The first step of the expansion comprising an upgrade of the oxygen plant - including a COMPACT PRESS(TM) - was awarded in June 2003 and will be installed by the 2nd quarter of 2004.
The latest order is for an upgrade of the continuous digester to a modified cooking process, KOBUDOMari, to provide increased yield and better bleachability.
The bleach plant will be upgraded for the higher capacity including a repeat order for another two COMPACT PRESS(TM) and a new DUALD(TM) stage will be installed for saving of chemicals and to provide improved brightness stability of the pulp. A final pressurized peroxide bleaching stage, PREPOX(TM), for environmental friendly bleaching will also be installed.
The upgrade of the existing recausticizing plant includes a new system for white liquor filtration, including a PDW(TM) filter.
The order also includes an Ash Leaching system to be supplied by Kvaerner Power AB.
The Aker Kvaerner delivery is on an EPC basis and all steps of the expansion project will be completed by the end of 2004.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Media:
Anders Thorén, Communications Manager, Kvaerner Pulping, Karlstad, Sweden;
Tel: +46 (0)54 19 47 66 or +46 (0)703 55 64 22
Terttu Tuominen, Communications Manager, Kvaerner Power, Tampere, Finland:
Tel: +358 (0)20 141 2440 or +358 (0)40 501 1415
Tel: +358 (0)20 141 2440 or +358 (0)40 501 1415
Investor relations:
Tore Langballe, Vice President, Aker Kvaerner, Group Comms. Tel: +47 67 51 31 06
Aker Kværner ASA
is through its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Aker Kvaerner") a leading global provider of engineering and construction services, technology products and integrated solutions. The business within Aker Kvaerner spans a number of industries, including Oil & Gas production, Refining & Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology, Mining & Metals, Power, Pulping and Shipbuilding. Aker Kvaerner has aggregated annual revenues of approximately USD 6 billion and employs around 29,000 employees in more than 30 countries.
Kvaerner Pulping
is a leading supplier of machines, process systems and service for the chemical pulp industry world-wide. The products are used for continuous cooking, washing, oxygen delignification, bleaching and recausticizing plants. Kvaerner Pulping shall improve customers products, productivity and profitability through innovative technical solutions and strong commitments. Kvaerner Pulping, headquartered in Karlstad, Sweden, has annual revenues of approximately SEK 1.4 billion and employs more than 600 employees in 13 countries.
Kvaerner Power
is the leading chemical recovery equipment supplier in the world with its 300 recovery boilers and 300 evaporation unit deliveries. With the trend towards bigger pulp mills, recovery boiler capacities have increased in the past forty years. Kvaerner Power has designed and manufactured the world's largest recovery units. Kvaerner Power is also a pioneer in large scale fluidized bed combustion for pulp and paper industry and power producers. Approximately 200 boilers in operation testify to the expertise in fluidized bed technology with demanding fuels. Kvaerner Power has annual revenues of approximately EUR 350 million and it employs 1300 people worldwide.
This press release may include forward-looking information or statements and is subject to our disclaimer, see our web-pages www.akerkvaerner.com