Press section optimized at UPM Schongau: Energy savings of more than 12% and longer felt service life

The IBS Paper Performance Group, technology leader in paper machine optimization, successfully reduced energy consumption at UPM’s Schongau plant (Germany). On PM7, which produces newsprint paper, electricity consumption in the press section was reduced by 12.1% through targeted technological measures. Given current energy costs, this results in annual savings of more than $200,000. At the same time, the felt run time in the pick-up area was increased by 11%. The project’s return on investment was achieved in just a few months.

A key factor in this success was the installation of an IBS pressMASTER felt suction system at the pick-up position. The system, with its innovative perforated cover design, ensures optimal conditioning of press felts while delivering maximum energy efficiency. The pressMASTER enables gentler dewatering and vacuum reduction, which can significantly reduce the drive load on the paper machine. The resulting reduced vacuum operation not only significantly lowers energy costs but also protects the press cloth, which substantially extends the service life of the press felts.

About UMP Schongau
UPM Schongau is located some 100 kilometers from Munich in the German town of Schongau. Tradition and progress have shaped the mill site since it was founded in 1887. UPM Schongau has some 400 employees and produces over 535,000 tonnes per annum of printing paper in reels on two paper machines. The paper mill is committed to sustainability and uses, in addition to wood, over 90 % recovered paper.