Abitibi-Consolidated’s largest single capital project of the year here was completed on time—and on budget at $750,000—last week.
The project was the replacement of a problematic electrical device on the winder of the No. 7 paper machine, which had caused the mill several unscheduled machine shutdowns (or “shuts”) over recent years.
There was a three-day scheduled outage last Monday through Wednesday (Nov. 29-Dec. 1) to replace winder components—namely a programmable logic controller and the automated slitter positioning system.
“As a result of good planning and co-ordination between mechanical, electrical, and operations, we completed not only all the major tasks scheduled on the winder, but also a complete paper machine scheduled shut and were back in production Thursday morning,” Michael Walsh, the mill’s engineering and maintenance services manager, noted in yesterday’s edition of “Screenings.”
“Metso, the manufacturer’s representatives, along with our operations and electrical personnel, worked through the weekend putting the finishing touches on the job,” Walsh added.
“Being in an oversold position, we took advantage of the only long shut of the year to resolve some major nagging problems through the machine, from the headbox to the forming section, press change, repairs to dryers that have been cut out of service for some time, and a complete calendar stack change-out.”
Walsh noted during the shut, groundwood personnel completed the installation of sluicing troughs—replacing conveyors that has caused several problems recently.
“I appreciate the effort and the long hours put in by all the groups, getting the preparations made, executing the shut safely and effectively, and the clean-up after the job,” added Walsh.
He noted no one was injured during the project.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
