Haber: Size-Press Automation through eLIXA®

Haber is a well-known provider of automated AI- driven solutions which helps in bringing accurate and real-time insights, enabling the industries in their process management activities. In interview with Paper Mart, Mr. Felix Sahayaraj, Vice President – Sales, Haber, shares how the sizing process can be improved by eLIXA®. Further, he explains how Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to optimize chemical consumption while discussing thepossibilitiesautomationbringsforthtothepulpandpaper industryasawhole.

Paper Mart: To start off our interaction, could you shed some light on the sizing process?

Felix Sahayaraj: Sure. As we all know, sizing refers to the method by which additives are introduced to the pulp stock to improve the water-repellency of the paper produced. External sizing done at the size press influences the end product quality by varying the sheet strength, which is improved by controlling the resistance of paper to stress or penetrationbyliquids.

With, Haber's eLIXA®, we use Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) to optimize the process, helping to achieve Wax Pick, Cobb Values, and other target properties withminimalfluctuation.

PM: Take us through the eLIXA® platform and its key advantages.

FS: eLIXA®'s platform provides real-time AI/ML-based closed-loop control catered towards optimizing the surface sizing of the paper. Key process variables like starch solids, starch viscosity, pH, temperature, and the surface size addition rateare measured and uploaded to thecloud in real time. The big dataanalysis iscarried out in thecloud and the closed-loop control ensures that sizing and strength propertiesaremaintainedwithinthetargetrangeatalltimes. Thus, the implementation of AI/ML through eLIXA® can optimizethisprocessand result ina marked improvement in thequalityof thepaper. Infact,atoneofourcustomers, itwas able to reduce their surface starch addition from 4% to 3.2% withnochangeinstrengthproperties.

PM: So, can we say that automation is the next step in improving process performance?

FS:Yes,absolutely! Havinggrownandadaptedovertheyears, itisimportantweembraceIndustry4.0. –real-timemonitoring and communication between machines which will reducetheworkload on human labourwhichcan bedirected towards tasks of higher importance. The automation of repetitive tasks would also aid in improving the overall effectivenessofprocessesintheindustry.

Data-driven decision-making and actions carried out with the implementation of AI ensure accuracy in decisions and timely action to improve system performance and endproduct quality. It has the potential to transform the entire industry,rightfromthesourcingof rawmaterials,tothestage ofdeliveringtheendproducttothecustomers.

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