Newsprint producer upgrades paper machine control system

Aylesford Newsprint has contracted with Metso to provide a new process control system and commissioning services for its PM14 newsprint machine. The scope of supply is for a MetsoDNA distributed control system and includes hardware, applications software, project management, and commissioning. The system comprises operator stations, process control stations, input/output cards, and links to other systems to gain maximum integration. The new system will replace the original equipment that was installed when the PM14 was originally built in 1995. This new contract follows earlier successful automation projects that Metso delivered to the facility.

Aylesford says it decided to make this investment to improve operations and avoid potential production stoppages due to obsolescence problems. New and better operator displays, equipment diagnostics, and monitoring will bring better and more efficient operations to PM14’s production.

The company manufactures Renaissance, its brand of newsprint , consuming 500,000 tpy of used newspapers and magazines. This 100% recycled publishing quality newsprint is used by many of the U.K. and Europe’s regional and national newspaper publishers. Aylesford Newsprint is a joint venture company between SCA Forest Products and Mondi, and its main facility is located southeast of London.

-Edited by Peter Welander, process industries editor, PWelander@cfemedia.com
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