Valmet deploys smelt spout cleaning robot arm for Pixelle

Pulp and paper process technology supplier Valmet recently announced the deployment of a FANUC robot arm to clean recovery boiler smelt spouts for Pixelle Specialty Solutions (Pixelle).

Pixelle, a North American manufacturer of specialty papers, said it sought to improve safety and productivity at its Spring Grove, Penn. facility by installing a smelt spout robot manufactured by Valmet.

Valmet said removing pulp from recovery boiler spouts is essential for keeping them open and improving efficiencies in the liquor recovery cycle. Pixelle’s new robot regularly cleans the recovery boiler smelt spouts to ensure stable smelt flow, optimum cleaning, and safer boiler operation, without relying on manual cleaning.

Valmet claims this is the first deployment of a smelt spout cleaning robot for the pulp and paper industry in North America.

“We’re proud to introduce the industry-first smelt robot installation in North America, supporting our ongoing commitment to operational excellence and innovation in specialty papers,” said Ross Bushnell, Pixelle president and CEO. “By leveraging the latest automation technology, we are positioned to drive greater mill safety, productivity and quality.”

Industrial robot arm leverages supervised autonomy

Removing smelt deposits from recovery boiler spouts is a critical task in maintaining boiler reliability. But manual processes can put operators in close proximity to molten smelt, black liquor, hot gasses, and ash.

“The heart of an integrated pulp and paper facility is a recovery boiler, and removing smelt deposits from its spouts is a challenging and time-consuming maintenance task,” said Jeff Forry, Pixelle director of pulp and utilities. “Our new smelt spout cleaning robot will keep spouts clean, protecting our people and allowing operators to focus on other critical tasks.”

Valmet is a developer and supplier of process technologies, automation, and services for the pulp, paper, and energy industries. A six-servo motor FANUC M-900iB/360 industrial robot arm was designed, manufactured and installed by Valmet.

Instead of an operator manually removing smelt deposits, the robot arm cleans all spouts safely and efficiently in a programmed sequence. Operators retain control and visibility, remotely programming cleaning sequences and using the robot’s camera for troubleshooting and evaluation.

“It’s incredibly exciting for Valmet and the paper industry at large to install the first smelt spout cleaning robot system in North America,” said Drew Humphries, Valmet VP of pulp and energy North America. “By helping Pixelle reach new levels of safety and boiler performance, this industry-first project will help change perceptions about what is possible in pulp and paper.”

Want to learn more about robot and automation system integration? This article was featured in the December 2024 Robotics 24/7 Special Focus Issue titled “The process of robot integration.”