Abstract: Systems for the on-line optical measurement of properties of a translucent moving web, such as paper or plastic, as it is continually produced, colored or otherwise converted. Measured properties include color, reflectance and opacity. A backing roll has a cylindrical or approximately cylindrical surface which comprises at least one optical standard. The roll is positioned such that a circumferential portion of the roll surface contacts the back web surface where the web characteristic is to be measured, with the web curving around the circumferential portion. An optical sensing device is positioned so as to view the front web surface backed by the optical standard or standards. In several embodiments, two sets of reflectance data are collected, one with a "white" optical standard backing and the other with a "black" optical standard backing.

Abstract: A system and method to continuously determine the pulp consistency in the discharge blowline (112) of a continuous pulp digester (100) having a gamma gauge (116) disposed adjacent to the blowline (112) for continuous measurement of the intensity of gamma radiation attenuated by the pulp slurry passing through the blowline (112), a density gauge (118) disposed adjacent to a cold blow liquor line (102) for continuous measurement of the density of the cold blow liquor in the cold blow line (102) independent of variations in the gamma radiation mass-attenuation coefficient of the cold blow liquor in the cold blow liquor line (102), a gamma gauge (120) disposed adjacent to the cold blow liquor line (102) for measuring the intensity of gamma radiation attenuated by the cold blow liquor passing through the cold blow liquor line (102) and a computer (122) for receiving signals output from the first gamma gauge (116), the density gauge (118) and the second gamma gauge (120) indicative of intensity of gamma radiation a

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of a counter-current pulp washing system. The dilution factor, soda loss, wash liquor ratio and displacement ratio of the washing system are determined on-line. The value of either the soda loss or of dilution factor is continuously maintained within a preselected range and changes in the value of the other variable are monitored to provide an indication of whether the washing system is operating optimally. Based on the on-line determination of displacement ratio and wash liquor ratio, the efficiency of the washers is monitored, the cause of any decrease in efficiency is identified and the appropriate control action is applied to adjust the operating parameters of the washers to compensate for changed washing conditions or changed processing conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of a counter-current pulp washing system. The dilution factor, soda loss, wash liquor ratio and displacement ratio of the washing system are determined on-line. The value of either the soda loss or of dilution factor is continuously maintained within a preselected range and changes in the value of the other variable are monitored to provide an indication of whether the washing system is operating optimally. Based on the on-line determination of displacement ratio and wash liquor ratio, the efficiency of the washers is monitored, the cause of any decrease in efficiency is identified and the appropriate control action is applied to adjust the operating parameters of the washers to compensate for changed wshing conditions or changed processing conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of a counter-current pulp washing system. The dilution factor, soda loss, wash liquor ratio and displacement ratio of the washing system are determined on-line. The value of either the soda loss or of dilution factor is continuously maintained within a preselected range and changes in the value of the other variable are monitored to provide an indication of whether the washing system is operating optimally. Based on the on-line determination of displacement ratio and wash liquor ratio, the efficiency of the washers is monitored, the cause of any decrease in efficiency is identified and the appropriate control action is applied to adjust the operating parameters of the washers to compensate for changed washing conditions or changed processing conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously measuring the compressive strain and determining the compressive pressure on rolls of flexible material as they are being wound and for measuring the accumulated length of material wound on the roll. An accurate measurement is recorded of the length and caliper of each layer of the roll. From these measurements, the compressive strain and compressive pressure are determined and this information is used to control the winding process. The length measurements are also employed to correct the accumulated length measurement after the winding has been interrupted for removal of defective layers of material.

Abstract: A new X-ray fluorescence method for testing a sample having two essentially parallel planar faces that provides full matrix effect compensation is disclosed. The intensities of the transmitted and fluorescent beams of photons are measured by X-ray detectors, and the X-ray source and the two detectors are operated so that ##EQU1## where .PHI. is the angle of the primary beam to one face of the sample, .PSI. is the angle of the fluorescent beam to either face of the sample, E.sub.1 is the energy of the photons of the primary beam, and E.sub.2 is the characteristic electron orbital transition energy for the element of interest. From the ratio of the two intensities the mean average concentration of the element is calculated directly without iterative or other complex procedures.