Voith has developed a new generation of sensors with regards to availability, reliability and maintenance handling. As the main components of the Quality Measurement System, the sensors measure the most important quality parameters of the paper being produced, such as basis weight, moisture, caliper and ash. The Quality Control System reduces as much as possible the variability in machine direction (MD) and cross direction (CD). This allows paper manufacturers to move quality targets in the most profitable operational zones – for example to maximize the moisture content of the paper.
The new sensor generation features a compact, lightweight design and increases the reliability and availability of the machine direction controls.
Higher product quality due to modular and fully independent sensors with optimized housings and integrated temperature stabilization
The sensors and components are designed to operate in challenging environments under harsh conditions of the paper mill. Special, high-temperature housing options are no longer needed. The new temperature-stabilized housings are designed for ambient temperatures up to 100° C / 212° F.
Increased reliability and availability of the machine direction controls
A distinctive feature of Voith’s control concept are the machine direction controls based on physical models of the paper machine. Voith’s supervisory controls replicate the physical behavior of the process. The controls manage even high-frequent process disturbances. They also effectively reduce the time for grade changes and therefore minimize production losses.
Delivering more power within smaller and lighter sensors
The new sensor slots have been optimized in their width from 13 cm to 7.5 cm, which leads to smaller and lighter sensor packages, allowing more sensors to be installed in the available machine space.
Minimized maintenance effort with new plug & play principle
The heart of the new sensors is a processor board that provides precise and fast signal and data processing. Sensor features are easy to expand via firmware upgrades. Configurations and calibration parameters are stored inside the sensor and can be changed remotely. Furthermore, the new plug & play functionality reduces complexity in maintenance.
Anchored in the Servolution approach, Voith takes care of the whole maintenance spectrum. Based on deep domain knowledge, the focus is not only on system maintenance. Voith service experts also check the measurement and control performances, monitor overall equipment condition and provide suggestions to optimize the process. Additionally, Voith is able to preserve the customer’s investments by interfacing most types of existing third-party scanners and actuators.