Dynea Chemicals Oy

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Dynea Chemical Oy

Reginald A Mbachu

Tyler G Congleton

Process and apparatus for non-invasive measuring of binder mix loading of glass fibers for monitoring production of construction insulation product, such as roofing and wall insulation. The process utilizes visible (VIS) and near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy; and, is particularly advantageous when utilized in an on-line production processing following binder mix loading of glass fibers and prior to curing treatment of the binder mix loaded glass fibers. Such spectroscopic analyses can be carried out on a static or moving support substrate. The blend is then conveyed to and through curing treatment to form insulation product. The blend is exposed to VIS-NIR radiant energy, and a radiant energy sensor collects resulting data as to absorption following penetration of the VIS-NIR radiant energy. The spectroscopic instrumentation is calibrated to determine to facilitate accuracy; and, can be used to verify load following curing. The amount of binder mix, in the binder mix/fiber blend, is adjusted if the blend is outside of desired loading specifications.

Methods for monitoring binder mix loading of fiber glass mats

Calibrating visual (VIS) and near infra red (NIR) spectroscopic instrumentation for quantitative measurement of resin-loading of prepared wood materials, as moving in an assembly-forming line, for subsequent pressing under heat and pressure for manufacture of engineered-composite wood product. Feedback of measured data of resin-loading, during in-line assembly operations, enables maintaining consistent resin-loading and optimizes resin usage. Calibration of VIS/NIR spectroscopic instrumentation can be carried out on equipment simulating in-line movement of pre-established reference-source test-samples; or, can be carried out during on-line movement of wood-material test samples. The developed calibration method removes absorptive effects at wavelengths for constituents other than resin, such as the moisture content of the wood-materials and of the resin, while maintaining accurate and prompt VIS/NIR spectroscopic measurements of resin-loading in a continuous assembly line.

Spectroscopic monitoring of resin-loading during assembly of engineered wood product

Method for spectroscopically monitoring resin applied to a planar surface of veneer-wood sheets during travel in an assembly line. Spectroscopic instrumentation for monitoring applied resin is calibrated by measurements of predetermined resin applications to reference-test-samples, so as to provide a pre-determined relationship enabling monitoring of applied resin, during commercial production of a veneer-wood product using the visible light spectrum and near infrared extending to 2500 nm. Monitoring of selected radiation absorbance by the applied resin is carried out by spectroscopic measurement of non-absorbed electromagnetic radiation, as reflected back by the wood-veneer matrix; selected wavelengths are utilized for determining average resin-weight per designated surface area of a sheet. Selecting penetrative wavelengths enables use of multiple types of hardwood and softwood for veneer sheets during in-line production, providing for separate calibration for selected wood type and resin combinations measuring instrumentation.

Spectroscopic monitoring of resin-application prior to assembly of composite wood veneer product

Process for calibration of spectroscopic instrumentation for non-invasive monitoring of resin-loading of furnish-type wood materials, such as particles or fibers for particleboard or medium density fiberboard, respectively. Selection of ranges of wavelengths within a 350 nm to 2500 nm region by providing selection of spectrometers and sensors for wavelength ranges of 350&#x2013;1000 nm, 1000 to 1800 nm, 1000 to 2500 nm, and 400 to 2200 nm, for use by engineered-wood manufacturing installations. Resin-loaded wood material is exposed to selected VIS/NIR energy and monitored as it moves on-line in relation to calibrated spectroscopic instrumentation; a sensor collects non-absorbed radiation energy reflected by the wood materials. Measurements are processed, in relation to pre-established calibration data, to determine whether the resin-loading is within manufacturing objectives; monitoring and feedback are used to maintain desired specifications.

Methods for monitoring resin-loading of wood materials and engineered wood products

Process for calibration of spectroscopic instrumentation for non-invasive monitoring of resin-loading of furnish-type wood materials, such as particles or fibers for particleboard or medium density fiberboard, respectively. Selection of ranges of wavelengths within a 350 nm to 2500 nm region by providing selection of spectrometers and sensors for wavelength ranges of 350-1000 nm, 1000 to 1800 nm, 1000 to 2500 nm, and 400 to 2200 nm, for use by engineered-wood manufacturing installations. Resin-loaded wood material is exposed to selected VIS/NIR energy and monitored as it moves on-line in relation to calibrated spectroscopic instrumentation; a sensor collects non-absorbed radiation energy reflected by the wood materials. Measurements are processed, in relation to pre-established calibration data, to determine whether the resin-loading is within manufacturing objectives; monitoring and feedback are used to maintain desired specifications.

Calibrating near infra red (NIR) spectroscopic instrumentation for quantitative measurement of resin-loading of prepared wood materials, as moving in an assembly-forming line, for subsequent pressing under heat and pressure for manufacture of engineered-composite wood product. Feedback of measured data of resin-loading, during in-line assembly operations, enables maintaining consistent resin-loading and optimizes resin usage. Calibration of NIR spectroscopic instrumentation can be carried out on equipment simulating in-line movement of pre-established reference-source test-samples; or, can be carried out during on-line movement of wood-material test samples. The developed calibration method removes absorptive effects at wavelengths for constituents other than resin, such as the moisture content of the wood-materials and of the resin, while maintaining accurate and prompt NIR spectroscopic measurements of resin-loading in a continuous assembly line.

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Eugene, OR, United States of America

Reginald A Mbachu