Ircon-Solaronics upgrades coat drying at Sappi’s Carmignano mill in Italy

Ircon-Solaronics has been selected by Sappi to upgrade the coat drying process at its Carmignano di Brenta mill in Italy, with the objective of improving efficiency and significantly reducing energy consumption. The project involved the replacement of an outdated gas infrared dryer, in operation for more than 30 years, with a new UniDryer V3 system equipped with the latest generation of high-intensity emitters.

As part of the upgrade, several technical solutions were implemented to substantially reduce energy costs. The installation of the UniDryer technology enables the convective section of the system to manage mass transfer by blowing hot air generated from the emitters’ flue gases. In addition, the integration of Ircon-Solaronics’ Gem12-Hi emitters—among the most efficient high-intensity emitters currently available—contributes to lower gas consumption.

The system also incorporates an energy recovery solution, whereby hot air discharged from the UniDryer is reused as an energy source for other machine components, further reducing overall energy demand. Projects of this type are typically characterised by a short return on investment. The initiative confirms Ircon-Solaronics’ position as a technology provider focused on optimising drying processes in coating applications.

Sappi Europe is a leading producer of woodfibre-based products and biobased solutions, including packaging, graphic papers, label papers, and specialty papers. The company operates eight production sites and twelve sales offices across Europe.

The Carmignano di Brenta mill in Italy is a non-integrated stabilimento cartario with a history spanning approximately 150 years. The facility operates two paper machines and includes off-line coating capabilities as well as a converting centre. With a workforce of around 255 employees, the mill has an annual production capacity of up to 100,000 tonnes of specialty papers.

Ircon-Solaronics, formed in 2018 through the combination of Ircon Drying Systems AB (Sweden) and Solaronics SAS (France), provides non-contact drying solutions based on gas or electric infrared and air drying and heating technologies, serving the paper and board industry for more than 50 years.