Pilot trials at the Voith Paper Technology Centers

In the Fiber Technology Center, we run stock preparation trials on primary and secondary furnish for our customers under production conditions for all paper grades. Single machine tests or complete system trials give the opportunity to boost yield, improve fiber properties, enhance cleanliness and identify possible energy savings. In connection with our pilot paper machine even comprehensive process trials from pulping to papermaking are possible. Our Fiber Technology Centers are located in Heidenheim, Germany, and Motomiya, Japan.

The following process steps are available for your stock preparation trial:

Our pilot paper machine and different test rigs allow you to examine your process under real conditions. A vast range of different paper grades can be tested. Trials on specific pilot facilities like our headbox test rig and our pilot reel enable our customers to improve their processes or to perform targeted troubleshooting. Different former types, former settings, fabrics and chemical dosing can be tested during trials at our pilot paper machine.

Trials can be performed on the following trial facilities:

• Pilot paper machine with two approach flow systems for multi-layer trials
• Pilot reel in industrial scale
• Headbox test rig
• Drying section

The pilot coater at our R&D center offers ideal conditions for studying the coating process under realistic conditions. The complete coating process for every grade from specialty to board can be examined with your base paper and coating color raw materials. We support you in developing new products like barrier papers.

The following coating units are available at our pilot coater:

• Single and multi-layer curtain coater (DynaLayer)
• Film coaters (SpeedSizer)
• Blade or rod coater with free jet applicator (JetFlow F)
• Size press

In addition, small scale trials can be performed at our curtain test-rig.

With our pilot calender, the best possible combination of nip pressure, temperature and roll surface for each grade can be determined for your products, whether they are board and packaging, speciality, or graphic papers. Our preconditioning equipment helps to simulate conditions as close to production as possible. In combination with our pilot coater, trials can be carried out that cover the entire finishing process.

Our pilot calender (1x3 configuration) is equipped as follows:

• Soft and hard nip calender (EcoCal Soft/Hard/Plus)
• Moisturizer and steam boxes
• IR panel
• Climate chamber

We also offer trials at our calender test-rig.

 

The focus is on wet-laid processes at the Nonwovens Technology Center in Düren, Germany, where new forest-based and non-forest-based products can be developed and their manufacturing verified on an inclined former section. Here new Voith units (R&D) and individual machines for the wet-laid process are tested and perfected. The technology center is equipped with two pulpers, three machine chests, a refiner and deflaker to support you in developing new wet-laid products. The HydroFormer headbox and white water loop are suitable for 1, 2 and 3-ply tests.

In the Nonwovens Technology Center, tests on the inclined wire simulate production conditions. By using our pilot plants, we ensure tailor-made machines that offer optimal performance at your facility from the first day. In addition, operating parameters can be determined to prepare for system commissioning at your paper mill. The clothing can also be tested and optimized beforehand.

Key physical parameters can then be measured and evaluated in the adjacent laboratory.

We provide the optimal analytical technology for fiber, paper and coating color. The samples taken from our pilot plant facilities are analyzed in the Voith laboratories using the latest techniques. This provides precise test data as a further basis for assessing the pilot plant results. You, as our customer, benefit from the scientific know-how of our laboratory specialists, as they can analyze samples from your own plants.