The performance of the creping process on the Yankee cylinder is a critical success factor in tissue production. Creping conditions must be controlled within narrow tolerance ranges to maintain uniform quality of the finished product. Now, Solenis offers a breakthrough imaging technology — OnGuard TSX — that enables tissue makers to visualize and monitor the creping process and improve their Yankee operations.
The OnGuard TSX analyzer produces high-resolution images of the sheet surface and geometrical characterization of the sheet structures, providing real-time data and analysis to local and remote users via a cloud-based user interface. The results of the geometric characterization can be correlated with sheet physical properties, such as softness and tensile strength. The TSX analyzer is ideally used in tandem with the OnGuard™ VBX analyzer but can be used independently.
The OnGuard TSX analyzer provides the following capabilities:
- Acquire images of a fast-moving sheet with minimal blur.
- Convert a raw image taken on a tissue machine into a processed image in which the surface structures are identified and characterized.
- Correlate sheet surface structures with final sheet physical properties.
- Track changes in the sheet surface structure, allowing users to monitor critical sheet parameters and make necessary adjustments.
- Share raw and processed images with local and remote users.
Next-Generation Imaging
The TSX analyzer incorporates two significant advances over previous imaging systems, which required specific conditions, including light orientation relative to the sheet, camera mounting in a specific geometry, or multiple cameras. The TSX analyzer only requires that the light from the flash be at an angle relative to the sheet — the exact angle is not critical. Each ridge in the image is identified and its geometry characterized.
The TSX analyzer uses an industrial digital camera with auto fine-focusing ability, and an LED flash. The camera and focus are controlled via a laptop running TSX software. The flash is triggered via the camera. The optical surfaces for the camera and the flash are kept clean with compressed air. The system requires DC power, an ethernet cable, and compressed air.
More Information
If you would like to learn more about the OnGuard TSX analyzer or would like free technical advice on monitoring your Yankee creping, ask a Solenis expert today.
