The challenge: difficult cabling and monitoring critical components
Valmet Technologies Oy is one of the world’s leading technology companies serving the process industries. The company provides technologies, automation solutions, and services, particularly for the pulp, paper, and energy industries.
Machine lines in the wood processing industry can be more than ten meters wide. Especially in retrofit installations, running cables from one side of the machine line to the other can be challenging. Rolls are typically critical components of the production line, and any damage to them can bring the entire line to a halt. By monitoring the condition of the roll lubrication oil, it is possible to assess not only the quality of the oil but also the condition of the bearings, allowing early-stage damage to be identified through wear particles.
The solution: wireless condition monitoring without cabling
Nome Oy, in cooperation with Valmet Technologies Oy, developed a wireless oil condition monitoring system that eliminates the need for cabling across the machine line.
The system consisted of two units located on opposite sides of the roll. The oil condition monitoring sensors were connected to dedicated measurement units, and the measurement data from the drive side was transmitted wirelessly across the machine line. The measurement unit on the operator side was connected to Valmet’s DNA automation system.
The sensor solution utilized both oil quality sensors and solid particle detection sensors, extending the condition monitoring capabilities to cover multiple indicators of abnormal operating conditions.
The wireless system was built at Nome’s Oulunsalo facility. Compatibility and interface testing were carried out at Valmet’s Rautpohja facility before the equipment was installed at the customer’s site. As a result, on-site commissioning could be completed quickly without the need to install cabling across the machine line.
“The development project with Nome progressed quickly from the initial idea to a practical measurement installation, and the solution was standardized after a short operational testing period. The implemented measurement system has operated reliably in an industrial process for several years without requiring any maintenance or intervention.
Working with Nome has been easy and straightforward.”
Heikki Kettunen
Senior Manager, R&D, Rolls and Workshop Services
Benefits: Speed, Flexibility, and Easy Integration
Fast and agile deployment: The system was customized to meet the customer’s requirements, and its simple design enabled rapid deployment. The amount of required cabling was minimized, and the equipment was designed to fit neatly into compact field enclosures.
Seamless collaboration: The success of the project was built on close cooperation between the engineering teams at Nome and Valmet. The IoT hardware supplied by Nome was documented and implemented as part of Valmet’s own product portfolio.
Integration with the automation system: The solution was integrated into Valmet’s DNA automation system through an interface. Only the essential measurement data was transferred to the automation system, minimizing the required modifications and enabling straightforward retrofit installations on existing production lines.