Fiber Treatment Gap Control via Axial Force Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices used for treating fibrous materials, such as pulp and paper fibers, face inefficiencies due to inconsistent gap widths between treatment tools, leading to reduced processing efficiency and increased wear, with existing methods relying on pre-measured idle power and not accounting for changes in fiber properties during operation.
Innovation Solution
Measuring the axial force acting on a displaceable base plate to control and regulate the treatment gap width based on drive power and axial force, allowing for targeted adjustment of fiber treatment parameters and reducing wear by optimizing the gap width for specific fiber materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the gap width between treatment tools is reduced to increase treatment intensity, then fiber treatment efficiency is improved, but the risk of excessive electrical current draw and contact between treatment tools increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic gap width adjustment based on real-time monitoring of drive power and axial force. The control system continuously adapts the gap between treatment tools during operation, transitioning from static pre-set gaps to dynamic optimization, thereby maximizing treatment efficiency while preventing tool contact and excessive current draw.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by measuring drive power consumption and axial force in real-time. These measurements feed into the control algorithm that adjusts gap width, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to actual operating conditions rather than relying on pre-commissioning measurements alone.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the gap width is increased to reduce wear and extend tool life, then device reliability is improved, but treatment efficiency and fiber quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts gap width based on real-time measurements of axial force and drive power, allowing the gap to be optimized for both efficiency and tool protection. This eliminates the need for conservative static gap settings and enables adaptive optimization throughout the tool lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system changes the gap width parameter in response to varying operating conditions, fiber material properties, and tool wear states. This parameter optimization balances treatment intensity with tool protection, extending tool life without sacrificing efficiency.
3Device complexity
If pre-measured idle power is used as the sole basis for machine control, then device complexity is minimized, but the ability to adapt to changes in fiber properties during operation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system enhances the simple pre-commissioning approach by adding real-time feedback from drive power and axial force sensors. This feedback enables the control system to detect and respond to changes in fiber properties during operation, such as variations in consistency, length, or composition, without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-adjustment based on automated monitoring of operational parameters. Rather than requiring manual recalibration when fiber properties change, the system automatically adapts gap width settings based on real-time measurements, reducing operational complexity while improving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the closed-loop or open-loop control of a device for treating fibrous material (1) at least partially on the basis of the driving power thereof, wherein the device has a housing (2) in which at least one first treatment tool (3) and a second treatment tool (4) are arranged, and the treatment tools (3, 4) are each fastened to a base plate (7, 8), have a rotationally symmetrical shape, are arranged coaxially with respect to one another, rotate relative to one another about a common axis (5), and delimit a treatment gap (6) through which the fibrous material (1) flows radially and the gap width of which can be changed via an axial displacement of at least one base plate (7, 8) of a treatment tool (3, 4). The aim is to improve the treatment of the fibrous material by measuring the axial force (F) acting on the displaceable base plate and by controlling, in an open-loop or closed-loop manner, the gap width at least in accordance with the drive power and axial force (F).