Intelligent roll platform for better runnability
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Date
2009-06Author
Pitkanen, Tatu
Bettendorf, Bob
Tuomisto, Martti
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An intelligent roll is a mechatronic system consisting of a roll in a web handling machine that is also used as a transducer for sensing cross machine tension or linear load. The intelligent roll has electret film force sensors mounted on it in a helical arrangement. The force sensor measures the force applied by the product that is being produced, such as a paper web and thus provides information about the behavior and quality of the product. In addition to the force sensors, the intelligent roll system has an electronic signal processing module on the roll end along with a digital radio link to transmit the data from the rotating roll. The receiver is connected to an automation network. Using an intelligent roll as a reel or winder drum enables online measurement of linear load profiles in reeling and winding. The linear load profile correlates with roll hardness and diameter profiles. An intelligent reel drum combined with actuators such as calender zone controls or coat weight profilers in a closed loop control system enables response to profile-related quality variations. Another application is to use an intelligent roll as a measuring roll that monitors the tension profile online without separate scanning devices. With online measurement, the tension profile can be optimized with closed loop control. Intelligent roll technology also enables temporary process and runnability analysis measurements by using tape-mounted sensors. Problems such as loose web edges, off-machine coater web shifting, winding problems, and reeling defects have been solved with these measurements. Besides paper making, intelligent rolls may be used in web handling applications such as: printing, converting, plastic film production, fabric production, etc. Three cases of using intelligent roll technology are presented in this paper: 1. Online control of web tension profiles 2. Online control of roll hardness / diameter profiles and replacing inaccurate thickness measurement 3. Finding and removing the reason for lateral web shifting in an off-machine coater.
Citation
Pitkanen, T., Bettendorf, B., & Tuomisto, M. (2009, June). Intelligent roll platform for better runnability. Paper presented at the Tenth International Conference on Web Handling (IWEB), Stillwater, OK.