Vacon is supplying approximately 180 AC drives to a project carried out by Vaasa Engineering (VEO) at the Kama paper mill in Krasnokamsk, in the Perm region of Russia. The drives are part of an extensive modernization project in which a newsprint paper machine is being converted for production of light weight coated paper.

"Regulating the speed and torque of the rolls on a paper production line is one of the most important processes at a paper mill for ensuring the quality of the paper," says Heikki Hiltunen, executive vice president of Vacon.

The Kama paper mill is part of the InvestLesProm Group, one of the largest paper and pulp companies in Russia. The main contractor for the modernization project for the Kama paper machine is Vaahto Pulp and Paper Machinery. The automation and electrification system as a whole is being supplied by Honeywell Oy.

"The AC drives provide step-less control of the rotation speed of the electric motors on the papermaking line at the Kama paper mill," Hiltunen says. " Step-less, precise control and reliable machinery considerably improve the quality of paper production and boost process efficiency. Vacon's AC drives are very effective solutions for controlling the systems of the paper and pulp industry and other heavy industry. Our product selection ranges from small independent drives to complex sectional drive applications."

Vaasa-based VEO is responsible for delivery of the sectional drives and the extensive renewal of the electrical systems for the paper machine. Vacon is supplying VEO's project with 7.5-400 kW AC drives for the sectional drives.Vacon is also supplying AC drives for VEO's motor control centers for pump and fan applications.

"The Kama paper machine project is an outstanding example of the ability of VEO to provide demanding electrification and sectional drive projects to customers," says Kari Aho, business unit manager at VEO. "VEO is known as a reliable and skilled partner in supplying turnkey electrification projects for the paper, metal and chemical industries."