The present invention relates to a sensor, a sensor refiner disk, a system for increasing the accuracy of a measurement made from a parameter sensed in the refining zone, and a method of improving the accuracy of the measurement made.
Many products we use everyday are made from fibers. Examples of just a few of these products include paper, personal hygiene products, diapers, plates, containers, and packaging. Making products from wood fiber, fabric fiber and the like, involves breaking solid matter into fibrous matter. This also involves processing the fibrous matter into individual fibers that become fibrillated or frayed so they more tightly mesh with each other to form a finished fiber product that is desirably strong, tough, and resilient.
In fiber product manufacturing, refiners are used to process the fibrous matter, such as wood chips, fabric, and other types of pulp, into fibers and to further fibrillate existing fibers. The fibrous matter is transported in liquid stock to each refiner using a feed screw driven by a motor.
Each refiner has at least one pair of circular ridged refiner disks that face each other and are driven by one or more motors. During refining, fibrous matter in the stock to be refined is introduced into a gap between the disks that usually is quite small. Relative rotation between the disks during operation fibrillates fibers in the stock as the stock passes radially outwardly between the disks.
One example of a disk refiner is shown and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,425,508. However, many different kinds of refiners are in use today. For example, there are counter rotating refiners, double disk or twin refiners, and conical disk refiners. Conical disk refiners are often referred to in the industry as CD refiners.
During operation, many refiner parameters are monitored. Examples of parameters include the power of the drive motor that is rotating a rotor carrying at least one refiner disk, the mass flow rate of the stock slurry being introduced into the refiner, the force with which opposed refiner disks are being forced together, the flow rate of dilution water being added in the refiner to the slurry, and the refiner gap.
It has always been a goal to monitor conditions in the refining zone between the pairs of opposed refining disks. However, making such measurements have always been a problem because the conditions in the refining zone are rather extreme, which makes it rather difficult to accurately measure parameters in the refining zone, such as temperature and pressure.
While sensors have been proposed in the past to measure temperature and pressure in the refining zone, they have not heretofore possessed the reliability and robustness to be commercially practicable. Depending on the application, temperature sensors used in the past also lacked the accuracy needed to provide repeatable absolute temperature measurement, something that is highly desirable for certain kinds of refiner control.
Another problem grappled with in the past is how and where to mount sensors. In the past, sensors have been mounted to a bar that is received in a pocket in the refining surface. This mounting technique is undesirable because it reduces total refining surface area and can adversely affect the flow pattern during refining, leading to less intense refining and increased shives.
Hence, while sensors and sensing systems used in the past have proven useful, improvements nonetheless remain desirable.
A sensor, sensor disk, sensor correction system and method used in making a measurement of a parameter or characteristic sensed in the refining zone of a rotary disk refiner that refines fibrous pulp in a liquid stock slurry.
The sensor disk includes at least one sensor that is embedded in a refining surface of the sensor disk. The sensor disk preferably includes a plurality of spaced apart sensors that are each at least partially embedded in the refining surface. Each sensor preferably is a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor but, in any case, is a sensor capable of sensing a characteristic or parameter of conditions in the refining zone from which a measurement can be made. In one preferred embodiment, the sensor disk has at least three sensors which are radially spaced apart and which can be disposed in a line that extends in a radial direction. Even if not disposed in a line, the sensors preferably are radially distributed along the refining surface.
Each sensor is disposed in its own bore in the refining surface of the sensor disk and has a tip that is disposed no higher than the height of the axial surface of an adjacent refiner bar, such as the refiner bar that is next to the sensor. The tip of the sensor is disposed slightly below the axial refiner bar surface to prevent the tip from being physically located in the refining zone while still accommodating bar wear. In one preferred embodiment, the tip is located at least about 0.050 inch (1.3 mm) below the axial bar surface. In another preferred embodiment, the tip is located at least about 0.100 inch (2.5 mm) below axial bar height.
Each sensor preferably is disposed in a bar or groove of the refining surface. Each sensor includes a spacer that spaces a sensing element of the sensor from the surrounding material of the sensor refiner disk. The sensing element is carried by a sensor housing that is carried by the spacer. The sensor housing extends outwardly from the spacer and has its tip located flush with or below the axial refiner bar surface. The sensing element or at least one end of the sensing element can be spaced from an axial end or edge of the spacer.
In a preferred embodiment, the spacer is disposed in a bore in the refining surface. The spacer is tubular and configured to telescopically receive at least a portion of the sensor housing, which can protrude outwardly from the spacer.
At least where the sensor is a temperature sensor, the sensor housing and spacer enclose the sensing element. The housing is comprised of a thermally conductive material and at least part of the housing is immersed in the stock during refiner operation. The spacer is made of a thermally insulating material that thermally insulates the sensing element from the thermal mass of the sensor refiner disk. The sensing element preferably is disposed between the tip of the sensor housing and the spacer. The housing preferably protrudes from the insulating spacer to space the sensing element or the end of the sensing element from the spacer to minimize the impact of the insulating spacer on measurement of a temperature in the refining zone.
Where the sensor is a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor can be used to obtain an absolute measurement of temperature in the refining zone adjacent the sensor. Where a temperature sensor is used to obtain an absolute temperature measurement, the sensing element preferably is of a type that is capable of being calibrated so as to provide measurement repeatability. In one preferred embodiment, the sensing element is an RTD, preferably a three wire platinum RTD.
In another embodiment, the sensor is embedded in a plate set in a pocket in the refining surface of a refiner disk. The spacer is disposed in the bar and carries the sensor or is an integral part of the sensor. The spacer spaces the sensor, including its sensing element, from the surrounding material of the bar and the surrounding material of the refiner disk in which the bar is received. Where the sensor is a temperature sensor, the spacer preferably insulates the sensing element from the thermal mass of the surrounding material.
In one preferred refiner sensor disk embodiment, the sensor disk has a plurality of spaced apart bores in its refining surface that each receives a sensor. Each bore communicates with a wiring passage leading to the backside of the refiner disk. Each of the sensors can be carried by a fixture that is received in a pocket in the backside of the disk. In another embodiment, no fixture is used. In either embodiment, a bonding agent, such as a high temperature potting compound or an epoxy, can be used to seal and anchor the fixture, the wiring, and the sensors to prevent steam and material in the refining zone from leaking from the refining zone.
The sensors of a sensor refiner disk can be linked to a signal conditioner in the vicinity of the refiner in which the disk is installed and can be mounted on the refiner. Each sensor is ultimately linked to a processing device that processes sensor signals into measurements. The processing device is linked to at least one module that holds calibration data or calibration information about one or more sensors of the sensor refiner disk. Preferably, the module holds calibration data or information about each sensor of the sensor refiner disk in an on board memory storage device.
The calibration module is received in a connector box that is linked to the processing device. The module has a connector that removably mates with a complementary connector or socket on board the connector box that is connected to a communications port. The connector box preferably has a plurality of module connectors so that calibration modules for a plurality of sensor disks can be plugged in. The connector box enables sensor calibration data of sensors in sensor disks installed in different refiners to be read and used.
In a method of assembly, one or more bores are formed in the refining surface of a refiner disk or a refiner disk segment. One or more sensors are selected and calibrated before or after being installed in the finished sensor refiner disk or sensor disk segment. The calibration data is stored on a calibration module that is packaged and shipped with the sensor disk or segment to a fiber processing plant having a refiner where the sensor disk or segment is to be installed.
Where one or more of the sensors are temperature sensors and the sensor output will be used to obtain an absolute temperature measurement, a pair of calibration variables preferably is stored for each such temperature sensor. Where a pair of calibration variables is used, one variable preferably provides an offset or an adjustment to the slope of an ideal temperature sensor for the type of sensor used and the other variable preferably provides an intercept offset or intercept adjustment.
When the sensor disk or segment and its calibration module arrives at the fiber processing plant, the sensor disk or segment is installed in one of the refiners linked to the processing device and its module is connected to the device. Where more than one sensor disks or segments are linked to the processing device, the module can be plugged into a socket of a connector box that is associated with the refiner in which the sensor disks or segments have been installed. In another preferred embodiment, the module is plugged into any free socket and it is linked by software to the proper refiner. The module can be configured with a unique digital address that is used to assign it to the proper refiner.
In a method of operation, the output is read from each sensor of the installed refiner disk or segment. Where a signal conditioner is used, the output read by the processing device is a signal from the signal conditioner. The processing device calculates a measurement from the output or signal from each sensor. The measurement is corrected through application of the calibration data or calibration information for the sensor read. If desired, the calibration data is read upon startup of the processing device. It may also be read each time a corrected measurement calculation is made.
Where the sensor is a temperature sensor and an absolute temperature measurement is to be obtained, the signal or output from the temperature sensor is read and its magnitude determined. The magnitude is inputted into an equation that multiplies it by a slope value. The slope value is a corrected slope value that is the result of the slope of an ideal temperature sensor plus or minus a slope calibration offset from the calibration module. An intercept value is added to the result. The intercept value is a corrected intercept value that is the result of the intercept of an ideal temperature sensor plus or minus an intercept calibration offset from the calibration module.
When the sensor disk or segment becomes worn or spent, it is removed and another sensor disk or segment is installed. The calibration module for the spent disk is removed and the calibration module that was shipped with the new disk is installed.
In a broader context, one or more sensors can be carried by a removable sensor module, such as a segment of a refiner disk, that is connected to the processing device linked to at least one calibration module containing calibration data for each sensor of the sensor module.
Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention include at least one of the following: a sensor that is capable of sensing a parameter or characteristic of conditions in the refining zone; that is robust as it is capable of withstanding severe vibration, heat, pressure and chemicals; is capable of repeatable, accurate absolute measurement of the refining zone characteristic or parameter; is simple, flexible, reliable, and long lasting, and which is of economical manufacture and is easy to assemble, install, and use.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention include at least one of the following: a sensor disk or segment that has a plurality of sensors in its refining zone such that refining intensity, flow, and quality are maintained; embeds sensors in the grooves and bars of the refining surface where they are protected yet advantageously capable of accurately sensing the desired refining zone parameter or characteristic; is formed using a minimum of machining steps, time and components; can be formed from any disk or segment having any refiner surface pattern; is capable of being used in a refiner with a minimum modification of the refiner; and is simple, flexible, reliable, and robust, and which is of economical manufacture and is easy to assemble, install, and use.
Additional objects, features, and advantages of the present invention include at least one of the following: a sensor measurement correction system and method that is capable of correcting sensor measurements of a sensor refiner disk with calibration data prestored on a calibration module associated with the sensors of that disk or segment; improves measurement accuracy; improves measurement repeatability; enables an absolute measurement to be determined; is advantageously adaptable to refiner process control schemes; is simple, flexible, reliable, and robust, and which is of economical manufacture and is easy to assemble, install, configure and use.
Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and accompanying drawings, while indicating at least one preferred embodiment of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.
Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout and in which:
The refiner 30 has a refiner disk or refiner disk segment 32 (
Each set of breaker bar segments 48 preferably is in the form of sectors of an annulus, which together form an encircling section of breaker bars. One set of breaker bar segments 48 is fixed to the rotor 44. The other set of breaker bar segments 48 is fixed to another portion of the refiner 30, such as a stationary mounting surface 50, e.g. a stator, of the refiner or another rotor (not shown). The stationary mounting surface 50 can comprise a stationary part of the refiner frame 52.
Stock flows radially outwardly from the breaker bar segments 48 to a radially outwardly positioned set of refiner disks 54 and 56. This set of refiner disks 54 and 56 preferably is removably mounted to a mounting surface. For example, one disk 56 is mounted to the rotor 44 and disk 54 is mounted to mounting surface 50. The refiner 30 preferably includes a second set of refiner disks 58 and 60 positioned radially outwardly of the first set of disks 54 and 56. Disk 60 is mounted to the rotor 44, and disk 58 is mounted to a mounting surface 62 that preferably is stationary. These disks 58 and 60 preferably are also removably mounted. Each pair of disks 54, 56 and 58, 60 of each set is spaced apart so as to define a small gap between them that typically is between about 0.005 inches (0.127 mm) and about 0.125 inches (3.175 mm). Each disk can be of unitary construction or can be comprised of a plurality of segments.
The first set of refiner disks 54 and 56 is disposed generally parallel to a radially extending plane 64 that typically is generally perpendicular to an axis 66 of rotation of the auger 36. The second set of refiner disks 58 and 60 can also be disposed generally parallel to this same plane 64 in the exemplary manner shown in
During operation, the rotor 44 and refiner disks 56 and 60 rotate about axis 66 causing relative rotation between the disks 56 and 60 and disks 58 and 62. Typically, the rotor 44 is rotated between about 400 and about 3,000 revolutions per minute. During operation, fiber in the stock slurry is fibrillated as it passes between the disks 54, 56, 58 and 60 refining the fiber.
During refining, fiber in the stock that is introduced between opposed refiner disks is refined by being ground, abraded, or mashed between opposed bars 70 of the disks, thereby fibrillating the fibers. Stock in the grooves 72 and elsewhere in the refining zone between the disks flows radially outwardly and can be urged in an axial direction by dams to further encourage refining of the fiber. Depending on the construction, arrangement, and pattern of the bars 70 and grooves 72, differences in angle between the bars 70 of opposed disks due to relative movement between the disks can repeatedly occur during operation. Where and when such differences in angle occur, radial outward flow of stock between the opposed disks is accelerated, pumping the stock radially outwardly. Where and when the bars 70 and grooves 72 of the opposed disks are generally aligned, flow is retarded or held back.
The sensor assembly 68 includes one or more sensors and preferably includes a plurality of spaced apart sensors 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, and 92. If desired, the sensor assembly 68 can be comprised of at least three sensors, at least four sensors, at least five sensors and can have more than eight sensors. In the preferred embodiment shown in
Even if not disposed in a radial line, the sensors preferably are located at different radiuses along the segment such that they are radially spaced apart. Having sensors radially spaced apart provides a distribution of measurements along the length of the refining zone. Such a distribution of measurements advantageously enables an average measurement to be determined, slopes and derivatives to be calculated, and other calculations on the measurement distribution to be performed.
Referring additionally to
Still referring to
Because of the types of alloys used and the construction of the bars 70 and grooves 72 of a refiner disk or segment, the bores 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106, 108, and 110 preferably are produced using an electric discharge machining (EDM) method or the like. EDM machining advantageously permits forming each sensor-receiving bore in the refining surface such that there is a minimum of loss of refining surface area. If desired, each bore can be cast into the refining surface.
Where sensor holders 120 are used, each sensor holder 120 preferably is tubular and telescopically receives and retains at least part of a spacer 114. In another preferred embodiment, no sensor holders 120 are used. Instead, a sensor-receiving bore is formed in the fixture 116 in place of each holder 120. The spacer 114 of each sensor is disposed in one of the bores in the fixture 116.
In assembly, each sensor and spacer 114 is received in the fixture 116 and the fixture 116 is inserted into the refiner backside pocket 122 with each holder 120 disposed at least partially in one of the sensor-receiving bores. High temperature potting compound preferably is placed around the fixture 116 to help anchor it to the segment 32 and to help prevent stearn and stock from escaping from the refining zone. If desired, potting compound or another high temperature, hardenable material can be placed in the pocket 122 to seal and anchor the fixture 116 before inserting the fixture 116 into the pocket 122. The conduit 118 preferably is also filled with a thermally protective sealing material, such as silicone, potting compound, or the like.
Each sensor disk segment 32 (or 32′) is removably mounted to a stator of the refiner 30, such as stationary mounting surface 50 or 62. The sensor wiring 126 passes through a bore (not shown) in the mounting surface 50 or 62 and a bore (not shown) in the refiner housing 34 or frame 52 to the exterior of the refiner 30. Where a signal conditioner 206 is used, it is mounted to the refiner housing 34 or frame 52, such as in the manner depicted in
The tip 138 of the sensor 78 is located flush with or below the axial outer surface 132 of an adjacent bar 70 to prevent the sensor 78 from being damaged during refiner operation. For example, by locating the tip of the sensor 78 below surface 132 of adjacent bar 70, it helps prevent matter in the stock slurry from forcefully impinging against and damaging the sensor 78. Additionally, it prevents refiner disk clashing from damaging the sensor 78.
In the preferred embodiment shown in
The sensor 78 preferably includes a tubular housing 140 that is carried by the spacer 114. A sensing element 142, shown in phantom in
As is shown in
In the latter case, as is shown in
The sensing element 142 preferably is a temperature-sensing element, such as an RTD, a thermocouple or a thermistor. Where it is desired to measure the absolute temperature of the stock slurry in the refining zone, one preferred sensing element 142 is an RTD that preferably is a platinum RTD. Where greater temperature measurement accuracy is desired, an RTD sensing element 142 also is preferred. This is because an RTD sensing element is a relatively accurate device, advantageously can be accurately calibrated, and can be used with rather compact signal conditioning devices that can transmit conditioned temperature measurement signals relatively long distances, typically in excess of 4000 feet (1219 m), to a remotely located processing device.
As is shown in
The housing 140 functions to protect the temperature-sensing element 142 but yet permit heat to be conducted to the element 142. In a preferred embodiment, the housing 140 is made of a stainless steel that has a thickness of about one millimeter for providing a response time at least as fast as 0.5 seconds where an RTD temperature-sensing element 142 is used. For example, a platinum RTD temperature-sensing element 142 has a response time of about 0.3 seconds when a one millimeter thick stainless steel housing 140 is used.
As is shown in
The wall thickness, c, of the spacer 114 preferably is at least about 1/64 inch (about 0.4 mm). In one preferred embodiment, the spacer 114 has a wall thickness of about 1/16 inch (about 1.6 mm). The spacer 114 preferably is of tubular or elongate and generally cylindrical construction.
As a result of using a spacer and sensor that is small, preferably no wider than about ⅜ inch (9.5 mm), the width or diameter of each sensor-receiving bore in the segment 32 also preferably is no greater than about 7/16 inch (11.1 mm). As a result, the percentage of surface area of all of the bore openings is very small. By locating the array of sensors 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90, and 92 within the pattern of refiner bars 70 and grooves 72 and by keeping each sensor small relative to the total area of the refining surface, pulp quality is not affected by use of the sensors. Because the sensors are located in the refiner bars and groove, shives and other objects cannot follow sensors and bypass being refined because each sensor is surrounded about its periphery by refining surface. In one preferred embodiment, each spacer and sensor is no wider than about ¼ inch (6.4 mm) and the width or diameter of the bore in the segment 32 is no greater than about 5/16 inch (7.9 mm).
In a preferred embodiment, the spacer 114 also is an insulator that insulates the sensing element 142 from the thermal mass of the surrounding refiner disk. An insulating spacer 114 also helps insulate the sensing element 142 from thermal transients caused by refiner disks clashing during operation. Preferably, at least where the sensing element 142 is a temperature sensing element, the insulating spacer 114 spaces the sensor from the sensor disk segment 32 at least about 1/32 inch (about 0.8 mm). Preferably, the insulating spacer 114 is made of a material and has a thickness that provides an R-value of at least about 5.51*10−3 h*ft*° F./Btu to ensure that the sensing element 142 is sufficiently insulated from the thermal mass of the surrounding material.
An example of a suitable insulating spacer is a generally cylindrical tube made of a ceramic material, such as alumina or mullite. Other examples of suitable insulating materials include an aramid fiber, such as KEVLAR, or a tough thermoplastic capable of withstanding temperatures at least as great as 428° F. (220°C.) and the severe environment found inside the refining zone. For example, a suitable insulating spacer material should be capable withstanding refiner disk vibration and thermal cycling, be chemically inert, be able to withstand moisture, and be abrasion resistant.
Where the sensing element 142 is a temperature-sensing element, the spacer 114 is an insulating spacer. One preferred insulating spacer 114 is an OMEGATITE 200 model ORM cylindrical thermocouple insulator commercially available from Omega Engineering, Inc., One Omega Drive, Stamford, Conn. This insulating spacer 114 is comprised of about 80% mullite and the remainder glass. One preferred insulating spacer 114 is a model ORM-1814 thermocouple insulator. This insulating spacer 114 has an outer diameter of ¼ inch (about 6.4 mm), an inner diameter of ⅛ inch (about 3.2 mm), and a wall thickness of about 1/16 inch (about 1.6 mm). Such an insulating spacer 114 accommodates a sensor 78 having housing that is about ⅛ inch (3.2 mm) in diameter or smaller.
Where the sensing element 142 is a temperature-sensing element, the end or tip of the housing 140 preferably completely encloses the sensing element 142 to protect it. For another type of sensing element, such as a pressure-sensing element, the end or tip of the housing 140 can be open to permit stock from the refining zone to directly contact the sensing element.
The combination of a platinum RTD temperature sensor 78 and insulating spacer 114 provides a robust sensor assembly that is advantageously capable of withstanding the rather extreme conditions in the refining zone for at least the life of the sensor disk segment 32, if not longer. For example, the combination of a one millimeter thick stainless steel housing 140, platinum RTD sensing element 142, and ceramic insulating spacer 114 produces a temperature sensor 78 embedded in a refiner disk segment and exposed to the refining zone that can withstand a pressure in the refining zone that can lie anywhere within a range of about 20 psi (1.4 bar) to about 120 psi (8.3 bar), a temperature in the refining zone that can lie anywhere between 284° F. (140° C.) and 428° F. (220° C.), and last at least the life of a typical refiner disk segment, which is at least 800 hours and which typically ranges between 800 hours and 1500 hours.
If desired, one or more sensors 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 of a sensor refiner disk segment 32 can be a pressure sensor. If desired, each of the sensors 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 of a sensor refiner disk segment 32 can be a pressure sensor. If desired, a combination of pressure and temperature sensors can be used in a single segment 32. Where one or more pressure sensors are used to sense pressure in the refining zone, a ruggedized pressure transducer, such as one of piezoresistive or diaphragm construction, can be used. An example of a commercially available pressure transducer that can be used is a Kulite XCE-062 series pressure transducer marketed by Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc. of One Willow Tree Road, Leonia, N.J.
Where a cable 188 is used, the cable 188 preferably is a computer cable containing a plurality of wires each capable of separately carrying digital signals. In one preferred embodiment, the cable 188 is a parallel printer cable having one 25-pin connector and a second connector that can have either 25 pins or 36 pins. Such a cable preferably is attached to a parallel port 174 of the processing device 164, such as a printer port that can be bi-directional. The cable 188 can also be configured to attach to other types of ports including, for example, an RS232 port, an USB port, a serial port, an Ethernet port, or another type of port. Other types of connectors can also be used. The same is true for the connectors 178, 180, 182 and 184 on board the connector box 176.
The on board storage device 194 preferably is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip with on board programmable memory storage. Other suitable on-board storage devices that can be used include an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), an electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read only memory (PROM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, a flash disk, a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), or another type of integrated circuit storage device that preferably retains its contents when electrical power is turned off. If desired, a static random access memory (SRAM) chip can be connected to an on board battery to retain the calibration data when electrical power is turned off.
In its preferred embodiment, the plug-in module 160 is small, not more than 2.5 inches by 2.5 inches (63.5 mm by 63.5 mm) in size, and is lightweight, weighing not more than two ounces (0.06 kg). Such a small and lightweight module 160 advantageously makes it easy and inexpensive to ship with the sensor refiner disk segment with which the module is configured to operate. In one preferred embodiment, the module 160 is a HARDLOCK E-Y-E key that is a dongle with two parallel connectors and is commercially available from Aladdin Knowledge Systems of 1094 Johnson Drive, Buffalo, Grove, Ill. Another suitable module 160 is a HARDLOCK USB that is also commercially available from Aladdin Knowledge Systems.
T≈M*MC+I (Equation I)
where T is the temperature, M is the slope, MC is the measured characteristic, and I is the intercept. For example, for an RTD sensor the measured characteristic is the resistance of the sensing element that the sensing element outputs during operation. The measured resistance varies generally linearly with temperature. For a thermocouple, the measured characteristic that gets outputted is voltage.
Each temperature sensor can be approximated by an equation of a line that represents a perfectly accurate sensor of the particular sensor type:
T≈Mi*MC+Ii (Equation II)
where Mi is the slope of the ideal line and Ii is the intercept of the ideal line.
However, each temperature sensor typically deviates somewhat in slope and intercept from an ideal line. To estimate this deviation, each sensor is calibrated by subjecting it to known temperature references, such as ice or ice water and boiling water, and its output at those reference temperatures is read. Other temperature references, such as specific temperatures from a calibration oven or the like can be used to calibrate sensors in their expected operating temperature range.
The equation of a line is then determined from the output data and compared to the ideal line of the perfectly accurate ideal sensor. The difference in slopes provides a first calibration constant, C1, for the particular sensor that will later, during actual sensor operation, be applied to the ideal line equation as a slope offset. The method used to determine the slope offset, C1, is set forth below:
C1=Mi−M (Equation III)
The difference in intercepts provides a second calibration, C2, constant for the particular sensor that will later, during actual sensor operation, be applied to the ideal line equation as an intercept offset. The method used to determine the intercept offset, C2, is set forth below:
C2=Ii−I (Equation IV)
Therefore, to obtain a more accurate temperature reading from the particular sensor, Equation II above is modified below as follows:
Tcorr=(Mi+C1)*MC+(Ii+C2) (Equation V)
where Tcorr is the corrected temperature reading obtained by applying calibration constants C1 and C2 to the measured characteristic outputted by the sensor.
By storing slope and intercept offset calibration constants on a calibration module 160, the temperature actually measured by each sensor 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 of a particular sensor refiner disk segment can be corrected to provide an absolute temperature value that is accurate to at least within about ±2.5° F. (±1.5° C.). Where the temperature sensing element is an RTD, preferably a platinum RTD, and calibration is done with ice or ice water and boiling water, the temperature measured by each sensor 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 can be corrected using such calibration constants to advantageously provide an absolute temperature that is highly repeatable and accurate to at least within about ±0.50° F. (±0.3° C.). Where the temperature sensing element is an RTD, preferably a platinum RTD, and calibration is done using a calibration oven over a temperature range anywhere in between about 212° F. (100° C.) to about 392° F. (200° C.), the temperature measured by each sensor 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 can be corrected using such calibration constants to advantageously provide an absolute temperature that is highly repeatable and accurate to at least within about ±0.18° F. (±0.1° C.). As a result of using multiple temperature sensors that sense temperature in the refining zone generally along the radius of the disk or disk segment, a profile of the temperature throughout the refining zone can advantageously be obtained and graphically be depicted on a computer display in real time.
As is shown in
In assembly, sensor-receiving bores 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110 are formed in a refiner disk segment. Where the segment is an already formed conventional refiner disk segment, the bores 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110 are formed using a metal removal process, preferably an EDM machining process, that converts the conventional disk segment into a sensor refiner disk 32.
Sensors 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 for the sensor disk segment 32 are then selected. Where it is needed to assemble sensors before inserting them into the bores 96, 98, 100, 102, 104, 106, 108 and 110 of the segment 32, preassembly of the sensors is performed. At least where temperature sensors are used, the sensing element 142 of each sensor is disposed inside a housing 140 and attached to the housing 140, preferably using an adhesive. Each sensor or housing 140 of each sensor is inserted at least partially into and attached to a spacer 114, such as by using an adhesive. Where a manifold-like fixture is used, such as fixture 116, the sensors and spacers can be assembled to the fixture before calibrating the sensors.
The selected sensors 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 are each calibrated to obtain at least one calibration constant for each sensor. Where one or more of the sensors 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 comprise temperature sensors, a slope offset calibration constant, CI, and an intercept offset calibration constant, C2, preferably are determined by calibration and stored for each such sensor. While each of the sensors 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 can be calibrated after being assembled to the sensor disk segment 32, each sensor 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 preferably is calibrated before being assembled to the disk segment 32. The calibration constants for the selected group of sensors 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 are stored on a calibration module 160. At least one calibration constant preferably is stored for each sensor.
The calibration module 160 and the assembled sensor refiner disk segment 32 are preferably put in the same package, such as a box (not shown), and shipped together to a fiber processing plant equipped with a sensor correction system 162. The sensor refiner disk segment 32 is removed from its package, assembled to a refiner 32, and the sensor wiring 126 is connected to a signal conditioner 206, if one is used. The module 160 is removed from the same package and plugged into a port, such as port 180, of a connector box 176 or the processing device 164.
The port 180 preferably is the port associated with the particular refiner 30 into which the sensor disk segment 32 has been installed. In this manner, it is assured that the right calibration data for the sensors 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 of a particular sensor disk segment 32 is read from the right calibration module 160. In another method of making sure that the proper calibration data is applied to the sensors 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 of a particular sensor disk segment 32, any port into which the module 160 is plugged can be assigned to a particular sensor disk segment 32 of a particular refiner 30. For example, each calibration module 160 preferably can be configured with its own unique memory address that can be selected using software, such as control software or another type software that processes sensor measurements, to read the calibration data from a specific module 160.
When the sensor disk segment 32 becomes worn or is scheduled for replacement, it is removed from the refiner 30, and its associated calibration module 160 is also unplugged and removed. Thereafter, a new sensor disk segment 32 is installed along with the calibration module 160 that was shipped with it. If desired, the sensors 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 of the spent segment 32 can be removed and reused along with its associated calibration module 160.
In operation, the sensors 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 of the sensor disk segment 32 of each refiner 30a and 30b sense a particular parameter in their respective refining zone during refiner operation. Referring to sensor disk segment 32 of refiner 30a, each sensor 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 is read by processing device 164 and the calibration constants for each sensor 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 from the module 160a is applied to the data read from the respective sensor. Likewise, each sensor 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 of the sensor disk segment 32 of refiner 30a is read by processing device 164 and the calibration constants for each sensor 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88, 90 and 92 from the module 160b is applied to the data read from the respective sensor.
The calibration constants are read from each module before being used to correct sensor data. If desired, the calibration constants can be read at the startup of the processing device 164.
Where a temperature sensor is read and it is desired to obtain an absolute temperature measurement, at least one calibration constant is applied to the data read. Where more precise absolute temperature measurement is desired, two calibration constants are applied to the data read, preferably using Equation V above. If desired, multiple temperatures obtained from more than one temperature sensor of a single sensor disk segment 32 can be averaged to obtain an average temperature measurement in the refining zone. Preferably, the sensors 78, 80, 82, 84, 88, 90 and 92 of each sensor disk segment 32 are read in sequence by the processing device 164.
The sensor data read preferably is used to monitor and control operation of each refiner connected to processing device 164 or another processing device that communicates with processing device 164. For example, temperature sensed in the refining zone can be used to control one or more aspects of refiner operation, such as the mass flow rate of stock entering the refiner 30. Pressure sensed in the refining zone can also be used to control one or more aspects of refiner operation, such as the mass flow rate of stock entering the refiner 30, the plate pressure, refiner gap, or another parameter.
It is also to be understood that, although the foregoing description and drawings describe and illustrate in detail one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention, to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates, the present disclosure will suggest many modifications and constructions as well as widely differing embodiments and applications without thereby departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The present invention, therefore, is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 10340962 | Jan 2003 | US |
Child | 11131604 | May 2005 | US |
Parent | 09520778 | Mar 2000 | US |
Child | 10340962 | Jan 2003 | US |