Austria-headed international technology group Andritz AG has announced that it has received an order from Berneck S.A. to supply a pressurized refining and evaporation system for its third medium-density fibreboard (MDF) production line in Lages, Brazil. The start-up of the new equipment is scheduled for the end of 2020.
Headquartered in Araucária, Brazil, Berneck S.A., is specialized in the production of MDP, MDF and HDF panels, in addition to sawn pine and teak. The company operates three industrial plants and is the largest exporter of wood products in Brazil.
All of its products originate from planted forests and target the furniture, civil construction, automotive, electronics and packaging industries, among others, in Brazil and abroad.
The new MDF production line will include the first MDF effluent treatment evaporation plant from Andritz to be installed in Brazil. The centerpiece of the new line will be the pressurized refining system including an S2064M refiner with a capacity of 1 150 tonnes per day. This will process 100 percent softwood (Pinus elliottii and Pinus taeda) as raw material.
According to Andritz, predominant features of its pressurized refining systems are highly efficient pre-steaming, low electrical and thermal energy consumption, as well as excellent dewatering in the plug screw feeder, which is essential for the customer due to the high moisture content of the raw material. The scope of supply also includes the steel structure and supervision of installation and commissioning.
According to Andritz, the comprehensive concept proposed, including the pressurized refining system and wastewater reduction by means of evaporation technology, was the main reason why it was awarded the contract. It also further enhances a leading position for Andritz in the Brazilian panelboard industry, with nearly twenty references.
