Valmet modernizes Nordic Paper impregnation system after 51 years of continuous operation

Upgrading critical fiberline components during the 2026 annual shutdown

The longevity of heavy industrial equipment in the pulp and paper sector rarely ceases to impress, but operating critical components for over half a century is a milestone that demands technical attention. During its 2026 annual maintenance shutdown, Nordic Paper's Bäckhammar mill in Sweden underwent a targeted modernization of its impregnation vessel system, executed by Valmet. The intervention saw the replacement of the vessel's scraper and cone—components that had been in continuous operation for 51 years.

Bäckhammar is Nordic Paper's largest production facility, with an annual capacity of approximately 230,000 tonnes of unbleached kraft pulp and 159,000 tonnes of high-strength unbleached kraft paper. The mill's output is heavily integrated into the industrial packaging sector, where mechanical strength is non-negotiable. The impregnation phase is a critical step in the chemical pulping process, as it dictates the uniformity of the cooking liquor penetration into the wood chips, directly impacting the yield and the final strength properties of the kraft paper.

Securing digester discharge reliability

Alongside the replacement of the half-century-old scraper and cone, Valmet serviced the system's outlet device at its local workshop. This component is essential for securing an even discharge flow and preventing pulp plugging in the digester discharge. According to Fredrik Karlsson, Maintenance Manager at the Bäckhammar Mill, the execution of these replacements was strictly confined to the scheduled annual shutdown, minimizing operational disruption. Robert Carlström, Product Sales Manager for Cooking & Fiberline at Valmet, oversaw the supplier's lifecycle service deployment.

This mechanical upgrade is part of a broader, aggressive capital expenditure cycle at Bäckhammar. In recent years, the facility has systematically debottlenecked its fiberline, pushing pulp production past historical limits. Furthermore, the mill is currently executing a SEK 450 million environmental investment program running through 2027, alongside recent installations of new electrostatic precipitators to curb dust emissions. By addressing both the macro-environmental targets and the micro-mechanical reliability of 51-year-old assets, Nordic Paper is effectively extending the lifecycle of a legacy mill while maintaining its position in the high-performance packaging materials market.