On Line Measurement of Cross-Web Tension Distribution in Plastics and in Newsprint Papers, 1992 Nonwovens Conference Proceedings

An account is presented of a sensor used in the metals industries - the Vidimon Shapemeter - which has been upgraded to measure On-Line, Cross-Web tension distribution in Plastics films and in Newsprint Papers. In its most sensitive form this new sensor - called the CTSensor - is capable of measuring at mean web tension levels in the range 0.1 - 2.0 kN/M (0.55 - 16.5 Lb/inch) width and delivers a full width tension scan of the web every 300 milliseconds.

The operating principles of the CTSensor are described and its measuring performance in a production environment is illustrated by on-line/off-line flatness and curvature comparisons.

The operation of the CTSensor in production is illustrated in a short video presentation. This gives views of Newsprint paper and of Polyester film running over the sensor, and shows the flatness response in the Newsprint to local changes in moisture content.

An outline is given of a planned European collaborative project in which the CTSensor will be used to develop an automatic cross tension control system for a paper machine.