Pulp Washing Press Rolls Dynamic Nip Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pulp processing technologies using two rotatable press rolls for washing and dewatering cellulose-based pulp lack the necessary precision and capacity to consistently produce high-quality pulp, as they do not effectively adjust operating parameters in real-time to optimize processing conditions.

Innovation Solution

The method involves adjusting a set of variable operating parameters, such as press nip distance, torque, vat pressure, and rotation speed, during operation to maintain specific control parameters within desired ranges, using hydraulic driving devices and real-time measurement and adjustment systems, allowing for continuous operation without shutdown.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the press rolls are made fixed with constant press nip, then the apparatus structure is simple and stable, but the processing quality and capacity cannot be optimized in real-time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing flexibilityVSAvoidapparatus structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The press rolls are designed to be movable relative to each other, allowing the press nip to be dynamically adjusted during operation. This enables real-time optimization of processing parameters for different pulp types and quality requirements, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to varying operational needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus includes automatic control systems with sensors and actuators that enable self-adjustment of the press rolls position and processing parameters. The system can automatically maintain optimal processing conditions without continuous manual intervention, balancing adaptability with operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the press nip is increased to handle larger pulp amounts, then the capacity is improved, but the processing precision and pulp quality control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus capacityVSAvoidpulp quality consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The press rolls are designed with adjustable positions allowing dynamic modification of the press nip dimensions. When higher capacity is needed, the press nip can be enlarged; when precision is prioritized, the press nip can be reduced, enabling real-time balancing between productivity and manufacturing precision based on operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus enables continuous adjustment of critical processing parameters including press nip distance, roll speed, and applied pressure. By dynamically changing these parameters, the system can optimize for either maximum capacity or maximum precision depending on the specific operational context, resolving the trade-off between productivity and quality consistency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple operating parameters are adjusted simultaneously to optimize processing, then the pulp quality and washing efficiency are improved, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepulp quality controlVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus incorporates sensor systems that continuously monitor processing parameters and pulp quality outcomes. This feedback is fed to the control system, which automatically adjusts operating parameters to maintain optimal processing conditions. The feedback mechanism enables sophisticated multi-parameter optimization without requiring complex manual coordination, as the system self-regulates based on real-time performance data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed to automatically coordinate adjustments across multiple operating parameters without requiring complex external control. The system can independently balance press nip, roll speed, and pressure adjustments to achieve optimal pulp quality, reducing the operational burden and effective control system complexity while maintaining high manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances the flexibility and performance of the pulp processing apparatus, increasing capacity and ensuring the production of high-quality pulp by allowing for real-time adjustments to maintain optimal processing conditions, thereby improving washing efficiency and pulp quality.

Implementation Method 1

The apparatus comprises a system for controlling the apparatus, wherein the system comprises setting means for setting a desired value for a specific control parameter of the group, measuring means for measuring the specific control parameter, and adjustment means for adjusting one or several of the variable operating parameters of the set during operation to keep the difference between the desired value and the value of the measured specific control parameter below a certain level

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP2231920B1An apparatus for washing and dewatering pulp, a system for controlling such an apparatus, and a method for processing pulp in such an apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.08.10 VALMET TECH INC
  • EP2231920B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2231920B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2231920B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for processing pulp in an apparatus for washing and dewatering pulp, and a system for controlling this apparatus, the apparatus comprising two rotatable press rolls (102, 104) having a permeable outer surface (106, 108), the press rolls (102, 104) defining a press nip (112) between them, in which press nip (112) the pulp is pressed, at least one of the press rolls (102, 104) being movable in relation to the other press roll (102, 104) to vary the press nip, and the processing of the pulp in the apparatus is determined by a set of variable operating parameters variable during operation, the distance between the press rolls (102, 104) being included in said set; at least one desired value for a specific control parameter is set, the specific control parameter being included in a group of control parameters; the specific control parameter is measured; and at least two of the variable operating parameters of said set is adjusted during operation, where the distance between the press rolls (102, 104) is one of said at least two variable operating parameters, to keep the difference between the set desired value and the value of the measured specific control parameter below a certain level.