Bekaert Solaronics supplied Ahlstrom-Munksjö Arches with two 2-rows UniDryer® V3 hoods for drying of abrasive paper base after size press on its PM4.
Ahlstrom-Munksjö Arches (formerly known as Arjowiggings Arches) is the oldest customer of Bekaert Solaronics. The first IR drying system was installed in 1966 on the PM5. Since then, Ahlstrom-Munksjö Arches continued to count on Bekaert Solaronics for all its projects as seven infrared drying systems have been installed in the paper mill.
The main objectives of the new UniDryer® V3 are to dry efficiently the paper coats and achieve guaranteed moisture at the inlet of sizer 2.
The UniDryer® V3 is a very compact system in which high performance gas infrared emitters are alternated with high temperature and velocity air nozzles without requiring a heat exchanger or an external gas burner. These features result in a fast heat-up, a high evaporation rate and ultimately in better product quality.
About Ahlstrom-Munksjö Arches SAS
The Arches mill was founded in 1492. Acquired by the international paper group Munksjö in 2011, the Arches paper mill employs today 470 people and possesses a wide range of machinery, including 7 paper-making machines and three rotary presses. Ahlstrom-Munksjö Arches produces decor papers, abrasive backing papers, fine art papers and papers for art publishing.
About Bekaert and Bekaert Solaronics
Bekaert is a world market and technology leader in steel wire transformation and coating technologies. We pursue to be the preferred supplier for our steel wire products and solutions by continuously delivering superior value to our customers worldwide. Bekaert (Euronext Brussels: BEKB) is a global company with almost 30 000 employees worldwide, headquarters in Belgium and € 4.4 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1967, Bekaert Solaronics supplies customized drying and heating systems based on gas and electrical infrared technology to a wide range of industries. Today, more than 1 000 systems have been installed worldwide. The company also provides maintenance services and is available to assist on upgrades or improved energy efficiency of existing systems.