System and method for handling a plait formed in a pulper process

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system (100, 200, 300, 400) for handling a plait (ZP) formed in a pulper process, comprising a cutting device (110) with at least one movable knife (112) which is configured to sever a plait (ZP); a sensor system (210, 320, 410) which is configured to detect operating data (MD1, MD2, P) in relation to the cutting device (110); and a processor module (220, 320) which is configured to determine implementation instructions for a cutting operation and / or state information in relation to the cutting device (110) based on the operating data (MD1, MD2, P).

Description

System and method for handling a braid formed in a pulping process [1] The present disclosure relates to a system for handling a plait formed in a pulping process, a pulping system, and a method for handling a plait formed in a pulping process. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a plait shear that can be efficiently operated and monitored. State of the art [2] In waste paper processing, so-called pulpers are often used to dissolve waste paper or pulp and convert it into a pumpable suspension suitable for paper production. For this purpose, the pulper consists of a large container into which water and waste paper are fed. Within the container, a rotating rotor, such as a vane rotor, is arranged to shred the waste paper in the container. Once the desired pulp consistency is reached, the container can be emptied and the contents fed into further process steps for the production of paper. [3] During the processing of waste paper, impurities such as wires, textiles and plastic parts are regularly introduced into the pulper. To remove these impurities from the container, a so-called braid can be used. A rope is lowered into the container so that the impurities such as wires and plastic parts become caught on it. The braid is then gradually pulled out of the container using a braid winch, while it continually forms anew at the bottom of the container. The braid pulled out of the container can be cut into pieces for further processing using a cutting device located outside the container. [4] The control of the plait winch and the cutting device is generally based on a speed of the plait winch set by an operator. However, such control does not take into account the characteristics of, for example, the foreign matter or the plait, so that the handling of the plait is often inefficient. Disclosure of the invention [5] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for handling a plait formed in a pulping process, a pulping system, and a method for handling a plait formed in a pulping process that enable efficient removal and handling of impurities from a pulping process. In particular, it is an object of the present disclosure to improve the efficiency of a plait shear. [6] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the subclaims. [7] According to an independent aspect of the present disclosure, a system for handling a braid formed in a pulping process is provided. The system comprises a A cutting device comprising a movable blade configured to sever a braid; a sensor configured to acquire measurement data indicative of a braid thickness of the braid; and a cutting device control module configured to adjust a speed of the movable blade based on the braid thickness. [8] The braid thickness can be defined perpendicular to a longitudinal extension of the braid. [9] In some embodiments, the thickness may be an average thickness of the braid. In one example, the braid may pass the (stationary) sensor, where the average braid thickness may be an average value of the measured braid thickness from a predetermined time interval (e.g., 1 minute) or over a predetermined length of the braid (e.g., 1 meter). This is particularly advantageous if the braid thickness is not completely homogeneous or constant, for example, due to the various contaminants such as wires and plastic parts.

[0010] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described here, the sensor system comprises at least one ultrasonic sensor.

[0011] Preferably, the ultrasonic sensor is configured to measure the braid thickness by means of ultrasound.

[0012] In some embodiments, the at least one ultrasonic sensor can be arranged on the cutting device. Arranging it as close as possible to the blade allows for determining the actual braid thickness that the blade is intended to cut.

[0013] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described here, the system further comprises conveying means and pressing means configured to press the braid against the conveying means.

[0014] In some embodiments, the conveying means may comprise at least one braid winch.

[0015] In some embodiments, the pressing means may comprise at least one pressing wheel.

[0016] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described here, the sensor system is configured to determine or measure a distance between the conveying means and the pressing means to determine the braid thickness. In particular, the distance between a contact area of ​​the braid on the conveying means and a contact area of ​​the braid on the pressing means corresponds to the braid thickness. The braid thickness can thus be derived from a distance measured between suitable points on the conveying means and the pressing means.

[0017] In some embodiments, the sensor system may comprise at least one distance sensor configured to determine or measure the distance between the conveying means and the pressing means. The at least one distance sensor may comprise, for example, an optical sensor and / or an ultrasonic sensor, but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the distance between the conveying means and the pressing means be determined mechanically, for example by a deflection of the contact pressure means in relation to the (stationary) contact pressure means.

[0018] According to some embodiments, which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the movable knife is movable from an open position to a closed position for a cutting operation and movable from the closed position to the open position for an opening operation.

[0019] In some embodiments, the cutter control module is configured to, based on the braid thickness:

[0020] - moving the knife for the cutting operation from the open position at a first speed up to the braid and moving it at a second speed to the closed position in order to cut the braid at the second speed, wherein the first speed is greater than the second speed; and

[0021] - to move the knife during the opening operation from the closed position to the open position at a third speed, wherein the third speed is greater than the second speed, in particular wherein the third speed is equal to or greater than the first speed.

[0022] Preferably, the first speed is in the range of 0.6 m / min and 1.2 m / min.

[0023] Preferably, the second speed is in the range of 0.3m / min - 0.5m / min.

[0024] Preferably, the third speed is in the range of 0.6m / min and 1.2m / min.

[0025] This can shorten the cutting process time, as the knife is moved forward at high speed, or in what is known as "rapid traverse," until just before the tail contact, and then performs the cutting process at a lower speed to ensure sufficient pressure buildup. For example, a hydraulic pump can be driven by a variable-speed motor operating at 50 Hz during the cutting process (main load) and increased to approximately twice the speed in rapid traverse. The knife is then moved backward again at high speed, or in rapid traverse, to the open position.

[0026] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a system for handling a plait formed in a pulping process is provided. The system comprises a cutting device with a movable knife configured to sever a plait; a sensor system configured to acquire measurement data indicative of whether the plait has been completely severed by the movable knife; and a cutting device control module configured to perform at least one repeat cut if the sensor system detects that the plait has not been completely severed by the movable knife.

[0027] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described here, the sensor system comprises at least one ultrasonic sensor which is configured to determine a severance state of the braid by means of ultrasound. In particular, it can be determined whether a piece of the braid has only been partially severed and is still attached to the braid.

[0028] According to some embodiments, which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the movable knife is movable from an open position to a closed position for a cutting operation and movable from the closed position to the open position for an opening operation.

[0029] In some embodiments, the cutter control module is configured to:

[0030] - to move the knife from the closed position a short distance towards the open position to an intermediate position if the sensor detects that the braid has not been completely severed by the movable knife;

[0031] - move the knife from the intermediate position back to the closed position to make a repeat cut; and

[0032] - to move the knife from the closed position to the open position for the opening process when the sensor detects that the braid has been completely severed by the movable knife during the repeat cut, or to perform another repeat cut when the sensor detects that the braid has not been completely severed by the repeat cut.

[0033] In some embodiments, repeat cuts may be repeated until the braid is completely severed.

[0034] According to some embodiments, which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the cutting device control module is configured to determine a number of repeat cuts, wherein the number of repeat cuts is indicative of wear of the movable blade.

[0035] In some embodiments, the system comprises a user interface module for outputting information relating to the determined wear of the blade. The user interface module can comprise at least one output device and at least one input device. The user interface module can, for example, be a central information output and information input device of a control system of the pulper. The at least one output device for outputting the information relating to the determined wear of the blade can comprise at least one display device and / or at least one loudspeaker. The at least one display device can comprise a display, in particular an LCD display, a plasma display, or an OLED display. Typically, the output and input are carried out in the central computer system (PLS product control system).

[0036] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a system for handling a plait formed in a pulping process is provided. The system comprises a cutting device with a movable knife configured to sever a plait; a sensor configured to measure a pressure with which the knife is applied to sever the braid; and an analysis module configured to determine a wear condition of the knife based on the pressure.

[0037] The pressure can in particular be a pressure that a drive of the cutting device must apply in order to carry out the cutting process.

[0038] In some embodiments, the system comprises a user interface module for outputting information relating to the determined wear state of the blade. The user interface module may comprise at least one output device and at least one input device. The user interface module may, for example, be a central information output and information input device of a control system of the pulper. The at least one output device for outputting the information relating to the determined wear state of the blade may comprise at least one display device and / or at least one loudspeaker. The at least one display device may comprise a display, in particular an LCD display, a plasma display, or an OLED display.

[0039] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a system for handling a plait formed in a pulping process is provided. The system comprises a cutting device with a movable blade configured to sever a plait; and a sensor system configured to acquire operating data related to the cutting device.

[0040] The operating data preferably include the thickness of the braid, whether the braid was completely cut through and / or information on the frequency of the cutting process or the pressure of the knife when cutting the braid.

[0041] According to some embodiments, which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the movable knife is movable from an open position to a closed position for a cutting operation and movable from the closed position to the open position for an opening operation.

[0042] According to some embodiments, which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the system further comprises a processor module configured to determine, based on the operating data, execution instructions for a cutting operation and / or status information relating to the cutting device.

[0043] According to some embodiments, which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the operating data includes measurement data indicative of a braid thickness of the braid.

[0044] According to some embodiments, which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the operating data includes measurement data indicative of whether the braid has been completely severed by the movable knife.

[0045] According to some embodiments, which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the operating data includes a pressure applied to the knife to sever the braid.

[0046] According to some embodiments, which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the execution instructions include a speed of the movable knife. For example, the processor module may be configured to adjust a speed of the movable knife based on the braid thickness. In this case, the processor module may include or be a cutting device control module.

[0047] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described here, the execution instructions relate to at least one repeat cut. For example, the processor module can be configured to execute at least one repeat cut if the sensor system detects that the braid has not been completely severed by the movable blade. In this case, the processor module can comprise or be a cutting device control module.

[0048] According to some embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the status information includes a wear status of the blade. For example, the processor module can be configured to determine a wear status of the blade based on the pressure applied to the blade to sever the braid. In this case, the processor module can include or be an analysis module.

[0049] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a pulping system is provided. The system comprises a pulper configured to dissolve a pulp material; and the system described in this document for handling a plait formed in a pulping process.

[0050] Preferably, the pulper comprises a container configured to receive the pulp material to be pulped; and a rotor in the container configured to crush the pulp material.

[0051] Preferably, the material solution system is set up for waste paper processing.

[0052] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a method for handling a plait formed in a pulping process is provided. The method comprises detecting, by a sensor system, measurement data indicative of a plait thickness of the plait; and controlling a movable knife to sever the plait, wherein a speed of the movable knife is adjusted based on the plait thickness.

[0053] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a method for handling a plait formed in a pulping process is provided. The method comprises performing a first cutting operation with a movable knife to sever the plait; detecting, by a sensor system, measurement data indicative of whether the braid was completely severed by the movable blade in the first cutting operation; and performing at least one repeat cut if it was detected that the braid was not completely severed by the movable blade in the first cutting operation.

[0054] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a method for handling a plait formed in a pulping process is provided. The method comprises detecting, by a sensor, a pressure to which a cutting device is or must be applied for severing a plait; and determining, by an analysis module, a wear condition of the blade based on the detected pressure.

[0055] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a method for handling a plait formed in a pulping process is provided. The method comprises detecting, by a sensor system, operating data relating to a cutting device for severing the plait; and determining execution instructions for a cutting process and / or status information relating to the cutting device based on the operating data.

[0056] The methods for handling a braid formed in a pulping process may implement the aspects of the systems for handling a braid formed in a pulping process described in this document.

[0057] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a software (SW) program is provided. The SW program can be configured to run on one or more processors and thereby carry out the method described in this document for handling a braid formed in a pulping process.

[0058] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a storage medium is provided. The storage medium may comprise a software program configured to be executed on one or more processors and thereby to carry out the method described in this document for handling a braid formed in a pulping process.

[0059] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, software with program code is provided. The software is configured to carry out the method for handling a braid formed in a pulping process when the software runs on one or more software-controlled devices.

[0060] According to a further independent aspect of the present disclosure, a system for handling a braid formed in a pulping process is provided. The system comprises one or more processors; and at least one memory connected to the one or more processors and containing instructions executable by the one or more processors to carry out the method described in this document for handling a braid formed in a pulping process.

[0061] A processor or processor module is a programmable computing unit, i.e. a machine or an electronic circuit that controls other elements according to given instructions and thereby drives an algorithm (process). Short description of the drawings

[0062] Embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated in the figures and are described in more detail below. They show: Figure 1 schematically shows a system for dissolving substances according to embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 2 schematically shows a pulper and a system for handling a braid formed in a pulper process according to embodiments of the present disclosure, Figures 3A and 3B schematically show a cutting device according to embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 4 shows a system for handling a braid formed in a pulping process according to embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 5 shows a system for handling a braid formed in a pulping process according to further embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 6 shows a system for handling a braid formed in a pulping process according to further embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the disclosure

[0063] In the following, unless otherwise stated, the same reference symbols are used for identical and equivalent elements.

[0064] Figure 1 schematically shows a system 10 for substance dissolution according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0065] Preferably, the system 10 is a pulper configured to dissolve waste paper or pulp and convert it into a pumpable suspension suitable for paper production.

[0066] The system 10 comprises a container 12 to which a material S to be disintegrated, such as waste paper, and water W are supplied. The system 10 further comprises a rotatable drive shaft 14 driven by a drive 18, such as an electric motor, and a rotor 16 attached to one end of the drive shaft 14, wherein the rotor 16 is rotatable about a rotation axis DA for disintegrating the material S.

[0067] Figure 2 schematically shows a pulper 10 and a system 100 for handling a braid ZP formed in a pulper process according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0068] During the processing of waste paper, impurities such as wires and plastic parts are regularly introduced into the pulper 10. To remove these impurities from the container 12, a so-called ZP (Zoom-in) can be used. A rope is lowered into the container 12 so that the impurities such as wires and plastic parts are caught on it. The braid ZP is then gradually pulled out of the container 12 by conveyor means 122, while the braid ZP continues to form in the container 12.

[0069] The conveying means 122 may comprise or be a braid winch. Optionally, the system 100 may further comprise pressing means 124 configured to press the braid ZP against the conveying means 122. In some embodiments, the pressing means 124 may comprise or be at least one pressing wheel.

[0070] The braid ZP pulled out of the container 12 can be cut into pieces for further processing using a cutting device 110 arranged outside the container 12. For this purpose, the cutting device 110 comprises a movable knife 112 that cuts through the braid ZP.

[0071] Figures 3A and 3B schematically illustrate a cutting device 110 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 3A illustrates a top view of the cutting device 110, and Figure 3B illustrates a side cross-section of the cutting device 110.

[0072] The cutting device 110 comprises at least one movable knife 112 and a base body 114 with a through-opening 116. The braid ZP extends through the through-opening 116 of the base body 114 to be severed by the knife 112 in a cutting operation. In some embodiments, the knife 112 comprises a cutting edge or blade 112a having a shape suitable for severing the braid ZP.

[0073] The knife 112 is movable from an open position to a closed position for the cutting process and from the closed position to the open position for an opening process. The example in Figures 3A and 3B shows the open position. In the closed position, the knife 112 is arranged within the through-opening 116 and at least partially, preferably completely, closes or covers the through-opening 116.

[0074] In some embodiments, the knife 112 is movable substantially horizontally along a direction of movement BR between the open position and the closed position. In particular, the knife 112 may be movable linearly along the direction of movement BR between the open position and the closed position.

[0075] Additionally or alternatively, the braid ZP can extend essentially vertically through the through-hole 116. A typical angle is 45° on the path from the braiding winch to the braiding shears. Only in the braiding shears does the braid align vertically downwards according to gravity.

[0076] The term "horizontal" is to be understood as distinct from "vertical." The term "horizontal" refers specifically to a horizontal orientation of the direction of movement BR of the blade 112, whereby a deviation of a few degrees, e.g., up to 5° or even up to 10°, from a precise horizontal orientation is still considered "substantially horizontal." The vertical direction can be substantially parallel to gravity.

[0077] Figure 4 shows a system 200 for handling a braid ZP formed in a pulping process according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0078] The system 200 comprises the cutting device 110 with the movable knife 112, which is configured to sever the braid ZP. The cutting device 110 comprises for this purpose a drive 118, which is configured to move the knife 112 between an open position (Figure 4(a)) and a closed position (Figure 4(c)), e.g., linearly in a horizontal direction. There may also be multiple knives. The drive 118 may, for example, be a hydraulic drive. The multiple knives can be arranged one above the other or act on the braid on both sides. The multiple knives can also be arranged on four sides, in particular in a diamond shape.

[0079] The system 200 further comprises a sensor system 210 configured to acquire measurement data MDI indicative of a braid thickness d of the braid ZP; and a cutting device control module 220 configured to adjust a speed of the movable knife 112 based on the braid thickness d.

[0080] The braid thickness d can be defined perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the braid ZP. In some embodiments, the thickness d can be an average thickness of the braid ZP. In one example, the braid ZP can pass the (stationary) sensor system 210, wherein the average braid thickness can be an average value of the measured braid thickness d from a predetermined time interval (e.g., 1 minute) or over a predetermined length of the braid (e.g., 1 meter). This is particularly advantageous when the braid thickness d is not completely homogeneous or constant, e.g., due to the various contaminants such as wires and plastic parts.

[0081] In some embodiments, the sensor system 210 may comprise at least one ultrasonic sensor configured to measure the braid thickness d using ultrasound. The sensor system 210, in particular the at least one ultrasonic sensor, may be arranged on the cutting device 110. Arranging the sensor system 210 as close as possible to the blade 112 or the braid ZP enables a determination of the actual braid thickness to be severed by the blade 112.

[0082] In other embodiments not shown here, the braid thickness d can be determined with reference to conveying means and pressing means that are configured to press the braid ZP against the conveying means. In some embodiments, the conveying means can comprise at least one braid winch ZW and the pressing means at least one pressing wheel, as shown in the example in Figure 2. The sensor system can be configured to determine or measure a distance between the conveying means and the pressing means in order to determine the braid thickness d. In particular, the distance between a contact area of ​​the braid ZP on the conveying means and a contact area of ​​the braid ZP on the pressing means corresponds to the braid thickness. The braid thickness d can thus be derived from a distance measured between suitable points on the conveying means and the pressing means.

[0083] In some embodiments, the sensor system may comprise at least one distance sensor configured to determine or measure the distance between the conveying means and the pressing means. The at least one distance sensor may comprise, for example, an optical sensor and / or an ultrasonic sensor, but is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the distance between the conveying means and the pressing means may be determined mechanically, for example, by a deflection of the pressing means relative to the (stationary) pressing means.

[0084] The knife 112 is movable from an open position to a closed position for a cutting operation and from the closed position to the open position for an opening operation. In some embodiments, the cutting device control module 220 is configured to move the knife 112 for the cutting operation from the open position at a first speed vl up to the braid ZP (Figure 4(b)) and to move it further at a second speed v2 to the closed position to cut the braid ZP at the second speed v2 (Figure 4(c)), based on the braid thickness d, wherein the first speed vl is greater than the second speed v2.

[0085] During the cutting process, the braid ZP can rest with one side against a stop area 114a of the base body 114 and can be severed by the knife 112 or the blade 112a of the knife 112, starting from an opposite side of the braid ZP.

[0086] Referring to Figure 4(b), the knife 112 is moved from the open position at the first speed v1 to the braid ZP for the cutting process. The knife 112 can be moved at the first speed v1 until a distance between the stop area 114a of the base body 114 and the knife 112 or the blade 112a essentially corresponds to the braid thickness d. Subsequently, the knife 112 is moved further at the second speed v2 until the knife 112 or the blade 112a rests against the stop area 114a of the base body 114, as shown in Figure 4(c).

[0087] After severing the braid ZP, the knife 112 is moved back from the closed position to the open position at a third speed. The third speed is greater than the second speed v2. In particular, the third speed can be equal to or greater than the first speed v1.

[0088] This allows the cutting process to be shortened, as the knife 112 is moved to the tail at high speed, or in what is known as "rapid traverse," and then performs the cutting process at a lower speed to ensure sufficient pressure buildup. For example, a hydraulic pump can be driven by a speed-controlled motor operating at 50 Hz during the cutting process (main load) and brought to approximately double the speed in rapid traverse. The knife 112 is then moved back to the open position at high speed, or in rapid traverse.

[0089] Figure 5 shows a system 300 for handling a braid ZP formed in a pulping process according to further embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of Figure 5 can be combined with the embodiment described in Figure 4.

[0090] The system 300 includes the cutting device 110 with the movable blade 112, which is configured to sever the braid ZP. For this purpose, the cutting device 110 includes the drive 118, which is configured to move the blade 112 between an open position and a closed position, e.g., linearly in a horizontal direction. The drive 118 can be, for example, a hydraulic drive.

[0091] The system 300 further comprises a sensor system 310 configured to acquire measurement data MD2 indicative of whether the braid ZP was completely severed by the movable blade 112 in a first cutting operation (Figure 5(a)); and a cutting device control module 320 configured to perform at least one repeat cut (Figure 5(c)) if the sensor system 320 detects that the braid ZP was not completely severed by the movable blade 112 in the first cutting operation.

[0092] The sensor system 310 can comprise at least one ultrasonic sensor configured to determine a severance state of the braid ZP using ultrasound. In particular, it can be determined whether a piece of the braid ZP has only been partially severed and is still attached to the braid ZP.

[0093] In some embodiments, the cutting device control module 320 is configured to move the blade 112 from the closed position in Figure 5(a) a partial distance toward the open position to an intermediate position in Figure 5(b) if the sensor system 310 detects that the braid ZP was not completely severed by the movable blade 112 in the first cutting operation. The partial distance up to the intermediate position can, for example, substantially correspond to a braid thickness of the braid ZP, but is not limited thereto. For example, the partial distance can be a few centimeters long, such as 5 to 8 cm.

[0094] Subsequently, the knife 112 is moved from the intermediate position back to the closed position to perform a repeat cut, as shown in Figure 5(c). If it is now detected that the braid ZP has been completely severed by the movable knife 112 during the repeat cut, the knife 112 can be moved from the closed position to the open position for the opening process. However, if it is detected that the braid ZP has not been completely severed by the movable knife 112 during the repeat cut, at least one further repeat cut can be performed.

[0095] In some embodiments, repeat cuts may be repeated until the braid ZP has been completely severed.

[0096] The cutting device control module 320 may be further configured to determine a number of repeat cuts for completely severing the braid ZP. The number of repeated cuts is indicative of wear of the movable knife 112, in particular of wear of the blade 112a.

[0097] In some embodiments, the system 300 comprises a user interface module (not shown) for outputting information relating to the determined wear of the knife 112. The user interface module may comprise at least one output device and at least one input device. The user interface module may, for example, be a central information output and information input device of a control system of the pulper. The at least one output device for outputting the information relating to the determined wear of the knife 112 may comprise at least one display device and / or at least one loudspeaker. The at least one display device may comprise a display, in particular an LCD display, a plasma display, or an OLED display.

[0098] Figure 6 shows a system 400 for handling a braid ZP formed in a pulping process according to further embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment of Figure 6 can be combined with the embodiment described in Figure 4 and / or the embodiment described in Figure 5.

[0099] The system 400 includes the cutting device 110 with the movable blade 112, which is configured to sever the braid ZP. For this purpose, the cutting device 110 includes the drive 118, which is configured to move the blade 112 between an open position and a closed position, e.g., linearly in a horizontal direction. The drive 118 can be, for example, a hydraulic drive.

[0100] The system 400 further includes a sensor system 410 configured to measure a pressure P applied to the knife 112 to sever the braid ZP; and an analysis module (not shown) configured to determine a wear condition of the knife 112 based on the pressure P. In particular, an increase in pressure over time is an indication of a blunt knife.

[0101] The pressure P can in particular be a pressure that the drive 118 of the cutting device 110 must apply in order to carry out the cutting process.

[0102] In some embodiments, the system 400 comprises a user interface module for outputting information relating to the determined wear condition of the knife 112. The user interface module may comprise at least one output device and at least one input device. The user interface module may, for example, be a central information output and information input device of a control system of the pulper. The at least one output device for outputting the information relating to the determined wear condition of the knife 112 may comprise at least one display device and / or at least one loudspeaker. The at least one display device may comprise a display, in particular an LCD display, a plasma display or an OLED display.

[0103] Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in detail by preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that numerous variations exist. It is also clear that exemplary embodiments are truly only examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope, possible applications, or configuration of the invention in any way.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A system (100, 200) for handling a braid (ZP) formed in a pulping process, comprising: a cutting device (110) with at least one movable knife (112) configured to sever a braid (ZP); a sensor system (210) configured to acquire measurement data (MDI) indicative of a braid thickness (d) of the braid (ZP); and a cutting device control module (220) configured to adjust a speed (vl, v2) of the movable knife (112) based on the braid thickness (d).

2. System (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the sensor system (210) comprises at least one ultrasonic sensor configured to measure the braid thickness (d) by means of ultrasound.

3. System (100, 200) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising conveying means (122) and pressing means (124) which are configured to press the braid (ZP) against the conveying means (122), wherein the sensor system (210) is configured to determine or measure a distance between the conveying means (122) and the pressing means (124) for determining the braid thickness (d), in particular wherein the conveying means (122) comprise at least one braid winch and / or the pressing means (124) comprise at least one pressing wheel.

4. The system (100, 200) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the movable knife (122) is movable from an open position to a closed position for a cutting operation and from the closed position to the open position for an opening operation, and wherein the cutting device control module (220) is configured to, based on the braid thickness (d): move the knife (112) for the cutting operation from the open position at a first speed (vl) up to the braid (ZP) and move it further at a second speed (v2) to the closed position in order to cut the braid (ZP) at the second speed (v2), wherein the first speed (vl) is greater than the second speed (v2);and to move the knife (112) during the opening process from the closed position to the open position at a third speed, wherein the third speed is greater than the second speed (v2), in particular wherein the third speed is equal to or greater than the first speed (vl); 5. A system (100, 300) for handling a braid (ZP) formed in a pulping process, comprising: a cutting device (110) with a movable knife (112) configured to sever a braid (ZP); a sensor system (310) configured to acquire measurement data (MD2) indicative of whether the braid (ZP) has been completely severed by the movable knife (112); and a cutting device control module (320) configured to perform at least one repeat cut if the sensor system (310) detects that the braid (ZP) has not been completely severed by the movable knife (112).

6. System (100, 300) according to claim 5, wherein the sensor system (310) comprises at least one ultrasonic sensor configured to determine a severing state of the braid (ZP) by means of ultrasound.

7. The system (100, 300) of claim 5 or 6, wherein the movable knife (112) is movable from an open position to a closed position for a cutting operation and from the closed position to the open position for an opening operation, and wherein the cutting device control module (320) is configured to: move the knife (112) from the closed position a partial distance toward the open position to an intermediate position when the sensor system (310) detects that the braid (ZP) has not been completely severed by the movable knife (112); move the knife (112) from the intermediate position back to the closed position to perform a repeat cut;and to move the knife (112) from the closed position to the open position for the opening process when the sensor system (310) detects that the braid (ZP) has been completely severed by the movable knife (112) during the repeat cut, or to perform another repeat cut when the sensor system (310) detects that the braid (ZP) has not been completely severed by the repeat cut.; 8. The system (100, 300) of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the cutting device control module (320) is configured to determine a number of repeat cuts, the number of repeat cuts being indicative of wear of the movable blade (112).

9. System (100, 400) for handling a braid (ZP) formed in a pulping process, comprising: a cutting device (110) with at least one movable blade (112) configured to sever a braid (ZP); a sensor system (410) configured to measure a pressure (P) applied to the blade (112) to sever the braid (ZP); and an analysis module configured to determine a wear state of the blade (112) based on the pressure (P).

10. A system (100, 200, 300, 400) for handling a plait (ZP) formed in a pulping process, comprising: a cutting device (110) with at least one movable knife (112) configured to sever a plait (ZP); a sensor system (210, 310, 410) configured to acquire operating data (MDI, MD2, P) relating to the cutting device (110); and a processor module (220, 320) configured to determine, based on the operating data (MDI, MD2, P), execution instructions for a cutting process and / or status information relating to the cutting device (110).

11. System (100, 200, 300, 400) according to claim 10, wherein the operating data (MDI, MD2, P) comprise: Measurement data (MDI) indicative of a braid thickness (d) of the braid (ZP); and / or Measurement data (MD2) indicative of whether the braid (ZP) has been completely severed by the movable knife (112); and / or a pressure (P) applied to the knife (112) to sever the braid (ZP).

12. The system (100, 200, 300, 400) of claim 10 or 11, wherein: the execution instructions include a speed of the movable blade (112); and / or the execution instructions relate to at least one repeat cut; and / or the status information includes a wear status of the blade (112).

13. A pulping system comprising: a pulper (10) configured to dissolve a pulp material (S); and a system (100, 200, 300, 400) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A method for handling a braid formed in a pulping process, comprising: Capturing, by means of a sensor, measurement data indicative of a braid thickness of a braid; and Controlling a movable knife to cut the braid, whereby a speed of the movable knife is adjusted based on the braid thickness.

15. A method for handling a braid formed in a pulping process, comprising: Performing a first cutting operation with a movable knife to sever a braid; Collecting, by means of a sensor, measurement data indicative of whether the braid was completely severed by the movable blade in the first cutting process; and Perform at least one repeat cut if it is detected that the braid was not completely severed by the movable blade in the first cutting operation.

16. A method for handling a braid formed in a pulping process, comprising: Detecting, by means of a sensor, a pressure applied to a cutting device for severing a braid; and Determining, through an analysis module, a wear condition of the blade based on the detected pressure.

17. A method for handling a braid formed in a pulping process, comprising: Detecting, by means of a sensor system, operating data relating to a cutting device for severing the braid; and Determining execution instructions for a cutting operation and / or status information related to the cutting device based on the operating data.

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