Press Optimization With A New, Instantaneous Wet End Paper Machine Moisture Profile Measurement, 2004 Paper Summit, Spring Technical & International Environmental Conference, (including Papermakers; Process Control, Electrical & Information; Product & Pro

A new, instantaneous full-sheet moisture profile measurement has been installed after the press section on PM8 and PM9 at UPM-Kymmene’s Kymi Paper mill in Kuusankoski, Finland. Both of these paper machines have used the new tool to troubleshoot wet end problems and optimize press operation. Both have gone on to set production records. The first two North American installations started up in the fall of 2003.

This new measurement system takes instantaneous profiles of the moving paper using multiple infrared optical modules across the web. These modules and associated fiber optic cabling are embedded in a pressurized protective enclosure that is located in the first dryer section. Because of the instantaneous “snapshot” nature of the device, short-term MD variations and CD variations that cannot otherwise be seen clearly with traditional dry end scanning measurements are isolated and quantified.

The results of these paper mills’ program to optimize wet end operation and press section performance using this measurement are presented.