Start-up of AFT MaxEdge refiners at Essity Kawerau tissue mill

AFT has successfully completed the start up of two MaxEdge™ refiners on PM2 tissue machine at the Essity Kawerau mill in New Zealand. Essity is a leader in sustainable tissue production, focused on reducing their energy use and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Its Kawerau mill is the nation’s sole producer of toilet tissue and paper towels.

AFT was selected to replace the refiners on PM2’s hardwood and softwood kraft lines with two new MaxEdge150 disc refiners. Designed for quick segment changes and ease of maintenance, the MaxEdge refiner is built to deliver exceptional performance and efficiency for all low consistency refining applications. Its unique design features include customized Finebar® MiniSegments™ for optimum quality development at lower energy, and up to 3x longer life than conventional refiner plates.

In addition to supplying the refining equipment and wear parts, AFT provided basic engineering and start-up support to ensure mechanical and process operating targets. The scope of this project also included AFTLinx™ diagnostic service to optimize refiner productivity and performance. As a technology partner, AFT will work with the mill to determine the best MiniSegment patterns for hardwood and softwood quality development and optimized energy efficiency.essi