With good results following a recent quality control system (QCS) upgrade on tissue machine 1 (TM1) at Metsä Tissue’s Žilina mill in Slovakia, a second IQ Fiber measurement has now been installed on TM2 producing colored tissue. Simultaneously measuring fiber weight and moisture, Valmet IQ Fiber has replaced the traditional nuclear basis weight sensors. Successfully installed on over 140 tissue machines using virgin pulp to 100% recycled furnish, the need for nuclear safety training and licenses as well as the specialized service and safety requirements have been eliminated.
A very big advantage is that there is no need of a radioactive source anymore. The new sensors are easier to maintain and all the yearly nuclear procedures and costs can be saved now.”
Dusan Planeta, Production manager
Summary
Location
Metsä Tissue’s Žilina mill in Slovakia
Customer challenge
Faced with obsolescence of the old basis weight and moisture sensors and gradually worsening results as the basis weight nuclear source reached end of life, the QCS on Žilina’s Tissue Machine 1 was upgraded in 2013. With good results from the machine producing white tissue grades, the mill’s attention turned to Tissue Machine 2 and colored tissue.
Solution
Infrared technology developed by Valmet has been refined to the point where it can measure oven dry basis weight (fiber weight) with the same precision and simultaneously measure moisture. By combining both measurements in the IQ Fiber sensor, Valmet has considerably reduced lifecycle costs of servicing and spare parts and eliminated the need for nuclear safety training and handling procedures.
Results
For Dusan Planeta, production manager, the change to IQ Fiber has been painless with the results on colored tissue as good as white. A very big advantage is that there is no need of a radioactive source anymore. The new sensors are easier to maintain and all the yearly nuclear procedures and costs can be saved.
