Integrated Paper Machine Control - A Reality With Modern Distributed Control Systems, 1993 Process Control, Electrical & Information Conference Proceedings

Keith Masters

With the information and control system technology available today, progressive papermakers have at their fingertips, the necessary information required for real-time decision making. A simple keystroke accesses critical operational, quality, control, and performance data on all aspects of the papermaking process. Unfortunately, access to this information has been via different types of computer consoles - each with its own format, operating procedures, capabilities, and limitations.

In the past, it was necessary to provide vendor specific consoles and control technology in different systems. Previously, no single system could handle all of the unique requirements of integrated papermachine controls.

Distributed Control Systems (DCS), like the Bailey INFI9O, typically represent the backbone of modem papermachine controls. Basic regulatory controls, optimization algorithms, and customized graphics have been used effectively to operate paper machines. However, full integration of scanning/sensor information accompanied by machine direction (MD) and cross direction (CD) optimization controls has only recently been achieved with the DCS platform.

This paper discusses the technological advances made in recent years. These advancements have enabled papermakers to take full advantage of the modem DCS system for complete papermachine control. Some case histories are presented to show how the progressive papermaker utilizes this technology today.