Lenzing Expands Pulp Processing Infrastructure

Lenzing AG has awarded ANDRITZ a contract to supply a complete debarking and chipping line for its pulp mill in Austria. The cooperation supports the modernization of wood processing infrastructure used in dissolving pulp production and is scheduled to enter operation in the fourth quarter of 2027.

Applications and Industrial Context
The project targets the pulp and fiber manufacturing sector, where consistent raw material preparation is essential for product quality and process stability. The new installation is designed for dissolving pulp production, requiring efficient debarking, controlled chip quality, and reliable integration with existing mill operations. These functions support industrial automation and wood processing applications.

Partner Roles
Lenzing AG operates the production facility and is responsible for integrating the new line into its manufacturing process. ANDRITZ will supply the complete debarking and chipping system and is responsible for detailed engineering, procurement, installation, commissioning, automation, electrification, and instrumentation.

The cooperation combines Lenzing's operational requirements for dissolving pulp production with ANDRITZ's expertise in wood processing technology and integrated process systems.

Technical Solution
The new line is designed to process up to 400 m³ of logs per hour. It incorporates a horizontally fed HHQ-Chipper equipped with the TurnKnife system, which is designed to optimize chip production while reducing wood losses through controlled knife management and adjustable operating conditions. A frequency converter enables optimization of chipper rotational speed according to processing requirements.

The system also includes a hydrostatically supported debarking drum developed for applications where high debarking efficiency is required. In addition, a log washing stage removes loose silica from incoming timber before further processing, helping protect downstream equipment and maintain chip quality.

Deployment and Implementation
The installation will be deployed at Lenzing's pulp mill in Austria, with commissioning planned for the fourth quarter of 2027. The project includes complete system integration covering mechanical equipment, electrical systems, instrumentation, process automation, installation, and commissioning to ensure compatibility with existing production infrastructure.

Expected Operational Impact
The upgraded wood preparation line is intended to improve raw material utilization and produce more consistent wood chips for dissolving pulp manufacturing. Optimized debarking, chip quality control, and integrated automation are expected to support stable production processes while reducing raw material losses.

Dr. Rolf Yaldez, Mill Manager at Lenzing, says: "Building on our long-standing partnership with ANDRITZ, we selected this solution because debarking performance is essential for our process. With this new line, we are investing in technology that helps us make the most of our raw materials and supports consistently high-quality production."

The project continues a long-standing cooperation between the two companies. ANDRITZ previously supplied a complete debarking and chipping line to Lenzing in 2003. The current installation includes the company's 200th HHQ-Chipper.

Edited by Sucithra Mani, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

www.andritz.com