SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SIZE OF MATERIAL BANKS IN CALENDERS,MILLS, AND FEED MILLS

摘要

PURPOSE: A system and method for controlling the size of material banks in calenders,mills, and feed mills are provided for measuring the quantity of material in a calender bank, and more specifically for using digital imaging technology in a system for measuring and controlling the size and shape of a rolling calender bank. CONSTITUTION: A quantity of material contained in a bank (20) between a pair of calendaring rolls (10, 12) is determined by digital imaging technology. Manipulation of digital images (40) provided by camera means (30) yields a light-hued image of material in the bank against a dark-hued background. The light-hued image is then divided into control zones associated with discrete regions of the bank fed by separate feed lines (F1, F2). Quantity and distribution of material in the bank can be controlled by adjusting feed rates based on information obtained through the digital images.