AFT introduces MaxBarrier for bale wire removal and equipment protection

Aikawa Fiber Technologies (AFT) has launched MaxBarrier, a new screening solution designed to remove bale wires and other heavy contaminants from pulp processing systems while protecting critical downstream equipment.

The new technology has been developed for applications involving bale pulpers and refining systems, where contaminants such as bale wire, metal fragments and heavy debris can negatively affect operational reliability and damage sensitive process equipment.

According to AFT, MaxBarrier acts as a robust physical barrier that removes unwanted materials before they reach refiners and other downstream components, helping mills improve process stability, reduce maintenance requirements and extend equipment service life. The system operates using a rotating screen cylinder that separates heavy contaminants from the pulp suspension. Debris is collected through an integrated junk trap, while clean pulp passes through the screen perforations to the accept side. AFT states that the design enables efficient contaminant removal with virtually no fibre loss.

Key benefits highlighted by the company include enhanced protection of downstream equipment, improved runnability, low energy consumption and the ability to optimise performance through application-specific screen cylinder configurations.

“MaxBarrier strengthens AFT’s separation technology offering by helping mills improve process reliability and protect critical downstream equipment,” said Kimmo Nurminen, Product Director at AFT. The company noted that the solution is suitable for a variety of fibre processing applications where effective contaminant removal is essential for maintaining production efficiency and equipment reliability.

With more than 100 years of experience in papermaking technology, AFT continues to develop equipment and process solutions aimed at improving productivity, sustainability and operational performance across the pulp and paper industry.