With an upgraded frame, you can also take advantage of new sensors specifically designed for the advanced computational and signal processing capabilities of upgraded architecture.
For example, a Network Platform upgrade enables you to upgrade your old Hemi+ moisture sensor to the High-Performance Infrared Transmission (HPIR-T) moisture sensor. HPIR measurement provides the most precise tool available to measure moisture with the confidence needed to maximize control performance and to save both energy and fiber cost—while also removing need for water cooling.
Because the Hemi+ has reached the end of its lifecycle, long-term support for this technology can no longer be guaranteed. Upgrading to HPIR-T is not only necessary, but it will also provide a huge step change in measurement performance. Take precision, which depends heavily on the number of measurements made within each databox. HPIR sets a new standard for this precision by calculating measurements 5,000 times per second. The result is less measurement noise per databox. With HPIR’s highly precise moisture measurement, mill operators can confidently use CD control for faster start-ups and grade changes.
Faster color measurement with LED technology
Additional upgrade and/or advancement opportunity can be found with other modernized technology – such as lighting sources. For example, new sensors now use novel light emitting diode (LED) light sources, which have a life expectancy of at least two years. Previous generations of sensors used Xenon light, which were recommended to be replaced every three months—especially when measuring high white shades with fluorescence.
With fewer light bulb swaps, upgrading existing Smart Color sensors to the latest High-Performance Color (HPColor) sensor is quick, easy and requires no system changes once upgrades to Network Platform are complete. In fact, the new sensor was specifically designed for ease of upgrade by being plug-compatible with the Smart Color sensor as well as fully compatible with even older generation’s Smart Backing Tile Module.
While Smart Color is now in the classic support phase of its lifecycle, upgrading to HPColor will provide long term support for your color measurement as well as providing all the major benefits provided by the latest in color measurement technology. Mills with newer QCS systems also benefit from HPColor profiles available to the operator.
HPColor incorporates LED technology to make color measurement faster and more reliable by using a virtually continuous LED light source and a high-speed spectrometer. Both high speed UV included and UV excluded color measurements can be averaged continuously to deliver better measurement data. A compact modular design, with no moving parts in the measurement module, HPColor reduces maintenance, improves service access and reduces life cycle costs.
One step at a time
Wherever you are on your upgrade path, all the above options provide simple cost-effective ways to keep your quality control system up to date with the latest technologies without having to replace the complete system. ABB has an unmatched history of providing our customers with the most effective investment protection in the industry for their paper machine quality control systems.