Control paper gram weights precisely
October 2012
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Founded in 1964, Cascades is a North American leader in the production, conversion, and marketing of packaging products, fine papers, and tissue papers. Internationally, the Cascades Group employs more than 14 000 people and operates some 160 modern and versatile operating units in Canada, the United States, Mexico, France, England, Germany and Sweden. In addition to its brands, Cascades Tissue Group is a major supplier of private label products for major chains and drugstores.
A hundred years of continuous service
Recently the group experienced a concern that outdated controls at its Eau Claire mill would jeopardise its position in the increasingly competitive global paper industry.
Paul Olson, Paper Mill Superintendent, said, “Making tissue that is soft, yet strong and consistently high in quality requires superior control over the moisture and gauging, especially during paper grade changes. Adjusting for basis weight and moisture after a grade change manually can take the better part of an hour, and there is still chance of human error. By automating, we cannot only save time; we also maintain spec and ensure product consistency.”
To meet this challenge, Cascades automated control of moisture and gauging on two tissue machines migrating to a modern Foxboro I/A Series Distributed Control System.
Implementing the new technology
The new Invensys control architecture includes a fault-tolerant I/A Series system controller, a server, two human machine interface (HMI) workstation terminals, with 200-series Fieldbus I/O modules, all communicating across a high-speed Ethernet network. This network configuration enabled the I/O to be located near the tissue machine wet end operation, reducing both control room space and field wiring.
Using this Invensys solution, the operations engineers have implemented regulatory and supervisory control functions using an open system architecture. Operators receive better trending analysis that enables them to correlate variability for each production run. Stock preparation controls help reduce disturbances that can significantly impact paper quality and paper machine performance.
Cascades set out to reduce standard deviation of both basis weight and moisture; the new controls from Invensys met both these objectives. In addition to contributing to product quality, the new system has also reduced breakage in parent webs, resulting in more uptime, greater overall capacity utilisation, and lower maintenance costs.
Another important benefit of the upgrade was laying the foundation for implementing more advanced process controls. For example, the new Foxboro I/A Series Distributed Control System currently uses multivariable expert adaptive control, which reduces consistency swings while enabling performance trending and simplified troubleshooting. This brings greater efficiency in energy utilisation, plus waste and discharge handling. Because components are now housed in a central control room, equipment is not exposed to the corrosive environment of the mill floor.
For more information contact Jaco Markwat, Invensys Operations Management, +27 (0)11 607 8100, [email protected], www.iom.invensys.co.za
Further reading:
High-flow solenoid valve
Emerson Automation Solutions
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Emerson has introduced the new ASCO Series 327C solenoid valve, which features a direct-acting, high-flow design that provides superior flow-to-power ratio. It permits high flows at minimum power levels, making it ideal for use in power plants, refineries, and chemical processing facilities.
Read more...
Proportional cartridge valve series is the fastest in its class
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Parker Hannifin is introducing the enhanced version of the proportional cartridge throttle valve series, TFP. The new pilot valve further reduces the step response times by up to 30%, making the TFP the fastest valve in its class.
Read more...
Proportional cartridge valve series is the fastest in its class
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Parker Hannifin is introducing the enhanced version of the proportional cartridge throttle valve series, TFP. The new pilot valve further reduces the step response times by up to 30%, making the TFP the fastest valve in its class.
Read more...
Inspection system for leak detection in valves in hazardous areas
Extech Safety Systems
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Leaking valves in industrial plants not only lead to loss, safety risks and possible contamination and pollution, but also result in high economic costs. Therefore, valves in hazardous areas require regular proper inspection and preventive maintenance to ensure their functionality.
Read more...
Control head for automation of hygienic process valves
Burkert South Africa
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Burkert’s Type 8681 control head is optimised for decentralised automation of hygienic process valves. Thanks to its universal adapter, it can be combined with all normal commercial butterfly valves, ball valves and single- and double-seated valves.
Read more...
Hydroformed tube valve body
Burkert South Africa
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
One of the most common necessities for manufacturing pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and beverages are diaphragm valves. What used to be a dull two-way race between forged and cast body variants is now being challenged by an exciting, ground-breaking technology. The hydroformed, light-weight diaphragm tube valve body will change the way you think about plant design and operation.
Read more...
Global pumping giant ready to support hydrogen economy
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
With abundant sunshine and wind, southern Africa is perfectly positioned to become a global powerhouse in green hydrogen production. Two key projects are already in advanced stages of development in Namibia. KSB has identified the vast potential of these types of projects in southern Africa, and through its KSB Pumps and Valves subsidiaries in Namibia and South Africa is investing heavily in bringing the right skills to the region.
Read more...
Compact valve position indicator
Emerson Automation Solutions
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Emerson’s new TopWorx DVR Switchbox is an entry-level addition to the DV Series of valve position indicators. It combines a durable resin enclosure, compact size, and a patented cam design that provides a reliable valve position feedback for water and wastewater systems, food and beverage production lines, and industrial utilities.
Read more...
Precision, control and performance in regulators and control valves
Valve & Automation
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Cashco has long been a trusted name in industrial control solutions, offering a broad range of regulators and control valves designed to meet the rigorous demands of various industries. There are two key Cashco product lines, its regulators and the Ranger QCT control valve.
Read more...
Advanced solutions for valves
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
BMG delivers state-of-the-art valve solutions to diverse industries across Africa, in collaboration with InterApp, a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-quality valves.
Read more...
printer friendly version