Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining the moisture content of a web of cellulose pulp arriving at a pulp dryer. The method comprises measuring, at several instants during a predetermined time interval, the moisture content of said web using a moisture sensor arranged upstream of the pulp dryer; measuring state variables of drying medium of said pulp dryer; calculating, based on said moisture sensor measurements, a total value of moisture introduced into the pulp dryer by a portion of said web during said predetermined time interval; determining, based on said measured state variables, a predicted total value of moisture present inside the pulp dryer; comparing said calculated total value with said predicted total value to obtain a deviation therebetween; calibrating said moisture sensor using said deviation; and measuring the moisture content of a web of cellulose pulp using said calibrated moisture sensor.

Abstract: A method for monitoring hydrophobic particles contained in a pulp suspension, includes obtaining a sample from a pulp suspension or a filtrate of the pulp suspension. A fluorescent dye is added to the sample to stain particles in the sample. The sample is fractionated to obtain at least a first fraction and a second fraction, wherein the second fraction is a fiber fraction. The method includes for the obtained fractions, fluorescence emitted by the particles in the fractions, calculating an integral of the fluorescence measured for the fractions excluding the fiber fraction, and correlating the calculated integral of the fluorescence to the amount of acetone soluble material in the pulp suspension, and optionally measuring light scattering signal of the particles in at least first and second fractions.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring dewatering in the wet end of a paper machine includes a measuring receptacle functioning at normal air pressure, in which receptacle the amount of the water of the negatively-pressurized dewatering points of the paper machine is measured by means of a pressure-difference transmitter and of a measuring weir.

Abstract: A web manufacturing apparatus includes a transport section configured to transport a web containing fiber, a web humidifier configured to humidify the web, and a control section configured to control operation of the transport section and the web humidifier. When transportation of the web by the transport section is stopped, the control section causes the transport section to recommence transportation of the web after the web is humidified by the web humidifier. The control section may also cause the web humidifier to stop humidification of the web after the web humidifier starts humidification of the web and a predetermined duration elapses.

Abstract: A device is provided for IR-spectroscopy and for determining an impairment of a surface which is exposed to measuring radiation during the IR-spectroscopy. The device includes a radiation source to generate the measuring radiation a detector and a sample receptacle for receiving a sample. The sample receptacle is at least partially delimited by the surface. The detector measures radiation after interaction with the sample. The device is configured to measure an IR-reference spectrum of a reference sample which is received in the sample receptacle, evaluate the reference spectrum, determine an indicator of the impairment, wherein evaluating encompasses an integration of a quantity which is based on the reference spectrum over a predetermined integration spectral range, wherein the indicator is determined dependently on a value of the integration.

Abstract: A monitoring system for the wet end of a paper or board machine includes at least one light fixture for illuminating pulp supplied onto a wire, at least one image sensor to be placed above the head box at the wet end of the machine, for capturing the activity of the pulp supplied from the head box in the wire section, in the direction of the movement of the wire; and a computing device, to which at least one image sensor is configured to transmit image information for determining activity data on the pulp, the computing device being configured to adjust the settings of the paper or board machine, and/or of the monitoring system, on the basis of the determined activity data. A method for monitoring the wet end of a paper or board machine by means of a monitoring system includes adjusting the settings of the paper or board machine and/or of the monitoring system, on the basis of the determined activity data.

Abstract: A traversable measuring device (15) for determining a cross direction profile of a property of a moving lignocellulose-containing fiber web (2). The measuring device has a property measuring sensor (23) for determining a measurement result representing the property of the web at multiple cross directional measurement positions (P1, P2, P3, P4), a position measuring sensor (24) for determining the cross directional measurement position of the property measuring sensor associating to the respective measurement result, and an analysis device (25) for receiving the measurement results and the respective cross directional measurement positions (P1, P2, P3, P4) and for allocating the measurement results with the respective cross directional measurement positions for forming the cross direction profile of the web property (2). The measuring device has a mounting bracket (16) that is detachably fixable with quick clamping for fastening the measuring device at a measurement site in a fiber web machine (1).

Abstract: A defibrating unit that defibrates a raw material including fibers in an atmosphere, an accumulating unit that discharges defibrated matter by rotating a drum unit in which a plurality of openings are formed, a second web forming unit that forms a second web by operating a mesh belt on which the defibrated matter is accumulated, a sheet forming unit that forms a sheet from the second web, a cutting unit that cuts the sheet into a preset size, and a control unit that executes a stop control with a cut operation of the cutting unit as a trigger in a case where an instruction to stop an apparatus is provided are included. In the stop control, the control unit stops operation of the defibrating unit after stopping rotation of the drum unit and movement of the mesh belt.

Abstract: Vibration sensors can be used in paper making systems and methods to determine various aspects of the paper making operation. Vibration sensors, for example, positioned on cleaning blades configured to clean various deposits off of rollers in a paper making system can output vibration data that can be indicative of the vibration of the blade. The vibration data can be analyzed in order to characterize the cause of the vibration and/or the location of the vibration within a paper making system. If the vibration data satisfies a predetermined condition, a corrective action can be initiated. Different corrective actions can be initiated based on the characterized cause and/or location of the vibration in order to effectively improve the operation of the system while minimizing costly system shut downs and major maintenance.

Abstract: A method is provided for decision support in regulating an adhesive coating applied to Yankee dryers. Online sensors are configured to continuously measure stock characteristics, and additional sensors provide actual stock flow rate and machine speed. A controller predicts potential natural coating application from a fibrous sheet generated from the stock to the Yankee dryer surface, substantially in real time, based on the measured characteristics and sensed actual machine values. An output signal may be provided to a display unit, wherein an optimal adhesive coating feed rate may be determined and displayed for operator decision support. The controller may in an automatic mode be configured to regulate the adhesive coating feed rate based on a comparison of one or more determined optimal values associated with respective actual values. The method may include identifying fiber source changes in real time, and predicting a natural coating potential based partly on predetermined correlations.

Abstract: A method of pulping wastepaper includes providing a pulping vessel with a rotor and at least one flow sensor adapted to measure slurry flow within the pulping vessel. The pulping vessel is charged with wastepaper and water to form a slurry, the amounts of wastepaper and water being present such that the slurry has consistency in the range of from 10% to 30%. The wastepaper charge in the pulping vessel is pulped at a pre-selected power level while monitoring poloidal slurry flow in the pulping vessel; and from time-to-time, water may be added to the pulping vessel when the poloidal flow falls below a predetermined lower threshold flow value in order to reduce viscosity and thereby restore poloidal flow within the pulping vessel. Doppler velocimetry is a preferred method of monitoring pulp flow. In a particularly preferred construction the rotor has a variable power drive.

Abstract: A slide rail for a continuously variable transmission is disclosed that comprises at least one slide surface arranged for guiding a wrap-around mechanism that connects a first cone pulley pair to a second cone pulley pair of the continuously variable transmission to transfer torque therebetween. The slide rail includes at least one acceleration sensor arranged so that an acceleration of the slide rail perpendicular to the at least one slide surface can be detected by the acceleration sensor.

Abstract: A method of measuring the thickness of long sheet material wound on to a reel spool while being pressed by a reel drum, includes: measuring the increase in the roll diameter of the wound roll formed from the long sheet material in a non-contact manner; measuring the number of rotations of the reel spool; and determining the thickness of the long sheet material by calculation using the measured increase in the roll diameter and the number of rotations.

Abstract: An analyzer instrument, gas sampling and analyzing system, and method are disclosed for detecting water vapor in gas using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy at a wavelength of 1871 nm plus or minus 2 nm.

Abstract: Processes of determining features of a paper-making fabric. The processes utilize a representation of a portion of a surface of the fabric, with the representation showing at least one of (i) locations and (ii) sizes of knuckles and pockets in the surface of the fabric. An image of the portion of the fabric is generated based on the representation. Using the displayed image, an outline is drawn around at least one of the knuckles, and guidelines are drawn such that the guidelines at least one of (i) pass through the center of the outlined knuckle, (ii) pass through the other knuckles, and (iii) form a shape that surrounds areas of the image that correspond to where the pockets are formed between the knuckles. With the outlined knuckle and guidelines, properties that affect the paper-making functionality of the fabric may be calculated.

Abstract: The method of predicting a formed body density includes: a correlation calculating step of obtaining the correlation between the formed body density of the formed body and the porosity of the fired body; and a formed body density predicting step including: in a case of preparing a kneaded material A from a ceramic raw material having substantially the same composition as a ceramic raw material used for preparing a kneaded material, preparing a formed body B by forming the kneaded material A, preparing a dried body C by drying the formed body B, and preparing a fired body D having a desired porosity by firing the dried body C, calculating a predicted value of the formed body density of the formed body B corresponding to the desired porosity of the fired body D using the correlation.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring the conditions of a band circulating in a paper making machine is provided with: a detecting device configured to detect at least one parameter indicative of the conditions of the band; and with a moving assembly configured to move the detecting device along a direction transversal to the circulating direction of the band and comprising a cable moving device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strength agent for paper, board or the like. The strength agent comprises a first component, which is refined cellulosic fibers having a refining level of >70° SR, and a second component, which is a synthetic cationic polymer having a charge density of 0.1-2.5 meq/g, determined at pH 2.7, and an average molecular weight of >300 000 g/mol. The invention relates also to a use of the strength agent and to a method for increasing strength properties of paper, board or the like.

Abstract: Integration of clothing performance into production planning, scheduling and execution of papermaking machines yields paper products with consistent acceptable quality with minimum downtime and inventory. Linking the selection and operation of papermaking machines to their respective clothing performances improves clothing life cycle. Selected operating parameters of a papermaking machine and historical clothing data are indicative of the machine's clothing condition. Order scheduling engine identifies manufacturing times for particular grades of product and generates order blocks. Papermaking machines are assigned to execute specific order blocks with provision that each machine completes execution of the assigned orders without any anticipated breakage of the wire or felts.

Abstract: A system for determining at least one property of a sheet dielectric sample using terahertz radiation includes at least one terahertz transmitter configured to output a pulse of terahertz radiation, a terahertz receiver configured to receive at least a portion of the pulse of terahertz radiation, wherein the terahertz receiver is configured to output a measured waveform based on the terahertz radiation received by the terahertz receiver, and a control unit in communication with the terahertz receiver. Wherein the control unit is configured to choose at least one region of interest of the measured waveform, compare the at least one region of interest of the measured waveform to a model waveform, vary at least one parameter of a model waveform to minimize the difference between the model waveform and the measured waveform.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing tissue including providing a first pulp mix, delivering a wet-end additive to the first pulp mix at a first point in the process, forming a tissue web comprising the first pulp mix after the first point in the process, monitoring the tissue web for breaks and preventing delivery of the wet-end additive to the first pulp mix at the first point in response to detecting a break in the monitoring step. In an exemplary embodiment, a switching valve is used to control delivery of the wet-end additive to the first pulp mix.

Abstract: A method includes generating a model associated with cross-directional fiber orientation of a web, which includes identifying spatial frequency characteristics of a fiber orientation (FO) process. The method also includes providing the model for control of the FO process. Generating the model could include performing a spatial impulse test of the FO process, and long wavelength responses of the FO process can be identified by performing a spatial long wavelength test of the FO process or by retrieving information from a historical database. Actuator edge padding can be applied to the model in order to generate a controller model. A controller can be used to control the process based on the controller model. At least one parameter of the controller model can be dynamically adjusted during operation of the controller. The controller can change average fiber orientation angle profiles and twist profiles by only adjusting slice lip actuators in a headbox.

Abstract: A technical test method for evaluating at least one operating parameter of a device over a sequence of a plurality of operating stages, each stage corresponding to a stable value of at least one operating setpoint of the device. The method including at least sampling values of the at least one operating parameter over time, filtering the sampled values in order to obtain a filtered signal for each operating parameter, calculating the variance of the sampled values for each operating parameter in a sampling window during the operating stage, calculating the absolute value of the time derivative of the filtered signal for each operating parameter, and changing the value of the at least one operating setpoint when, for each operating parameter, the variance of the sampled values and the absolute value of the time derivative of the filtered signal are less than respective predetermined lower thresholds.

Abstract: A combined fermentor and press assembly. The combined fermentor and press assembly includes a pot, container or bag having a preestablished volume “V” defined therein. A must and a future pomace being positioned in said preestablished volume “V”. A drain space “DS” defined within the preestablished volume “V” and a drain system, consisting of tubes and valves connected to a receptacle and a pump drawing a liquid from the must and the future pomace.

Abstract: A method for processing a plurality of sheet material includes receiving a plurality of sheets of material, transporting, via a transport mechanism, the plurality of sheets, one sheet at a time, past a first image capture device, obtaining, via a first image capture device, a first image of a first set of one or more of the plurality of sheets while being transported past the first image capture device, and determining, via at least one processor, a first caliper measurement of the first set of one or more of the plurality of sheets based on the first image of each of the first set.

Abstract: A process of determining features of a fabric. A representation of a portion of a surface of the fabric is formed showing at least one of (i) locations and (ii) sizes of knuckles and pockets in the surface of the fabric. An image is generated of the portion of the surface of the fabric based on the representation. A portion of the image is displayed on a computer screen. An outline is drawn around at least one of the knuckles in the image. Guidelines are drawn such that the guidelines (i) pass through the center of the at least one outlined knuckle, (ii) pass through the other knuckles, or (iii) form shapes that surround areas of the image that correspond to where the pockets are formed between the knuckles. The outline and the guidelines are drawn using an image analysis program.

Abstract: The controller includes a differentiating engine configured to receive an input signal value (ISV), wherein the ISV corresponds to state information for one selected from a group consisting of a controlled process and a user interface. The differentiating engine is further configured to determine an error between the ISV and an estimated input signal (EIS), estimate a frequency of the IS, select a plurality of pre-determined gains using the frequency, wherein at least one plurality of pre-determined gains is a suction control gain, determine a first estimated derivative of the input signal (EDIS) using the plurality of pre-determined gains and the error, and to output the first EDIS.

Abstract: A process of obtaining a fabric includes obtaining an image of a paper product having a three-dimensional structure, determining a pattern that corresponds to the three-dimensional structure of the paper product by using an image analysis program that is stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium to analyze the image of the paper product, and obtaining a fabric with a surface that approximates the pattern by selecting a fabric that has a pattern that is known to approximately correspond to the determined pattern.

Abstract: Mineral definitions each include a list of elements, each of the elements having a corresponding standard spectrum. To determine the composition of an unknown mineral sample, the acquired spectrum of the sample is sequentially decomposed into the standard spectra of the elements from the element list of each of the mineral definitions, and a similarity metric computed for each mineral definition. The unknown mineral is identified as the mineral having the best similarity metric.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a papermaking process for producing rolls of convolutely wound web material having a machine direction (MD) and a cross-machine direction (CD) coplanar and orthogonal thereto is disclosed. The process improves the operating life of a papermaking belt used therefor.

Abstract: A process of determining the depth of a pocket in a woven fabric. A representation is formed of a portion of a surface of the woven fabric to provide a fabric representation showing at least one of (i) at least one of locations and sizes of knuckles that are a part of the surface of the fabric and (ii) at least one of locations and sizes of pockets that are formed in areas between the knuckles. Particular knuckles are identified that surround a particular pocket. A path is determined in the fabric representation that passes from a first of the knuckles across the particular pocket to a second of the knuckles. The fabric is scanned using a measurement device along a line that corresponds to the determined path. A depth of the particular pocket is determined, to which cellulosic fibers can penetrate in a papermaking process, based on the scan.

Abstract: A method is provided for automatically positioning a print head (12) relative to a photoreceptor (14) in a xerographic print engine (10). The method includes: operating the print head (12) to produce an indicia in a latent image formed on the photoreceptor (14); measuring a dimension of the indicia; and automatically positioning the print head (12) relative to the photoreceptor (14) in response to a result of the measuring.

Abstract: A steam distributor includes multiple steam discharge chambers that are separated by laterally spaced apart partition panels that create corresponding profiling zones. The profiling zones are covered by a perforated screen plate through which steam passes onto a moving sheet that is traveling in the machine direction. One or more of the partition panels is not aligned in the machine direction so that one or more of the steam discharge chambers defines a non-rectangular profiling zone. The orientation of one or more of the baffles can be adjusted in order to control the response shape of the steam footprints on a moving sheet for zone moisture control. The panels can be articulated to allow dynamic adjustments of the profiling zones for cross direction response control.

Abstract: A method regulating the formation of a fibrous web, such as a paper, cardboard, or tissue web, in which method the formation of the fibrous web is measured online as a controlled variable and is held at a predefinable setpoint level via automatic formation regulation. In addition to the formation, the charge concentration of the suspension is measured as a controlled variable and is taken into consideration during the formation regulation.

Abstract: A quality control system for the manufacture of carbon nanostructure-laden substrates includes a resistance measurement module for continuously measuring resistance of the carbon nanostructure (CNS)-laden substrate.

Abstract: Mineral definitions each include a list of elements, each of the elements having a corresponding standard spectrum. To determine the composition of an unknown mineral sample, the acquired spectrum of the sample is sequentially decomposed into the standard spectra of the elements from the element list of each of the mineral definitions, and a similarity metric computed for each mineral definition. The unknown mineral is identified as the mineral having the best similarity metric.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for continuously and automatically determining sticky levels in a process for producing recycled fibre pulp utilizing near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in combination with one or more automated sheet former (s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of paper and board which comprises: (a) introducing one or more fillers, one or more anionic polysaccharides and one or more cationic agents into a mixing zone to form a filler composition; (b) introducing by means of a pump the filler composition into an aqueous suspension comprising cellulosic fibers; and (c) dewatering the obtained suspension. The present invention also relates to a process for the production of a filler composition which comprises: (a) introducing one or more fillers, one or more anionic polysaccharides and one or more cationic agents into a mixing zone to form a filler composition; (b) introducing by means of a pump the filler composition into a storage tank.

Abstract: The invention embodies methods and apparatuses to monitor and control the characteristics of a creping process. The method involves measuring optical properties of various points along a creped paper sheet and converting those measurements into characteristic defining data. The invention allows for determining the magnitude and distribution of crepe structures and their frequency and distribution. This allows for the generation of information that is accurate and is much more reliable than the coarse guessing that is currently used in the industry. Feeding this information to papermaking process equipment can result in increases in both quality and efficiency in papermaking.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring scale deposition in a water-containing industrial process are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the water-containing industrial process is an aqueous cooling system. In certain embodiments, the methods incorporate fluorometric monitoring and control techniques along with a piezoelectric microbalance sensor. A particular embodiment of a piezoelectric microbalance sensor is additionally disclosed, along with at least one method for using the particular embodiment that is independent of whether fluorometric monitoring and control techniques are utilized.

Abstract: A method includes passing a web of material over a deflector having a backstep, where the backstep causes the web to deflect towards the deflector. The method also includes capturing measurements of one or more characteristics associated with the web at one or more locations downstream of the backstep. In addition, the method includes identifying a cross direction (CD) profile of machine direction (MD) tension on the web using the measurements. The method could further include generating a Coanda airflow between the web and the deflector. The measurements could include pressure measurements identifying air pressures in a space between the web and the deflector and/or deflection distance measurements identifying distances by which the web is deflected towards the deflector.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for detecting contamination of boiler condensate and/or boiler feedwater in a papermaking process. The method includes measuring an oxidation-reduction potential at one or more locations in the boiler condensate and/or the boiler feedwater of the papermaking process with one or more corrosion stress monitoring devices. A controller is operable to assess whether the measured or a calculated oxidation-reduction potential is within an optimum range. The controller is operable to cause transmission of a signal to direct feeding an effective amount of one or more reductants and/or one or more pH-controlling chemicals into the boiler feedwater and/or one or more a satellite feed locations of the papermaking process.

Abstract: The present invention discloses processes for generating a hydrocarbon feedstock for biofuels synthesis from lignin via hydroprocessing. Embodiments of the present invention can occur in a refinery setting or in a paper mill setting. Embodiments of the present invention can utilize the separated lignin or the entire black liquor solution.

Abstract: Properties of an end product, such as paper, paperboard or board, are important for the user of the end product. To be able to manufacture an end product of desired quality, it is important to know what kind of paper pulp used for manufacturing the end product results in a particular kind of property of the end product. Embodiments provide a method and an apparatus for generating a model, which model connects at least one property of the end product with at least one property of the paper pulp. On the basis of the model, also the manufacturing process can be controlled.

Abstract: Processes for making fluff pulp sheets mechanically eliminate many unwanted fiber-to-fiber bonding (fiber bundles) in the sheet. Pulp slurry is deposited on a moving bottom forming wire to form a stock web. Pulp slurry is brought into contact with a moving top forming wire. The stock web is subjected to up and down dewatering creating separately formed layers to reduce fiber-to-fiber bonding. The stock web can be subjected to strong pulsating shear forces as it is being advanced along the bottom forming wire to break fiber bundles. The pulp slurry can be deposited on the bottom forming wire utilizing a headbox with dilution control to selectively adjust the concentration of the pulp slurry. Shoe presses can be used to dewater the web after it is subjected to the pulsating shear forces.

Abstract: The present invention discloses processes for generating a hydrocarbon feedstock for biofuels synthesis from lignin via hydroprocessing. Embodiments of the present invention can occur in a refinery setting or in a paper mill setting. Embodiments of the present invention can utilize the separated lignin or the entire black liquor solution.

Abstract: A conservation control system is provided for integration with an cross-direction controller on a sheet making machine. The conservation control system receives inputs from the cross-direction controller and accepts and/or modifies the controller commands to a profiler based on desired performance and conservation trade-offs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-held apparatus for controlling the condition of a circulating band in a papermaking machine; the apparatus comprises a hand-held body which carries: a moisture measuring device, equipped with at least one microwave sensor; a permeability measuring device, comprising at least one water delivery nozzle and a flowmeter associated with the nozzle; and a control unit connected to the measuring devices for processing signals coming therefrom; the body is equipped with at least one handle portion to be grasped by an operator for manually moving and maneuvering the apparatus.

Abstract: Methods to preserve starch present in pulp are provided and also methods to control calcium precipitation and/or scaling in digesters or BOD systems. The methods can be performed as part of a papermaking process. Process water containing pulp can be treated with a chloramine. Process water containing pulp with native starch can receive a double treatment with at least one biocide, such as chloramine, and at least one oxidant, such as sodium hypochlorite. The treatment can be performed in any suitable manner. The treatment can be performed at one or more stages or locations in a papermaking system. A target residual chloramine value or range can be achieved by the treatment. Packaging sheets/boards and other paper products manufactured using the methods provided exhibit superior strength and other desirable characteristics.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a measurement associated with an anisotropy of a first surface and a measurement associated with an anisotropy of a second surface of a sheet of material. The method also includes adjusting an operating parameter associated with a headbox based on the measurements. The headbox is associated with manufacture of the sheet. The operating parameter could include a jet speed, a jet impingement angle, a jet thickness, a slice opening, and/or a slice apron projection. Adjusting the operating parameter could be based on a difference between a measured anisotropy of the first surface and a measured anisotropy of the second surface. For example, the operating parameter could be adjusted to achieve a desired difference between the measured anisotropy of the first surface and the measured anisotropy of the second surface. Multiple headboxes could be controlled, such as when different headboxes are used to produce different layers of a multi-layer sheet.