ABB Completes Digital Upgrade of 28-Year-Old Paper Machine Drive System at Jindong Paper

Lead: ABB has successfully completed the overall drive system upgrade for Jindong Paper (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd.’s No. 2 paper machine. Leveraging mature electrical and automation solutions along with professional execution capabilities, the project was implemented within a tight downtime window and commissioned ahead of schedule.

• ABB modernizes the drive system of Jindong Paper’s No. 2 paper machine, replacing a 28-year-old system with advanced digital drive technology.

• The project team completed the upgrade within a six-day downtime, overcoming multiple challenges and achieving first-time successful commissioning of core equipment.

• The upgrade significantly enhances control precision and operational efficiency, providing a replicable reference for digital transformation of aging paper production lines.

Project Overview

Jindong Paper, part of APP’s strategic production network in China under the Golden Light Group, has an annual paper output exceeding 2.3 million tons. The project is located at the company’s core production base in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, focusing on the No. 2 paper machine.

• Machine type: German VOITH paper machine

• Design speed: 1,700 meters/min

• Paper width: 9.77 meters

• Significance: Key to maintaining stable production capacity

The drive system upgrade aimed to improve machine control precision, system stability, and maintenance efficiency through equipment modernization and digital integration.

Technical Upgrades

• Drive systems: Upgraded from 8-section rectifiers and 60 ACS600 drives to the ACS880 series

• Control system: AC800M controller with the latest operator panel

• Digital capabilities: Enhanced monitoring and control features for intelligent drive management

• Equipment reuse: Existing motors and power/control cables retained to reduce costs and installation complexity

• Preparation: ABB deployed digital inspection tools for cable verification, labeling, and wiring logic validation before cabinet replacement

Project Execution

• Downtime window: 6 days (including 5 days for on-site commissioning)

• Implementation highlights:

• Special task force assembled to ensure efficient execution

• Close collaboration with Jindong Paper and use of digital tools for scheduling and commissioning

• First-time successful commissioning of core equipment and integration with DCS control

Impact and Value

• For Jindong Paper:

• Improved operational stability and control accuracy

• Enhanced system maintainability and operational efficiency

• Established a strong foundation for future digital transformation

• For the industry:

• Provides a practical reference for upgrading aging paper machines with digital solutions

• Supports the paper industry’s transition toward smarter and more efficient production

Current Status

The No. 2 paper machine has been in stable operation since April 2026, exceeding performance expectations. During a recent executive review and project summary, Jindong Paper expressed satisfaction with both the upgrade results and the ongoing operation of the machine. The successful implementation has strengthened mutual trust and cooperation between ABB and Jindong Paper and offers a replicable model for intelligent upgrades of existing production lines.

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