New design of the successful automation solution OnQ FormingSens ensures optimized real-time measurement of water weight in the forming section

OnQ FormingSens has a long track record of benefitting paper manufacturers of different grades, with more than 100 systems are already in use in the forming section worldwide. Thanks to microwave technology, the leading solution measures fluctuations in water weight precisely, reliably and in real time. Based on this information, papermakers can systematically improve their settings, achieve a stable dry content at the end of the forming section, and utilize the maximum dewatering capacity in the press section. At the same time, the optimized settings ensure less wear on the forming fabrics and ceramics. In addition, vacuum and drive energy usage can be reduced, which was confirmed, among others, by a Central European packaging papers manufacturer. Here, OnQ FormingSens reduces energy costs by around 130,000 euros per year and pays for itself in well under a year. For maximum user-friendliness and reliability, Voith experts have now further optimized the design of the solution.

The new design focuses on a solid, low-vibration construction, as well as a simplified electrical design. Among other things, Voith's experts reworked the mechanical mount so that the operator can now fine-tune the penetration depth from outside the machine via waterproof mechanical gear. The sensor holder can be flexibly positioned on various existing dewatering elements in the former. Compared to hand-held measuring devices, the permanently installed application is characterized by higher safety, as no direct contact of the operator with the forming fabrics is necessary. An improved sensor housing ensures higher long-term stability. The new generation OnQ FormingSens is installed to a nearby terminal box, which can be serviced by Voith experts via a service connection. This allows the optimized solution to be better connected to customers' existing infrastructures, such as the process control system.

Combination with OnC.Dewatering dewatering control system
Based on the measurements of OnQ FormingSens, the control loop can be closed with the fully automatic dewatering control OnC.Dewatering. The control system defines and stabilizes the dry content of each layer produced and thus significantly increases ply bond on multi-ply machines.