en.Wedoany.com Reported - Lenzing AG has awarded ANDRITZ a contract to supply a complete debarking and chipping line for its pulp mill in Austria, supporting the modernization of the wood processing infrastructure required for dissolving pulp production. The project is scheduled to commence operations in the fourth quarter of 2027.
This upgrade targets the pulp and fiber manufacturing sector, where the stability of raw material preparation directly impacts product quality and process reliability. The new equipment is specifically designed for dissolving pulp production, requiring capabilities such as efficient debarking, controlled chip quality, and reliable integration with existing processes—functions essential for industrial automation and wood processing applications. Lenzing Group operates the production facility and is responsible for integrating the new line into the manufacturing process. ANDRITZ will supply the complete debarking and chipping system and undertake detailed engineering, procurement, installation, commissioning, automation, electrification, and instrumentation. This collaboration combines Lenzing's operational needs in dissolving pulp production with ANDRITZ's expertise in wood processing technology and integrated process systems.
In terms of technical solutions, the new line is designed to process up to 400 cubic meters of logs per hour, equipped with a horizontal infeed HHQ-Chipper featuring the TurnKnife system. This system optimizes chip production through controlled knife management and adjustable operating conditions while reducing wood loss. Variable frequency drives optimize the chipper speed according to processing requirements. Additionally, the system includes a hydrostatically supported debarking drum, developed for high debarking efficiency applications; a log washing stage removes loose silica from incoming wood before further processing, helping to protect downstream equipment and maintain chip quality.
The equipment will be installed at Lenzing's pulp mill in Austria, with commissioning scheduled 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. The upgraded wood preparation line aims to improve raw material utilization and produce more consistent chips for dissolving pulp manufacturing. Optimized debarking, chip quality control, and integrated automation are expected to support a stable production process while reducing material losses.
Dr. Rolf Yaldez, Plant Manager at Lenzing, stated: "Based on our long-term partnership with ANDRITZ, we chose this solution because debarking performance is critical to our process. With this new line, we are investing in technology that helps us fully utilize raw materials and support consistently high-quality production."
The project continues a long-standing collaboration between the two companies. ANDRITZ previously supplied a complete debarking and chipping line to Lenzing in 2003, and the current installation includes the company's 200th HHQ-Chipper.
