Paper and cardboard production process is complex and varies according to the type of pulp used and the finished product (paper-transformation industry products, corrugated cardboard, hygiene products). Schematically, the process can be divided into three main phases:
- preparation of the pulp;
- manufacturing of the sheet;
- surface treatments and final preparation.
The core of this cycle is the manufacturing of the sheet, which takes place through the so-called “continuous paper machine”, so called because the sheet of paper is generated linearly and without interruption. During this step, in which the compressors are also activated, paper is formed and dried, first through presses, then through hot air. Other important operations that involve air blowing are also carried out in paper mills, such as machinery cleaning.
Among the interventions that energy managers can evaluate to reduce consumption and costs associated with electricity is the installation of high efficiency compressors equipped with inverters. Mattei compressors fit perfectly into a process of energy efficiency and improvement of environmental sustainability parameters of paper mills: thanks to the innovative vane construction technology, in fact, these machines allow saving 15% on electricity consumption compared to a rotary screw compressor and boast the lowest Life Cycle Cost on the market. In addition, the heat recovery system, which can be installed on many Mattei compressors, allows recovering 80% of the thermal energy generated during operation, and reusing it for other processes.
The reliability of Mattei compressors, obtained thanks to the quality of the materials and the particular construction design that minimises component wear, allows obtaining constant performance for over 100,000 hours of operation without the need to replace mechanical parts or make significant overhauls. Mattei control and management systems also ensure that the compressor room operates in the most efficient way, always maintaining the supply of compressed air adequate to the demand of the production process.