Figure 4 with reference to the results in Figure 3). In this example, note how the consistency tends to remain substantially constant. In the case of a transversal measurement, however, it is possible to highlight the moisture profile over the entire format that is reflected in the uniformity of the finished product (Figure 5). In this example, note how the transversal moisture profile is anything but uniform. Here, downstream from the measurements, adjustments can be made to the machine in order to equalise the profile to obtain a more repeatable and more uniform product over the entire format of the sheet. SAVINGS AND QUALITY The AMS_R1 system has been installed in numerous plants and initial feedback emphasises the extreme ease of installation and the immediacy of the integration of the data measured by the sensor and sent to the AMS_ HUB and then onto the DCS/QCS, given the availability of a standard 4-20 mA analogue line. Equally simple is installation on a scanning beam where the passive component can be on a single frame and so just the active component is movable along a generic scanning beam. Correlating data to a position is possible with the beam’s PLC or by implementing a special function on the AMS_HUB. The information acquired by the sensor allows many of the machine’s main adjustments to be optimised in real time. These optimised adjustments have been used to calculate an average payback period of approximately 6 months (across the various installations) focusing in particular on the energy usage of the Wire/Suction Cylinder motors for which it is possible to optimise their percentage usage whilst maintaining the same dryness value in the press. The vacuum on the suction boxes can also be considerably optimised. The ability, therefore, to continuously and accurately control dryness at the press exit has allowed the energy consumption of some components that are fundamental to the process to be calibrated – thereby improving the quality parameters and introducing benefits to every level in the manufacturing process. CONCLUSIONS The AMS integrated moisture measurement system is made up of two parts: firstly, the different types of sensor (with each one optimised to operate in various critical zones of the process); secondly, the data acquisition and management device (the AMS_HUB). The system provides the process control system – directly, immediately, continuously and in real time – with the moisture levels in the most important sections of the manufacturing process. The technology employed is state- of-the-art for this type of application, having been developed to best meet, not only the metrological requirements, but also to operate reliably and with minimum interference, adapting itself in the best way possible to each type of production layout. Finally, the ability to provide correlated data offers further added value to the system which, thanks to this element, allows estimates to be made on parametric sensibility to adjustments that are impossible to obtain with uncorrelated measurements. The results of applying this technology are now tangible in many of the most important and technologically advanced paper mills in Europe where the system has been operating on a daily basis for years. CASE STUDY Holmen Group – Iggesund paper mill - KM2 In terms of the shear number of both sensors installed and control points implemented, the installation at the Iggesund paper mill (part of the Holmen Group) in Sweden is perhaps the most relevant example. The system in question was installed as part of a project to optimise the KM2 machine at the Iggesund paper mill. The project was part of a framework that included other WORLD PULP&PAPER 87 The information acquired by the sensor allows many of the machine’s main adjustments to be optimised in real time. Figure 6. AMS_P1 measurement points.