KAMA Upgrades Drying System on PM No. 7 to Improve Paper Quality Reliability

The KAMA paper and cardboard mill, part of the Sveza forestry group, has upgraded the convective drying system on its Paper Machine No. 7 (PM No. 7), improving equipment reliability and supporting more consistent paper quality.

The convective drying stage is a critical part of paper production, as its stability directly influences the uniformity and physical and mechanical properties of the paper web. The modernization involved replacing key components within the system, reducing the load on existing equipment by approximately 10% and extending its operational lifespan.

As part of the project, KAMA’s in-house design engineers developed expansion joint specifications, while manufacturing was carried out by domestic contractor OOO TPO Kronstadt. The installed expansion joints, some measuring up to two meters, are designed to operate under temperatures reaching 700°C and were fitted within the system’s flues.

According to Alexander Linkov, a mechanical engineer in the chief mechanic’s service at the KAMA mill, the upgraded components are already delivering measurable benefits. He noted that the previous units dated back to the early 2010s, when PM No. 7 was last modernized, and operated under demanding conditions involving high temperatures and pressure fluctuations.

“The replacement has already proven effective: the load on the system has decreased, and the equipment's service life has increased,” Linkov said. “This allows us to maintain stable machine operating parameters and ensure high-quality paper for our customers.”

The upgrade forms part of ongoing efforts by the Sveza group to enhance operational efficiency and maintain product quality across its production assets.