New LED-based color sensor improves measurement accuracy during paper and board production

ABB High Performance Color Measurement is a completely new sensor design that incorporates LED technology for superior on-line measurements of color, brightness, florescence, opacity and whiteness.

Capable of taking up to 60 measurements per second from the moving web, the sensor offers greater accuracy with lower short-term variability. With more frequent and continuous measurement, paper manufacturers benefit from increased precision leading to more consistent color and improved final product quality. The sensor enables manufacturers to precisely control color while minimizing off-specification production and improving shade consistency as well as reducing the use of expensive fluorescent whitening agents, dye and pigments.

By replacing traditional Xenon and Halogen illumination sources, the LEDs modulate between UV-included and UV-excluded illumination at high speed and without the use of filters. This enables continuous UV-corrected color measurements, reducing color variation, and improving laboratory correlation. LEDs also provide a stable and repeatable illumination leading to better measurement stability.

About the sensor features

The sensor features a compact modular design and has no moving parts in the measurement module, thereby enhancing its reliability with lower maintenance and lifecycle costs. It can be applied the top or bottom of the web, or to both sides.

High Performance Color Measurement is designed for a quick and easy upgrade path. The new measurement module can replace ABB Smart Color sensors in existing ABB QCS systems as part of ABB’s stepwise evolution options for ABB QCS systems.