Solenis works closely with customers early in the planning process to ensure that appropriate applications and systems are designed and integrated from the ground up to avoid bolted-on solutions that may deliver suboptimal results. We assign a project manager to each installation as the primary liaison between mill staff and Solenis. Often, for existing customers, this person is an account manager who is already familiar with a mill’s layout and operations. Either way, the Solenis project manager leads a team consisting of Applications Specialists with detailed knowledge of chemistry systems, Equipment Specialists with training in mechanical and electrical engineering, and employees with a strong pulp and papermaking background.

We work flexibly with customers during their discovery and planning. In some cases, we provide insights and market data specific to the grades under consideration, the chemical programs required, costs, and any energy or environmental components. In other cases, mills come to us after they’ve made these assessments and have already decided to build a new machine or proceed with a conversion. In these situations, we can prepare a full set of recommendations that addresses all machine-level considerations. Solenis has experience with all types of grades produced across the full spectrum of single- and multi-ply board machine configurations. Our team collaborates with key personnel to understand all the integrated technologies required to produce a specific product. Then we develop a comprehensive start-up plan that includes the selection of appropriate chemical applications, dosing and monitoring equipment, storage needs and operator training, all to make sure that both mill and machine are ready to start on time and reach full production targets as rapidly as possible.

These start-up services are backed by the full breadth and depth of Solenis’ experience in the global paper and pulp industry. We have extensive knowledge of industry best practices and a complete portfolio of chemistries, application systems and monitoring and control tools to help paper and board makers design customized programs, minimize risk and maximize outcomes. Plus, as a single-source supplier, we can streamline start-up operations by reducing the number of third-party players, eliminating project hand-offs and facilitating knowledge transfer.

Maintaining and optimizing an existing chemical program is one thing — designing and commissioning a high-performing program for a new machine, major rebuild or grade conversion is entirely different. These types of projects require evaluating all systems, pilot testing proposed programs and ongoing optimization through the start-up phase. They also require a partner that’s more than a chemical supplier — one that has a broad portfolio and the deepest experience in all facets of papermaking to ensure you meet your quality, productivity, regulatory, environmental and cost-management goals and deliver on sustainability objectives.

Solenis is that partner. We’re one of the most respected names in papermaking, not because we manufacture hundreds of products, but because we back our products with knowledge and expertise gained in real-world operational environments. We are the global leader in both process and functional chemistries developed for the packaging market.

Solenis’ expertise extends beyond process and functional chemistries. We bring vast experience in mill water treatment to bear on major projects where production increases must occur with minimal or no increase in water use and minimal impact on energy consumption. We offer diverse solutions, including boiler and steam system treatments that can reduce freshwater dilution volumes and maximize water reuse and recycling.

At Solenis, we know that great papermaking goes beyond great chemistry. In addition to knowing what chemicals to feed, a mill must know where and how to feed them and how to monitor and control the process in real time. That’s why Solenis takes a total-system approach to papermaking. We provide a comprehensive solution, from chemicals and equipment to installation and configuration, to make sure board manufacturers have the systems they need, as well as assurance that those systems will operate at required levels and deliver specified quality targets. Our equipment experts can also recommend or design specialized equipment for:

• Storage, makedown and delivery systems to help mills reduce shipping costs while producing more efficient onsite solutions and emulsions.
• Injection and mixing systems, such as Solenis’ PerForm™ VMax system, an advanced technology with a proprietary nozzle that allows for high-energy mixing of the polymer and stock.
• Boiler treatment systems and clarification polymer makedown.
• Raw water and wastewater treatment makedown and delivery systems.

Once a chemical program is determined, Solenis works with mill staff to optimize performance and machine runnability. This involves evaluating overall program performance, tuning control systems and modifying targets and control limits. During commissioning and start-up, the Solenis team provides troubleshooting support and immediate access to labs, applications experts and testing equipment to help resolve unforeseen problems. A critical aspect of this phase is obtaining real-time assessments of the machine’s changing conditions.

No supplier can match Solenis when it comes to monitoring and control. Our proprietary OnGuard™ sensors, analyzers and controllers incorporate state-of-the-art algorithms and technologies for superior precision and accuracy. And with Solenis™ Cloud, packaging mills can manage large volumes of data to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs. Solenis™ Cloud offers a secure, centralized platform for real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making. Its Technical Performance Dashboards aggregate, analyze and display performance data with visual indicators and alerts for immediate action. With remote collaboration capabilities and integration flexibility, the platform supports 24/7 process monitoring, backed by Solenis experts.

Solenis continues to provide ongoing support after the machine’s production has stabilized. We check conditions, fine-tune machine settings and document value. The Solenis project team, which could include a project manager, account manager and Application Specialists, remains in close contact and provides a continuous interface with key mill personnel, including production managers, operators and quality control analysts. Acquainting mill staff with the novel technologies is critical to the project’s long-term success. Therefore, Solenis offers on-site training — in the local language and led by Solenis sales teams, in conjunction with senior Applications Specialists and engineering specialists — before, during and after the start-up process.

Environmental challenges — water scarcity, deforestation and climate change — will continue to put pressure on packaging manufacturers to develop innovative and sustainable solutions. At Solenis, we understand this because we feel the same pressure. That’s why we make it a priority to help our customers reach their sustainability goals, whether they aim to conserve water and energy, reduce their carbon footprint or limit waste. In fact, by 2030, we aim to generate 80 percent of our revenue by supporting our customers’ sustainability goals with our products, people and processes.