Valmet supplied technology to Klabin and Fimpec oversaw engineering of the chemical system automation 9.5.2023 Fimpec has contributed to Valmet’s pulp and board technology delivery to the Brazilian pulp, board and paper manufacturer Klabin in the capacity of application engineer. The delivery consists of a coated board production line, a new fibre line that includes a new continuous pulp cooking G3 system and a new bleached chemi-thermomechanical pulp (BCTMP) production line. The deliveries are part of the second stage of Klabin’s large Puma II investment project. Fimpec’s portion of the Valmet delivery consisted of the application engineering of the automation system for the wet end chemicals, coating kitchen and supply system areas. The automation system controls the production of the chemicals required in the process and their dosing into the pulp and onto the surface of the board at the end stage of the process. Valmet’s Senior Manager Sampsa Suni explains that the project is a major one from Valmet’s perspective. He describes Fimpec’s role as that of a key subcontractor. “We have a long history of collaboration with Fimpec in chemical application engineering, which is one of their strong areas of expertise. That is why we wanted them to be part of this project, and our collaboration has been seamless and constructive. For us, it is important to be able to rely on the work getting done after it has been assigned, allowing our organisation to focus on our core tasks. We will continue to work with Fimpec on large and challenging chemical project deliveries in the future,” Suni says. A large and challenging application engineering assignment For Fimpec, the project was a large and challenging application engineering assignment. During 2022, its employment effect was 5–6 people. The project has proceeded as planned and Fimpec is also involved in the roll out of the automation system. “Our strength in this project is our long history of engineering paper, board and pulp manufacturing processes. In addition, we have extensive experience of engineering coating kitchen applications and creating the related sequential and process control systems,” explains Fimpec’s Pekka Silvennoinen, who is part of the project. The project, which is at the final stage, is a continuation of Valmet’s and Fimpec’s long-standing collaboration. Over decades, Fimpec has been part of multiple Valmet deliveries, such as the first stage of the Puma II investment project in which Valmet supplied a kraftliner machine and pulp line to the Klabin plant that started up in 2021. In that project, Fimpec also performed application engineering work on the chemical systems. For more information, please contact: Pekka Silvennoinen, Fimpec tel. +358 50 4639 640 or pekka.silvennoinen(at)fimpec.com
Feasibility study for modernizing an industrial mineral processing plant for Euroarce Minería S.A. 28.4.2023 Euroarce is the raw materials division of SAMCA Group. Its production sites supply minerals to the glass, foundry, refractory and agriculture sectors. It groups together more than 20 mining sites and mineral processing plants in Europe. Due to our proven expertise in test planning, process engineering and plant design, it was agreed that Fimpec Node would deliver the complete range of necessary research work to Euroarce. “Our services covered all of the required tasks for a successful feasibility study, and Euroarce was pleased with the results,” says Michael Haas, Senior Process Specialist from Fimpec Node. We look for new solutions instead of offering “standard procedures” At the start of the project, two process specialists, Michael Haas and Pelin Altinkaya, took Fimpec Node’s mobile laboratory to Spain. Over a period of three weeks, they conducted more than 50 laboratory-scale flotation tests and a week-long site audit, and they also discussed the project-related needs and targets with the client. “Thanks to the modern laboratory equipment and smooth collaboration between Fimpec Node and our personnel, it was possible to conduct an impressive amount of test work in a much shorter time and smaller budget than one would expect with the more common approach of conducting test work at a specialized laboratory,” says José Luis Corbacho, Plant Director. The vast quantity of data gathered during the three-week site visit allowed the creation of simulation models to determine an optimized configuration for modernizing the processing plant. The existing equipment was examined and optimized, and the simulation model was fitted with new equipment. An independent partner to evaluate process solutions and offers After an optimized flow sheet was determined, the mass and water balances were calculated and all necessary equipment was sized. Bidding for new equipment was conducted with a minimum of three suppliers, which is Fimpec Node’s standard procedure for ensuring the highest quality and best price for our customers. Based on the suppliers’ data and Fimpec’s expertise, CAPEX and OPEX calculations were made, and preliminary 3D models of the layout were created in AutoCAD. “Now the work has been completed, we can share how much we enjoyed being able to apply our extensive expertise while also learning a lot ourselves. That is typical in these projects, as every site is unique, and the procedures vary from country to country. But at the same time, we are always able to bring in our experience from former projects and contribute new ideas, too,” says Haas. *In 2022, Chemitec Consulting was commissioned by Euroarce Minería S.A. to conduct a feasibility study for the modernization of the Rio Pirón Feldspar flotation plant located in Navas de Oro, Spain. Chemitec Consulting Oy’s business was acquired by Fimpec in December 2022. For further information, please contact: Luis Rudolphy,Chief Sales Officer, International sales, Managing Director, Fimpec Node Oy tel. +358 40 197 2323 or luis.rudolphy(at)fimpec.com
Fimpec engineered and implemented Chemigate’s unique biopolymer production plant 14.4.2023 At the start of the year, the world’s first modification line that processes new types of polysaccharides was commissioned at Chemigate’s Lapua plant. The new line processes technical polysaccharides, i.e. biopolymers. In many applications, these products can replace, for example, oil-based, poorly biodegradable synthetic polymers, which have been the go-to solution in consumer and industrial products for nearly a century. “The new plant expansion is Chemigate’s most important investment since the starch dry-modification plant, which was completed in 2012. Fimpec’s experts were also involved in that major plant project, and they have been part of many other projects of ours,” says Aki Laine, CTO of Chemigate. “The plant expansion is an important new development for Chemigate and a fitting addition to our business based on the modification of starches. Fimpec’s role in implementing this challenging investment project was essential,” Laine adds. Smooth co-operation, wide-ranging expertise and use of new methods are the keys to a successful project Planning and implementing a pioneering plant was a challenging task that was advanced through close co-operation between Chemigate, its US partner IFF and Fimpec. Fimpec’s scope in the project included project management, procurement, process engineering, plant engineering, pipeline engineering, electrical instrumentation engineering, mechanical installation and pipeline installation supervision, supervision of electrical, instrumentation and automation system installations, testing and commissioning support. “We were in charge of engineering and implementing the production process and the required extension adjacent to the production plant in use. Over a dozen people from Fimpec participated in the project,” says Fimpec’s Esa Helenius, the project’s Project Engineer. “In addition to polysaccharide modification, which is Chemigate’s core competence, areas of expertise required in the project included project management and co-ordination, a high-hygiene process, efficient use of energy, appropriate process equipment, efficient MES and smart automation. This challenging plant project gave us an opportunity to extensively apply our competence,” Helenius adds. Fimpec’s proprietary Computer Assisted Virtual Environment (CAVE), used for reviewing the plans, was vital in the planning process. It helped to optimise the use of space and place maintenance points in easily accessible locations. Production launched in January 2023 Construction in Lapua started in August 2021, and the first production batch was completed in early 2023. The first customer deliveries have also been made. The Covid pandemic caused some challenges in the project, especially in terms of procurements. “It was a truly interesting and challenging project. We carried out countless laboratory tests to make sure the product meets the requirements. The importance of good co-operation was highlighted in such a pioneering project. Our earlier co-operation with Chemigate provided a solid foundation for it,” Helenius says. For more information, please contact: Joni Heino, Head of Operations, Engineering services, Fimpec, Turku tel. +358 40 728 3584 or joni.heino(at)fimpec.com Esa Helenius, EIA Engineering, Fimpec, Turku tel. +358 40 5840 881 or esa.helenius(at)fimpec.com International Flavors & Fragrances Inc (IFF) is leading supplier of ingredients and solutions for the food and beverage, home and beauty, and health and wellness industries. Chemigate Oy is a Finnish company manufacturing and selling modified starch-based binders and adhesives for technical use. Chemigate is part of the Berner Group.
New services on our website 5.4.2023 Fimpec’s consulting services The energy sector and companies in related fields need even more support to find the right direction and make investment decisions as they keep pace with the energy transformation. We have responded to this need by establishing Fimpec Consulting Oy. “Fimpec Consulting portfolio is designed to serve our customers broadly because today customers need insight into what is worth investing in and what solutions to adopt. Our services are well-suited to companies in energy sector, but also to industrial companies that target carbon neutrality and, for example, municipalities that are contemplating their own energy strategy”, says Panu Rahikka from Fimpec Consulting. » Discover more here. New in energy! The energy industry is currently undergoing a rapid and extensive overhaul towards a carbon-neutral future. Fimpec is leading this transformation and is well-placed to offer comprehensive future-proof solutions to enable and accelerate the change. “Fimpec has been focusing on energy sector expertise and services in tune with evolving customer needs. Our portfolio, also at fimpec.com, has been renewed to give you a broad view of our expertise and services”, tells Sami Nissinen from Fimpec Energy Services. » Discover more here. For further information: Panu Rahikka, Managing Director, Fimpec Consulting Oy tel. +358 44 090 4266 or panu.rahikka(at)fimpec.com Sami Nissinen, Head of Operations, Fimpec Energy Services tel. +358 40 348 5401 or sami.nissinen(@)fimpec.com
Fimpec partners in the development of Carbonaide, a technology for producing carbon-negative concrete 23.3.2023 Concrete production accounts for some eight percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, and there is increasing interest among companies in the industry to decrease emissions. That is why Carbonaide, a technology for producing carbon-negative concrete developed by VTT, has attracted major interest. The solution is based on an effective carbonation method that allows carbon dioxide to be bound into concrete blocks using an automated system at atmospheric pressure. “The method is compatible with the current concrete manufacturing processes. It can be used for manufacturing all precast concrete elements and products,” says Tapio Vehmas, leader of the Carbonaide team at VTT and currently a staff member at the start-up company. “Emissions can be reduced while using cement as a binder, which is the standard practice, but the method also enables replacing cement with material from industrial side streams, such as blast furnace slag, green liquor dregs and bio-ash. Using these new material streams results in a product with a negative carbon footprint.” Fimpec’s contribution visible in the pilot plant The Carbonaide method was tested in 2022 in Rakennusbetoni ja Elementti Oy’s production in Hollola using a pilot plant built in two industrial containers. According to Vehmas, Fimpec had a major role in the engineering and commissioning of the pilot plant. “When the project proceeded to the pilot stage, I sent requests to engineering companies concerning the implementation of the plant. Fimpec contacted us, we started co-operating and set out to jointly work out how to realise the pilot plant, starting from my initial sketches. Later on, Fimpec arranged a competitive tender with subcontractors and helped us budget and actually build the pilot plant,” Vehmas says. “From our point of view, this was a very interesting project and we genuinely wanted to be a part of it. It is really exciting to be part of developing a new technology that can help globally decrease carbon dioxide emissions and mitigate climate change,” says Tomi Vainio, Head of Operations at Fimpec. Carbonaide progressing towards commercialisation Since the pilot testing in 2022, development of the Carbonaide method has continued based on the lessons learned. A start-up company now continues the work to commercialise the technology, with support from the VTT LaunchPad business incubator. “The technology has been proven effective and economically viable. The goal is to sell carbon-binding concrete at the same or even a lower price than existing concrete products. The details have been fine-tuned, and we have shifted the focus of the technology away from the materials and developed the process from a commercial angle. Thanks to these changes, the method is now more scalable,” Vehmas says. In addition to concrete products, the solution has potential markets in CO2 emissions trade. The emerging company’s business idea also includes receiving CO2 from emissions trading platforms and using it for the benefit of the technology. The binding of CO2 therefore also opens up an additional market for the company. The positive future outlook is validated by several contacts from across the globe. Carbonaide also won first prize in the European Association of Research and Technology Organisations’ (EARTO) Innovation Award in the Impact Expected category in October 2022. “The farthest contacts have come from New Zealand. What surprised us is that some of the concrete producers who have contacted us were aware of the possibilities of carbonation in binding CO2, but there has been no working technology available,” Vehmas reveals. He says Fimpec continues to work with Carbonaide to develop the technology: “They have become our trusted partner.” (In the photo above pilot plant during commissioning) For more information, please contact: Tomi Vainio, Head of Operations, Jyväskylä Engineering, Fimpec Energy Services Tel. +358 40 7027 777 or email tomi.vainio@fimpec.com Tapio Vehmas, CEO, Carbonaide Ltd Tel. +358 40 591 1589 or email tapio.vehmas@carbonaide.com
Energy Week -2023 is happening – let’s meet there! 13.3.2023 The discussion will take place according to the agenda of the event: energy and the environment, wind and renewable energy, gas and energy storage. All these themes already unite us, our customers and our partners. We are looking forward to an active, new, creative interaction! Let’s meet in Vaasa City hall, in March from 20 to 24 – wellcome to our stand A26! Address: Vaasa Cityhall, Senaatinkatu 1, Vaasa Read more: » https://www.energyweek.fi/
Wishing you a joyous holiday season! 22.12.2022 We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for our fruitful cooperation during this year and to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Instead of sending Christmas cards or gifts, we are supporting the work of UNICEF to help children and families in Ukraine. On behalf of all of us at Fimpec Jukka Nieminen CEO
Fimpec provides pre-engineering for Metsä Board’s new folding boxboard mill 21.12.2022 Metsä Board, part of Metsä Group, announced in September 2022 that it will start pre-engineering for a new folding boxboard mill at the Kaskinen mill site in Finland. Metsä Board and Fimpec have now concluded a pre-engineering agreement concerning the mill. The agreement covers wood handling, a debarking plant, a power plant, expansion of the existing BCTMP plant, and a new pulp mill, board machine, sheeting plant and wastewater plant, including the related process, plant, electrical, automation and HVAC engineering. The planned annual capacity of the mill is approximately 800,000 tonnes of folding boxboard. Metsä Board estimates that a possible investment decision could be made in 2024 at the earliest. For Fimpec, this is a major project that builds on previous collaboration with Metsä Group companies. Fimpec has provided construction and supervision services for Metsä Fibre’s bioproduct mill construction project in Äänekoski and the ongoing bioproduct mill construction project in Kemi. “The reasons behind the agreement include Fimpec’s expertise in board production and overall project planning, including cost accounting and scheduling. These are areas of expertise that our customers appreciate,” says Fimpec’s Harri Soininen, Director of Engineering Services. More information on Fimpec’s participation in the project and our services Harri Soininen, Director, Engineering Services, Fimpec Tel. +358 40 552 5814, harri.soininen@fimpec.com Project information on Metsä Board’s website » Metsä Board starts pre-engineering for new folding boxboard mill in Kaskinen, Finland Metsä Board is a leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards. We focus on lightweight and high-quality folding boxboards, food service boards and white kraftliners. We are a forerunner in sustainability, and we aim to have completely fossil free mills and raw materials by the end of 2030. Together with our customers we develop innovative packaging solutions to create better consumer experiences with less environmental impact. In 2021 our sales totaled EUR 2.1 billion, and we have around 2,400 employees. Metsä Board is part of Metsä Group. Fimpec is a leading specialist in project management and engineering. We act as project consultants in major investment projects in the industrial and energy sectors, and as experts in the real estate and infrastructure sectors. Our turnover in 2021 was €30.3 million, and we employ more than 350 top experts in Finland and abroad.
Fimpec to carry out implementation engineering for Stora Enso’s billion-euro investment to convert a paper machine into a consumer board production line in Oulu 20.12.2022 In October, Stora Enso announced a decision to invest approximately EUR 1 billion to convert the idle paper machine at the Group’s Oulu site into a high-capacity consumer board production line. Stora Enso and Fimpec have now agreed on the implementation engineering concerning the project. The commission includes process and plant engineering, pipeline engineering, process electrical engineering, building electrical engineering, and instrumentation and HVAC engineering. “For us, this is a major transaction, one of the biggest ever. It will provide work especially for our Kouvola location’s personnel over the next year and a half,” says Harri Soininen, Fimpec’s Director of Engineering Services. Fimpec is well positioned to carry out the commission. Fimpec carried out pre-engineering prior to the investment decision, which means that the company is familiar with the project and the environment. Furthermore, Fimpec has a long history of co-operation with both Stora Enso and the Oulu site. “We were in charge of implementation engineering and construction services when Oulu Mill’s other paper machine (PM7) was converted into a kraftliner production line in an investment completed in 2021. We also have previous experience with the mill and its machines, since in the early 1990s, we were involved in the engineering project of the paper machine now being converted and, at the end of the 1990s, also for another paper machine that was converted earlier,” Soininen explains. 750,000 tonnes of consumer board per year The ongoing investment supports Stora Enso’s growth strategy in renewable packaging by providing new volume for growing packaging segments. The line will be used for producing folding boxboard (FBB) and coated unbleached kraft (CUK). The total annual capacity will be 750,000 tonnes. The boards’ end-use segments are food and beverage packaging, especially frozen and chilled, and dry and fast food. The investment will create approximately 300 new jobs at the Oulu site, including support functions, as well as an additional 1,500 indirect employment opportunities. The new line will consume approximately one million cubic metres of pulp wood per year. Production on the converted machine is estimated to start in early 2025. (Photo: Stora Enso) More information on Fimpec’s participation in the project and our services Harri Soininen, Director, Engineering Services, Fimpec Tel. +358 40 552 5814, harri.soininen@fimpec.com Information on the project on Stora Enso’s website » Stora Enso invests in conversion to accelerate growth in renewable packaging Part of the global bioeconomy, Stora Enso is a leading provider of renewable products in packaging, biomaterials, wooden construction and paper, and one of the largest private forest owners in the world We believe that everything that is made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow. Stora Enso has approximately 22,000 employees and our sales in 2021 were EUR 10.2 billion. Fimpec is a leading specialist in project management and engineering. We act as project consultants in major investment projects in the industrial and energy sectors, and as experts in the real estate and infrastructure sectors. Our turnover in 2021 was €30.3 million, and we employ more than 350 top experts in Finland and abroad.