Valmet launched its newest Industrial Internet application at the FILTECH exhibition in Cologne, Germany on October 11, 2016. The application is used for monitoring the performance of filter cloth in filter presses. The application has been piloted in customer filtration processes with good results, and the first customer orders have been received with implementation still in 2016.
Pending on the size of the process, a filtration process may consume thousands of filter cloths per year. By gathering information with RFID technology, the application can analyze the performance of filter cloths and filters.
"We are able to utilize the information on cloth lifetimes, the reasons for cloth removal and cloth consumption to optimize the whole filtration process. In addition, this information helps process operators to better monitor the filter itself," explains Sanna Uusitalo, Product Manager, Filtration at Valmet.
Seeing inside the filtration process contributes to savings
Valmet's application is based on special equipment and RFID tags that submit information to be used in the follow-up and analysis of the whole filtration process. An optimal process leads to remarkable savings.
"Savings can be achieved through planned maintenance and reduced filter downtime. The filter cloths and filters will be developed further as more information is gathered about their performance. The application also enables remote support from our filtration experts. By enabling us to see inside the process, the application helps us and our customers to optimize the whole filtration process," Uusitalo continues.
RFID technology has been in use for decades, but Valmet is the first to utilize it for filter cloths. Valmet has developed the application in co-operation with customers and filter manufacturers. At this stage, the application is first being used in the mining industry, but there are already plans to broaden its use to filtration processes in the pulp and paper industry.
The application and its use is demonstrated at the FILTECH exhibition in Cologne, Germany, October 11-13, 2016.
Valmet is the leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers.
Valmet's strong technology offering includes pulp mills, tissue, board and paper production lines, as well as power plants for bioenergy production. Our advanced services and automation solutions improve the reliability and performance of our customers' processes and enhance the effective utilization of raw materials and energy.
Valmet's net sales in 2015 were approximately EUR 2.9 billion. Our 12,000 professionals around the world work close to our customers and are committed to moving our customers' performance forward - every day. Valmet's head office is in Espoo, Finland and its shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.