Optical system for the automatic positioning of screens (SOPAT)

• Grant number: 98/14929-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: April 01, 1999
• End date: May 31, 2002
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Industrial Electronics, Electronic Systems and Controls
• Principal Investigator: Benedito Carlos da Silva
• Grantee: Benedito Carlos da Silva
• Company: Akaer Engenharia Ltda
• City: São José dos Campos

Abstract

The present piece of research is intended to develop an Optical System for the Automatic Positioning of Screens (Sopat), the purpose of which is to arrive at a definitive solution for a problem faced by manufacturers of flat paper, which causes considerable financial loss. This problem occurs in paper production, giving rise not only to damage, but also, and in particular, causing production stalls for maintenance, with the resultant decline in productivity. At the beginning of the paper manufacturing cycle there is a piece of equipment that undertakes pre-drying of the pulp paste. This equipment consists of large cylinders, beneath a synthetic fiber screen which supports the paste. When stretched, it revolves the cylinders at a speed of up to 1,000 m/min. As the surface of the cylinders is flat, there is a need for an active control of the position of the screen over the cylinder, which, under normal conditions, has a tendency to shift to one side. The solution used at present is a mechanical system, which has worked, but with reservations. To make matters worse, the environment in question is subject to temperatures of around 120°C, with high humidity and chemical steam. Sopat intends to solve the problem of the positioning of the screen through the use of optical sensors, employing bundle type optical fiber to enable information to be sent and received without touching the equipment, which is immune to environmental conditions and will be installed together with a micro-controller outside the equipment. (AU)