WORLD PULP&PAPER 86 entering the size press or even whilst leaving the machine altogether. With this information, it is possible to control and to optimise the • operation of the press section; • maintenance condition of the wet felts; • operation and optimisation of the steam plant, the consequent maintenance of repeatable production standards and the optimal use of the steam itself; • elimination of operator risk during the phases when samples are taken for measurement off-line; • elimination of the risk of breaking the sheet when taking a sample; • immediate correlation to operational status and adjustments; • speed of intervention in the event of problems with the subsequent reduction in both waste and machine downtime. The AMS_R1 sensor can be used both in a fixed configuration to make MD measurements (i.e. in the direction in which the sheet is moving), or it can be mounted on a bridge for CMD scans to measure the effective moisture profile of the paper sheet. In the first case, the result allows changes of moisture to be highlighted over time at a fixed point on the forming board. Figure 3 shows an example of the change in basis weight produced compared to the data measured by the AMS_P1 on the forming board. This graph shows the effect of the press section on moisture changes in the two points (the red curve is before the press whereas the blue curve is after the press). Knowing the basis weight, it is possible to calculate the consistency percentage as a variable of time (see In the case of a transversal measurement, however, it is possible to highlight the moisture profile over the entire format… of the finished product Figure 4. Consistency measured at the forming board vs. consistency measured leaving the press vs. basis weight produced. Figure 5. CMD scan. MOISTURE MONITORING SENSORS