International Paper Company

William E Blecha

Khaim Lisnyansky

Henry J Kent

The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for the on-line measurement of fiber orientation in a translucent sheet. To measure the fiber orientation, coherent light is directed onto one surface of the sheet in a pattern of sufficient intensity to produce a second pattern on the other surface of the sheet. The shape of the second pattern is determined, at least in part, by the orientation of the fibers in the sheet. A sensing apparatus including a video camera and frame grabber, views the second pattern and produces a freeze frame image signal. Even though the second pattern may be moving, the sensing apparatus freezes this motion and produces the freeze frame image signal to represent a stationary image of the second pattern. The freeze frame image signal is analyzed to determine the shape of the second pattern and from this shape the orientation of the fibers in the sheet is determined. Also disclosed is an apparatus for using the method and an improved system for making paper using the method.

On-line fiber orientation distribution measurement

A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of a counter-current pulp washing system. The dilution factor, soda loss, wash liquor ratio and displacement ratio of the washing system are determined on-line. The value of either the soda loss or of dilution factor is continuously maintained within a preselected range and changes in the value of the other variable are monitored to provide an indication of whether the washing system is operating optimally. Based on the on-line determination of displacement ratio and wash liquor ratio, the efficiency of the washers is monitored, the cause of any decrease in efficiency is identified and the appropriate control action is applied to adjust the operating parameters of the washers to compensate for changed washing conditions or changed processing conditions.

Apparatus for continuously measuring the soda loss in a pulp washing

A method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of a counter-current pulp washing system. The dilution factor, soda loss, wash liquor ratio and displacement ratio of the washing system are determined on-line. The value of either the soda loss or of dilution factor is continuously maintained within a preselected range and changes in the value of the other variable are monitored to provide an indication of whether the washing system is operating optimally. Based on the on-line determination of displacement ratio and wash liquor ratio, the efficiency of the washers is monitored, the cause of any decrease in efficiency is identified and the appropriate control action is applied to adjust the operating parameters of the washers to compensate for changed wshing conditions or changed processing conditions.

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Warwick, NY, United States of America

William E Blecha