Optimization of Furnish Blending Using Factor Network Analysis, 1997 Engineering Conference Proceedings
Blending multiple furnishes to achieve and maintain optimal paper quality while adapting for changing furnish quality is a complex and difficult operation. The task is further complicated by the highly interrelated nature of the manipulated variables. For example, paper machine speed can often be manipulated independently, unless low drainage of the incoming furnish results in the machine becoming drainage limited. These types of interrelated constraints are common in the operation of the paper machine.
In this paper, factor network analysis is used to build a model which characterizes the interrelationships among both the input variables (furnish quality, furnish blend and paper machine operation) and the output variables (paper quality). A newly developed optimization technique is then used to optimize the furnish blend to achieve the target paper quality while minimizing the overall cost of producing the paper. The analysis indicates that there are significant cost benefits in using this technique on-line for open or closed loop optimization.