Real-time pressure monitoring for dynamic control during paper mill operation using fiber optic pressure sensors

Robert S. Fielder; Clark Boyd; Matthew Palmer; Oddbjørn Eriksen

doi:10.1117/12.658463

30 March 2006 Real-time pressure monitoring for dynamic control during paper mill operation using fiber optic pressure sensors

Robert S. Fielder, Clark Boyd, Matthew Palmer, Oddbjørn Eriksen

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6171, Smart Structures and Materials 2006: Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies; 61710B (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.658463
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2006, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Fiber optic pressure sensors were integrated into the grinding plates of an operational paper pulp mill for real-time monitoring of the pulp grinding process. On-line system monitoring will allow smart, active control of the grinding plates thereby improving the quality and consistency of the pulp produced. Sensors were constructed and calibrated for use in the harsh environment of an operating paper pulp grinder. The sensors were 1.65mm in diameter including titanium housing, and were installed directly into the grooves of the grinding plates. The sensing elements were flush-mounted with the wall and exposed to the wood pulp slurry. Nine sensors were calibrated up to 1000psi. During operation, pressure was sampled at 1.0MHz, and pressure spikes up to 175psi were observed. Pressure pulses measured are due to the relative motion between the grooves and channels on two pulp grinding plates. The consistency, size distribution, and quality of paper pulp exiting from the grinder are directly related to the distance between the channels on the two rotating elements. The pressure pulses produced are also proportional to the distance between channels. Therefore, by monitoring pressure fluctuations, grinding elements can be dynamically controlled thereby producing a "smart mill."

Citation Download Citation

Robert S. Fielder, Clark Boyd, Matthew Palmer, and Oddbjørn Eriksen "Real-time pressure monitoring for dynamic control during paper mill operation using fiber optic pressure sensors", Proc. SPIE 6171, Smart Structures and Materials 2006: Industrial and Commercial Applications of Smart Structures Technologies, 61710B (30 March 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.658463

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available