During paper production, precise moisture content control is important for paper quality and energy economy. From the beginning to the final product, knowledge of the moisture concentration throughout the process provides substantial cost savings. Paper can easily become either too wet or dry wasting manufacturers and customer’s time and money. MoistTech’s IR3000 sensor is a invaluable quality control check for papermakers as they can instantly isolate problem areas during operations so that operators can fix and optimize their process. Additionally, the sensor offers continuous non-contact and non-destructive measurements that do not interfere with production and can be used anywhere throughout the paper process including the initial wet ends stage with paper pulp.

MoistTech’s IR3000 online NIR moisture sensor can not only measure moisture but can also measure water & solvent based coatings, coat weight thicknesses & adhesives as well as detect loss of coating or spot defects. With continuous NIR measurements during the process will improve manufactures product quality and increase productivity within substantial cost savings by controlling the re-moisturizing process, optimize the dryers, eliminate any curling and out of specification products. Dryer control is important to paper manufacturers as energy can be wasted if the product is dried more than necessary and products can easily become out of specification, causing curl, become a fire hazard or break/rip. With continuous online NIR measurement, the drying process can adjusted to stop over drying and maximize dryer optimization.

Installation
In the paper process there are many locations throughout manufacturing that the sensor can be used. The location is often determined by the space availability and accessibility as well as manufactures moisture control plan. Often, sensor(s) are located at the exit of wire, over the heated roller, exit of size press, before slitter, during the re-moisturizing process or pre lamination. The sensor(s) should be installed over a moving web, angled about 15” off the perpendicular if the paper is shiny or reflective. Once installed, a manufacturer can continuously monitor the process and can control the moisture content, either manually or automatically.

MoistTech is very experienced with the requirements in the paper production process. Info@MoistTech.com