Industrial Textile with Integrated Sensors for Paper Machine Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current measurement methods on the drying section of paper machines are time-consuming, require heavy and difficult-to-carry equipment, pose safety risks, and need two trained personnel, limiting accessibility and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
An industrial textile with integrated sensors that can measure temperature or relative humidity on the drying section of paper machines, allowing for single-person operation without special equipment, enabling measurements during machine operation and data collection for process optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement equipment is used on the drying section, then measurement capability is achieved, but equipment portability deteriorates and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is extracted from complex traditional equipment and integrated directly into the industrial textile itself. Sensors are embedded within the textile structure, allowing the textile to perform both its conveying function and measurement function simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The industrial textile is transformed into a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as a conveying element and a measurement device. By integrating sensors into the textile, it can both transport material and collect environmental data (temperature, humidity) along the drying section.
2Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used, then measurement data can be obtained, but measurement time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors integrated in the industrial textile continuously measure temperature and humidity along the entire drying section as the textile moves through the system. This continuous measurement eliminates the need for intermittent sampling and manual data collection, providing real-time data without stopping production.
Solution Approach 2:
Measurement data is collected continuously during normal operation, and only when a stoppage occurs is the data read and analyzed. This allows measurements to be prepared in advance during production runs, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site analysis during operational periods.
3Measurement precision
If traditional measurement equipment is deployed, then measurements can be performed, but safety risks increase due to rotating ropes and rolls
Solution Approach 1:
The industrial textile performs self-measurement by incorporating sensors directly into its structure. As the textile moves through the drying section, it autonomously collects data from its own environment without requiring external measurement equipment or personnel intervention in dangerous areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The industrial textile acts as an intermediary between the hazardous measurement environment and the safe data reading location. Sensors are positioned on the textile where measurements are needed, but data can be read remotely after stoppage, eliminating the need for personnel to work near rotating ropes and rolls.
4Productivity
If measurements are made during machine operation, then real-time data is obtained, but accessibility for data collection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Measurement data is collected continuously during machine operation and stored on the textile or in associated memory. The actual reading and analysis of this data is performed after stoppage when accessibility is not an issue, combining the benefits of continuous monitoring with easy data access.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an industrial textile (1) for a drying process. The industrial textile (1) comprises a first surface (P) and a second surface (R); and longitudinal edge portions (EP1, EP2) and a centre portion (MP) between the edge portions (EP). The industrial textile comprises a sensor (2, 4). The present invention also relates to a method for measuring a condition on a surface of the industrial textile (1) and a use of the industrial textile (1).