Connecting the pulp and paper Industry: KPNB's role in enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and digital transformation Johannes Holubec, Pixact Product Manager

PAPERTECHNOLOGYINTERNATIONAL
For the first time, the plant could:
• Monitor each steam trap individually in real time
• Track steam quality fluctuations affecting heat transfer
•
Receive instant alerts for failures or anomalies
•
Quantify energy losses down to speci昀椀c equipment
This wasn’t just an upgrade—it was a transformation. Steam,
once a mysterious force, became a measurable, manageable asset.
The Impact: From Losses to Leadership
The results were immediate and powerful:
• Steam trap failures were detected 80% faster, reducing unplanned downtime
• Energy consumption dropped by 12%, thanks to quick leak detection and improved condensate return
• Roll temperature stability improved, leading to higher paper quality and fewer rejections
• Operational safety increased, as potential hazards from failed traps were eliminated early
• Customer satisfaction rose, driven by consistent product quality
Just as importantly, the plant laid the foundation for future
AI-powered diagnostics and predictive maintenance—moving from a
reactive model to one of continuous optimization.
KPNB: Bridging the Gap in the Paper Industry
At KPNB, we understand the intricate challenges faced by
the pulp and paper sector. Together with our customers we analyse
their production processes to identify areas and needs where
specialised suppliers can make a significant impact. By fostering
these strategic alliances, we enable our clients to save time,
resources, money – and to improve:
• Efficiency: Streamlining operations to reduce waste and
increase throughput.
• Sustainability: Implementing eco-friendly solutions that minimise environmental impact.
• Digital Transformation: Integrating cutting-edge technologies to modernise processes and data management.
Figure 4: Tasowheel Moisturizer System & Scanner.
KPNB Partners and Projects: Great Improvements for our
Customers
The KPNB-Net-Work comprises valuable partners who
bring innovative solutions to the global pulp and paper industry. In
the following text the focus is put on two innovative and specialised
companies from Finland with whom KPNB has been cooperating
with for many years.
Tasowheel
Tasowheel is well-known for its advanced Quality Control
System (QCS) solutions tailored for the pulp and paper, as well
as converting industry. Their expertise lies in turn-key projects
AND modernising existing systems to improve product quality and
operational efficiency.
Success Story 1: Success through Continuity and
Technological Progress
A prime example of Tasowheel’s customer-centric approach
and technological expertise is its long-standing collaboration with
Kyiv Cardboard and Paper Mill (KCPM) in Ukraine. Since the
first joint project in 2012—delivering a 9110 scanner for PM2—
Tasowheel has continued to support KCPM with multiple systems,
including three additional scanners for various machines.
The most recent upgrade, completed in 2024/25, included
the delivery of a 1010 model scanner with basis weight and moisture
sensors for BM2, as well as a new moisturizer system for BM1.
Both units were seamlessly integrated into existing Tasowheel
infrastructure. The machines in question cover a wide range of
products:
BM1 produces various cardboard grades with a basis weight
range of 130–540 g/m² at 115–380 m/min, while BM2 manufactures
fluting, test liner, and liner between 60–300 g/m² at speeds of up to
710 m/min. The scanner was commissioned in Q4 2024, followed by
the moisturizer start-up in Q1 2025.
KCPM’s decision to continue investing in Tasowheel systems
highlights their proven performance and cost-efficiency, even under
the demanding conditions of board and paper production. Another
distinguishing factor is their exceptional ease of use.
Oleksander Glushenko, Head of Automation at KCPM,
confirms: “The impact of the new moisturizer system has been
very positive. For most grades, the CD
moisture profile improved by more than
75%, and in some cases even up to
88%, with 2-sigma values as low as 0.2
to 0.25. We highly value Tasowheel’s
openness and easy-going communication,
along with their reliable control systems,
the use of advanced technologies for
measurement, processing, and data
transmission, low operating costs, and the
continuous support from their highly skilled
specialists.”
This collaboration, now in its 13th
year, is based on mutual trust and KCPM’s
active commitment to implementing
cutting-edge technology. The positive
operating experience and feedback from
KCPM have also served as a benchmark
for other Ukrainian board producers in
their decision-making regarding quality
control and cross-directional (CD) profile
management systems.
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