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 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 temperature-stabilized housings are designed for ambient temperatures up to 100°C / 212°F.
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.
The sensor slots have been optimized in their width from 13 to 7.5 cm, which leads to smaller and lighter sensor packages, allowing more sensors to be installed in the available machine space.
The heart of the 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.
