Operational excellence in monitoring refiner processes

Authors:

Tjerk Boersma · Sappi Maastricht B.V. · Maastricht / The Netherlands

Refiners are often overlooked pieces of equipment, yet they are where the papermaking process truly begins.

This presentation focuses not on the choice of fibre, but on the comprehensive monitoring of the refiner itself. We will explore key technical parameters, including:

Online vibration analysis and no-load accuracy.
Filling design and its operational influence.
Filling lifetime prediction and gap measurement.
Monitoring of pressure, distance, power, and online fibre testing.

By maintaining refiners in peak condition, we eliminate unexpected maintenance issues and quality fluctuations. By integrating various measurements into soft sensors, we can implement advanced predictive controls.

These reliable, science-based inputs provide the foundation for AI-driven predictive maintenance. The result is a significant increase in output and substantial cost savings—all powered by SAPPI’s proprietary hardware and software know-how, fully integrated into the DCS.