PM5 retrofit - More efficiency for the future

Saving energy is currently an important topic, also for Koehler Oberkirch GmbH - a global player in paper production. The drying process in paper production requires a lot of energy. Every percent of moisture that does not have to be removed using a steam drying process is therefore money well spent. Koehler therefore decided to modify the press section and integrate a new shoe press from Voith. At the same time, the ageing inverters of the multi-motor drive were also to be replaced.

The KRIKO Solution

KRIKO Engineering supported this combined project as a system integrator for process control technology and drive technology, with the advantage that everything could be implemented from a single source. The paper machine (PM) is operated via a PCS 7 control system. The process control technology team implemented Voith's specifications in the control system, while the drive technology team took care of updating the power electronics. The Siemens "Pulp & Paper" standard library had already been updated earlier using the "KRIKO KriPaper" solution.

In addition to replacing the drive switchgear, further optimizations were carried out. The existing safety technology in relation to the multi-motor drives no longer met the current safety standard and was therefore analyzed together with the operator. The catalog of measures could thus be implemented directly in the project. The automation device was then converted to a safety-oriented control system. One highlight was the development of a wireless concept for safe inching operation. For inspection work on the felts, inching operations of drive groups are often implemented on the paper machines. On many machines, this function was implemented via panel operation. This inching operation via panel is no longer permitted under the current standard. KRIKO has developed a variable, cable-free, safety-oriented jogging system to avoid hazards when operating via cable-connected operating bottles. This is plugged into defined points on the machine and can then operate the corresponding drives in inching mode.

During the implementation phase, the operator had the unique opportunity to modernize the existing control room. The existing brick-built cable ducts were to be dismantled and replaced with a raised floor. This measure would perhaps still be conceivable in an empty control room, but the cables of the multi-motor drive were to be reused. The interaction between the construction team and the electrical installation team therefore had to go hand in hand.

Both the press conversion and the conversion of the multi-motor drive went according to plan, thanks in part to KRIKO Engineering's broad expertise in the areas of drive and process control technology and its ability to offer complete solutions from a single source.
 

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