Abstract: Relative shive incidence in a production flow line of paper pulp is continuously sampled and measured by means of a continuous flow, fiber induction device located within the production line to extract a diluted sample of fiber flow therein. The diluted sample is directed through a windowed conduit section for photodetection of particles therein. Particle caused pulses are discriminated by amplitude relative to a reference scale to distinguish shive particles from acceptable fiber particles. Two pulse trains are developed simultaneously: one pulse train for shive pulses and the other pulse train for particle flow including shives. Both pulse trains are rate determined by counting the number of pulses in a fixed interim of time identical to both. The two pulse rates are then combined to develop a dimensionless ratio of shive incidence or percentage within the total fiber stream.

Abstract: Relative shive incidence in a production flow line of paper pulp is continuously sampled and measured by means of a continuous flow, fiber induction device located within the production line to extract a diluted sample of fiber flow therein. The diluted sample is directed through a windowed conduit section for photodetection of particles therein. Particle caused pulses are discriminated by amplitude relative to a reference scale to distinguish shive particles from acceptable fiber particles. Two pulse trains are developed simultaneously: one pulse train for shive pulses and the other pulse train for particle flow including shives. Both pulse trains are rate determined by counting the number of pulses in a fixed interim of time identical to both. The two pulse rates are then combined to develop a dimensionless ratio of shive incidence or percentage within the total fiber stream.