Metso Introduces New ValFormer Forming Concept

Metso introduced a new and highly cost-effective ValFormer forming concept. With this concept, only one set of hybrid formers can be used to produce double-layer linerboards. The technology also solves the problems faced by manufacturers of paperboards due to the reduction in the quantification of paper webs, the increase in speed, and the increase in ash content. As the amount of recycled fibers continues to increase, so does the ash content in the web.

The advantages of the new forming technology include: uniform paper coverage, low residual fluctuations, no streaks and variegations, and high uniformity. Good uniformity ensures that raw materials with a wider range of strength and cost advantages can be used. The amount of starch in the surface sizing process can also be reduced.

This patented technology combines the new ValFlo Pro two-layer headbox and VacuBalance vacuum forming board technology with the proven ValFormer shoe forming board hybrid forming technology.

The ValFlo Pro produces the best flow in a two-layer headbox and distributes the slurry on the forming wire in an extremely uniform, non-fluctuating state. VacuBalance Vacuum Forming Plate effectively counteracts the energy generated when the slurry is screened, thus eliminating the rebound of the slurry from the forming plate. The combination of these two devices ensures that the paperboard layers do not mix with each other.

The proven ValFormer shoe forming plate blender ensures a lower slurry concentration at the inlet and makes the dewatering process faster and vibration free. When this concept is adopted, the speed can reach 1400 m/min. The traditional fourdrinier shaper and hybrid forming scheme cannot achieve this speed.

The new forming technology is particularly suitable for retrofit projects because it can use existing fourdriniers to produce high-strength corrugated paper with a two-layer structure. The same paper machine can produce both high-strength corrugated paper and light-weight corrugated paper, so this concept is an ideal alternative to the wire-form former. In addition, it can also be used with the existing two sets of long nets to produce paper with a three-layer structure.