Abstract: The Applicant's invention comprises an apparatus and method for determining the amount of one or more components in a pulping liquor. At a first electrode, a varying voltage is supplied in a voltage range including the half-wave potential of each component of a liquor to be measured, and accounting for variations in the half-wave potential caused by changing process parameters. At a second electrode, which is roughly ⅓ to ¼ the size of the first electrode, the derivative of current intensity is monitored near the known half-wave potential for the various liquor components. Using curve-fitting means, the derivative of current intensity and selected other process condition data is used to determine concentrations of the various liquor components.

Abstract: A non-contacting thickness measurement apparatus is described, which is capable of on-line, highly accurate web thickness measurements. The apparatus is comprised of a first and second distance determining means which calculate a distance value from each distance determining means to the web surface. The distance determining means are on opposite sides of the web, so each measures the distance to a different side of the web. At the same time, the distance between the two distance determining means is measured to produce a z-sensor spacing value. The two distance values are thereafter subtracted from the z-sensor spacing value to get a web thickness value. An x-y position adjustment means is used to keep the measurement spot on the web for the two distance determining means at the same location on the web, and several techniques are combined to eliminate temperature-induced and/or other unknown variations or drifts in the web thickness value which are not caused by actual changes in the thickness of the web.

Abstract: A apparatus and method for in-situ treatment of electrodes in liquid environments in which a solution supply orifice is located near an electrode to be cleaned, and when cleaning is desired, a treatment solution from the solution supply orifice is directed against the electrode or electrodes. A cleaning baffle may be placed over the electrodes to better direct the treatment solution. The electrodes may be cleaned of the treatment solution by directing a flow of gas or a second treatment solution against the electrodes, subsequent use of the first treatment solution.

Abstract: A comparison of the specular and diffused radiation reflected from a coating can be used in ratio to locate the gel point of the coating, and to monitor coating drying characteristics. This same system may be used to monitor the drying process of the coatings in a lab setting to characterize the drying process, optimize coating quality or optimize mill efficiency. A system implementing the Applicant's method uses a radiation source to illuminate a measurement location on the coating, and then provides a first and second radiation detectors to detect reflected radiation from the coating, originating from the radiation source. One of the radiation detectors is arranged to collect specular radiation. The second detector is arranged to collect only diffused radiation. The ratio of these two values represents information about the location of the gel point for the coating, and coating drying characteristics.