39 www.drivesncontrols.com January 2025 PAPER AND PACKAGING n was surprised no one else had thought of it. We’ve also patented specific outputs from the technology, such as predicting sheet breaks and runnability issues.” Depending on the application, IVS uses Flir’s IP66-protected A50/A500 or A70/A700 thermal cameras which offer multiple fieldof-view options and image streaming. There are two main ways of using the IR technology in papermaking. First, when used as an add-on to existing sheet break systems, the IR cameras can see “invisible” defects that visual-spectrum cameras cannot. They also detect wet streaks in real time, helping to avoid sheet breaks that can lead to hours of downtime. Second, the system can send sheet-wide thermal profiles to a quality control system (QCS) scanner moving back and forth across the sheet. Using data captured by the IR cameras, it is possible to feed the QCS in real time. While the control system will probably not work in real time, capturing IR images at 30 frames per second, for example, allows the system to provide an average profile every second, supporting ultra-fast control system decisions. “A big issue with a QCS scanner is its location at the end of a papermaking machine,” explains Frackowiak. “From placing pulp on the wire, ready for manufacturing into paper, to running through the entire machine and reaching the QCS scanner, no quality measurement checks take place. “However, by positioning a Flir IR camera at the beginning of the process – perhaps in the press section – we can immediately detect defects like wet streaks or incorrect moisture profiles. This is important because some start-up processes can take hours, with papermaking plants unable to thread the web due to problematic sheet breaks. We now have a way of letting them know why, saving significant time.” Several papermaking and board plants are already using the technology. n pot en ti a l o f y o Are you inve our workforce? esting in the mproves Comp Creates an Adaptable a ncreases Productivi mproves Safe W Industry recognised co I I a I any Reputation nd Flexible Workforce y and Performance orking Practices ourses from the BFPA W t a p Please call 01608 6479 00 or bfpa.co.u RITISH FLUID POW B email enquiries@bfpa.co.uk k/training WER ASSOCIATION / Controls & Drives don@dfamedia.co.uk sara.gor 01732 370341 don Sara Gor damien.oxlee@dfamedia.co.uk 01732 370342 Damien Oxlee ols Contact us at Drives & Contr AVE COULD HA ADVERTISEMENT IMPACT YOUR IMAGINE THE 60,000+ ENGINEERS THIS, THEN SO ARE IF YOU’RE READING The ThermoVision system can identify wet spots, streaks and uneven profiles in papermaking processes
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=