Features Research & Innovation
Metso fabrics contribute to world speed record

Metso’s fabrics contributed to a new world speed record for newsprint paper machines, 2,020 m/min, achieved with Rhein Papier PM 1 in Germany on September 9, 2010. During the 24-hour record run, the press felt in both the pick-up and 1st press was Metso’s Transmaster Open (TMO). According to Metso both positions are considered to be the most demanding fabric positions on the entire line. September also saw the machine’s best ever average monthly speed, 1,937 m/min.

Metso reports that the machine performed very well during the record run, with a high efficiency rate (97 %) and extremely good runnability. General manager of Rhein Papier, Juha Ebeling, commented: “This would never have been possible without the TMO duo, which worked like a dream on the first press. At best the dry content measured over 55%, when the speed exceeded 2,000 m/ min. The edges of the web moved evenly through the press and dryer sections, and we succeeded in keeping the draw between the press and dryer section small. These factors determine the machine’s runnability, because if there are problems here, it will lead to breaks and a reduction in speed.” Metso, www.metso.com