WORLD PULP&PAPER 72 NEW TISSUE TECHNOLOGY: CASE STUDY existing products and there has been no time to experiment with premium grades. The textured belt is kept in reserve until they decide to get into that market. This is consistent with their business strategy, as explained by Gscheidmeier: “We have decided to implement NTT in two phases, considering how long the Natchez facility has been in operation. This new operation carries with it a young work force who are continually advancing their knowledge of paper making. The initial phase was to achieve the water and energy efficiencies in a towel and tissue grade that we were already making and are very familiar with. This allowed our young team to develop more quickly and with less variables; this decision has proven wise. We have been very pleased with the progress and development of the people and the ability to take full advantage of the efficiency associated with NTT.” LOW ENERGY FOOTPRINT Gary James confirms the high dryness and associated energy efficiency associated with the press section design: “Valmet aimed for a sheet dryness of 47 to 48% to the Yankee dryer, and they have done better than that. The high dryness also gives us higher production rates than conventional crescent former machines which are often dryer-limited.” The new machine is also very efficient, as attested by an industry metric of parent rolls without breaks. Pankratz reports that number is very low compared to industry norms for high speed machines. James explains why: “First, the deinked furnish is very clean, with very low stickies content. Secondly, the Valmet machine is “The high dryness also gives us higher production rates than conventional crescent former machines which are often dryer- limited.” Figure 5. Control Room: Valmet DNA is in the machine DCS Figure 6. Parent roll wrapping