Project Profile

Potlatch #2L Headbox Replacement
Lewiston, ID

JH Kelly was awarded the contract to replace the existing headbox on Potlatch's #2L tissue machine at the Lewiston Mill. The existing headbox was deteriorating rapidly and was replaced with a new Toscotec TS1 stainless steel headbox. The project was scheduled for completion during a four-day April shutdown.

The existing headbox weighed approximately 38 tons and was removed using equipment roller, elevated tracks, a 35-ton hydraulic crane and a 25- ton overhead crane. The headbox was jacked up, placed on skates and pulled out on the elevated tracks by a tugger so that the overhead and hydraulic cranes could simultaneously lift the unit, rotate it and set it on the floor for removal. The process was reversed for the new unit installation.

The new 30" pipe specifications called for a "cotton ball" finish on the pipe interior. This finish requires that all welds be polished in a way that allows a cotton ball to be dragged across the weld without snagging. The pipe was fabricated in our Longview fab shop and installed using one field weld. This was completed without incident and on time.

The project allows Potlatch to run the machine more consistently and was completed during regularly scheduled maintenance therefore minimizing downtime and maximizing production.

• Completed during 4-day shutdown
• "Cotton ball" weld finish on 30" pipe