Improving pulp and paper production: KLINGER's robust GFO compression gasket solution for the extreme conditions in the pulp manufacturing process at Cenibra.
Extreme conditions are common in cellulose production. KLINGER Brazil provides a more robust and alternative product (GFO) to the gasket compression system from the Brazilian company CENIBRA.
When a CENIBRA stopped its facilities in Belo Oriente, interior of Minas Gerais, not end of 2022 for regular scheduled maintenance, they were ready for a change.
The factory's capacity to 1.200.000 tons per year consolidated its status global leader in cellulose production. However, frequent equipment maintenance caused costly and time-consuming delays, since the digesters and feeders used to process cellulose were subjected to severe chemical resistance conditions, pressure and temperature:
The need for a robust gasket
The team took the company's temporary closure as an opportunity and wisely used the time away from daily operations to test the best compression gasket alternatives.
Satisfied with the KLINGER Brazil products that they already used in several locations, CENIBRA called on us to provide a more robust alternative gasket, and, soon, they had a solution: the GFO compression gasket.
This gasket is made of PTFE expanded and encapsulated graphite that offers excellent lubrication and thermal conductivity to dissipate heat and resist friction. This prevents damage to the fibers and provides lubrication of the compression gasket itself, providing better performance and a significant increase in product life.
The KLINGER Compression Gasket is made from GORE fiber 100% GFO
As CENIBRA had previously worked with KLINGER, and already knew first-hand the quality of our catalog, they were open to new experiences. Vinicius Tomiati, product specialist at KLINGER Brazil, Explain:
“After starting production of GFO compression gaskets at KLINGER Brazil, We began to develop technical work with the customer for the application of GORE products.”
This research and the feedback in real time allowed the team to create an even more effective product, that could withstand the harsh operating conditions that factory equipment faced during daily use.
“GFO compression gaskets have performed satisfactorily. The goal is to last 15 months in operation.”
Vinicius Tomiati, product specialist at KLINGER Brazil
Until now, CENIBRA operation is fully operational with the new GFO KLINGER compression gasket installed. The team is confident that the new material will offer a longer service life, which will allow the factory to extend its maintenance and repair schedule to a more economical and predictable time frame.