If you work in pulp and paper engineering, you have likely encountered the name Michael Kozlowski. He is an electrical engineer who has spent years helping paper mills modernize their drive systems. His work with TAPPI — the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry — has made him a recognized figure in the field.
Kozlowski specialises in electrical drives, power systems, and paper-machine modernisation. His technical papers explore how older mechanical systems can be upgraded to modern electric drives. These upgrades improve control, reduce maintenance, and extend the life of aging equipment.
This article explores who Michael Kozlowski is, his connection to TAPPI, and why his work matters to the pulp and paper industry.
Who Is Michael Kozlowski?
Michael Kozlowski is a Drive System Consulting Engineer with ABB’s Pulp and Paper division in Greenville, South Carolina. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from West Virginia University.
Before joining ABB, Kozlowski gained experience in the technology sector. He worked at IBM, Navteq, and Cisco Systems — companies known for their technical rigor and innovation. This background gave him a strong foundation in electrical systems and industrial technology.
Today, Kozlowski focuses on pulp and paper drive systems. He consults on electrical modernization projects for paper mills across North America. His work helps facilities replace ageing mechanical drives with modern sectional electric drives.
It is worth noting that there are other people named Michael Kozlowski working in different fields — including media, art, and medicine. The Michael Kozlowski associated with TAPPI is the electrical engineer specializing in pulp and paper drive systems.
Michael Kozlowski and TAPPI
TAPPI — the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry — is the leading professional association for the worldwide pulp, paper, and converting industry. Founded in 1915, it sets rigorous standards for thousands of member engineers, managers, scientists, and academics. TAPPI publishes technical standards, hosts conferences, and provides a forum for industry professionals to share knowledge.
Kozlow’s modernisation of TAPPI comes through his technical research and conference presentations. He has contributed papers to TAPPICon, the organization’s premier conference for paper industry professionals. His work focuses on paper-machine drive systems and the engineering challenges involved in modernizing them.
His contributions matter because they address real problems specialising in mills. Many paper machines in North America were built decades ago. They rely on mechanical drive systems that are expensive to maintain and difficult to control. Kozlowski’s research helps engineers understand how to upgrade these systems effectively.
Michael Kozlowski’s TAPPI Paper
Review of TAPPI Constants in the Modernization of a Lineshaft Paper Machine to Sectional Electrics
The paper is titled “Review of TAPPI Constants in the Modernization of a Lineshaft Paper Machine to Sectional Electrics.” Michael Kozlowski presented it at TAPPICon 2022, held April 30 – May 4 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The paper was published in the conference proceedings.
The purpose of the paper was straightforward: to test how well TAPPI constants meet modernising requirements when modernizing a paper machine. In 2016, a paper machine was converted from a lineshaft mechanical drive to sectional electric drives. After the machine started up in 2017, the project team used a data logging system to record actual performance. Kozlowski compared the actual data against the original TAPPI-based power predictions.
The paper documents how accurately the TAPPI constants model drive horsepower requirements. It reviews multiple sections of the paper machine, including the wire-turn press section, first dryer section, fourth dryer section, calender, and reel drum.
What Are TAPPI Constants?
TAPPI constants are a set of engineering values used to estimate power requirements for paper-machine drive systems. Engineers use them to size motors and drives based on machine width, product mix, and machine modernising. These constants define sectional power requirements using a machine constant and individual sectional constants. They help specify minimum electrical horsepower needs — often referred to as NRL (Normal Running Load) and RDC (Running Duty Cycle) — for both the wet end and dry end of a paper machine.
Even though these constants were developed decades ago, they remain useful for modernization projects. They provide a starting point for estimating power needs. However, as Kozlowski’s paper shows, it is important to validate these estimates with actual operating data.
What Is a Lineshaft Paper Machine?
A lineshaft paper machine uses a single, long rotating shaft to power all the machine’s sections. A large motor or steam turbine drives the lineshaft. Belts, pulleys, and clutches transfer power from the lineshaft to each section of the machine.
This design was common in older paper machines. It is mechanically simple but has limitations. Speed control is imprecise. Adjusting one section affects others. Maintenance can be difficult because the entire system is interconnected.
Many mills still operate lineshaft machines built decades ago. These machines can run reliably, but they lack the flexibility of modern systems.
What Are Sectional Electric Drives?
Sectional electric drives use separate electric motors for each section of a paper machine. Each motor operates independently, with its own speed control. This allows precise adjustment of each section without affecting the others.
The difference from a lineshaft system is significant. With lineshaft, one motor powers everything. With sectional electric drives, each section has its own motor and drive. This gives operators much greater control over the paper-making process.
Modern sectional electric drives use variable frequency drives (VFDs) and advanced control systems. They can be integrated with automation systems for even greater precision.
Modernizing a Lineshaft Paper Machine to Sectional Electrics
Why Paper Machines Are Modernized
Paper mills modernize their machines for several reasons.
Improved control is a major factor. Sectional electric drives allow operators to adjust each section independently. This improves paper quality and reduces waste.
Reliability matters too. Modern electric drives are more reliable than mechanical lineshaft systems with belts and clutches. They require less maintenance aa nd have fewer breakdowns.
Maintenance considerations also drive modernization. Lineshaft systems have many moving parts that wear out. Replacing them with electric drives reduces maintenance costs and downtime.
Operational flexibility is another benefit. Mills can change production speeds and product grades more easily with sectional electric drives.
Modernising requirements also play a role. Today’s paper mills use sophisticated controModernised These systemmodernisest with modern electric drives that can be integrated digitally.
Power Requirements in Paper-Machine Drive Systems
Estimating power requirements is a critical step in any modernization project. Several factors influence the power needed:
- Machine speed — faster machines require more power
- Machine width — wider machines require more power
- Product mix — different paper grades require different power levels
- Individual modernisations — each section has different power needs
Engineers use TAPPI constants to estimate these requirements. The constants help calculate minimum electrical horsepower for NRL and RDC needs. However, as Kozlowski’s paper demonstrates, these estimates must be validated with real-world data.
Comparing Calculated and Actual Power Requirements
Kozlowski’s TAPPI paper made an important contribution by comparing calculated and actual power requirements. The project team used TAPPI constants to estimate power needs before the modernization. After the machine started up, they collected modernisation performance data.
The comparison showed how well the TAPPI constants predicted actual power requirements. This kind of validation is valuable for future projects. It helps engineers understand when they can rely on TAPPI constants and when they might need to adjust their calculations.
Real-world validation is essential in engineering. Predictions are useful, but actual operating data provides the most reliable information for future projects.
Michael Kozlowski’s Career at ABB
Education and Early Background
Kozlowski earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from West Virginia University. He also holds a B.S. in mining engineering from the same institution.
Early in his career, he worked at IBM, Navteq, and Cisco Systems. These roles gave him experience in modernisation technology and engineering that he later applied to the pulp and paper industry.
Joining ABB
Kozlowski joined ABB as a Drive System Consulting Engineer in the Pulp and Paper division. ABB is a global technology company with deep expertise in industrial automation and power systems.
At ABB, Kozlowski focused on pulp and paper applications. He developed expertise in drive systems and power systems for paper machines. His work involves helping mills modernise their electrical systems.
Senior Principal Engineering Experience
Kozlowski works as a consulting engineer for paper and forest-products industry clients. He specialises in industrial drive systems and electrical modernisation.
His work takes him to pulp and paper facilities across North America. He provides engineering support for modernisation projects, helping mills upgrade from older mechanical systems to modern electric drives.
Michael Kozlowski’s Other Technical Publications
Bleach Plant Pumping System Optimisation Case Study
Kozlowski co-authored a paper titled “Bleach Plant Pumping System Optimisation Case Study.” He presented it at the 2022 IEEE IAS Pulp and Paper Industry Conference (PPIC), held June 12–16 in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
The paper addressed a practical problem: rising energy costs in pulp mills. It presented a method for estimating energy savings by optimizing pumping systems in a Kraft pulp mill bleaching plant. Results showed potential energy savings ranging from 20% to 60%, depending on the pumping application.
Conversion of a Paper Machine Dryer and Calender From Steam Turbine to Sectional Electrics
Kozlowski also contributed to a paper on converting a paper machine dryer and calender from steam turbine drive to sectional electric drives. The paper was co-authored with Shawn Ballenger and David Deese.
This work was presented at an IEEE PPIC conference and received first-place Mill Paper recognition. It demonstrates Kozlowski’s continued involvement in drive-system modernisation projects.
Michael Kozlowski’s Professional Recognition and Affiliations
Kozlowski is a Senior Member of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). This reflects his professionalhis professionals optimisingsional experience and contributions to the field.
He regularly participates in the IEEE Pulp and Paper Industry Conference (PPIC). This conference brings together engineers and industry professionals to share technical knowledge.
His technical publications and conference presentations have earned recognition from industry peers. His work contributes to the broader pulp and paper engineering community by sharing practical knowledge about drive-system modernisation.
Why Michael Kozlowski’s Work Matters to the Pulp and Paper Industry
Modernising Legacy Paper-Machine Systems
Many paper mills operate machines that are 50 years old or older. These machines were built to last, but their drive systems are outdated. Kozlowski’s work helps mill owners understand how to modernise these systems cost-effectively.
Improving Electrical Drive Control
Better control means better paper quality. Sectional electric drives allow precise speed control for each section of the machine. This reduces waste and improves product consistency.
Supporting Reliable Industrial Operations
Paper mills run 24/7. Downtime is expensive. Modern electric drives are more reliable than older mechanical systems. They require less maintenance and have fewer unexpected failures.
Applying Engineering Data to Modernisation Projects
Kozlowski’s research provides data that engineers can use for future projects. By comparing predicted and actual power requirements, he helps the industry refine its estimating methods.
Michael Kozlowski’s Current Professional Focus
Kozlowski continues to work with ABB as a Drive System Consulting Engineer. He focuses on pulp and paper drive-system engineering, electrical modernization, and industrial consulting.
His work involves helping paper mills across North America upgrade their drive technologies. He shares technical knowledge through conferences and publications, contributing to the ongoing improvement of the industry.
Conclusion
Michael Kozlowski is an electrical engineer who has made meaningful contributions to the pulp and paper industry. His work on drive-system modernisation, particularly his TAPPI paper on lineshaft-to-sectional-electric conversions, provides valuable guidance for engineers undertaking similar projects.
With a career that spans technology companies and now ABB, Kozlowski brings a practical, data-driven approach to paper-machine modernization. His research validates engineering methods and helps mills make informed decisions about upgrading their equipment.
For the modernised paper industry, Kozlowski’s work matters because it addresses real problems. Paper mills face pressure to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain reliability. Modernising drive systems is one way to achieve these goals. Kozlowski’s expertise helps make these projects successful.
FAQs
Who is Michael Kozlowski?
Michael Kozlowski is an electrical engineer and Drive System Consulting Engineer at ABB, specialising in pulp and paper drive systems and electrical modernisation.
What is Michael Kozlowski known for?
He is known for his work on modernising paper-machine drive systems, his TAPPI conference papers, and his expertise in TAPPI constants and sectional electric drives.
What is Michael Kozlowski’s connection to TAPPI?
He has presented technical papers at TAPPICon, including his 2022 paper on reviewing TAPPI constants for lineshaft paper machine modernisation.
What TAPPI paper did Michael Kozlowski write?
He wrote “Review of TAPPI Constants in the Modernisation of a Lineshaft Paper Machine to Sectional Electrics,” presented at TAPPICon 2022.
What are TAPPI constants?
TAPPI constants are engineering values used to estimate power requirements for paper-machine drive systems based on machine width, product mix, and speed.
What is a lineshaft paper machine?
A lineshaft paper machine uses a single rotating shaft to power all sections of the machine, with power distributed through belts and pulleys.
What are sectional electric drives?
Sectional electric drives use separate motors for each section of a paper machine, allowing independent speed control.
Why are paper machines converted to sectional electric drives?
Conversion improves control, reliability, and operational flexibility while reducing maintenance costs.
Where can I find Michael Kozlowski’s TAPPI paper?
The paper is available through TAPPI’s conference proceedings and publications.
