ABB delivers machine modernization plan for one of the world's most advanced pulp and board mills

Global technology company ABB is leading a major installation of new drives, control systems and quality control solutions (QCS) for Iggesund Paperboard in Sweden, driving increased safety, higher availability and more stable operations for the board mill.

ABB will deliver a comprehensive maintenance and upgrade project in several stages during 2021, with total supplier responsibility for Iggesund’s two board machines, which are part of one of the world’s most advanced, fully-integrated pulp and board mills. The machines produce premium quality board for consumer and customized luxury packaging, as well as safe, durable medical packaging.

The strategy minimizes the impact on daily operations to the lowest possible downtime on each machine. ABB has created an evolution path to ensure that older Smart Platform system architecture is replaced by the latest Network Platform technology in the most straightforward, cost-efficient way.

A step-by-step electronics upgrade is underway on measuring frames as part of QCS on the two machines. Each frame will be equipped with the latest generation of ABB's moisture sensors, the High-Performance Infrared Transmission (HPIR-T). Moisture is an important quality parameter if the board is to retain its properties in subsequent product conversion steps.

Functions to enable a safer working environment for operators and other personnel, including double-channel emergency stops, a modern start warning system and safe speed monitoring of the machines, are integrated within the drive and automation solution.

To secure the future of production, ABB is supporting the modernization of 150 drive systems with the ABB AbilityTM System 800xA automation and control system and frequency converters from the new ACS880 multidrive system family. ABB AbilityTM System 800xA, ranked by the ARC advisory group as the world’s #1 distributed control system (DCS) platform over the last 21 years.

“We will now benefit from a more modern control and drives system that is dimensioned for higher speeds, increased logging possibilities, better fault diagnostics and higher safety,” said Mikael Larsson, Project Manager at Iggesund Paperboard. “We are building for the future and will be able to continue to meet the high demands of our customers.”

“With an upgraded drive, automation and quality control system, Iggesund Paperboard will experience higher availability and utilization rate of the machines, which will produce paperboard of the right quality in stable processes,” said Björn Jonsson, Head of Process Automation in Sweden, ABB. “This more predictable process operation will contribute to lower maintenance costs, higher availability and safety.

“ABB has the solutions, project expertise and experience to deliver on plans such as this with sharpness and guaranteed quality. On top of the product-based design and commissioning, we’re also supporting Iggesund with training staff on the systems.”

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com

Process Automation: ABB’s Process Automation business is a leader in automation, electrification and digitalization for the process and hybrid industries. We serve our customers with a broad portfolio of products, systems, and end-to-end solutions, including our #1 distributed control system, software, and lifecycle services, industry-specific products as well as measurement and analytics, marine and turbocharging offerings. As the global #2 in the market, we build on our deep domain expertise, diverse team and global footprint, and are dedicated to helping our customers increase competitiveness, improve their return on investment and run safe, smart, and sustainable operations.