Since autumn 2012, SAPPI Maastricht has been using the energy-efficient Voith qDry Pro concept for non-contact drying. Peter Pijpers, Manager of Process Technology and Engineering at Sappi Maastricht, is delighted with the increase of energy efficiency: "Almost directly after start-up, the savings were visible, and after only a few weeks, the savings exceeded our expectations." The gas savings amount to approx. 50%.

To avoid deposits on the turning rolls after the last applicator unit and hence color defects on the paper, the turning rolls were replaced with an HCB-Turn. The HCB-Turn allows contactless web turning, while ensuring energy-efficient hot air drying of the coated web at the same time. Broke has been reduced thanks to this rebuild. Moreover, the HCB-Turn allows higher final moisture while maintaining coating quality.

At the same time, the energy savings mentioned above were made possible by the qDry Pro concept, a combination of the HCB-Turn with the existing Voith InfraAir infrared dryers: The infrared dryers were modified and thermically connected to the HCB dryer. Thus, the HCB-Turn is now heated completely by the waste heat of the infrared dryers.

SAPPI is a world-leading producer of high-quality fine papers. In Europe, SAPPI Fine Paper Europe has a production capacity of 3.7 mio. t of fine paper and 1.1 mio. t of pulp per year. The PM 6 of SAPPI Maastricht, Netherlands, produces woodfree coated paper and board in a basis weight range of 180–400 g/m². The working width of PM 6 is 4,300 mm; its operating speed is 850 m/min.

Further information is available on the Voith website at www.voith.com/paper . Voith Paper is also on Twitter and YouTube

Voith Paper is a division of the Voith Group and the leading partner to and pioneer in the paper industry. Through constant innovations, Voith Paper is optimizing the paper manufacturing process, focusing on developing resource-saving products to reduce the use of energy, water, and fibers. Furthermore, Voith Paper offers a broad service portfolio for all sections of the paper manufacturing process.

Voith sets standards in the markets energy, oil & gas, paper, raw materials and transportation & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith employs almost 42,000 people, generates € 5.7 billion in sales, operates in about 50 countries around the world and is today one of the biggest family-owned companies in Europe.