- ABB completes major modernization of 28-year-old drive system for Gold East Paper
- Upgrade replaces aging drive technology while retaining existing motors, and power and control cables
- 60 drive units and eight rectifier sections replaced and commissioned within a tight six-day shutdown window, with the paper machine resuming production ahead of schedule
- Modernized control and digital monitoring support greater control accuracy, system stability, and long-term maintainability
ABB has completed a comprehensive drive system upgrade for Paper Machine No. 2 (PM2) at Gold East Paper (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd.’s Dagang Mill in Zhenjiang, China, replacing a 28-year-old legacy system with modern digital drive and control technology. The upgrade was completed within a planned six-day shutdown window, with the paper machine resuming production ahead of schedule.
Gold East Paper is one of the major papermakers of Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) China, with annual paper production capacity of more than 2.2 million metric tons. PM2 is one of the mill’s core production lines with a design speed of 1,700 meters per minute and a width of 9.77 meters.
Like many established pulp and paper producers, Gold East Paper faced the challenge of modernizing critical production technology while maximizing the value of existing assets and minimizing disruption to operations. PM2’s original drive system had been in service for nearly 28 years, with key components and spare parts for the ACS600 drives, including IGBTs, no longer in production. Modernizing the system was therefore important to improve long-term maintainability and operational reliability, while retaining serviceable motors and cabling, and limiting the impact on production.
The modernization project replaced eight incoming rectifier sections and 60 ACS600 drive units with ACS880-series technology. ABB also introduced an AC800M controller and new operator panels, integrating digital monitoring and control capabilities to modernize the overall drive control system.
Given the limited shutdown window, ABB carried out extensive preparations in advance and worked closely with Gold East Paper’s Dagang Mill team to coordinate installation and commissioning.
“The PM2 drive system is critical to the stable operation of one of our core production lines and to our wider modernization plans,” said Zhu Jianji, Engineering Manager, Gold East Paper. “The project had a very tight schedule and considerable technical complexity. ABB completed the modernization ahead of schedule, creating a strong foundation for future upgrades across our other production lines and further strengthening our cooperation.”
“Gold East Paper’s trust and close collaboration were essential to the success of this project,” said Wilson Monteiro, Global Business Line Manager, Pulp, Paper and Fiber at ABB. “By combining drive technology, automation and digital capabilities, we can help mills modernize critical assets while making practical use of existing infrastructure. We look forward to continuing our work with Gold East Paper as it advances its modernization plans.”
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
ABB’s Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~26,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, Automation helps process, hybrid and maritime industries outrun – leaner and cleaner. go.abb/automation
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