PROdry Technology Inc.

PROdry image

Example 1	Precision line-scanning
Example 2	Condensate removal problem
Example 3	Head/shell joint steam leak
Example 4	Surface flaw
Example 5	HeatWave Thermal Analysis
Example 6	Smooth bore dryer

Infrared Thermography

PROdry Technology is dedicated to helping today's papermaker achieve the highest possible productivity, quality and safety goals by bringing state of the art diagnostic services to the industry. As part of this dedication, PROdry now offers the world's most comprehensive infrared imaging service to help diagnose and solve production and equipment problems in the paper industry. Using the most sophisticated scanning infrared thermography system commercially available in the world today, highly detailed thermal patterns can be captured from fast-moving paper webs and paper machinery. Experienced PROdry engineers then use these patterns to pinpoint problems and potential concerns in the production process and recommend corrective action. Furthermore, due to the non-invasive nature of the thermographic process, production on the paper machine does not need to be interrupted to get this valuable data.

PROdry's infrared imaging system consists of a line-scan capable full field imager coupled to a powerful data acquisition and analysis computer. When in full frame mode, the system can capture up to 30 frames per second to identify transient thermal problems in stationary objects. When running in line scan mode, the system captures thermal data on moving objects (such as the paper web or the surface of a Yankee dryer) at a rate of 3,500 lines per second, fast enough to map even the smallest areas in a paper sheet moving at 6000 feet per minute or more. Output from the system consists of full color thermal maps in several palettes designed to highlight thermal differences as well as numerical data for graphing and calculations. Video tapes of live action images can be created if desired. Archival storage on computer disk or DAT tape ensures that test results are available for future comparisons.

PROdry's infrared imaging technology can be brought to bear on many of the problems facing the papermaker, often leading to rapid solution of the problem with a minimum of "trial and error" experimentation. Typical paper machine problem areas which can be addressed with infrared imaging are:

Yankee dryer condensate removal problems
Steam leak detection while making paper
Sheet moisture profile problems
Pressure roll nip irregularities
Calendar stack heat buildup
Felt conditioning and cleaning problems
Yankee hood heat losses

In addition to these applications, there are many other systems in paper mills which can be analyzed with infrared thermography. These include steam and electrical systems, pulp mill systems, energy boilers, and converting equipment.

PROdry Technology offers customized infrared services to meet each mill's specific requirements. A complete infrared survey for Yankee dryers includes:

Full frame image of the paper machine reel
Line scanned image of the reel
Line scanned image of the Yankee dryer or sheet after crepe
Line scan images of head/shell joints for steam leak detection
Analysis and reporting of any problems detected

Four case study examples are included which illustrate the benefits of the infrared imaging services available from PROdry Technology. Each example is accompanied by actual thermal images acquired by PROdry engineers.

To discuss your specific infrared imaging needs, contact PROdry Technology at (360) 571-7083, or write to us at 109 NW 108th ST, Vancouver, WA 98685. You can also reach PROdry by email at info@PROdry.com.