Continuous Measurement of Wood-Based Panel Weight and Basis Weight

The production of engineered wood panels often involves high conveying speeds, which does not permit the stopping of production for panel measurement. Mechanical panel scales become inaccurate during production due to the unfavorable variance of tare-weight to panel-weight.

The CONTI-SCALE measures continuously online, avoiding inaccuracies without slowing production. The CONTI-SCALE works by using several sensors to measure the panel weight and Density distribution, both lengthwise and crosswise at the same time -resulting in an accurate panel weight. The ability to monitor and optimize the forming station will save fiber and resin and increase production capacity producing significant production costs.

Using data gathered from a thickness measuring gauge, in combination with the CONTI-SCAN, measures both the Density and the Density Distribution of the panel.

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• Measurement accuracy is not influenced by production speed, vibration, or high temperature.
• Non-contact measurement, and has no moveable parts.
• Gap of only 300 mm (12 inches) is required
• No stopping of panels required continuous measurement
• Modular construction: 1-7 measuring tracks
• Minimal space required compared to large mechanical scales
• Weight distribution is evaluated in the production direction
• Less cash investment compared to mechanical panel scales
• Sensors pivot - protecting against impacts and blows
• No re-calibration required due to constant measuring signals
• Low radiation sources, Am 241, 35mBq per track (1mCi), easy handling in respect of regulatory authority (The dose rate at a distance of 0.1m to source over a time of 50hrs. is equal to the dose rate a person receives from space during a 10 hr flight at 37,000 ft.).

Visualization:

• 19- industrial rack computer
• TFT 19 Monitor & Color Printer
• Hard disc server (24 h operation)
• Hard disc in exchangeable frame
• RAID controller for backup (copying to second hard disc)
• Ethernet/LAN double

Evaluation Methods:

• Weight distribution lengthwise & crosswise
• Density distribution lengthwise & crosswise in combination with thickness data
• Trend and History function

  Installation Locations

  • After press
  • Before or after crosscut saw
  • In continuous production line

• Technology: low isotopic radiation Am 241, 35MBq (1mCi)
• Measuring tracks: any number normal: 3 to 7
• Measuring range: 2 to 40 kg/m2
• Accuracy: independent of the panel thickness: (see chart)
• Remote diagnostics: via VPN

EWS GAUGE-CONTROLLER Evaluation:

• Real time operating system
• Field bus connection for data transfer
• Network connection for visualization PC

Measuring Accuracy:

Important Note: The % values listed in the chart are related to the area weight.