has generally a short return-on-investment. Ircon-Solaronics is pleased to participate in this project which confirms its position as technology leader in optimizing the drying after coating stations.
About Sappi: Sappi Europe is a leading the way in the production of woodfibre based products and biobased solutions including packaging, graphic, label and speciality papers. With 8 mill operations and 12 sales offices across Europe we offer our customers unparalleled service.
About Carmignano mill: Carmignano Mill is a non-integrated plant whose origins stretch back 150 years. The mill has two paper machines and also features an off-line coating capability and converting centre. With a long tradition of specialty paper production, the plant employs 255 workers and produces up to 100,000 tons of paper per year.
About Ircon-Solaronics: Ircon Drying Systems AB (Sweden) and Solaronics SAS (France) have joined forces and operate under the brand name Ircon-Solaronics as of summer 2018. The non-contact drying solutions are based on gas or electrical infrared and air drying / heating technology and have served the paper and board industry since more than 50 years.