The world’s first Advantage NTT tissue line has been successfully started up at Fabrica De Papel San Francisco in Mexico.
Supplied by Valmet, the new line is the tissue manufacturer’s third tissue machine supplied by Metso’s Pulp, Paper and Power business.
It is operating at high speed producing premium quality tissue with high bulk and softness.
The scope of supply comprised a complete 2.6-m-wide Advantage NTT tissue machine equipped with an OptiFlo II TIS headbox, a Metso Yankee cylinder, an Advantage AirCap yankee hood, sheet control, tail threading equipment, an Advantage WetDust dust management system and an Advantage SoftReel reel.
The new tissue line will add another 30,000tpy of bathroom tissue, napkin and towel grades to the company’s existing production.
Dario Palma y Meza Espinoza, director of operations at Fabrica de Papel San Francisco, said: “We strongly believe that this flexible concept will change the way tissue will be produced in the future.”
He added that so far, the company has tested a large number of different grades and basis weights in both plain and textured mode, all with good result.
“We have actually set some production records with the new NTT concept,” he said.
Jan Erikson, vice president, sales, Pulp, Paper and Power, Metso, said: “Our Advantage NTT concept gives a new more flexible option for producing premium quality tissue using less energy and fibre compared to traditional technology.
“We are very satisfied with our first start-up, efficiency and the quality of the products. This is a great milestone in our company’s history.”
The Advantage NTT concept is Metso’s technology for producing premium quality textured tissue with high bulk and softness using less energy and fibre. The company said its unique flexibility makes it possible to easily switch from production of conventional to textured tissue.
Fabrica De Papel San Francisco already operates two Advantage DCT tissue machines at its Mexicali facility, one of which started up in 2006 and the other in 2009.
The company’s PM4 set a then world speed record of 2,160m/min in 2009 and its PM5 achieved a record-breaking rapid start-up in 2009, reaching a production speed of 2,100m/min only 12 days after start-up.
Fabrica de Papel San Francisco now operates five tissue production lines and converting facilities delivering tissue products for the Mexican and US market.
