Adven - Valio

At Valio in Helsinki, Linka, in collaboration with Adven Oy, has installed a 2 MW mobile steam plant to supply steam for juice production.

Valio has many factories spread across Finland, one of which has chosen to invest in a Linka plant. The company is a leader in the production of dairy products and is an important player in the international market, supplying goods to more than 60 countries. Valio accounts for 25% of Finland's total food exports.

Previously, the Helsinki juice factory used steam from gas and oil boilers only, but the new biomass plant increases flexibility and security of supply.

The mobile steam plant consists of a 2 MW boiler with an economiser, which can supply 3 tonnes of steam per hour. Wood pellets are used as fuel, which is stored in a silo outside the container modules from where they are transported into the boiler via augers. The silo is fitted with weighing cells that measure the amount of pellets left, so that early warning can be given about ordering more.

The amount of wood pellets transported to the boiler is regulated by the load. The load is controlled by how much steam is used by the factory.

The control of the plant has been developed in collaboration with Jernforsen. Operators can control and monitor the plant remotely on their smartphones and computers. It also enables Linka's Service Department to provide quick guidance and support, despite the distance.