However, until now formation measurement was problematic, especially in the production of board and packaging grades. Certainly, measurement could be done before the reel with commercially available sensors, but there the product was already multi-layered. The paper maker thus has no data on the individual layers, for instance, the uppermost layer, the top layer, whose quality is decisive for printing results later.

In order to shed light on this problem, Voith Paper Automation developed a new sensor formation called OnV FlocSpotter that make much earlier measurement possible, i.e., directly in the wire section. With multi-layer machines, formation of each individual layer can thus be inspected separately on the wire fabric before it is joined together with the other layers. The paper maker can therefore achieve maximum control over the sheet formation process and get the information necessary to intervene in the process and regulate it at the earliest possible point. This can be achieved by adjusting the various corresponding stock and machine parameters (e.g., consistency, dosage of the retention agent or speed difference between jet and wire).

Thus with OnC WebDetect, Voith paper has developed a more reliable solution. The measuring principle of the sensor is based on a spectroscopic procedure that takes into consideration the special optical characteristics of the paper web and the dryer fabric.

The grab is designed in such a way that the rolls of paper are safely and reliably held, even if two of the six grab jaws fail. Additionally integrated safety circuits – such as the redundantly designed sensors installed in the grab – provide for reliable handling in the automated storage process. The compact design of the mechanical roll grab ensures optimum utilisation of the space.

Aircraft and automotive industries are using the Interpenetrated Network (IPN) technology . Now also Voith Paper is using this innovative bonding system (WebNet technology) for suction press roll covers AquaFlow and SolarFlow. The benefits of WebNet are tremendous. Due to the 3-dimensional linking of the polymers the bonding of the functional layer with the roll shell is substantially improved. Thus now the covers have better temperature stability and higher impact resistance against mechanical stress and chemical attack.

The new structure of the polyurethane functional layer permits deeper grooves for even more efficient dewatering. This means that the AquaFlow grooves can now be 2,3 mm deep and the groove width will be between 0,5 and 0,9 mm. The land area width will be 2,0 to 2,5 mm. SolarFlow has even deeper grooves – up to 3,0 mm deep with a width of 0,4 to 0,9 mm and land area of between 1,8 to 2,5 mm. Due to the deeper grooves the storage volume of the covers is enlarged and the water can be removed faster to the saveall pan.

This leads to efficient nip dewatering with reduced hydraulic nip pressure. Roll covers with additional blind drilling may no longer be necessary. Furthermore it may be possible to remove uhle boxes for felt conditioning – which of course leads to considerable cost savings.