March 17, 2009
DC Drive Upgrade for Paper Mills
In today’s tough business climate it is nearly impossible for Paper Mills to upgrade existing DC drive systems to the latest AC technology. Several Options exist to upgrade the DC drive system on a low cost budget.
Option 1 – Master Controller upgrade.
A popular option is to upgrade just the master controller of the Paper Machine or Winder. A legacy GE controller such as the IOS (Intelligent Operator Station) or DMC (Distributed Micro Controller) can be upgraded to the latest version Innovation Series Controller with color touch screen operator interfaces. Advantages include:
· Increased reliability with enhanced diagnostic tools including Historical Data collection.
· Elimination of spare parts availability problems.
· Increased uptime with operator friendly touch screens
New Master Controller Option 2 – Replace Analog or Digital control of existing DC Drives.Legacy GE drives such as the Analog Siltron, Digital Siltron, DC300 and Silpac 3100 can easily be upgraded to the TM-DC DFE (Digital Front End). The existing power bridge remains in the drive while the control circuitry is replaced with state-of-the-art digital drive control. Advantages include: · Improved speed regulation with digital regulators · Enhanced diagnostics with Real-Time trending and on-line block diagrams · Reduction of printed circuit cards, the TM-DC DFE consolidates functions to only a few printed circuit boards.
TM-DC DFE installed on a Silpac 3100 Drive
Option 3 – Combine Options 1 & 2 to a phased upgrade approach.
Replacing a Master Controller and upgrading DC drives can be achieved in a phased approach. The phased approach allows paper mills to upgrade the drive system on a yearly maintenance budget. Common approaches include:
· Begin with the Peg section of the Paper Machine, usually the Fourdriner, and install new TM-DC DFE(s) and a Master Controller
· Sections can be upgraded semi-annually or annually until each section of the Paper Machine has been completed.
TMEIC-GE offers attractive options during these tough economic times. Investing in automation systems now will better position Paper Mills when the economic downturn is over and increased demand returns to the paper industry.
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