Of Stock Consistency Patents (Class 162/258)
  • Patent number: 6080278
    Abstract: A system and method 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: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: E. Michael Heaven, Claud Hagart-Alexander, Lee Chase, John D. Goss, David Watson
  • Patent number: 6077395
    Abstract: Head box for manufacturing a fibrous pulp web. The head box may include a pulp suspension inlet feed device that is sectioned across a width of the head box that feeds a pulp suspension in a feed direction, at least one device having a plurality of entrance ports that produces microturbulences, and an intermediate channel extending across the width of the head box and positioned in front of the at least one device. A plurality of partition units being positionably adjustable into the intermediate channel and being arranged parallel to the feed direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Lehleiter, Hans Loser, Wolfgang Ruf
  • Patent number: 6074522
    Abstract: A method for washing pulp in a multistage pulp washing operation involves controlling operating conditions so as to maximize the efficiency of the operation particularly in response to determination of the percent consistency off the discharge side of each drum washer. The major variables that are useful to control are vat dilution flow, drum speed, vat level set point, drainage aids or defoamers, press roll pressures, vacuum break position, and temperature of the last stage showers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Inventor: George W. Seymour
  • Patent number: 6063241
    Abstract: Consistency-controlled headbox for a paper machine with a common feed line for a pulp slurry, a plurality of feed line sections into which the common feed line branches, and a system for influencing the composition of the slurry flows in each of the plurality of feed line sections. At least one pulp consistency sensor is provided for sectional pulp consistency control, which may be located in a return portion of the pulp distributing line. A weight basis cross-sectional adjustment sensor and controller may also be used; with the pulp consistency controller arranged to operate with a significantly higher sensing rate than the weight basis cross-sectional adjustment controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Rudolf Munch, Ulrich Begemann
  • Patent number: 6030500
    Abstract: An arrangement for feeding stock to a headbox in a papermaking machine which comprises at least one stock header with an inlet for receiving stock into the header and a plurality of stock header outlets permitting stock to leave the header. For each stock header outlet there is a stock conduit downstream of the stock header outlet permitting stock to pass from the stock header outlet, through the conduit to the inlet of the headbox. The arrangement includes a dilution header for feeding a diluent such as water to a plurality of stock conduits. The dilution header has an inlet for receiving a diluent not the dilution header and a plurality of outlets permitting the diluent to leave the dilution header. For each dilution header outlet, there is a diluent conduit permitting the passage of a diluent from the dilution header into a stock conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Valmet-Karlstad AB
    Inventors: N. Ulf A. Haraldsson, Jyrki M. Huovila, Ingvar B. E. Klerelid, Louise M. Tornefalk
  • Patent number: 5993606
    Abstract: A headbox for passing fiber suspension from a headbox entrance to a headbox outlet. A microturbulence insert with a plurality of flow channels inside the headbox. The channels are defined by channel forming elements having upstream ends. The headbox has an antechamber upstream of the turbulence insert. Respective individually adjustable additional feeds for feeding at least one second liquid into the antechamber upstream of the upstream ends of the channel forming elements of the turbulence insert. The feeds are preferably directed counter to the direction of the main flow of suspension into the channels of the turbulence insert. Vanes direct the main flow of suspension through the antechamber to the channels creating a respective sectioned flow to each channel. The additional liquid feeds are positioned to feed their additional liquid into the respective sectional flows after the main flow of suspension has already been diverted to a sectional flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Lehleiter, Hans Loser, Wolfgang Ruf
  • Patent number: 5985098
    Abstract: Apparatus for influencing a cross-sectional profile of a headbox having an inner chamber and process for determining a width and position for the sections of the headbox. The apparatus includes a device for distributing fluid that extends across a machine width, at least one connection opening extending across the machine width between the fluid distribution device and the inner chamber of the headbox, and a plurality of elements being one of continuously and discretely adjustably positionable within the fluid distributing device to section the fluid distributing device across the machine width. The process includes measuring a profile of a selected characteristic of the pulp suspension in the headbox that is dependent on its position; forming intersecting points of the profile of the characteristic with a uniform sectioning of the size of the characteristic under consideration; and determining the position and width of the sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Lehleiter, Hans Loser, Wolfgang Ruf
  • Patent number: 5985099
    Abstract: In the headbox of a papermaking machine;the backplate has a diverging passage for each tube and opens out into the corresponding channel via its largest section; andthe partitions are of length shorter than the length of the chamber between the backplate and the turbulence generator.The invention is useful for paper-making machines in which dilution is controlled upstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Allimand (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Jourdain, Gerard Pionchon, Jean-Claude Roux, Martine Rueff
  • Patent number: 5954923
    Abstract: An apparatus for sensing three properties of materials: the conductivity or resistance, the dielectric constant, and the proximity of the material to the sensor portion of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a fixed impedance element coupled in series with the sensor portion of the apparatus between an input signal and ground. The sensor portion of the apparatus is an electrode configuration which includes at least two electrodes with a portion of the material residing between and in close proximity to the electrodes. The sensor exhibits a variable impedance resulting from changes in physical characteristics of the material. The fixed impedance element and the variable impedance of the sensor portion form a voltage divider network such that changes in impedance of the sensor portion results in changes in voltage on the output of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: Lee Chase, John Goss, Graham V. Walford
  • Patent number: 5954922
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are presented for use in a papermaking process for determining permeability and/or compressibility characteristics of a pulp suspension within the process. The method/apparatus includes monitoring height of pulp suspension within one or more test columns as a function of time while allowing pulp suspension drainage from each test column. At least one parameter representative of permeability or compressibility of the pulp suspension is determined, via computer processing, using the monitored height as a function of time of the pulp suspension within the test column. The at least one parameter representative of permeability or compressibility can comprise specific surface area (S.sub.w), specific volume (v.sub.f) compressibility constant m or compressibility constant n for the pulp suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of State University of New York
    Inventor: Bandaru V. Ramarao
  • Patent number: 5944957
    Abstract: A regulation system and method in a paper machine for controlling the variation of the basis weight of a paper web in the machine direction in which the basis weight profile of the web is measured by means of a measurement device and a basis weight regulation system receives a signal of the measurement of the basis weight from the measurement device and generates a regulation signal for controlling the flow of thick stock passed into a short circulation circuit in the paper machine by a basis weight valve and/or a regulation pump. The variation of the basis weight in the machine direction in the paper machine is controlled, besides by the short circulation circuit of regulation, also by a substantially faster second circuit of regulation which comprises one or more actuators for controlling the flow rate of the dilution water flow in the dilution profiling system of the headbox and/or the consistency of the dilution water flow across the entire width of the paper web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: John Fagerlund, Harri Mustonen, Harri Vahatalo
  • Patent number: 5944955
    Abstract: Apparatus and process for controlling the basis weight of paper produced in a papermaking machine are provided. In the papermaking process, a major portion of the paper stock flows through a first line that is controlled by a thick stock valve and a minor portion of the stock flow from the stuff box to the headbox is diverted through a second line that is regulated by a second valve (e.g., vernier valve). The thick stock valve is controlled by the dry end basis weight and the second valve responsive to measurements of the basis weight of the wet stock at the wire. The second line and control valve along with the wet end basis weight measurements form a fine control loop with fast response time whereas the first line and control valve that is responsive to dry end basis weight measurements form a course control loop. The dual control loops enable fast and actual basis weight control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Bossen, E. Michael Heaven, John D. Goss
  • Patent number: 5928475
    Abstract: A system and method that combine an array of fast under wire water weigh sensors with a scanning system provides an accurate measurement of the entire sheet down to 1 in. by 1 in. resolution. Because CD profiles are obtained instantaneously, MD and CD variations are completely decoupled, even if CD profiles are taken at longer intervals apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex, Corporation
    Inventors: Lee Chase, John D. Goss, Graham V. Walford, John Preston
  • Patent number: 5885420
    Abstract: A headbox for a papermaking machine with an outlet slot that distributes pulp suspension over the, working width of the papermaking machine. For controlling operating parameters of throughput, pulp density and fiber quality of the suspension over the width of the machine, the headbox has a plurality of individual sections across the width of the machine. Each section has respective channels therethrough for passing pulp suspension. At least one connection at each section is to a controllable supply of pulp suspension where the operating parameters of that supply are controllable. Only separate operating parameter controlled streams pass through the sections of the headbox. Operating parameter control devices may deliver adjusted streams to a mixer upstream of the headbox channels. The mixer may also have individual sections across the width of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: J.M. Voith GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Heinzmann, Udo Heuser
  • Patent number: 5868925
    Abstract: A filtering assembly for separating solids suspended in a solution includes a control device closing a plurality of supply devices for the solution to be filtered and for washing liquid and opening a drain valve of an outlet of the assembly in response to a critical level of accumulation of solids on a pulp detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Attilio Turchetti
  • Patent number: 5853545
    Abstract: An arrangement for feeding stock to a headbox in a papermaking machine which comprises at least one stock header with an inlet for receiving stock into the header and a plurality of stock header outlets permitting stock to leave the header. For each stock header outlet there is a stock conduit downstream of the stock header outlet permitting stock to pass from the stock header outlet, through the conduit to the inlet of the headbox. The arrangement includes a dilution header for feeding a diluent such as water to a plurality of stock conduits. The dilution header has an inlet for receiving a diluent into the dilution header and a plurality of outlets permitting the diluent to leave the dilution header. For each dilution header outlet, there is a diluent conduit permitting the passage of a diluent from the dilution header into a stock conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Valmet-Karlstad AB
    Inventors: N. Ulf A. Haraldsson, Jyrki M. Huovila, Ingvar B. E. Klerelid, Louise M. Tornefalk
  • Patent number: 5849159
    Abstract: A multi-layer headbox for the production of a multi-layer web of paper has, for instance, three flow planes (I, II, III), each having a pulp feed device (1.1, 1.2, 1.3). In each flow plane a turbulence generator (3) is provided which opens into a nozzle (4). In it there are two plates (5.1, 5.2) which keep two neighboring streams of slurry separate from each other up to the region of the exit slot (8). Each plate is developed as a flexurally soft plate of plastic, the downstream end of which is metal and has a thickness S of at most 0.3 mm. The plastic and metal have a different in coefficients of thermal expansion of <10.sup.-7 1/K.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Heinzmann, Wolfgang Ruf, Ulrich Begemann, Thomas Dietz, Frank Fey
  • Patent number: 5843281
    Abstract: A headbox of a paper machine which is provided with a dilution profiling system which uses a feedback-connected regulation system to control the cross-direction basis weight profile of the paper web produced by the paper machine. The dilution profiling system includes a feed header for a dilution liquid or for a stock suspension of a consistency lower than the consistency in the headbox, feed ducts fill idly coupled to the dilution header and regulation valves associated with the feed ducts for the dilution liquid, whereby the dilution liquid is passed to an area between a front wall of the inlet header of the headbox and a slice duct of the headbox. In the dilution profiling system, edge feed arrangements are integrated in both lateral areas of the headbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Jyrki Huovila
  • Patent number: 5833808
    Abstract: The headbox apparatus of this invention contributes to the production of a paper web of uniform fiber orientation by controlling the edge flow of stock into the headbox nozzle through adjustable valves positioned in edge tubes in closed loop with a fiber orientation sensor. At the same time that fiber orientation is being control through adjustable valves position in the edge tube, basis weight of the web being formed is controlled by a stock dilution systems and an adjustable slice lip, in closed loop with a basis weight profiler sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Beloit Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay A. Shands, Thomas D. Rogers, Eugene B. Neill
  • Patent number: 5814191
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for combining a dilution flow with a stock flow passed out of an inlet header in a paper/board machine including dilution flow ducts through which the dilution flow is passed to selected locations across the width of the headbox of the paper/board machine in order to regulate the basis weight of the paper/board web. The dilution flow ducts are constructed so that they becomes narrower toward a final, downstream end. Branch ducts are placed in the area of the narrowing portion of each flow duct, and the dilution flow is passed out of the branch ducts into the system of pipes wherein the dilution flow is combined with the stock flow passed out of the inlet header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Valmet Corp.
    Inventor: Jyrki Huovila
  • Patent number: 5800678
    Abstract: A system for combining a dilution flow with the stock flow passed from the inlet header of the headbox of a paper/board machine. The equipment comprises a valve which regulates the dilution flow and which consists of a valve housing, of a spindle, and of a flow duct placed in the spindle, which flow duct can be rotated into different regulation positions for the purpose of regulating the dilution flow departing from the valve. One end opening of the flow duct and the flow opening in the valve housing are placed in alignment with one another irrespective of the position of rotation of the spindle. The position of the other end opening of the duct placed in the spindle in relation to the flow opening in the valve housing can be regulated by rotating the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Kari Pitkajarvi
  • Patent number: 5795441
    Abstract: Breast box for a papermaking machine. The breast box includes devices in order to add, across the width thereof, localized and dosed material dilution liquids, and located within the breast box is a guiding device having a plurality of channels located immediately downstream of the supply and distribution apparatus, with the guiding device including a multiplicity of inserts in which the channels are located and on whose outer surfaces hollow chambers are formed, wherein the hollow chambers can be filled with the material dilution liquid, the latter then flowing from these hollow chambers into open recesses in the distribution device, with the recesses being directed upstream to the suspension stream existing in the distribution apparatus during the operation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Lehleiter, Robert Trondle
  • Patent number: 5792322
    Abstract: A Y-shaped flow splitter passes papermaking fluid with some fibers with reduced clogging and has a flat surface opposite the leg of the Y where the flow divides into the two arms of the Y. A generally flat rectangular surface is positioned opposite the leg of the Y of the flow splitter which divides the flow evenly without providing a place for fibers to collect and thus clog the flow through the splitter. The splitter allows the flow to a pair of dilution tubes to be controlled by a single valve with a single flow passage reducing clogging and valve cost. The flow splitter is constructed of stainless steel by a by casting process. A process known commercially as the Extrudehone process is used to produce smooth flow passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Beloit Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard E. Hergert, Thomas D. Rogers, Alfred C. Li, Eugene E. Neill, Frank J. Wywialowski
  • Patent number: 5741401
    Abstract: The invention concerns a headbox of a paper machine wherein an inlet region is provided along the entire width of the machine for introducing the pulp suspension, a discharge region is provided for distributing the pulp suspension along the width of at least one screen, and channels are provided between the inlet region and discharge region in which turbulence is produced in the pulp suspension (turbulence region). According to the invention, the turbulence region is formed with the aid of a number of channels, the cross-section of which, perpendicularly to the plane of flow, has an elongated form and may be variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Heinzmann
  • Patent number: 5728266
    Abstract: A machine and process for using the fibrous material in coconut husks to manufacture paper and cardboard. The machine is designed to process intact coconuts wherein the copra and coconut milk contained therein are recovered as separate by-products for processing in their respective independent industries and process empty coconuts husks, coconuts wherein the copra and coconut milk have already been removed, by bypassing the copra and coconut milk extraction processing steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Inventors: John M. Deslierres, Maria Do Rosario Cabedo
  • Patent number: 5707495
    Abstract: A headbox for a papermaking machine with an outlet slot that distributes pulp suspension over the, working width of the papermaking machine. For controlling operating parameters of throughput, pulp density and fiber quality of the suspension over the width of the machine, the headbox has a plurality of individual sections across the width of the machine. Each section has respective channels therethrough for passing pulp suspension. At least one connection at each section is to a controllable supply of pulp suspension where the operating parameters of that supply are controllable. Only separate operating parameter controlled streams pass through the sections of the headbox. Operating parameter control devices may deliver adjusted streams to a mixer upstream of the headbox channels. The mixer may also have individual sections across the width of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: J.M. Voith GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Heinzmann, Udo Heuser
  • Patent number: 5695611
    Abstract: Process for modifying an existing breast box for a paper or cartonmaking machine as well as an intermediate portion for carrying out the process. During the fabrication of a breast box for a paper or cartonmaking machine an intermediate portion is interposed between a supply apparatus and a downstream guiding device, with the material suspension flowing through this intermediate portion wherein, via supply lines, located on the intermediate portion, a liquid is added which differs from that of the suspension stream. Particularly, in this manner, already existing breast boxes can be converted, to water dilution technology, with this invention setting forth special embodiments of differing intermediate portions that can be utilized therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Bubik, Peter Drtina, Harald Hess, Michael Kochendorfer, Klaus Lehleiter, Thomas Merath, Peter Mirsberger, Andreas Steidele, Martin Tietz, Robert Trondle
  • Patent number: 5688372
    Abstract: A method and device in the regulation of a headbox. The headbox includes a pulp inlet header, after the pulp inlet header, seen in the pulp flow direction, a distributor manifold whose pipes are opened into an intermediate chamber. The headbox comprises an attenuation chamber placed in connection with the intermediate chamber and, after the intermediate chamber, a turbulence generator having tubes which are opened, at their outlet end, into a discharge duct and, at their inlet end, into the intermediate chamber. In the method, into different positions along the width of the headbox, a pulp suspension flow is introduced, the concentration of this flow is adjustable by combining two component flows. In the method, in the regulation of the concentration of the flow passed into the pulp suspension, two component flows are combined by into the pulp suspension flow introducing an additional flow. The mixing ratio of the combined flow is regulated by adjusting the additional component flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Jyrki Huovila, Ari Linsuri, Petri Nyberg, Michael Odell
  • Patent number: 5683551
    Abstract: A device for the sectional supply of pulp suspension to a headbox of a papermaking machine includes a plurality of main inlet lines from a pulp suspension distributor which are distributed over the width of the machine. A throttle is provided in at least one main inlet line. Downstream of the throttle, in at least one of the main lines, a subsidiary line for conveying a subsidiary stream of liquid, such as a pulp suspension or water, is connected to the main inlet line and disposed at an angle to the main inlet line. This angle between the main pulp stream and the subsidiary stream is chosen so that a small change in the rate of flow of the subsidiary stream will cause a large change in the rate of flow of the total stream (main pulp stream+subsidiary stream) directed in the same direction or in the opposite direction of the stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermachinen GmbH
    Inventors: Albrecht Meinecke, Helmut Heinzmann, Wolfgang Ruf
  • Patent number: 5645689
    Abstract: A multilayer headbox for the introduction of at least two fiber suspension streams to the forming section of a paper manufacturing machine includes a nozzle chamber further defined by two stream guide walls which end at an outlet gap and by two side walls. At least one lamella is provided in the nozzle chamber, this lamella keeping at least two fiber suspension streams separated from each other through the region of the outlet gap. The lamella includes a body, preferably made of plastic, and a tip made of a hard material. The tip is either a strip or a coating having a sharp tip-edge integrated into the body of the lamella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Papiermachinen GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ruf, Frank Fey, Thomas Dietz, Klaus Pimiskern, Gerhard Wernlein
  • Patent number: 5626722
    Abstract: A headbox of a paper/board machine including a set of valves, each of which is arranged to distribute a flow to a different point in the direction of width of the headbox. Each valve is capable of regulating both the flow quantity of the flow departing from the valve and the consistency of the flow departing from the valve. Further, each valve includes an input line for the stock flow and an input line for a diluting flow, which is preferably a diluting-water line, and the flows are combined in the valve. The combined flow is passed into the headbox into connection with the stock flow present in the headbox coming from a stock inlet header to be mixed therewith. The headbox includes a turbulence generator arranged after and connected to the stock inlet header in the flow direction. The turbulence generator includes turbulence tubes which open into a slice duct, preferably a slice cone, from which the stock is passed onto a forming wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Jyrki Huovila
  • Patent number: 5611891
    Abstract: This invention relates to the measurement and control of consistency in an aqueous flow stream, as it leaves a stage (i.e. Bleaching Stage) of the papermaking process. More particularly, the present invention relates to the measurement used for control of wood fiber and suspended solids in a papermaking pulp stock flow stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond E. Hundley, III
  • Patent number: 5603806
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for lateral alignment of a cross-direction profile control of a web as required in a paper-making process. In the method, a certain cross-direction profile of a dried web, particularly the basis weight profile thereof, to be aligned is gauged. A profile measurement signal thus obtained is passed to a control system of the paper machine which provides a control signal suited to control adjustment devices of the cross-direction profile control provision. The web is provided with at least one marker line whose lateral shift or shifts is/are detected at the measurement point of the cross-direction profile of the dried web, or in the vicinity thereof. The detection of the lateral shift(s) is used to generate a measurement signal thereof which is employed to control the lateral alignment of the web profile adjustment provision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Reima Kerttula
  • Patent number: 5587051
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the de-watering performance of a forming section of a papermaking machine is disclosed which includes a laser instrument having a laser displacement meter laterally spaced and supported above an upper run of a paper forming fabric having a paper stock deposited thereon. A head box deposits paper stock consisting of a water/fiber mixture on top of the upper run. An adjustable C-shaped carrier stand has an upper leg that supports the laser instrument above the upper run of the forming fabric. The carrier stand has a lower leg to support a baseline contact device below the upper run of the forming fabric. The laser displacement meter is disposed at a laser reference position above the forming fabric so that a laser beam is reflected off of the paper stock which is deposited on top of the forming fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventors: Volker Ostermayer, Thomas B. Fleischer
  • Patent number: 5549793
    Abstract: Pinch valves having a flexible, constrictable sleeve are used to control a dilution headbox for a paper making machine. A variety of pinch valves may be used in the present invention with the pinch valves being actuated by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure or by mechanically pinching the valves' sleeves by means of rams driven by stepper or linear drive motors. For pneumatic control, dynamic differential pressure drops are measured across the valves to determine flow rate through the valves. A pinch valve, referred to herein as a torsional pinch valve, is disclosed for dilution headbox control. In one form, a first end of a sleeve is fixedly mounted in a support frame and the second end of the sleeve is mounted for rotation in the frame. A driver rotates the second end of the sleeve such that a flow path through the sleeve is controlled. The flow path is a maximum when no torsion is placed on the sleeve and is reduced to substantially zero by sufficient rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: ABB Industrial Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ake A. Hellstrom, Alexsey Goldshdeyn
  • Patent number: 5545293
    Abstract: A method and device in the regulation of a headbox. The headbox includes a pulp inlet header, after the pulp inlet header, seen in the pulp flow direction, a distributor manifold whose pipes are opened into an intermediate chamber. The headbox comprises an attenuation chamber placed in connection with the intermediate chamber and, after the intermediate chamber, a turbulence generator having tubes which are opened, at their outlet end, into a discharge duct and, at their inlet end, into the intermediate chamber. In the method, into different positions along the width of the headbox, a pulp suspension flow is introduced, the concentration of this flow is adjustable by combining two component flows. In the method, in the regulation of the concentration of the flow passed into the pulp suspension, two component flows are combined by into the pulp suspension flow introducing an additional flow. The mixing ratio of the combined flow is regulated by adjusting the additional component flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Jyrki Huovila, Ari Linsuri, Petri Nyberg, Michael Odell
  • Patent number: 5472571
    Abstract: The system effects an automatic observation of the dry line on wire of the Fourdrinier paper machine and the control actions based on it. In order to produce an image of the dry line range on wire this is illuminated by means of a large, diffusely illuminating surface (20) of even luminosity. The material on moving wire (10) is imaged by an optoelectric camera (40) on a detector whereby the pulp surface preceding the dry line and being specularly reflecting is found homogeneous and bright while the web surface following it and being diffusely reflecting is found homogeneous but matter and darker. The electric image signal delivered by the detector is conducted to a computer (50) in which the dry line is identified as the borderline of said surfaces of different brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignees: Antti Johannes Niemi, Ulla Ritta Anneli Niemi
    Inventor: Antti J. Niemi
  • Patent number: 5300193
    Abstract: Papermachine stock consistency is regulated while carried along a forming wire table. A variable draft vacuum box disposed beneath the forming wire to draw water from the wire carried stock is automatically adjusted in response to the summation of signals from several sources. A radioactive mass measuring gauge having a sensor head positioned beneath the forming wire downstream of the vacuum box provides a signal value indicative of the total mass carried above the sensor head. From this mass measuring gauge signal is deducted a value representative of the wire mass; the remainder representing the stock mass comprising a mixture of fiber and water. The quantity of fiber in the stock mixture, independent of the water, is determined by a dry basis weight measure of paper made from the stock. A signal value representative of the fiber basis weight is divided by the stock mass signal value to yield a consistency signal value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Rule, Jr., Jeffery S. Sanford, Allen C. Wall
  • Patent number: 5262955
    Abstract: A sheet manufacturing system having a steam profiling bar, a moisture profiling bar, a moisture sensor and a computer is disclosed. The computer is programmed to cause the correct amount of steam or water to be applied on a slice-by-slice basis based upon the moisture content profile data generated by the moisture sensor as compared against a preprogrammed, desired moisture content profile. The computer is programmed in such a way as to cause either steam or water, but not both, to be applied as needed to any given portion of each individual slice to achieve the desired moisture content profile. Thus, the combined application of both steam and water to the same portion of the sheet, and the nullifying effects thereof, are avoided, resulting in the use of less steam and less water while still providing full control over the moisture content profile with only one moisture sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignee: Measurex Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn R. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5240594
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and/or controlling a liquid/solid separation process is described. The system utilizes photodetectors to view the surface of the composition being dewatered, and correlates the corresponding signals from the photodetectors to dryness values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Assignee: Calgon Corporation
    Inventor: Bosco P. Ho
  • Patent number: 5196091
    Abstract: A headbox apparatus is disclosed for ejecting stock onto a forming wire for forming a web. The apparatus includes a housing which is connected to a pressurized source of the stock. The housing defines a tapered inlet for the flow therethrough of the stock. The tube bank has an upstream and a downstream end with the upstream end being connected to the tapered inlet such that the stock flows at a substantially constant flow rate through the inlet and through the upstream end of the tube bank to the downstream end of the tube bank. The tube bank includes a plurality of tubes for the flow therethrough of the stock. A member defines a slice chamber which has an upstream and a downstream extremity. The upstream extremity is connected to the downstream end of the tube bank, and the downstream extremity is disposed adjacent to the forming wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Beloit Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard E. Hergert
  • Patent number: 5186792
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for making a dry sheet-like sample of solid particles from a suspension, a part of the suspension is sampled by a sampling unit as it flows through a pipe or while it is retained in a storage tank, then the sampled suspension is stirred by supplying a compressed air and then dewatered by filtration with vacuum, thereby forming a wet sheet-like intermediate sample of solid particles deposited on a filter, subsequently, the filter and the intermediate sample deposited thereon are conveyed by an overturning conveyor unit to a drying station while being turned upside down, thereafter intermediate sample is removed from the filter by a sample removing unit, and finally, the wet sheet-like intermediate sample is dried with heat and pressure whereby a dry sheet-like final sample is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Kyoritsu Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Masahiro Nishi
  • Patent number: 5093795
    Abstract: A sheet manufacturing system having a steam profiling bar, a moisture profiling bar, a moisture sensor and a computer is disclosed. The computer is programmed to cause the correct amount of steam or water to be applied on a slice-by-slice basis based upon the mositure content profile data generated by the moisture sensor as compared against a preprogrammed, desired moisture content profile. The computer is programmed in such a way as to cause either steam or water, but not both, to be applied as needed to any given portion of each individual slice to achieve the desired moisture content profile. Thus, the combined application of both steam and water to the same portion of the sheet, and the nullifying effects thereof, are avoided, resulting in the use of less steam and less water while still providing full control over the moisture content profile with only one moisture sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Measurex Corporation
    Inventor: Glenn R. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5076890
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of qualitative and quantified monitoring of the instant local physical state of a substantially incompressible fluid material such as a liquid or pasty substance (for instance slurry or pulp) and a device for carrying out this method and the various applications and uses resulting from the working of the method and/or device for the automatic control of said physical state. The invention is also directed to the various equipment and systems provided with at least one such device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Dorr-Oliver Incorporated
    Inventor: Claude Balembois
  • Patent number: 5030326
    Abstract: A feed device for paste-like mixtures such as paper pulp is designed to form a flat film of paste through at least one nozzle at the outlet from a distribution chamber. Paste-like mixture feed circuits discharge into the distribution chamber and each circuit comprises a liquid feed channel and a concentrated paste feed channel each incorporating a flowrate adjuster valve and connected downstream of the valves by a mixer. The mixer comprises an outlet connected to an inlet of the distribution chamber. The distribution chamber comprises ejection channels delimited by longitudinal partitions. Each circuit is in corresponding relationship with one ejection channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: S.E.M.T.I. Societe a Responsabilite Limitee
    Inventor: Jean P. Nous
  • Patent number: 5026455
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the automatic determination of the dry pulp content, the infiltration capacity and the wire retention of a pulp suspension. In the method the automatically or manually taken pulp suspension sample is brought to the sample container (2) of the determination equipment (1) located in the immediate neighborhood of the production or the operation process. According to the invention the quantity of the sample in the sample container is measured by weighing, the sample is in case of need attenuated into the processing consistency range, a part of the sample is led to the filter (4), is filtrated in the filter with and/or without a filtering paper, the sample cake obtained is transferred to the desiccator (8) and dried with the desiccator, the dried sample cake is weighed and the test results are written out with the output equipment (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Assignee: Lehtikoski Development OY
    Inventors: Olavi Lehtikoski, Pekka Lehtikoski
  • Patent number: 5026486
    Abstract: A method and control system are provided for controlling apex flow in an array of parallel hydrocyclones, used for cleaning aqueous cellulose fiber suspensions, and arranged in a housing with a common inject chamber, base chamber and apex fraction chamber common to all hydrocyclones in the array, featuring the control of apex flow of cellulose fiber suspension by monitoring and maintaining apex flow at a selected value, increasing apex flow through the array whenever apex flow diminishes due to plugging of a hydrocyclone in the array, to aid in avoiding plugging of other hydrocyclones in the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1991
    Inventor: Nils A. L. Wikdahl
  • Patent number: 5000823
    Abstract: Coarse wood residues, slivers and shives present in groundwood pulp as obtained in grinders are removed by passing a uniform flow of the pulp suspension containing coarse wood residues and shives from the grinder to a conical crushing and beating refiner having two treatment zones with a stationary part and a rotary part for reducing all wood material present in the suspension to free fibers, while measuring and controlling the freeness of the pulp within selected limits by controlling both the power input to the grinder and the power input to the conical crushing and beating refiner, and the degree of beating of the pulp, obtaining groundwood pulp having a low shives content and superior strength properties, at a low energy consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Mo och Domsjo Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Jonas A. I. Lindahl
  • Patent number: 4889599
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Khaim Lisnyansky, William E. Blecha
  • Patent number: 4780182
    Abstract: A method and suitable apparatus for periodically analyzing pulp stock, including wood pulp and water, in a pulp digester, to determine the amount of cooking to which the pulp has been subjected. The method includes taking a sample of the pulp stock from the digester, diluting the sample to a predetermined range of consistency, and determining the exact consistency of the sample. Next, the sample is transferred to a reaction chamber. A reagent is then added to the sample and allowed to react with the sample at a predetermined temperature. The light absorbance of the reagent during the reaction is continuously monitored during the reaction. After the light absorbance has clearly passed a peak, the value of the peak is combined with the consistency of the sample, previously determined, to arrive at the amount of cooking to which the sample had been subjected prior to the test, from a known relationship thereof to the light absorbance of the reagent and the consistency of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Paper Valley Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Clifford Baker