Ads Online Passes Test With Flying Colors
The encoder is able to withstand the tough production conditions in the décor paper mill, where condition monitoring is very useful.
AHLSTROM-MUNKSJÖ PAPER in Aalen, Germany, is a paper manufacturer with traditions dating back more than 400 years. They make décor paper, a specialty paper used for decorative prints. This paper provides a beautiful surface for pressed wood products, furniture and flooring. The mill has received several awards for its efficiency, despite the fact that machines and components are put under a high level of stress due to the harsh production conditions inherent with producing décor paper. Leine&Linde’s encoders in the 800 series, with ADS Online, are used at the plant.
“I didn’t choose ADS Online to monitor the encoders,” says Udo Handschuh, automation director at Ahlstrom-Munksjö. “I know the quality of the encoders. What I wanted was to monitor the drive application.”
Klaus Korger, regional sales manager at Leine&Linde, has worked with Ahlstrom-Munksjö Paper for more than 25 years. In common with Ahlstrom-Munksjö Paper, many of his clients use Siemens’ motors and drives. This is how he knows how well the Leine&Linde Heavy duty 800 series works seamlessly with Siemens’ systems, but also how the existing challenges place stringent demands.
Heat and color pigments
“These applications put a lot of strain on the encoders and drive systems,” says Klaus Korger. “The encoders need to be very robust for use in this harsh environment with heavy loads and high temperatures, in order to deliver their signals with high frequencies accurately and reliably.” Further demands arise in the production process, where colour pigments swirl in the air. The encoders need to be able to handle being covered by color dust followed by regular, thorough cleaning, often with strong chemical liquids. “I’m impressed with the efficiency of this manufac- turing unit,” says Klaus Korger. “And it is absolutely fascinating to see the variety of colours made in the machine. Some days the machine components can be completely white, and the next they can be completely black or some other colour. In between, they’re all shiny and clean.” “If all the parts of the drive system worked as well as Leine&Linde’s encoders, I would be very happy,” says Udo Handschuh.
Vibration and time in motion
He explains how he uses ADS Online. Since every encoder can be connected to the ADS Online software, he can compare values such as temperature and vibration for any chosen time in each motor application. If, for example, a vibration value increases, this is a sign of a problem, but it is very rare that the root of the problem is in the encoder. More likely, wear has caused some imbalance in the motor, which can be detected and resolved before any damage occurs.
“Condition monitoring is very useful for efficient maintenance,” Udo Handschuh says, but he points out that the paper mill will never implement a technical solution just because it is new or trendy. “I base development decisions on whether the concept will create actual, practical value in the application. I think I’m the type of innovator that is also a realist.”
“I really appreciate discussing technical solutions with AhlstromMunksjö Paper,” says Klaus Korger from Leine&Linde. “They truly understand how our encoders can prevent problems, and we have a great exchange of ideas.”
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