Södra Cell chooses ABB to supply new Quality Control System for eco-friendly, specialty pulp mill in Sweden

QCS operator interface in use

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Fully integrated solution will enhance product quality through improved control of production changes

Leading Swedish pulp manufacturer Södra Cell has appointed ABB to supply and install a new, state-of-the-art Quality Control System (QCS) at its specialty mill in Mörrum, southern Sweden, which produces paper pulp and hardwood dissolving pulp for customers throughout Europe. Delivery is planned for October 2020.

The QCS order includes new sensors for a range of quality parameters including basis weight and moisture content plus multivariable cross direction (MCD) control. The system also benefits from the ability to interface directly with Södra Cell’s existing, third-party headbox actuators. A 12-month service contract provides comprehensive technical back-up after installation.

To meet the customer’s main objective of changing production rates without disturbing pulp quality, the QCS incorporates coordinated speed change control. This features an operator interface that provides information about all the supervisory and regulatory loops, including the status of the individual actuator ramps. Through its ease of use, this control encourages higher utilization than with conventional systems, leading to fewer sheet breaks, less downtime and an overall increase in average speed and production.

abb 13oct20 2An example of an ABB Network Platform for on-line high-performance measurement scanning

“Our existing, productive relationship with ABB, and their honest, consultative approach were critical to this order,” said Lennart Willander, Production Manager Pulp Dryer 1, Södra Cell Mörrum. “We look forward to continuing our strong relationship moving forward.”

“This order demonstrates ABB’s expertise in measurement and control throughout the value chain,” said Steve St. Jarre, Head of Business Development, Pulp and Paper, Process Industries, ABB. “We were able to advise the customer fully on the benefits of an integrated QCS that could interface with existing actuators versus a measurement system alone. We are confident that this will result in the desired improvements in productivity and product quality.”

In addition to producing dissolving pulp – which, when used as a cotton substitute in fabric fiber production, reduces dependence on pesticides – Södra Cell’s eco-friendly Mörrum mill also contributes green electricity and district heating to homes in the locality of Karlshamn, as a result of major investments in efficient energy management.


Södra is Sweden’s largest forest-owner association, with 52,000 forest owners as its members. Södra is also an international forest industry Group, with operations based on processing its members’ forest products.


ABB is a trusted partner and leading supplier to the pulp and paper industry, offering deep expertise and a comprehensive portfolio of integrated digital solutions, automation and electrification systems, industry-focused products and comprehensive services to help our customers optimize all phases of the papermaking process. We are committed to serving packaging, paper, tissue and pulp producers to help drive availability, performance, cost and quality improvements. Active worldwide, ABB has over 1000 pulp and paper professionals who serve customers in over 50 countries. www.abb.com/pulpandpaper

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 110,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com


Source: ABB