Optimization of Glass Microfiber Production Process and Quality Control Using an Advanced Distributed Control System, 1991 Nonwovens Conference Proceedings

High-technology users of glass microfibers require consistent yields within tight product specifications. Such precision and quality control is vital in the manufacture of end-user products such as filter media and aterial separation devices. Producers of these micron-sized glass fiber materials find it difficult to achieve such consistent quality using conventional control systems.

Evanite Fiber Corp. recently upgraded its microfiber production line by employing a distributed control system (DCS). Evanite chose the uXL, DCS to tighten production control, reduce product variability, monitor and supervise grade changes, and provide data to enhance the ongoing Statistical Quality Control program. The DCS provides those benefits plus the added capabilities of on-line research and development, data monitoring and process simulation. This process optimization results in a higher-quality microfiber produced more efficiently. The DCS also generates process data for statistical analysis that leads to more rapid development of new grades of fiber for a variety of applications.