Extraction System at Sappi Gratkorn

Project Overview

Customer	Sappi Austria Produktions GmbH
Sector	Paper & Cardboard
Location	Gratkorn, Austria
Solution	Paper trim extraction system
Filter	impulse filter
Extraction capacity	300.000 m³/h
Special features	Integration of specialized paper separators
Commissioning	2024

Reliable paper extraction with maximum system availability

High production speeds, large air volumes, and demanding operating conditions are standard in paper manufacturing. Scheuch LIGNO delivers the optimal solution for these challenges.

At Sappi Austria’s mill in Gratkorn, Styria, Scheuch LIGNO ensures maximum system availability and a long service life for paper extraction applications, even when handling very large material volumes. Extraction is carried out via four impulse filters, each with an airflow capacity of 75,000 m³/h.

“In the paper industry, the material volumes and tonnages we handle are enormous, and reliable machine operation is essential. That’s why we needed a robust and dependable solution,” emphasizes Roland Kanzler, Senior Project Manager, Central Technology and Engineering at Sappi. “The extraction system had to perform flawlessly from day one—it is the heart of the entire operation. Taking our requirements into account, Scheuch LIGNO contributed its industry-specific expertise to the project. Throughout the process, we had complete confidence that everything would work as planned. From selection and engineering to delivery and installation, we were truly more than satisfied.”

Material Separator Developed Specifically for the Paper Industry

At Sappi Austria’s mill in Gratkorn, continuous edge trim and paper scraps are extracted along the paper production line. Scheuch LIGNO shredding and conveying fans break down and transport large volumes of waste paper over long distances. Paper separators, specifically developed to meet the requirements of the paper industry, ensure reliable separation of the paper scraps. This guarantees high system availability while maintaining maximum material throughput.

Wet-strength paper is extracted through four impulse filters with a total airflow capacity of 300,000 m³/h. The impulse cleaning system developed by Scheuch operates at maximum efficiency within the filters and therefore also minimizes energy consumption. For optimized material handling, paper dust can be temporarily stored in the filter bunker. An intelligent system for returning the separated paper scraps ensures efficient recycling within the paper production process.

Scheuch LIGNO Awarded Additional Project

“Scheuch LIGNO is a partner that always gives you the feeling that they are there when you need them,” says Roland Kanzler. “We also had an additional project involving a paper scrap extraction system. It quickly became clear that we would once again choose Scheuch LIGNO for the job. The partnership was simply a perfect fit on every level.”

Fire and Explosion Protection with High Priority

Scheuch LIGNO also relies on well-engineered and field-proven solutions for fire and explosion protection. The proven fire protection concept, featuring a maximum flame profile of 5 m, enables safe and space-saving filter installation. The explosion relief flaps developed by Scheuch are oriented toward the exterior wall, allowing direct pressure relief to the outside through designated openings in the building façade. As a long-standing partner of Fagus-GreCon, Scheuch LIGNO was also responsible for the engineering, installation, and commissioning of the spark detection and extinguishing system.

Sappi Gratkorn: 800,000 Tons of Graphic Paper and 100,000 Tons of Label Paper

Located on the banks of the Mur River near Graz, Austria, Sappi Gratkorn manufactures premium-quality paper using state-of-the-art technology. The company produces approximately 800,000 tons of graphic paper annually, which is later used for premium magazines, catalogs, books, and high-quality advertising materials. In addition, around 100,000 tons of label paper are produced each year for use on bottles, jars, and cans. Sappi is one of the region’s largest employers and supplies waste heat from its district heating system to more than 23,000 local households. For more information, visit www.sappi.com.