Computer Control Of Paper Making Variables Patents (Class 162/DIG10)
  • Patent number: 6153050
    Abstract: A method for controlling the addition of bleaching/delignifying reagents to obtain a substantially constant percentage of pulp delignification across the first bleaching stage. The present method allows substantial improvements in bleached pulp quality through proper addition of the bleaching/delignifying reagent flow rate. The efficiency of the bleaching/delignifying reagent is therefore greatly improved. Further, reduction of pulp off-grades, equipment corrosion and effluent loading are additional beneficial effects resulting from the present method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Noranda Forest Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Savoie, Patrick Jean-Claude Tessier, Martin William Pudlas
  • Patent number: 6126785
    Abstract: Significant improvements in papermaking control can be achieved by employing an array of sensors that are positioned underneath the wire of the machine to measure the conductivity of the aqueous wet stock. The conductivity of the wet stock is directly proportional to the total water weight within the wet stock; consequently, the sensor provides information which can be used to monitor and control the quality of the paper sheet produced. Because CD water weight profile is obtained practically instantaneously, the MD and CD variations are essentially decoupled. Quality improvements to the sheet fabricated will be achieved by providing fast control of the actuators on the machine and by tuning components on the machine to eliminate the sources of variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: Hung-Tzaw Hu, Lee Chase, John Goss, John Preston
  • 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: 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: 6071382
    Abstract: A sheet measurement and control system that enables easy installation and/or change of types of sensors to be disposed in or about a sensor head that reciprocally scans a sheet along a cross direction transverse to the sheet flow; wherein a plurality of sensors are disposed in or about the sensor head to measure characteristics of the sheet; a plurality of computation devices corresponding to the plurality of sensors are disposed in or about the sensor head to implement computation of the measuring signals from the sensors; a plurality of communication control devices corresponding to the plurality of computation devices are disposed in or about the sensor head for transmitting the processed measuring signals through a general network communication link attached thereto; and man-machine interface connected to the general network communication link monitors data from said communication control devices related to the measured signal and issues instructions to control the sheet manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiko Tsuchiya, Tomohiro Mineo, Takao Maruyamam, Atsushi Kodama, Yukihiro Seki, Takahashi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6059931
    Abstract: Significant improvements in papermaking control can be achieved by employing an array of sensors that are positioned underneath the wire of the machine to measure the conductivity of the aqueous wet stock. The conductivity of the wet stock is directly proportional to the total water weight within the wet stock; consequently, the sensor provides information which can be used to monitor and control the quality of the paper sheet produced. Because CD water weight profile is obtained practically instantaneously, the MD and CD variations are essentially decoupled. Quality improvements to the sheet fabricated will be achieved by providing fast control of the actuators on the machine and by tuning components on the machine to eliminate the sources of variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: Hung-Tzaw Hu, Lee Chase, John Goss, John Preston
  • Patent number: 6024835
    Abstract: A quality control apparatus and method are provided for a paper mill. The apparatus includes at least one lab entry station which communicates directly with each laboratory in a paper mill. Information from each laboratory is validated by the lab entry station. The apparatus also includes a gateway entry station which receives information from on-line systems in the paper mill and reformats the received information into a single useable format. A global data base manager communicates with the lab entry station and the gateway entry station identifies each bit of information received and assigns addresses for the identified information. A communication manager is provided to transmit the received information from the global data base manager to operator stations. Operator stations provide user interfaces throughout the paper mill at which data can be displayed and analyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventors: Leonard F. Fiore, Gregory P. Brandl, Allen R. Voit, Michael J. Krouze
  • Patent number: 5888348
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for controlling and adjusting the permeability of a cigarette wrapping paper. Permeability is controlled in the paper by adding different sized filler particles in different proportionate amounts. Permeability of the paper is altered without having to change the total amount of filler in the paper. By selectively controlling the permeability of the paper, various characteristics and properties of a cigarette made with the paper can be likewise modified as desired. In one embodiment of the present invention, the permeability of a cigarette wrapper can be automatically maintained or adjusted as the paper is being made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc.
    Inventor: Vladimir Hampl, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5853543
    Abstract: A method of predicting the dry stock weight of paper that is produced by a papermaking machine based on simultaneousness measurements of (1) the water weight of the paper stock on the fabric or wire of the papermaking machine and of (2) the dry stock weight of the paper product is provided. The invention which provides a linearized model of the de-watering process is based in part on that creation of drainage characteristic curves that provides an effective means of predicting the drainage behavior of the paper stock on the fabric of a de-watering system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Honeywell-Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: Hung-Tzaw Hu, Francis Tu
  • Patent number: 5825653
    Abstract: A method for continuous overall regulation of a former of a paper or board machine or equivalent in which a physical fluid flow model of the drainage and the flow state of the pulp suspension flow is formed. The model is solved by making use of the data on the geometry of the former and initial and boundary conditions necessary for a solution to the model. The difference between the simulated state, which has been obtained as the solution of the physical flow model, and the state adopted as the target is determined as the cost function, wherein the target state is determined by means of the quality requirements of the paper and possibly by means of the costs of operation and the runnability of the paper machine. The cost function is optimized and, thus, optimal regulation values and set values are obtained for the regulation devices and/or actuators of the former in view of the given cost function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventors: Jyrki Huovila, Jari Hamalainen, Petri Nyberg, Pekka Pakarinen
  • Patent number: 5783042
    Abstract: A method and system of measuring deflected doctor blade angle and loading force of an arrangement including a doctor apparatus operating in connection with a rotating cylinder, the apparatus having a doctor blade and a support member which pivots about at least one pivot point in response to an externally applied force for applying the doctor blade to a contact point on the cylinder. The arrangement corresponds to a kinematic model of linkages including a first link defined between the at least one pivot point and the contact point, a second link defined between the contact point and the center of the cylinder, and a third link defined between the center of the cylinder and the at least one pivot point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Thermo Web Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Leeman, Steven J. Coleman, David J. Dziadzio, William K. Giguere, Ronald F. Goodnow
  • Patent number: 5781440
    Abstract: A predetermined number of actuators are arranged transversally to a continuously produced material web for adjusting the cross-sectional profile of the web. To determine to what degree the instantaneous cross-sectional profile can approximate a reference profile, an optimally achievable profile is determined first in a computing device on the basis of a measured profile and a mathematical model of a controlled system of a cross-sectional profile control, and the optimally achievable profile is compared with the measured profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Jurgen Adamy
  • Patent number: 5776309
    Abstract: An endless loop of fabric of the type used in papermaking is provided with a row of optically detectable marks aligned in the direction of motion of the fabric. A beam of light pulses from a strobe light is directed to a position on the fabric through which the row of marks passes and the position of the marks as illuminated by the strobe light is observed. When the observed marks are stationary, the speed of the fabric can be determined based on the frequency of the light pulses from the strobe light and the spacing between the marks on the fabric. The speed of the fabric can be controlled to a desired speed by setting the strobe pulse frequency and adjusting a variable speed drive for the motor driven rollers driving the fabric until the marks as illuminated by the strobe light appear stationary. Variations in the speed of the fabric result in variations of the position of the marks as illuminated by the strobe light, allowing equipment problems causing the speed variations to be diagnosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Badger Paper Mills, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert D. Fraik
  • Patent number: 5658432
    Abstract: A method for determining the cross-machine shrinkage or expansion profile of a travelling sheet produced in a sheetmaking machine between an upstream location and a downstream location. The method involves marking the sheet at the upstream location with an array of marks at measured, predetermined intervals in the cross-machine direction. The sheet is inspected in the cross-machine direction at the downstream location to measure the spacing of the array of marks. A shrinkage or expansion profile of the travelling sheet is developed based on the changes in the spacing between the array of marks at the downstream location. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed. The method and apparatus of the present invention permit rapid and precise determination of the sheet shrinkage or expansion profile to allow for better control of property variation across the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Measurex Devron Inc.
    Inventors: Edwin Michael Gyde Heaven, Scott B. Crumpacker
  • 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: 5616214
    Abstract: A rapid method is provided for the on-line determination of sodium sulfide concentration and/or percent sulfidity in green liquors or smelt solutions used for the production of either kraft or sulfite pulp. The method eliminates manual sampling, and the need for frequent equipment maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada
    Inventor: Denys F. Leclerc
  • 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: 5492601
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the de-watering performance of a forming section of a papermaking machine is disclosed which includes a laser instrument assembly having first and second laser displacement meters laterally spaced and supported above an upper run of a paper forming fabric. A head box deposits paper stock consisting of a water/fiber mixture on top of the upper run. An adjustable carrier stand supports the laser instrument assembly above the upper run of the forming fabric. The first laser displacement meter is disposed in a first position above the forming fabric so that a laser beam of the first laser meter is reflected off of the paper stock which is deposited on top of the forming fabric. The second laser displacement meter is disposed in a second position above said forming fabric so that a laser beam of the second laser displacement meter is reflected off of a bare edge of the forming fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Wangner Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Volker Ostermayer, Thomas B. Fleischer, Gilles F. Duquette
  • 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: 5403447
    Abstract: System in a press section of a paper machine for monitoring and control of the running of the press felts (10,20,30). The press felts (10,20,30) are guided by means of rolls (13,14,15; 23,24,25; 33,34, 35), whose axial directions are altered by means of an actuator (18a, 18b) so as to control the running of the press felts (10,20,30). The system includes detector devices (16,26,36), by whose means the alignment stripe (K) on the felt or felts (10,20,30) is detected, as well as oscillation detectors (17,27,37), by whose means oscillations of the press rolls (10, 20,30) are detected. Into the computer part (50) included in the system, the monitoring signals (a,b) are fed from said detectors (16,26,36, 17,27,37). The computer (50) analyzes the detector data in order to detect any felt-induced oscillations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Valmet Paper Machinery Inc.
    Inventors: Jarmo Jarvinen, Kyosti Kuukkanen, Pekka Liukkonen, Jari Tiainen
  • Patent number: 5330621
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for analyzing the elemental constituents of fluid streams in the cellulose pulp industry, such as liquid with dissolved solids for treatment of cellulose pulp or from the treatment of cellulose pulp, or liquid slurries including comminuted cellulose material. Continuous on-line elemental analyses are made of one or more such fluid streams, and at least the partial elemental make-up (either material, or of elements added for marking) of the streams determined. Then one or more processes for acting on the fluid streams are controlled to optimize the processes as a result of the analyses made. The invention is particularly useful in the continuous on-line analysis of black liquor utilizing prompt gamma neutron activation analysis, and controlling the operation of an evaporator or recovery boiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventors: Pertti Visuri, Erkki Kiiskila, Markku Koskelo
  • Patent number: 5269883
    Abstract: In the manufacture of stretchable webs such as creped tissue, nonwovens, and the like, in which the web is formed and thereafter wound onto a reel, basis weight control of the web on the reel is accomplished by measuring the speed and basis weight of the web prior to winding the web onto the reel and calculating the basis weight of the web on the reel. In response to this calculated value, either the upstream flow of material or the downstream speed of the web (reel speed) are adjusted to obtain the desired basis weight of the web at the reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: Paul D. Beuther
  • Patent number: 5203966
    Abstract: The invention provides an improvement in the quality and quantity of cellulosic fibers recovered in recycling wastepaper contained in waste material packaged in compressed bale form by sufficiently wetting the baled waste material with a liquid that wastepaper cellulosic fibers will soften and swell prior to the waste material being subjected to the recycling pulping operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Recycle Processes Inc.
    Inventors: Willard E. Carlson, Ivar H. Steckel
  • Patent number: 5170357
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling a paper making machine so as to improve the uniformity and quality of the manufactured paper; wherein slicing devices are provided for operating in such direction that a detected profile matches a predetermined profile. The paper making machine comprises a plurality of slices, supply of raw material to make the paper, and sensor for measuring the quality of the paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Yokogawa Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Sasaki, Tetsuya Otani, Masako Negishi
  • Patent number: 5159893
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for regulation of the moisture profile of a paper or board web in a size press in which the paper or board web (W) is made to run through a nip (N) formed by the rolls (1,2) in the size press. Films (F.sub.1, F.sub.2) of size are applied to the faces (3,4) of the rolls in the size press by means of coating devices (10,20) so that these films (F.sub.1 F.sub.2) of size are transferred onto the paper or board web (W) in the roll nip (N). A size (F.sub.1) of substantially invariable profile is spread onto the face (3) of the first roll in the size press (5), and the profile of the size film (F.sub.2) to be spread onto the face (4) of the second roll is regulated so that the moisture profile of the web (W) at the reel-up can be made substantially invariable. The invention also concerns a film size press for implementing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Valmet Paper Machinery Inc.
    Inventor: Rauno Rantanen
  • Patent number: 5122232
    Abstract: The invention provides multiple steam applicators which are used to distribute steam against a web during calendering. The invention includes a primary steam applicator located adjacent a side of the web to which steam is applied. The primary steam applicator has a manifold, a primary inlet valve, and a plurality of steam valves spaced along the primary manifold. Each steam valve regulates a steam flow distributed to a cross-directional section of the web. A secondary steam applicator is located adjacent the side of the web to which steam is applied. The secondary steam applicator has a manifold, a secondary inlet valve, and a plurality of steam valves spaced along the secondary manifold, each steam valve regulating a steam flow distributed to a cross-directional section of the web. A gloss sensor measures the gloss finish of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Lyman, Bruce F. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5122229
    Abstract: In a flat bed, Fourdrinier-type, countercurrent washer for pulp, the opportunities for the development of foam are minimized by "wet" operation of the washer so that the pulp mat remains essentially full of liquid as it passes from each washing zone to the next. Special provision is also made for compensating for drainage at too slow a rate in one washing zone by bypassing some of the flow of washing liquid to that zone so that it is delivered to the zone upstream therefrom. An additional feature is the provision of controls over the flow of drained liquid from one or more of the receptacles therefor so that any solid particles floating on the top of that liquid in the receptacle are delivered to the countercurrent flow which ultimately reaches the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: The Black Clawson Company
    Inventor: Peter Seifert
  • Patent number: 5068796
    Abstract: A method to control the opacity of sheet formed of nonwoven material involves providing a computer with a steam pressure measurement from each of two steam heated palmer bonders. One pressure sensor from the first bonder drum and one from the second bonder drum provide signals used to control steam pressure and thus temperature of each bonder drum's surface. A signal indicating temperature of the surface of each drum and a measurement of speed are also collected by the computer/controller. The fundamental control signal is provided to the computer from an opacity sensor device which is compared to an opacity aim and then steam pressure to the bonder drum is adjusted to minimize any error signal between opacity aim measured opacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Hanh P. Hellenguard, Lawrence J. Koth, Donald T. Vaughan
  • Patent number: 5032976
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the delignification process by monitoring and minimizing variations in the Kappa Number and the digester residual chemical concentration. A parameter representative of the H factor for the delignification process and a measurement of the initial chemical concentration are utilized to produce signals representative of the actual Kappa Number and the residual acid concentration in the digester. The expected perturbations in Kappa Number and the residual chemical concentration are compared with target values for same to produce estimated errors due to mismatch which are compared with actual measured errors for these parameters to produce compensated control errors for same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Elsag International B.V.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Beller, Ralph K. Johnson, Roger Kammerer, Azmi Kaya, Marion A. Keyes, IV
  • Patent number: 5032977
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the delignification process by monitoring and minimizing variations in the Kappa Number and the digester residual chemical concentration. A parameter representative of the H factor for the delignification process and a measurement of the initial chemical concentration are utilized ot produce signals representative of the actual Kappa Number and the residual acid concentration in the digerter. The expected perturbations in Kappa Number and the residual chemical concentration are compared with target values for same to produce estimated errors due to mismatch which are compared with actual measured errors for these parameters to produce compensated control errors for same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Elsag International B.V.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Beller, Ralph K. Johnson, Roger Kammerer, Azmi Kaya, Marion A. Keyes, IV
  • Patent number: 5009748
    Abstract: A system and process for controlling the displacement of a thickness regulating member which regulates the basis weight of a sheet being formed from fluid material. The displacement of the thickness regulating member is determined by measuring the forces which slice rods exert on the thickness regulating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Measurex Corporation
    Inventors: Ramesh Balakrishnan, Mathew G. Boissevain
  • Patent number: 4990219
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the delignification process by monitoring and minimizing variations in the Kappa Number and the digester residual chemical concentration. A parameter representative of the H factor for the delignification process and a measurement of the initial chemical concentration are utilized to produce signals representative of the actual Kappa Number and the residual acid concentration in the digester. The expected perturbations in Kappa Number and the residue chemical concentration are compared with target values for same to produce estimated errors due to mismatch which are compared with actual measured errors for these parameters to produce compensated control errors for same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Elsag International B.V.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Beller, Ralph K. Johnson, Roger Kammerer, Azmi Kaya, Marion A. Keyes, IV
  • Patent number: 4982334
    Abstract: A system for controlling the calendering of sheet materials includes means for receiving measurements of one property of sheet material during production wherein the input to the system represents the setpoints of a calender profile actuator system. In operation, the system first calculates a linear trend line from a pattern of setpoints. Then, the linear trend line is substrated from the pattern of setpoints and used to control an edge loading system. The residual setpoints are provided to a frequency splitter whose low frequency output is used to determine the setpoints of a crown roll system and whose high frequency output is used to determine the setpoints of a calender profile actuator system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Measurex Corporation
    Inventor: Ramesh Balakrishnan
  • Patent number: 4978425
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the delignification process by monitoring and minimizing variations in the Kappa Number and the digester residual chemical concentration. A parameter representative of the H factor for the delignification process and a measurement of the initial chemical concentration are utilized to produce signals representative of the actual Kappa Number and the residual acid concentration in the digester. The expected perturbations in Kappa Number and the residual chemical concentration are compared with target values for same to produce estimated errors due to mismatch which are compared with actual measured errors for these parameters to produce compensated control errors for same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Elsag International B.V.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Beller, Ralph K. Johnson, Roger Kammerer, Azmi Kaya, Marion A. Keyes, IV
  • Patent number: 4963229
    Abstract: A system and method to continuously determine the pulp consistency in the discharge blowline (112) of a continuous pulp digester (100) having a gamma gauge (116) disposed adjacent to the blowline (112) for continuous measurement of the intensity of gamma radiation attenuated by the pulp slurry passing through the blowline (112), a density gauge (118) disposed adjacent to a cold blow liquor line (102) for continuous measurement of the density of the cold blow liquor in the cold blow line (102) independent of variations in the gamma radiation mass-attenuation coefficient of the cold blow liquor in the cold blow liquor line (102), a gamma gauge (120) disposed adjacent to the cold blow liquor line (102) for measuring the intensity of gamma radiation attenuated by the cold blow liquor passing through the cold blow liquor line (102) and a computer (122) for receiving signals output from the first gamma gauge (116), the density gauge (118) and the second gamma gauge (120) indicative of intensity of gamma radiation a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Khaim Lisnyansky, H. Heinz Walbaum
  • Patent number: 4946555
    Abstract: An inert gas such as helium is employed as a tracer gas in a pulp and paper mill to determine the utilization of oxygen by an aqueous cellulosic pulp particularly, as well as other parameters, in an oxygen delignification or extraction in which oxygen is dissolved in the pulp and reacted to solubilize lignins and reduce the requirement for chlorine-based bleaching chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Canadian Liquid Air Ltd./Air Liquide Canada
    Inventors: Robert G. H. Lee, Derek Hornsey, Jose Dieguez, Arthur S. Perkins
  • Patent number: 4891097
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of regulating, for the purpose of burning soda-ash in a recovery boiler furnace, the feeding-in or combustion conditions of concentrated spent liquors of varying chemical and physical properties by measuring some physical property of a liquor fed into the recovery boiler furnace and by regulating the feeding-in and combustion conditions directly on the basis of the thus measured physical properties. According to the invention, the maximum swelling, upon heating, of a dry-matter particle of the liquor fed into the recovery boiler furnace is measured. On the basis of this measurement the temperature, pH value, or injection pressure of the liquor fed into the furnace, or the height of the injection point or the direction of injection, or the feeding of air into the furnace is adjusted directly on the basis of the maximum swelling measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Oy Tampella AB
    Inventors: Paavo Hyoty, Erik Uppstu, Erik Saiha
  • Patent number: 4889592
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the reactivity of lime produced in a lime cycle process that includes the steps of forming burnt lime in a kiln, washing and filtering of lime sludge, and causticizing of green liquor, which lime cycle process steps are carried out under variable operating conditions. At least one mechanical property of the burnt lime is measured, and at least one operating condition of the time cycle process is adjusted, based on the measured mechanical property of the burnt lime, so as to thereby control the reactivity of lime produced in the lime cycle process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: STFI
    Inventors: Birgitta S. Andersson, Malin C. Zethraeus, Torbjorn Herngren, Jan-Erik V. Gustafsson
  • 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: 4869784
    Abstract: Wash water input into a pulp washing system is controlled in response to measurements on a stream of output constituents of reduced transverse dimension compared to the transverse dimension of the washed pulp mat discharge stream from the pulp washing system. The measurements are conducted simultaneously across the entire width of the reduced dimension stream on all the washed pulp and water leaving the pulp washing system. The measurements are readily carried out using apparatus including means below said reduced dimension stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Inventor: George W. Seymour
  • Patent number: 4840704
    Abstract: Pulp washing efficiency at any given dilution factor and production rate is maximized by controlling washing surface speed in response to determination of total mass of product stream in weight per unit area on the surface and simultaneously controlling the rate of dilution liquid introduction in response to sensing of feed level in the container feeding the surface, thereby to obtain a substantially constant level of pulp in the feed and in the pulp mat formed on the washing surface which is to undergo washing and a substantially constant weight of pulp mat (on a dry pulp basis) per unit area on the washing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Inventor: George W. Seymour
  • Patent number: 4732651
    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: December 11, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Khaim Lisnyansky, William E. Blecha
  • Patent number: 4348256
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the supply of delignifying and/or bleaching chemicals in the continuous delignification and/or bleaching of lignocellulosic material such as wood and pulp in a through flow delignification and/or bleaching stage which commprises admixing the lignocellulosic material with delignifying and/or bleaching chemicals and flowing the lignocellulosic material under delignifying and/or bleaching conditions through the stage while controlling the addition of the delignifying and/or bleaching chemicals according to the ratio of the quantity of delignifying and/or bleaching chemicals consumed to the quantity of delignifying and/or bleaching chemicals originally charged, referred to hereinafter as relative consumption, the time and the temperature in a manner to maintain substantially constant the relative consumption of delignifying and/or bleaching chemicals at a predetermined time by the lignocellulosic material during flow through the stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Assignee: Mo och Domsjo Aktiebolag
    Inventors: John R. Bergstrom, Sten L. Haggstrom
  • Patent number: 4273612
    Abstract: A process is provided for continuously washing fibrous suspensions in aqueous suspending liquors containing dissolved impurities to remove such impurities by exchanging aqueous suspending liquid substantially free from such impurities for the aqueous suspending liquor, which comprises washing fibrous material of the suspension in aqueous suspending liquid substantially free from dissolved impurities; and forming a washed fibrous suspension in such liquid; withdrawing aqueous suspending liquor containing dissolved impurities; diluting the washed fibrous suspension by adding aqueous suspending liquid substantially free from dissolved impurities; measuring the volume amount of such diluting aqueous suspending liquid added; measuring the volume amount of diluted washed fibrous suspension; and then adjusting the volume amount of wash liquid added to maintain substantially constant the difference between the amount of wash liquid added and the liquid content of the undiluted washed fibrous suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1981
    Assignee: Mo och Domsjo Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Per A. R. Hillstrom, Lars G. Norehall
  • Patent number: 4225385
    Abstract: Relative shive incidence in a production flow line of paper pulp is continuously sampled and measured by means of a continuous flow, fiber induction device located within the production line to extract a diluted sample of fiber flow therein. The diluted sample is directed through a windowed conduit section for photodetection of particles therein. Particle caused pulses are discriminated by amplitude relative to a reference scale to distinguish shive particles from acceptable fiber particles. Two pulse trains are developed simultaneously: one pulse train for shive pulses and the other pulse train for particle flow including shives. Both pulse trains are rate determined by counting the number of pulses in a fixed interim of time identical to both. The two pulse rates are then combined to develop a dimensionless ratio of shive incidence or percentage within the total fiber stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1980
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Horatio Hughes, Jr., Robert A. Schilling
  • Patent number: 4192708
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the addition of active chemical for delignifying and/or bleaching cellulose pulp suspended in an aqueous liquor containing at least one chemical reactive with such active chemical, which comprises determining the amount of active chemical consumed by the chemical reactive with the active chemical in the liquor; adding the active chemical to the cellulose pulp suspension; and then after a predetermined time interval determining the amount of active chemical consumed by the chemical and cellulose pulp reactive with the active chemical in the liquor; from these determinations determining the amount of active chemical consumed by the pulp; and then carrying out the delignification and/or bleaching with an amount of active chemical adjusted according to the amount of active chemical consumed by the pulp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1980
    Assignee: Mo och Domsjo Aktiebolag
    Inventors: John R. Bergstrom, Bengt G. Hultman, Astrid T. P. Dalborg
  • Patent number: 4162933
    Abstract: A process for continuously digesting cellulosic fibrous material wherein the degree of delignification of the cellulosic fibrous material in the digestion zone is continuously determined and monitored by determining the exothermic heat of the delignification reaction taking place in the digester. The exothermic heat of the delignification reaction is determined by measurements of the temperature rise occurring in the delignification zone and the heat capacity of the cellulosic material and digesting liquor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1979
    Assignee: Kamyr Inc.
    Inventors: Michael I. Sherman, James R. Prough
  • Patent number: 4146422
    Abstract: An improved process for continuously monitoring and controlling a continuous process for digestion of cellulose utilizing a computer which is programmed to determined (1) the mass of wood being fed to the digester from measurements of the density of the wood slurry feed, the density of the liquid and the total flow of slurry, (2) the mass of wood being withdrawn from the digester from measurements of the density of the pulp slurry, the density of the liquor and the total flow of slurry, (3) the correct amount of fresh digester liquor to be added concurrently with the wood feed and (4) amount of water wash and makeup digester liquor to be fed to the reactor. The computer can also be programmed to control the temperature in the reaction zone of the digester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1977
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1979
    Assignee: Kamyr Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Prough
  • Patent number: 4138313
    Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for controlling the supply of aqueous suspending liquid in continuously washing fibrous suspensions in aqueous suspending liquors containing dissolved impurities, to remove such impurities by exchanging aqueous suspending liquors substantially free from such impurities for the aqueous suspending liquor, which comprises washing fibrous material of the suspension in aqueous suspending liquid substantially free from dissolved impurities, and forming a washed fibrous suspension in such liquid; withdrawing aqueous suspending liquor containing dissolved impurities; diluting the washed fibrous suspension by adding aqueous suspending liquid substantially free from dissolved impurities; determining the amount of dissolved impurities remaining with the fibrous suspension after the washing has been completed by measuring (1) the volumetric flow rate of the washed suspension; (2) the liquid content of the washed suspension; and (3) the content of dissolved impurities in the suspending
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1979
    Assignee: Mo och Domsjo Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Per A. R. Hillstrom, Lars G. Norehall
  • Patent number: 4128454
    Abstract: Wood pulp is bleached with chlorine dioxide gas. The gas is obtained by feeding a chlorine dioxide solution to a stripper. Shredded or fluffed pulp is exposed to a controlled amount of chlorine dioxide gas for a time period sufficient to obtain the required pulp brightness. The amount of unused chlorine dioxide gas is continuously monitored. The controlled amount of chlorine dioxide gas fed to the bleaching system is automatically adjusted by controlling the amount of chlorine dioxide solution fed to the stripper in response to changes in the amount of unused chlorine doxide gas leaving the bleaching system. Unreacted gases are recycled back to the stripper in response to the concentration of chlorine dioxide gas conducted from the stripper to the reaction area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1978
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Co.
    Inventor: Rudi W. Schleinkofer