The wet-end in pulp and paper industry: controllers and simulation results

Abstract

This article proposes a control study for the Fourdrinier. This will be achieved using the internal model controller (IMC), with the use of tracking and regulation reference models and measurable perturbation model. The IMC design and application to multivariable systems requires a mathematical model in state representation form. Thus, we give the representation using state variables of the Fourdrinier's model combined with every component, which are the wet box, the table roll, the foil, the vacuum box, and the couch roll. The results show that the Fourdrinier can be controlled using the mathematical models proposed previously by the authors (1996) with a modern control law. A quantitative discussion on numerical control of a Fourdrinier's machine with the use of reference models is then presented.