Kati Chan, UPM Kymi: “The recovery boiler is the heart of the pulp mill” 

In pulp production, wood chips are boiled in chemicals, which dissolves the lignin that binds the fibers and releases pure cellulose. After boiling, the pulp is washed, bleached and dried into bales. Although the production is based on a chemical method developed in the 1870s, thanks to technological developments, traditional pulp mills have become bioproduct plants that operate in a nearly closed cycle and produce surplus energy. Kati Chan describes the role of recovery in the process: 

“In simple terms, it recovers the chemicals used in pulp cooking and returns them to the process. The recovery boiler is the heart of the entire pulp mill. If it doesn’t work, the entire production stops.” 

The black liquor produced during pulp production is burned in a recovery boiler. This recycles the chemicals and at the same time generates steam and electricity, which cover the mill's energy needs.  

“By-products include tall oil and turpentine,” Chan adds. 

Kati Chan's job is to ensure that the process operates efficiently and safely. Her work is also guided by a targeted reduction in emissions and waste, i.e. the environmental burden, in line with environmental requirements.  

Multi-tasking operations engineer 

While the factory operates 24/7, Kati Chan works office hours. At the beginning of the work day, an overall picture of the recovery situation is formed through various factory systems. After this, we gather for a morning meeting at the factory, where we review the situation of the entire factory. Sometimes the morning situation review refines the work plan for the whole day. 

The work of an operations engineer is a combination of analysis, management and rapid response. The day involves process optimization, production support and operational supervision of recovery personnel and maintenance engineers.  

“I also investigate production losses from recovery as well as environmental and safety incidents and take care of their follow-up measures,” he describes. 

There is no ready-made recipe for everything. 

In a factory environment, unexpected disruptions are part of everyday life, and they emphasize the ability to make decisions quickly. 

“If there is a disruption, you have to quickly assess whether production can continue or whether a more extensive repair is needed. There is no one-size-fits-all solution,” says Chan. 

This is exactly what makes the work interesting. 

“I like challenges and the fact that you are constantly learning new things at work. No two days are the same.” 

When the expertise of experts is combined, it is directly reflected in the end result. 

“Together we can solve those production bottlenecks,” Kati smiles. 

Production records are also celebrated with a group coffee and cake.  

Long history, modern factory 

A sulphite pulp mill was started in Kuusansaari in 1886 and pulp production began in Kuusanniemi in 1964. Today, the mill is one of the most modern in the country. Its annual production capacity is approximately 870000 tonnes of bleached birch and softwood pulp. In addition to pulp, the integrated mill produces paper and bioenergy. The majority of the energy is generated from biofuels, and production is self-sufficient. 

UPM Pulp's Research, Development and Technology Manager Jyri at the Kylmälä has 30 years of experience in pulp. Kylmälä, who previously worked as the director of Integraat, opens up the possibilities of the material: 

“New products and applications are constantly being developed around pulp,” he says, continuing: 

“Pulp can be found in a surprisingly wide range of places in everyday life: from tissue paper to packaging, textiles and cosmetics. Even plastic bottles can be made from wood.” 

The more alternatives to fossil materials are sought, the more significant the future of pulp becomes. 

Visible traces of work  

Kati Chan began her career as a master's student at UPM's Northern Europe Research Centre in Lappeenranta. The unit, which supports UPM's production plants and research teams, develops manufacturing processes for fibre raw materials and biofuels, provides analytical services and solves technical issues. In her master's thesis, Chan tested and compared chemical methods for strengthening cellulose fibres and refined fibre properties using polymers and coatings. After graduating, she worked in pulp research, from which her career progressed to the production development and project team at UPM Finland's pulp mills as a development engineer. The work offered extensive networking opportunities with staff from different mills and the opportunity to learn about the differences between different pulp mills. 

“After that, I moved to work as an operations engineer at the Kymi factory in Kuusankoski,” describes Chan, who has worked in the industry for nine years since his studies.  

Kati Chan's duties also include project manager responsibilities for development projects. The projects are initiated by the need for process development or challenges that arise in everyday life. Together, we look for changes in driving style or equipment or other solutions.  

“Changes are made directly to the process in small steps,” Chan elaborates, noting that analysis services are utilized when necessary. Chan and Kylmälä will discuss development needs when necessary. 

Development projects also include conceptualization, life cycle assessment, procurement negotiations, coordination of environmental permit processes and cooperation with authorities. Kati Chan speaks enthusiastically about the development work: 

“We think about how we can make production more cost-effective. When the tested plan works in practice, we have succeeded. We can also calculate a monetary value for it.” 

For Chan, it is important to see the impact of one's work in practice. Responsibility is also motivating. 

“Here, people trust me to make decisions and move things forward.” 

Chan emphasizes that working at a pulp mill requires teamwork, and no one person can do everything alone. 

At school I was interested in chemistry and biology. 

Chan entered the field out of an interest in chemistry, biology, and technology. 

“I have always been interested in technology and processes,” he says. Chan, who graduated with a Master of Science in Engineering from Aalto University in Otaniemi, describes himself as analytical and logical. He has a clear message for young people considering the field: 

"The industry offers a lot of options. It's worth trying. You don't have to know everything, the most important thing is the desire to learn and work together with others." 

Jyri Kylmälä reminds us that skilled workers are needed for a variety of tasks. While the education of pulp engineers has decreased, it is becoming increasingly difficult to attract experts in the field to the province. There are also jobs in maintenance and production.  

Kylmälä himself grew up in the pulp industry. His home was in the 54120 postal code area, in Joutseno Pulp, and his father worked as a shift supervisor at Joutseno-Pulp Oy's pulp mill. During high school, he wasn't particularly interested in wood processing, but after serving in the army, his mind changed. At the Technical University, he chose wood processing and pulp technology as his field of study. 

“Even though I've been working at the company for 30 years, new things are coming up all the time, and that's what makes this interesting,” Kylmälä sums up.