Revamping projects are often challenging due to tight schedules and heavy workloads, and this one was no exception. To align with UPM's production schedule, ABB’s Pulp and Paper team in China conducted a site audit in September 2023 and swiftly determined the optimal system configuration. Throughout the project, engineers from both UPM and ABB collaborated closely, overcoming obstacles such as high temperatures, noise, and a complex working environment. Their efforts paid off when WN2 successfully started up on January 18, 2024, as planned. 

Following the startup, UPM faced new challenges related to the stable operation of the rewinder due to significant changes in paper types, including variations in grammage, tensile strength, and elasticity. To address these issues, ABB and UPM teams worked together to continuously adjust control parameters and optimize the drive system, utilizing the advanced Direct Torque Control (DTC) technology of the ACS880. As a result, the rewinder has now achieved the high-speed production standards required for all paper types produced on the paper machine.

The upgrade of UPM’s PM2 WN2 drives system has boosted production efficiency and enabled the mill to achieve substantial energy savings, and together UPM and ABB will continue to collaborate on more efficient and sustainable solutions.

This project exemplifies ABB’s commitment to helping its customers optimize operations and drive high-quality development for China’s pulp and paper mills. By providing energy-efficient automation solutions, ABB is not only enhancing competitiveness but also setting a new standard for energy conservation and emission reduction in the papermaking industry. ABB looks forward to expanding its partnership with UPM and partners to promote sustainable industry development and contribute to global green initiatives.