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Historic Reform Marks Partnership Between Valmet and Suzano and Ensures Modernization Without Stopping Production
Valmet, a global leader in process technologies, automation, and services for the pulp, paper, and energy sectors, is conducting the largest diffuser reform ever recorded in the pulp market. The project, which started in April 2024 with the technical proposal, will be executed at the Suzano unit in Mucuri, southern Bahia, and is expected to be completed by April 2027, according to an official company statement.
Strategic Modernization Without Compromising Production
According to Valmet, the project involves the recovery of seven diffusers, with three in the brown pulp washing line and four in the bleaching process. In addition, the intervention aims to restore mechanical conditions, modernize components, enhance processes, and optimize controls. Thus, the goal is to ensure reliability, availability, and greater efficiency in industrial performance.
The company further states that the execution occurs in a staggered manner, ensuring that a complete factory shutdown is not needed, a strategy that preserves the continuity of production.
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Team Integration and International Synergy
According to the company, professionals from Brazil and Sweden are working together. There is synergy among different areas of Valmet, ranging from mechanical manufacturing at the Araucária (PR) Service Center to transport logistics, component recovery, and field assembly.
Valmet’s sales engineer, Edemilson Teodoroski, emphasized that “the solution was built collaboratively by teams from various Valmet areas, aiming to deliver the best results for Suzano.”
EPC Model and Technological Advancement
The project was structured in the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) format. In this model, Valmet takes on the complete scope, including:
- Basic and detailed engineering
- Supply of main and auxiliary equipment
- Mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation assembly
- Field supervision
- Project management
- Commissioning and start-up
This approach ensures that all stages are under the direct responsibility of the company, reinforcing control, integration, and efficiency.
Execution Details and Timeline
According to the project manager, Eduardo Mahfoud, the equipment will be refurbished in stages. He explained that five diffuser screens will be restored in Mucuri, while a new double screen will be produced in Araucária (PR).
He added that “the transfer of professionals from Valmet’s workshop to Suzano’s unit is crucial to ensure local execution of the stages.”
The timeline includes:
- April 2024: technical proposal preparation
- Beginning of 2025: contract signing and engineering plan development
- April 2027: expected completion of the reform
Importance of the Project for the Pulp Sector
The Mucuri plant had already recorded production records in 2022, according to Suzano. Therefore, the reform is seen as a milestone for maintaining the competitiveness of the factory and the pulp sector in Brazil.
Additionally, the project reinforces the long-standing partnership between the companies. According to the statement, this relationship is sustained by innovation, efficiency, and commitment to consistent results.
