Of Plural Operations Patents (Class 162/253)
  • Patent number: 9702090
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: FIRST QUALITY TISSUE, LLC
    Inventors: Karthik Ramaratnam, Byrd Tyler Miller, IV, Shane Ervin Hayes, James E. Sealey, II
  • Publication number: 20150075741
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: Stora Enso Oyj
    Inventors: Peter Hengesbach, Roman Krause
  • Publication number: 20140262097
    Abstract: Apparatus for washing and dewatering pulp and a system for controlling this apparatus are provided. The apparatus includes a pair of rotatable press rolls installed in vats and including a press nip therebetween, an inlet for feeding the pulp to the press nip, with one of the press rolls being movable in relation to the other and in which the processing of the pulp is determined by the number of variable operating parameters. The system includes apparatus for utilizing the distance between the press rolls as a variable operating parameter, for setting a desired value for a specific control parameter, for measuring the specific control parameter, and for adjusting at least two of the variable operating parameters during operation to maintain the difference between the desired value and the measured value of the specific control parameter below a predetermined difference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: VALMET TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Johan Bylander, Fredrik Pontén, Rickard Andersson, Magnus Danielsson
  • Patent number: 8444821
    Abstract: Optical radiation sources functioning on different optical bands radiate on different optical bands and focus optical radiation on a region in a web surface as pulses in such a manner that illumination areas of the pulses overlap on the plane of the web. At most one optical radiation band is focused on the web from the direction of the normal. The spatial intensity distribution of at least one optical band differs from the uniform distribution and the intensity distributions of at least two different optical bands differ from one another in a predetermined manner. A camera forms still images of the web surface region on each optical radiation band. An image-processing unit determines the surface topography of the web on the basis of the images. In addition, a controller may control the paper manufacturing process on the basis of the determined surface topography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Metso Automation Oy
    Inventors: Marko Avikainen, Petri Niemi, Heikki Kettunen, Markku Mäntylä, Heimo Keränen
  • Patent number: 8224476
    Abstract: Alignment is a critical component for modeling a cross-directional (CD) papermaking process. It specifies the spatial relationship between individual CD actuators to paper quality measurements. Misalignment can occur unexpectedly due to sheet wander or CD shrinkage variation. In certain applications and circumstances, a misalignment of one third (?) actuator zone width can result in significant paper quality degradation. Detecting a misalignment and identifying CD alignment in closed loop are highly demanded in paper mills but these are nontrivial problems. A technique for maintaining proper CD alignment in sheetmaking systems entails monitoring the alignment online, triggering closed loop identification if misalignment is detected, and then deploying the new alignment. No personnel intervention is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell ASCa Inc.
    Inventors: Danlei Chu, Cristian Gheorghe, Johan Backstrom
  • Publication number: 20120004756
    Abstract: In order to achieve an improved or optimized operation mode of an “expanded drying section” of a paper machine—having the “actual” drying section, separated, if applicable, into pre-drying and post-drying sections with a size press located therebetween, a steam and condensate system, an exhaust air heat recovery system, a wet press and the white water—a model that includes the above system components is proposed, with which mass and energy balances for the system components as well as the specific energy consumption of the drying section are calculated, based on values for parameters relevant for the drying process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Edgar Fries, Johannes Reinschke, Albrecht Sieber, Friedrich Speth
  • Patent number: 8016978
    Abstract: Method of manufacturing a hygiene paper product in form of a continuous paper web (W) of sheets partly separated by perforation lines (9) and wound to a log of predetermined longitudinal length, providing a continuous paper web (W), moving the continuous paper web in a direction of its longitudinal extension, providing at least one embossed pattern on the continuous paper web, providing in the area of an embossing station at least one mark (6, 7) onto the continuous paper web, which mark (6, 7) is in register to the embossed pattern, sensing the mark and controlling perforating means for registering the perforation lines (9) with the embossed pattern thereby imparting perforation lines to the continuous paper web in predetermined longitudinal distances, winding up the resulting web to logs, and cutting the log into rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Sauter, Wolfram Schinkoreit, Dirk Mauler
  • Patent number: 7846299
    Abstract: A paper machine includes equipment for processing or producing a product in a continuous manner, such as a paper sheet. A grade change occurs when the equipment transitions from producing or processing a product having a first grade to producing or processing a product having a second grade. To support the grade change, a target for at least one controlled variable and a target for at least one manipulated variable are identified. The at least one manipulated variable and the at least one controlled variable are associated with the production of the product. A trajectory for the at least one manipulated variable and a corresponding trajectory for the at least one controlled variable are identified using the targets. The grade change is implemented using the trajectories so as to transition from production of the product having the first grade to production of the product having the second grade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell ASCa Inc.
    Inventors: Johan U. Backstrom, Mattias Bjorklund
  • Patent number: 7678233
    Abstract: Disclosed is a machine direction measurement system having an increased cross direction sampling area (significantly larger than the natural sensor measurement window) to generate a more representative and stable machine direction reading of the process. In effect, the sensor should have as wide a coverage area as possible without having to resort to the expense of measuring the entire width of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell ASCA, Inc.
    Inventor: Ron E. Beselt
  • Patent number: 7584013
    Abstract: Fast cross direction caliper control recovery time in a sheet making machine during startup of the machine after a sheet break is achieved provided that a preselected time duration measured from the occurrence of the sheet break to the clearing of sheet break has elapsed. One or both of calender stack conditioning and conditioning of a measurement from a sensor for measuring caliper of the sheet, both with feedback CD control suspended, can be selectably performed. These operations can be performed concurrently if the selected time duration for both are identical. A closed loop change in a set of control tuning parameters of a PI controller providing feedback caliper control of actuators associated with the calender stack can be performed after either or both of the other operations are performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: ABB Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Quang Tran, Timothy Andrew Mast
  • Publication number: 20090178774
    Abstract: An office paper recycling apparatus within a unitary body makes new office paper for use in office equipment from used office machine paper. The apparatus comprises a paper-shredding portion; a pulping portion; a paper-forming portion; a paper-press portion; a paper-drying portion; a paper-finishing portion having a means to trim the paper, a means to adjust the paper forming process by monitoring the stiffness properties and fiber orientation and a means to remove dust debris; and, a paper-collecting portion, where the new sheets are collected and stacked, ready to be used in office equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Stefano Brambilla
  • Publication number: 20090139671
    Abstract: The arrangement and method are for the steam pre-treatment of chips during the production of cellulose pulp to avoid the blow-through of gases in the steam pre-treatment vessel. This prevents foul-smelling gases from being released into the atmosphere. Spreader nozzles for the injection of cooling fluid are arranged in the gas phase of the steam pre-treatment vessel. In the event of the risk for blow-through of steam, cooling that is proportional to the risk is activated. It is possible to avoid the emission of gases from the chip bin when interruptions in the process occur, whereby the release of odours into the surroundings can be minimised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Kent-Olof Karlsson, Daniel Trolin
  • Publication number: 20090133845
    Abstract: Measuring devices measure at least one characteristic of the fibres of recycled fibre pulp and at least one characteristic of ink, and the measuring devices feed the measurement results to controllers of a pulping subprocess and a dispersing subprocess, the controllers performing multivariable-based predictive calculation and optimization of control functions. The controllers of the pulping sub-process and the dispersing subprocess generate control variables on the basis of the measurement results for mechanical and chemical processing of the recycled fibre pulp to be performed in the pulping subprocess and the dispersing subprocess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: METSO AUTOMATION OY
    Inventor: Taisto Huhtelin
  • Publication number: 20080236771
    Abstract: A system for controlling a processor having at least one sampling port connected to a stage of the processor in order to sample a reactant product from the processor. The system includes a controller configured to control a processing parameter of the processor based on measurements of at least one property of the reactant product such that changes to the processing parameter maintain a target value for the at least one property of the reactant product. The system further includes a dead time compensator. The dead time compensator is configured, based upon a prescribed dead time related to a time before at least one effect of at least one change to the processing parameter is fully realized, to evaluate the reactant product to determine if the effect has been realized at a plurality of sequential times offset from the dead time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Metso Automation USA Inc.
    Inventor: Kari Juhani Lampela
  • Patent number: 7279072
    Abstract: Adjusting the operation of a wire section, in which the development of the consistency of stock on the wire section (2) is determined and the effect of the consistency determined above on the formation and/or porosity of a paper web (3) is determined. The consistency developed on the wire section is adjusted based on a quality property of paper and/or by optimising a cost function, the quality property of paper comprising the formation and/or the porosity and/or a combination defined by means of the formation and/or the porosity and the cost function including the effect of at least the formation and/or the porosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Metso Automation Oy
    Inventors: Jukka Muhonen, Hannu Korhonen, Minna Partonen, Jussi Rajala, Antti Leinonen
  • Patent number: 7115188
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for monitoring dewatering in a wet end section of a web production machine. The process includes measuring water flowing into the wet end section, measuring water flowing out of the wet end section, measuring conductivity of the wet web entering the wet end section, measuring conductivity of the water flowing into wet end section, measuring conductivity of water flowing out of the wet end section, and determining a water balance from the measured quantities, which is indicative of dewatering in the wet end. The apparatus is arranged to perform the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Andrew Lilburn
  • Patent number: 7101461
    Abstract: A system and process for measuring paper formation characteristics in real time is disclosed. The system comprises apparatus used in a papermaking process, and includes a rotating forming fabric having an upper and lower surface. A paper slurry is deposited upon the upper surface of the moving forming fabric to prepare a wet paper web. The wet paper web typically moves at a high rate of speed as it rides along upon the surface of the forming fabric. Light is transmitted from a light source to the surface of the wet paper web, and then reflected from the surface of the wet paper web to a camera. An image is formed corresponding to the pattern of the reflected light, and in some instances data generated from the reflected light may be compared to other values to provide a feedback loop to adjust the parameters of the papermaking process in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Allen, Scott H. Delzer, Lindsay M. Brewster
  • Patent number: 7067039
    Abstract: A variable representing runnability of a paper web to be manufactured with a paper machine or processed with a finishing apparatus is measured and the speed difference between operational groups of the paper machine and/or the finishing apparatus is adjusted on the basis of the measurement of said variable such that the moisture profile of the paper web is measured substantially along the entire width of the paper web, the minimum and maximum values for moisture are defined on the basis of the moisture profile, a drawing window describing the allowable tension to be directed to the paper web is defined, the lower and upper limits of the drawing window being defined on the basis of the minimum and maximum values for moisture, and the speed difference between the operational groups is adjusted so that the paper web tension is within the range defined by the drawing window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Metso Automation OY
    Inventors: Jari Almi, Pekka Höyssä
  • Patent number: 7048827
    Abstract: Sheetmaking processes such as papermaking making systems employ water weight sensors underneath the moving water permeable wire that supports the wet stock (pulp slurry). A dynamically compensated calibration equation that equates the water weight plus fiber weight plus wire weight (total weight) to the resistance measured by the water weight sensor is developed for controlling the continuous process. Dynamic compensation accounts for changing papermaking machine conditions or states that affect the intrinsic conductivity of the wet stock being measured. The amount of correction to apply is determined by the conductance measured by a reference sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: John David Watson, Claud Hagart Alexander
  • Patent number: 6998021
    Abstract: In a paper machine which comprises process elements and a measuring beam, the measuring beam is arranged at least at one paper machine process element so that a measuring device for measuring quality properties of a paper web is arrangeable in the measuring beam. The paper machine process element is e.g. a blow box, which is arrangeable in a dryer unit of the paper machine between drying cylinders to blow air via at least one blow air channel provided in the blow box to guide the moving paper web and/or to assist drying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Metso Automation Oy
    Inventors: Markku Mäntylä, Matti Kukkurainen, Jari Koivu
  • Patent number: 6929716
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture or treatment of a material web, in particular of a paper or a cardboard web, while using a respective machine, in particular a paper machine, including the step of measuring the hardness and/or the compactness of at least one clothing, in particular of at least one felt, fabric, belt and/or the like, of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Müch, Raymond P. Shead
  • Patent number: 6905573
    Abstract: The surface of a web is monitored by a fault detection system (20), a machine condition monitoring system, a quality measurement system, a web moisture measurement and/or a web temperature measurement and the soiled part of the surface of the roll is detected and localized by means of a soiling monitoring apparatus (31, 35; 60). A control system (41) controls a cleaning device (40) to remove the detected soiling. As a web (W) travels in a paper or board production or finishing process or in finishing machinery the web and/or the surface of the roll is monitored and after a detected deviation the surface thereof is momentarily spread with a liquid while machinery is running at the same time as the web (W) travels over said roll surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Tapio Mäenpää , Timo Vuorimies, Pekka Koivukunnas, Aaron Mannio, Olli-Pekka Väkevä , Kari Hasanen, Tarja Hanska, Pekka Linnonmaa, Markku Kyytsönen, Helena Leppäkoski, Markus Laitila, Markku Kojo, Toni Seppänen, Marjaana Toppila
  • Patent number: 6904331
    Abstract: The present invention is characterized in that in a simulation for predicting a steam pressure setpoint after grade change, an initial moisture percentage is evaluated from differences between bone-dry basis weights and between machine speeds before and after grade change; the bone-dry coated weight of a size is evaluated from the flow rate and concentration thereof; and then the dryer inlet moisture percentage of a web after a size press is calculated from the coated weight. Thus, the invention intends to improve the quality of products through precise dryer control, as well as reduce the time required for grade change, by precisely predicting the web's initial moisture percentage at the dryer inlet after grade change and precisely and quickly controlling dryer steam pressure during grade change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Sasaki, Kenichiro Yahiro, Takao Maruyama, Yoshitatsu Mori, Takahiro Ishizaki, Kenji Takao, Hirofumi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6733629
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the operation of an approach system of a paper machine or the like web formation apparatus. Especially preferably the method of controlling the operation of an approach system according to the invention is applicable to be used in connection with paper and paperboard machines as well as in connection with various apparatuses performing non-woven webformating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Andritz Oy
    Inventor: Jouni Matula
  • Patent number: 6712937
    Abstract: System and method of operating a machine for manufacturing and/or refining a material web wherein the machine includes at least one machine section. The method includes arranging a plurality of measurement zones in series along a process direction and detecting data in a region of the at least one machine section via at least one measurement zone of the plurality of measurement zones. The data concerns at least one measured parameter relating to the manufacture or refinement of the material web. The system includes a plurality of measurement zones arranged in series along a process direction of the machine. At least one of the plurality of measurement zones is located in the at least one machine section. At least one measurement device for detecting data is located in at least one of the plurality of measurement zones. An evaluation unit is provided for evaluating the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Voith Paper Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Oechsle, Frank Wegehaupt
  • Patent number: 6712936
    Abstract: A mathematical model is used to design paper and paperboard having improved runnability. The mathematical model provides an estimate of fracture toughness for an optimized paper product based on specific measurement parameters, e.g., filler percent, softwood content and caliper for optimal fracture toughness. After the optimizing set of measurement parameters has been acquired, these parameters can be used to manufacture grades of paper having improved runnability performance, e.g., in printing presses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Wadood Hamad, Xiang Yu, Thomas D. Sandry
  • Patent number: 6640152
    Abstract: Headbox transient responses for sheet weight and moisture are modeled as a combination of two sets of time constants and dead time delays. One set represents a shorter delay with faster response dynamics, the fast mode weight and moisture responses, and the other models the longer delay with slower dynamics, the slow mode weight and moisture responses. A weight and/or moisture transient model is then formed for headbox changes by combining the fast mode weight and moisture responses and the slow mode weight and moisture responses. Stock weight and moisture dynamic and delay time models are determined for operation of stock flow of the paper making machine and the stock flow is controlled in accordance with the stock weight and/or moisture models and the headbox weight transient and/or moisture transient model to compensate for weight and moisture changes in a web of paper being manufacture which weight and moisture changes result from headbox changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Shih-Chin Chen, Timothy F. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6547930
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvement in a method for estimating a setting value of a dryer steam pressure after papermaking exchange according to simulation in a papermaking machine and an apparatus therefor, where a steam pressure setting value after papermaking exchange is estimated accurately by determining an in-hood air dry-bulb temperature on the basis of a difference between an in-drum steam temperature which has been just measured and an initial value of an in-drum steam temperature, thereby reducing a papermaking exchange time as well as reducing broke and improving the rate of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Sasaki, Takao Maruyama, Kenichiro Yahiro
  • Patent number: 6524441
    Abstract: Process and a device for detecting a change in the fiber orientation cross-direction profile of a paper or cardboard web in the manufacturing process on a paper or cardboard machine. It is recognized that a change in the fiber orientation cross-direction profile in the web is inferred or determined by way of a characteristic change in the basis weight cross-direction profile or at least one measurement quantity that correlates to it, and/or by way of a characteristic change in the basis weight in the travel direction of the web or at least one measurement quantity that correlates to it. The device includes an arrangement for detecting a change in the basis weight cross-direction profile and/or a characteristic chronological course of the change in the basis weight, which is characteristic for a change in the fiber orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ruf, Hans Loser, Ulrich Begemann, Klaus Lehleiter
  • Patent number: 6491792
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the mixing proportions of feed streams being supplied to a headbox, using devices for sampling two or more of the feed streams upstream of the headbox and devices for measuring concentration of constituents in or other properties of those samples. A method of regulating one or more properties of a moving web, and especially a paper web during manufacture, employing the aforesaid method and apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Metsuo Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: John Francis Shakespeare, Juha Antero Kniivilä, Petri Nyberg
  • Patent number: 6485610
    Abstract: The solution of the invention relates to a method and apparatus for the treatment of a paper web in a paper or cardboard machine. The essential feature of the solution of the invention is that a moving material web (1), its properties and/or its behavior are influenced by the use of a gas (2) by causing the gas (2) to flow substantially toward the material web or to its immediate vicinity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Runtech Systems Oy
    Inventor: Kimmo Loippo
  • Patent number: 6482296
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a papermaking machine/board machine/tissue machine or the like, which papermaking machine/board machine/tissue machine or the like includes basic unit assembly groups, such as a headbox, a wire section, a press, a drying section, a coating unit, a finishing machine, etc. The machine control system of the papermaking machine/board machine/tissue machine or the like comprises a central processing unit (e.g. a unit for control room, alarm and other such functions), one or more process control units, and one or more input/output units, which are connected by control cables to the controlled units or actuators. In the method the process control units and/or input/output units of the machine control system are located in a mechanical machine part in connection with basic unit assembly groups of the papermaking machine/board machine/tissue machine or such.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: John Fagerlund, Harri Vähätalo
  • Patent number: 6466839
    Abstract: A system of providing fast machine direction (MD) and cross direction (CD) basis weight adjustments using a simultaneous multi-point water weight sensor which provides independent MD and CD measurements is described. The water weight sensor is placed under the wire of the sheetmaking machine and provides fast wet end water weight measurements which are converted into predicted dry end basis weight information and used to control operating variables of machine elements in the sheetmaking machine to compensate for high frequency process variations. MD wet end measurements are used to control operating variables of machine elements that influence the MD dry end basis weight and CD wet end measurements are used to control operating variables of machine elements that influence CD dry end basis weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: E. Michael Heaven, Claud Hagart-Alexander, Lee Chase, John D. Goss, David Watson
  • Patent number: 6440270
    Abstract: In controlling the dryer section of a paper machine, the basis weight and moisture of the paper web, the energy fed into the drying cylinders of the dryer section and the machine speed are measured, and then the surface temperature of the drying cylinders is predicted on the basis of the measured values. At the same time, the actual surface temperature of the dryer cylinders is also measured, and if the measured value deviates from the predicted value, any defects in the drying apparatus can be detected quickly. In another aspect, a determination is made of the normal correlation between the power consumption of the drive motors of the cylinders in the drying apparatus and the machine speed. These variables are also measured, and if the correlation of the variables is deviant, it can be concluded that there is a failure in the drying apparatus. In that case it is possible to identify the dryer cylinder where the failure is by measuring the temperature of the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Metso Paper Automation Oy
    Inventor: Ali Haapanen
  • Patent number: 6423184
    Abstract: A method and an equipment for regulation of the initial part of the dryer section in a paper machine. Moisture is removed from the paper web in the press section (10) and the paper web is dried in the dryer section (R). The paper web is dried against heated faces of drying cylinders (20). The surface temperatures of the first drying cylinders (20) in the dryer section (R) are measured. The dry solids content/moisture content of the paper web (W) and the temperature of the paper web (W) before said first drying cylinders (20) are measured. In view of producing the desired running situation, based on the measurement results obtained, the surface temperatures of said first drying cylinders (20) and/or the dry solids content/moisture content and/or the temperature of the paper web (W) before said first drying cylinders (20) is/are regulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Harri Vähätalo, Juha Kaihovirta, Juha Lipponen, Taisto Huhtelin
  • Patent number: 6368453
    Abstract: In the feeding of a slurry of comminuted cellulosic fibrous material to a digester (continuous or batch) in the production of chemical pulp, one of the tanks used in the feed system (which preferably includes a high pressure feeder) may be eliminated without consequent loss of its function by providing a single tank with the combined functions of controlling the level of liquid in a slurrying conduit which supplies slurry to a slurry pump, and storing and substantially continuously supplying liquid to a make-up liquid pump connected to the digester. The single tank preferably surrounds the slurrying conduit and is substantially concentric, and in liquid communication, with it. A gap of 3-48 inches may be provided between the bottom of the conduit and a connection to the slurry pump. A screen or strainer may be provided in the gap, which is substantially surrounded by the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Andritz Inc.
    Inventors: Auvo K. Kettunen, Richard O. Laakso, C. Bertil Stromberg, J. Robert Prough, Jay J. Miele
  • Patent number: 6365004
    Abstract: A method and apparatus effect drying of a paper web using a plurality of heated drying cylinders and at least one air impingement module having a hood. The paper web is brought into operative contact with the heated drying cylinders, and at least one of the final moisture content, quality, and cross-direction profile of the paper web is regulated. The regulation is effected by adjusting the efficiency of air impingement drying of the paper web, by adjusting at least one of the blowing velocity of the medium (typically air) blown against the paper web, the humidity of the blowing medium, and the distance of the hood of the impingement module from the paper web. At least one of the final moisture content of the paper web and its quality may also be regulated by adjusting the steam pressure of one or more drying cylinder groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristian Hamstr{haeck over (o)}m, Harri Happonen, Antti Kuhasalo, Juha Lipponen, Järkko Nurmi, Juha Ojanen, Hans Sundqvist
  • Patent number: 6355142
    Abstract: Controlling the velocity of a jet of foamed furnish leaving the slice of a pressurized headbox of a paper or a tissue making machine by measuring the density and pressure of a flow of foamed furnish provided by a pump to estimate an atmospheric pressure air content, measuring the pressure of the foamed furnish in the headbox, using the estimated atmospheric pressure air content and the measured pressure in the headbox to estimate the current velocity of said jet of foamed furnish, comparing the estimated current velocity with a target velocity and controlling the pump to move the estimated and target velocities closer to each other. An alternate embodiment controls jet velocity on the basis of comparing estimated and target headbox pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation of Virginia
    Inventor: Frederick W. Ahrens
  • Patent number: 6352615
    Abstract: The invention concerns an equipment in a paper/board machine for regulation of the difference of draw. In the solution in accordance with the invention, the difference of draw in the web is regulated on the basis of the measured tension of the web. Preferably, the regulation of the difference of draw takes place by regulating the drives at the inlet and/or outlet of a web run not supported by a wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Seppo Tavi, Harri Mustonen, Antti Komulainen
  • Publication number: 20020011319
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the mixing proportions of feed streams being supplied to a headbox, using devices for sampling two or more of the feed streams upstream of the headbox and devices for measuring concentration of constituents in or other properties of those samples. A method of regulating one or more properties of a moving web, and especially a paper web during manufacture, employing the aforesaid method and apparatus are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: John Francis Shakespeare, Juha Antero Kniivila, Petri Nyberg
  • Publication number: 20020007927
    Abstract: A method and an equipment for regulation of the initial part of the dryer section in a paper machine. Moisture is removed from the paper web in the press section (10) and the paper web is dried in the dryer section (R). The paper web is dried against heated faces of drying cylinders (20). The surface temperatures of the first drying cylinders (20) in the dryer section (R) are measured. The dry solids content/moisture content of the paper web (W) and the temperature of the paper web (W) before said first drying cylinders (20) are measured. In view of producing the desired running situation, based on the measurement results obtained, the surface temperatures of said first drying cylinders (20) and/or the dry solids content/moisture content and/or the temperature of the paper web (W) before said first drying cylinders (20) is/are regulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Harri Vahatalo, Juha Kaihovirta, Juha Lipponen, Taisto Huhtelin
  • Patent number: 6290816
    Abstract: A paper machine for making a fiber web includes an approach flow system with a plurality of control modules. Each control module controls one of a plurality of adjustable input parameters. A wet end receives a fiber suspension from the approach flow system, and includes a headbox which discharges a fiber suspension with a known cross sectional profile onto a wire. A press section, forming section and drying section are used to press form and dry the fiber web, respectively. A plurality of sensors are respectively positioned in association with the approach flow system, wet end, press section, forming section and/or drying section. Each sensor is configured to sense a physical characteristic of the fiber suspension or fiber web and provide an output signal indicative thereof. A chemistry process controller is coupled with each sensor and each control module within the approach flow system to define a closed loop control system. The chemistry process controller controls operation of each control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Edwin X. Graf
  • Patent number: 6264792
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing calendered paper by an on-line manufacturing system comprising at least a paper machine and a multi-nip calender. The method comprises following steps: removing water from a formed paper web by pressing, drying the pressed paper web by at least one dryer, calendering the dried web by the multi-nip calender, measuring a cross-machine moisture profile or a variable relative thereto, and altering the moisture of the web so that the moisture profile of the web in the cross-direction is even when the web enters the first nip of the calender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Harri Kuosa, Markku Kyytsönen, Juhani Partanen, Kari Sipi, Eero Suomi, Antti Heikkinen, Mikko Tani, Juha Lipponen, Mika Tammenoja, Kari Juppi
  • Patent number: 6231722
    Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a separation process of a web in a paper machine in which the web is separated from a roll and passed into a free draw, which is preferably the first free draw of the web in the paper machine. A separation point of the web from the roll and a difference in speed of the web across the separation point, i.e., the draw difference, are measured. Cause-to-effect ratios in the separation process are established, e.g., in a data collecting system or analysis system, based on the measurements of the separation point and the speed difference. At least one additional process or running parameter of the paper machine is measured and the measurements of the separation point and the speed difference are compared with the additional process or running parameter(s) to thereby determine the manner in which the separation process of the web is affected by the additional process or running parameter(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Juhani Vestola
  • Patent number: 6228222
    Abstract: A method for the treatment of a material web and a press arrangement with a plurality of press gaps. A roll has a flexible press jacket supported from an inside, and forms a respective press gap with each of at least two further driven rolls. The drive power, or speed of one of the driven rolls, is regulated in accordance with a predetermined desired value, to ensure a common speed of the driven roll. A maximum line force and/or drive power of a front press gap, considered in a web running direction, is controlled and/or regulated, at least within a certain range, in accordance with a maximum line force, or drive power, of a rear press gap, considered in the web running direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Meschenmoser, Karl Steiner, Andreas Zierhut
  • Patent number: 6203665
    Abstract: Process for setting a uniform characteristic cross-direction profile for a paper web with regard to at least formation, basis weight, and fiber orientation in a paper machine. The paper machine can include a headbox with an adjustable die exit opening and within which the consistency is sectionally adjustable. The process includes measuring and setting a desired basis weight cross-direction profile by adjusting the sectional consistency in the headbox, adjusting the formation cross-direction profile by adjusting a sectional, specific pulp slurry flow rate at the die exit opening, and one of enlarging the die exit opening at positions along a width of the paper machine in which a pulp slurry flow rate is higher than in other positions along the width of the paper machine and increasing the pulp slurry flow rate for positions along the width at which the die exit opening is larger than at other positions along the width. In this manner, a desired fiber orientation cross-direction profile is attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiertechnik Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Ulrich Begemann
  • Patent number: 6203667
    Abstract: Method for regulating the basis weight of paper or board in a paper or board machine in which the machine stock is comprised of a number of component stocks and the basis weight of the dry paper or board is measured, preferably by on-line basis-weight measurement at the end of the machine. Based on the stock target of the machine stock formed on the basis of basis-weight regulation and the predetermined stock proportions of the component stocks, a metering target is determined for each component stock. Then, based on the consistency of a component stock measured from each feed line of a component stock and on a metering target determined for each component stock, a flow target is determined for each component stock. Finally, the flow of each component stock is regulated based on the flow target determined for each component stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Neles Paper Automation Oy
    Inventor: Taisto Huhtelin
  • Patent number: 6200421
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for feeding papermaking stock to a papermachine. The apparatus comprises a mixing vessel (12) for receiving and mixing stock components and a pipe (40) for feeding the resulting mixed stock to said papermachine. In the feeding pipe (40) there are stock flow metering means (42) stock consistency sensing means (44) and stock flow control means (32). Said means are all connected to a control system (46) adapted for receiving said flow data (Q) and said consistency data (C). The control system (46) is adapted for continuously computing a value for the product (Q×C) of said flow and consistency and for providing adjustment of the flow control means (32) to keep said product (Q×C) at a target value. The invention provides faster response times in the control of a papermaking process. It also reduces the volume of stock mixing vessels and the amount of water in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Pom Technology Oy AB
    Inventor: Paul Olof Meinander
  • Patent number: 6185468
    Abstract: A decoupling controller for use with a process such as paper-making having two input variables such as stock flow and steam pressure and two output variables such as moisture and basis weight. Decoupling is accomplished by the use of linked internal model controllers where for each individual unit of the linked pairs, a P.I.D. (proportional, integral, derivative) unit includes all of the feedback loop gains and then the process itself is modeled by a first order transfer function and deadtime units with two cross-linked error signals fed back. A specific technique of cross-linking the internal model controllers eliminates cross-coupling between the input and output variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Impact Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles H. Wells
  • Patent number: 6179964
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closed-loop control device and a method for the control of the cross-machine and/or machine direction profile of at least one quality feature in the paper manufacturing process with the aid of two sensors. The first sensor picks up a first measured signal of the cross-machine and/or machine direction profile of a first quality feature of the paper web produced. A second sensor picks up a further measured signal. The further sensor is suitable for picking up a quality feature that differs from that picked up by the first sensor, or measures the first quality feature. One or both sensors traverse the web separately. The sensors act through a controller on actuators leading to the feed line or lines for the suspension leading to the flowbox of the machine for controlling thereby the first quality feature of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Begemann, Rudolf M{umlaut over (u)}nch