One of the most significant industrial projects in the field of sustainable materials is currently under way in Mönsterås, Sweden: the forestry group Södra is building the world’s largest plant for the production of power lignin. BUTTING is contributing to this project with far more than just conventional pipework: in addition to pipelines and large-diameter ducts, the contract also includes fully prefabricated pipe bridge segments, complete with steelwork, insulation and trace heating.
At the heart of the new plant is lignin – a natural component of wood that is obtained as a by-product of pulp production for paper. As a bio-based raw material, lignin can help to replace fossil-based raw materials in various industrial applications.
To carry out the contract, BUTTING pooled the expertise of several specialised units. As the part of the BUTTING Group specialising in supplying the paper and pulp industry, PrePipe OY, Finland, took on the majority of the manufacturing and delivery. The scope of work extended far beyond mere pipework: in total, the contract comprised around 5,400 metres of pipework as well as 19 prefabricated pipe bridge segments with a total length of around 360 metres and a total weight of approximately 515 tonnes. The pipe bridge segments were manufactured by our partner Kavamet and, in addition to the steelwork, also included insulation and trace heating. Some of the required 12-metre pipes were also produced at the specialised BUTTING site in Könnern, Germany.
“This project demonstrates the added value created by close cooperation between our sites. Thanks to prefabrication in Tornio, Finland, and production in Könnern, we were able to offer the customer a comprehensive turnkey solution,” explains Mika Myllys, Managing Director of PrePipe in Finland. “Close coordination and collaboration between all parties involved are crucial, particularly on a project of this scale.”
The quality assurance team was also involved in the project at an early stage. Initial pressure tests were carried out as early as the prefabrication hall in Tornio. This enabled important requirements to be verified and ensured at an early stage.
The prefabricated components were transported by ship from Finland to Mönsterås in Sweden. BUTTING developed specially tailored packaging to ensure safe sea transport. This ensured that the pipework, steelwork, insulation and trace heating were reliably protected during loading and throughout the entire journey. The shipment required precise planning and coordination of the individual deliveries. Completion, packaging, preparation and loading had to be closely co-ordinated to ensure that all components reached their destination on time and safely.
Commissioning of the plant is scheduled for early 2027. The components manufactured and prefabricated by BUTTING will then form part of the world’s largest plant for the production of power-grade lignin. The project impressively demonstrates how BUTTING successfully implements major international projects through cross-site collaboration, a high degree of prefabrication and specialised manufacturing expertise.
BUTTING – more than pipes – for a better quality of life
