INSIDER Millwide
Transcription
INSIDER Millwide
INSIDER Millwide THE MAGAZINE FROM USNR | ISSUE 5 - 2011 SEEING BOTH SIDES Allegheny Wood Products puts dual-side LASAR scanning to the test REDESIGNING THE PROCESS Louisiana Hardwoods takes its edger line to a whole new level USNR SORTS IT OUT FOR YOU USNR outlines sorting features designed to make the job easy Millwide INSIDER iSSUE 5 - 2011 Subscriptions Tel.: 250.833.3028 [email protected] Editor Colleen Schonheiter [email protected] CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Sonia Perrine [email protected] USNR Parts & Service Opportunities at hand While markets fluctuate our customers continue to take advantage of the 7/24 Service: 800.BUY.USNR Tel.: 360.225.8267 Fax: 360.225.7146 Mon. - Fri. 5:00 am - 5:00 pm PDT oppor tunities at hand by improving the efficiency and effectiveness of their www.usnr.com operations, with outstanding results. USNR Locations Those in the hardwood industry are experiencing similar pg Woodland, WA difficulties as processors of softwood products. This issue Headquar ters features stories of two of USNR’s hardwood customers. 360.225.8267 Despite a bear market they are forging ahead to improve their lot with new technology and new processes. USNR has developed the MillExper t software platform with pg many features that par ticularly address the needs of hardwood Parksville, BC Eugene, OR 250.954.1566 541.485.7127 Plessisville, QC Jacksonville, FL 819.362.8768 904.354.2301 Salmon Arm, BC Painesville, OH 250.832.7116 440.352.9381 producers. This issue expands on some of those features. You’ll also find answers to many issues you may encounter pg with sor ting your products. USNR has been in the business of designing sor ting systems for a multitude of decades. Utilizing USNR designs, customers all over the world are finding ways to resolve problems surrounding an increasing variety of products. © 2011, U.S. Natural Resources, Inc. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Customers with veneer drying systems are also improving pg on efficiency by insulating their dryer floors. This is a costeffective improvement that will save you money. 1981 Schurman Way, Woodland, WA 98674. Canada Post: Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: USNR c/o Colleen Schonheiter, 3550 - 45th Street Southeast, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4N2 Whatever the processing issue that is causing your operation to miss out on oppor tunities, let us help you find a solution that fits your needs and budget. Sincerely, Colleen Schonheiter Editor SEEING BOTH SIDES ALLEGEHENY WOOD PRODUCTS PUTS DUAL SCANNING CARRIAGE OPTIMIZATION TO THE TEST, AND PROVES ITS WORTH When is it the right time to update technology? The abiding strategy for Allegheny Wood Products (AWP) is to continually build on its strength for ferreting out sound opportunities to increase efficiency. Earlier this year its Kingwood, West Virginia sawmill updated the optimization systems on its two headrig carriages with the combination of LASAR scanning and the MillExpert optimization platform. Concurrently, the trimmer optimizer was also modernized with MillExpert and new computer hardware while retaining its existing scanning system. This green hardwood operation processes poplar, red oak, and hard and soft maple into boards of 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4, cross ties and some switch ties. Products are sold globally for the manufacture of furniture, cabinetry, millwork, moulding, and more. Some of the production is sold green, while the remainder is shipped to its sister company, Allegheny Wood Products International at Hazelton, West Virginia for drying. At Kingwood, its annual capacity for a single shift averages between 22-24 mmbf; typically it runs two shifts with average capacity exceeding 40 mmbf. The Kingwood mill features primarily USNR equipment including its two carriage optimization systems, gang saw, optimized edger and trimmer, and its sorter/stacker system. When the decision was made to update the carriage and trimmer technology, all major vendors were evaluated. Mike Frantz, AWP’s IT director, commented that USNR was the vendor of choice because it had the best products for the application. The precursor to the LASAR/MillExpert system on the carriages was USNR’s ScanMax system that was new to the mill around the year 2000. With 11 years in operation Mike knew there was better technology available to stay ahead of the curve. The value of backside scanning was recently proven out in a comparison at this hardwood mill. “It’s definitely a cost effective enough difference to make it worth pursuing.” Mike Frantz, Allegheny Wood Products Implementation scheduling Mike noted the challenge the mill faced with this project. “Our major challenge was just being able to schedule it so we could do it with no loss of production. USNR worked with us very well so we ISSUE 5 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 3 Yield per log has improved since AWP upgraded its two carriage systems with MillExpert optimization and LASAR scanning. could do all the installations over the weekends and get everything done. It was critical for us that we didn’t incur any downtime.” Installation was completed over three weekends in April and May of this year. Jeff Storey, USNR project manager, handled the many varied details of the project from the supplier end and liaised between the two teams – customer and vendor. He commented, “Mill management was very specific about scheduling, and knowing their milestones made it very easy to set the schedules with the various resources from USNR to meet the mill’s requirements.” Proving the value of backside scanning At the same time that it was implementing the new carriage optimization systems, the mill took advantage of the chance to set up the two carriages with differing approaches for the scanning component. One line was fitted with both front and backside LASAR scanners while the second line received only a front side scan unit. This allowed the mill to perform a detailed analysis and comparison between the two configurations to determine the true value of dual scanning systems. Jeff Storey weighed in on the increased value with backside scanning. “The backside scanner allows A face order change feature, built into the MillExpert system, allows the sawyer to turn the log 90 degrees. The system provides a minimum opening face scan and the sawyer can make any number of cuts at his discretion. This allows him to use the original cant solution, or resize the center cant for more efficient processing downstream. 4 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 5 - 2011 for a better full breakdown solution by knowing what the contour of the log is on its backside. The fit for products becomes much more accurate with that first opening cut. Without it the system has to use knee locations to extrapolate the backside shape of the log, which is never as accurate.” Mike Frantz explained the mill’s process for the comparison. “For our mill study we used 200 logs. We split them up between the two lines so we would have the same number of logs in each. There were a variety of sizes and grades and amounts of defects, but we made sure both batches were equal. We wanted to determine how both lines would handle the upper and lower grades. We ran all those logs through and we were able to get a very good comparison between the two lines. We discovered a very significant difference in favor of both front and backside scanning.” With such positive results AWP is considering adding backside scanning to the other carriage optimization system, though no firm decision has been made. When asked his level of satisfaction with the LASAR/MillExpert combination Mike said, “Overall I am very satisfied. We did see an increase in our yield per log. And we did see an increase with front and backside scanning versus front side scanning only. It’s definitely a cost effective enough difference to make it worth pursuing.” Application matched solution In certain circumstances the mill required a face order change from the full breakdown solution, and MillExpert is designed to provide this capability. Jeff Storey explains how this process works. After the first face is sawn, the typical solution would call for the sawyer to proceed to the opposing face (180 degree turn) to finish the log. With the Kingwood mill’s application processing certain log types and shapes, it is advantageous to be able to first turn the log 90 degrees and saw a few cuts before continuing on to finish the solution on the opposing face. When making this first turn, the system provides the sawyer with a minimum opening face (MOF) scan so any number of cuts can be made at his discretion. This allows him to resize the center cant of the log for more efficient processing at downstream machine centers. With the solution being maintained or rescanned on the final face, the sawyer can continue “For our mill study we used 200 logs. We ran all those logs through and we were able to get a very good comparison between the two lines. We discovered a very significant difference in favor of both front and backside scanning.” AWP’s Mike Frantz is a strong proponent of the MillExpert platform. “The system is only ever as good as the people operating it, but MillExpert makes it very easy. It is very user friendly for people to work with.” “Overall I am very satisfied. We did see an increase in our yield per log. And we did see an increase with front and backside scanning versus front side scanning only.” to use the optimization rather than causing an “out of sequence” situation where he would be required to finish the log with manual decision making as opposed to an optimized solution. Jeff also explained that customization was done to the control consoles and hardware to reduce the time required to switch over to the new system, thus ensuring the mill’s timeline for implementation. Mike Frantz commented, “The system is only ever as good as the people operating it, but MillExpert makes it very easy. It is very user friendly for people to work with.” This level of satisfaction with the MillExpert platform was the overriding motivation for the upgrade to the mill’s trimmer optimization system. Mike explained, “The primary reason was we wanted to have a standard platform throughout the mill.” The existing USNR V6 scanning system on the trimmer was retained, while the TimberGrafx platform was replaced with MillExpert. Giving credit Mike was very complimentary of the support received from John Seifert, USNR account manager who Mike described as “fabulous to work with”, and Jeff Storey, USNR project manager who also handled the training. AWP sent six of its personnel to USNR’s Eugene, Oregon facility for in-depth training on the MillExpert carriage optimization system. Mike said, “The training went extremely well. Some of us were already familiar with the MillExpert platform.” And he highly recommends anyone who is upgrading their system to consider travelling to one of USNR’s sites for training because it allows uninterrupted focus while learning. Though not required for training, Mike made sure that AWP personnel who took part in the training were supplied laptops loaded with the MillExpert software so they could run simulations offline. This is only one demonstration of AWP’s commitment to achieve the utmost from its investment in new technology. In addition to Mike Frantz, AWP personnel who were involved with this project included Tom Plaugher, VP of operations; Mark Wilson, plant manager; Stan Ziemba, Shift 1 mill supervisor; Jason Clay, IT specialist; and Donald Sypolt, trimmer operator. efficiency improvements for each stage in the process. It’s a recipe that has helped the company weather the storm, remaining competitive at a time when others in the hardwood realm have faltered. Mike has been working with the company since 1997 and he comments, “ I would definitely say AWP is very progressive, and management has come to trust in the analysis we (the IT group) provide.” He also reflected, “The climate for the hardwood industry is very difficult right now. AWP has continued to be successful because of its persistent efforts to increase efficiency. Some quite large companies in this sector have gone out of business because they didn’t invest in their infrastructure. Efficiency is king and they could not keep up.” With its passion for progress, AWP continues with a positive outlook to invest in its success. Smart growth AWP is an independent, family owned business with seven of its eight holdings located in West Virginia, and the eighth in Pennsylvania. Its forward thinking attitude brought this company a long way in its 40 years from a single hardwood mill to what it is today. The company is operated by John Crites Sr., John Crites Jr. and Pat Crites, who continue to invest heavily into their company. As a result it has grown tremendously to include three green sawmills, three sawmills with dry kilns on site, and two dry kiln concentration yards. Proof positive of AWP’s philosophy to maintain its competitive edge through technological opportunities is the prominence it has given to its IT arm. Mike Frantz leads a team of IT specialists who travel between the eight AWP sites. The team maintains the computerized systems, and together with the site managers they look for prospective ISSUE 5 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 5 For more than a decade USNR has been in the business of designing carriage optimization systems based on the MillExpert platform, with nearly 100 such systems ‘under our belt’ in both softwood and hardwood applications. We explore some of the key attributes of the system that differentiate it from others on the market. “Mill ”Experts in Carriage Optimization Doug Strasky leads the primary breakdown optimization team for USNR. USNR’s team of talented and dedicated engineers, project managers and technical service personnel are based at facilities at Parksville and Salmon Arm, BC, Eugene, OR and Woodland, WA. Doug explains the approach USNR has developed for carriage optimization in softwood and hardwood processing applications. grades to drive the optimization. The carriage operator in a softwood mill is typically focused on processing the solution from the optimizer as quickly as possible. These operators rely heavily on the scanning and optimization systems to achieve the best solution and provide accurate carriage sets to achieve that solution every time. They don’t want to waste time over-riding the optimizer. The MillExpert optimizer also uses sophisticated Q. How does carriage optimization differ when modeling of the production costs at the carriage processing softwoods or hardwoods, and what is as well as at the downstream machine centers in the MillExpert approach? the mill, so that its solutions provide the highest production value. A. Softwood breakdown solutions are generally Hardwood breakdown generally relies on based on specific board target sizes and value extracting the appropriate products from the recovery using wane rules and values for different different concentric grade zones in the log. There are usually more grades of products than for softwood, and timbers are more common. The MillExpert allows defining the concentric grade zones in the log and associating specific products with these grade zones, so optimization for hardwood is typically driven by these grade zones. This can mean more stages to breaking down each log as the biggest, high grade products are taken from each surface of the log before moving on to the next grade zone. MillExpert models these stages in the breakdown so that the solution is based The image shows a log scanned with both front (red data on the cuts that will actually be made points) and backside (blue data points) LASAR sensors, to the piece. Some other systems on the illustrating the amount of data that is captured from each of market base their solutions on a generic the sensors. It is clear that backside scanning provides much block that represents only a portion of the more complete information about the true shape of the log. log’s model. 6 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 5 - 2011 Q. Is there anything else that differentiates MillExpert for hardwood carriage optimization? A. MillExpert offers autograding as an option. This feature allows the optimizer to consider the diameter, sweep, taper, nodal swell and presence of flare to automatically determine a grade for each log. The grade rules can set the relative sizes of the concentric grade zones as well as the breakdown rules and products used. This feature can help all carriage operators achieve consistently high grading accuracy. (See page 8 for more information on this feature.) Q. How does the addition of backside scanning assist in optimizing a solution for carriage systems? A. A system with both front and backside scanning ensures an optimized solution using complete, whole log scan data. The log’s first cut on a carriage becomes the reference for the rest of its breakdown. In a sense it locks in the rest of the solution, so all of the important decisions have to be made before the first cut. This includes the size and offset of the center cant and the cuts that will be made on the back of the log. Using backside scanning is the only way to ensure the optimizer has complete, accurate data on which to base the solution. The result will be higher value recovery from the log. Backside scanning eliminates the need to re-scan when the log is turned, thus increasing throughput. If you have a question about your carriage optimization process, call us at 800.BUY.USNR and ask one of our many experts. LASAR CARRIAGE Highest yields. Maximum profits. Grade sawing solutions USNR’s Carriage Optimizer system is completely configurable combining the industry’s highest density scanning with extremely versatile optimization software. Fast and accurate scanning LASAR is the rugged and reliable sensor able to scan both sides of a log with unparalleled resolution. The results are incredibly accurate opening faces with only one scan and one set! Advanced cutting modes USNR’s advanced system enables you to implement even the most complex solutions including MOF+, Whole Log BOF, and Optimized Grade Sawing. Now you have control of your product mix. 800.buy.usnr Millwide. Worldwide. www.usnr.com [email protected] ISSUE 5 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 7 Ask a Technician Autograding for MillExpert Carriage Optimization One valuable option available with the MillExpert platform for carriage optimization is the capability for autograding. MillExpert carriage optimizers may use autograding rules and a grader object in the MAL to automatically assign scanned logs to a fiber grade. (Note: The operator’s console must have an autograde button installed and connected to the PLC.) Autograding rules for fiber grades MillExpert’s autograding assigns logs to fiber grades depending on whether the logs have (or don’t have) these six characteristics: ► ►flare ► ►kink ► ►nodal swelling ► ►knots ► ►sweep ► ►fluting 2. Each log starts out with a default score that can be used to control the grade when no characteristics are present. ►► For each required grade characteristic that is present in the log beyond the predetermined threshold setting, the score is increased by the weighting ►► For each not allowed grade characteristic that is present in the log beyond the predetermined threshold setting, the score is decreased by the weighting ► ►Scored characteristics mean they change the score when they are present but have no affect if they are not present. 3. For each grade, the scores for all characteristics are added together. The log will be assigned to the fiber grade that yields the highest score. If two or more grades share the highest score, then the log will be assigned to the grade with the highest grade priority. Each of these characteristics can be classed as: ► ►required Calibration ► ►not allowed Step by step: How autograding works Calibrating the autograding feature will finetune how MillExpert assigns logs to fiber grades. It should be done at system startup, when a new fiber class or grade is created, or if major changes are made to the mill’s log diet. MillExpert provides a user interface that shows how each feature is scored on each log, the total points, and the final grade chosen by the auto grading feature. For each scanned log, these steps are carried out for each grade. Autograding in practice ► ►scored The log is analyzed to see which of the required or not allowed characteristics are present, at least to the degree specified in the threshold settings. 1. The log is checked to see whether it fits within the small and large end diameter restrictions defined for the grade. If it does not, then the log cannot belong to this grade, and the next grade is checked. 8 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 5 - 2011 Autograding is a very powerful tool that can assist producers to achieve the highest return on log resources paired with MillExpert carriage optimization. For example, a log with significant sweep is less likely to have high grade wood, so a mill can choose to cut a pattern with a larger cant Characteristic Threshold measurement Flare Inches of flare/inch of log length Kink Degrees of kink Nodal swelling Percent of nodal swelling Knots Maximum knot height Sweep Sweep expressed as a % Fluting Maximum flute height and fewer sawlines at the carriage. Similarly, nodal swelling indicates branches that have been removed from the log. This log will yield lower grade lumber because there won’t be any clear jacket boards. For help setting up autograding on your MillExpert carriage optimization system, contact USNR service at 800.BUY.USNR. For more information on the MillExpert optimization platform for any machine center, contact your local USNR representative, or 800.BUY.USNR, or e-mail us at [email protected]. Engineering a process evolution Louisiana Hardwood redesigns its edger line For Louisiana Hardwood Products (LHP) at LeMoyen, Louisiana, an abundance of short length material was creating bottlenecks and jam ups at the edger infeed. At the same time two operators were required to run the edger system; one operator monitored and facilitated the flow at the top of the unscrambler, while another manned the operator’s cab and could override the optimizer’s decisions based on the grade of each piece. The mill set out to improve the throughput and streamline the process. The chosen solution combined machinery, process controls and optimization in an integrated blend designed by USNR. The LeMoyen mill processes a wide variety of hardwoods including red and white oak, ash, cypress, elm, pecan, sycamore, and more. Most of the supply is harvested from company-owned land within 100 miles of the plant. Its products are marketed both domestically and overseas through Anderson-Tully Worldwide, to serve the flooring and furniture markets. The LHP team, headed by Operations Director Butch Morgan, knew they could vastly improve the performance of the edger system. Butch commented, “We realized that we had a bottleneck at our edger. We weren’t getting the throughput we needed to, and our scanner was not being allowed to do what we needed it to do. The operator was positioned such that he could override the scanner and that was slowing the process down. The system wasn’t able to make the decisions it needed to make.” The first challenge the mill faced was simply deciding what would best fit the requirements from what was available in the marketplace. Butch said, “We did our due diligence and shopped around, and we always came back to USNR simply because of the experience we’ve had.” The mill already had USNR’s MillExpert optimization on its edger, trimmer and headrigs, and the team was comfortable with it and with USNR from a service standpoint. Sometimes improving throughput and efficiency requires a more complex fix than changing out a machine center, upgrading the process controls or the optimization package. Sometimes it requires an approach that transforms the entire process. Engineering the transformation The next challenge was to engineer the changes that would build in the correct balance for improving the flow while keeping the design as simple and efficient as possible. Mechanically, the existing ‘S’ shaped unscrambler was changed out for a new, radius back design to improve feeding consistency, and a new tipple gate was installed to drop out scrap ISSUE 5 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 9 After the original MillExpert system was installed, USNR added the NHLA rules to the edger software. So with the installation of faster computer hardware and updated software, the project allowed the mill to take advantage of some of the new capabilities already built into MillExpert for hardwood processing. The screen at right shows a board solution from the LHP edger system highlighting some of the unique features built into the the MillExpert to accommodate hardwood applications. In this example, MillExpert allows the edger system to recover both a 5.9” wide full length board and a 3.6” wide 4’ recovery piece with the targeted parameter sets available. (See also Page 13.) from entering the edger infeed area. Chainways were added at some of the wider chain spacings to capture the shorter lumber, while processing changes were made upstream in an effort to remove scrap pieces from the flow. This solved one of the major problems that was impeding the flow of material to the edger. The edger itself is a Schurman design circa 1989. It was deemed to be adequate for the job with four shifting saws, but one of the outside saws was not on a positioning cylinder and so provided limited movement. This impacted the mill’s ability to recover value. A positioning cylinder was installed to facilitate shifting the outermost saw to alleviate this issue. New variable frequency drives replaced the old hydraulic drives which also improved processing efficiency. The existing Modicon controls package was replaced with ControlLogix, and two MillTrak systems were installed to monitor the flow. (See page 11 for information about the MillTrak lumber flow management system.) One MillTrak monitors the top of the unscrambler leading onto the positioning pins and tipple gate through to the scanner; the second one monitors the lumber after the scanner to the outside pressrolls and positioning pins feeding the edger. The MillExpert solution The MillExpert optimization package was upgraded to the latest version with new computer hardware, while the existing Geo2 scanning system was left in place. The MillExpert edger optimizer analyzes scanned lumber images in 3-D, accepting data from the existing scanners. The optimizer evaluates all allowable products and combinations of those products that can be made from each flitch. MillExpert edger optimization software allows for board products to be fit into the flitch in real time, and is proven on virtually every type of edger machine configuration including: multi-saw edgers with combinations of fixed and shifting saws, chipping edgers, and various reman head configurations. MillExpert is easily adapted to model the traditional transverse edger as well as single or multi-zone lineal edgers with ‘smart pickers’. This system utilizes exhaustive-fit optimization, with no lookup tables, patterns, profiles or matrixes used in this technique. This assures the absolute highest value solutions possible. Ben Whitaker was USNR’s project manager for this project, and Gilbert Aponte, a USNR technical expert in optimization and controls, oversaw those aspects as well as installation and training. Gilbert explained that after the original MillExpert system was installed, USNR added the NHLA rules to the edger software. So with the installation of faster computer hardware and updated software, the project allowed the mill to take advantage of some of the new capabilities already built into MillExpert for hardwood processing. MillExpert is designed to be a chameleon; it has the ability to handle a wide variety of processes by MODIFIED EDGER INFEED LAYOUT NEW UNSCRAMBLER 6’ RADIUS BACK ADD CHAIN LINES NEW HEAD SHAFT NEW AIR TAKE UP NEW TIPPLES NEW TIPPLE SHAFT NEW CHAINRACE AND LUG CHAIN NEW HEAD SHAFT NEW SPOTTING CHAIN RACE, CHAIN AND JUMP PLUMBING NEW IDLER ASSY Mechanically, the existing ‘S’ shaped unscrambler was changed out for a new, radius back design to improve feeding consistency, and a new tipple gate was installed to drop out scrap from entering the edger infeed area. Chainways were added at some of the wider chain spacings to capture the shorter lumber, while processing changes were made upstream to remove scrap pieces from the flow. 10 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 5 - 2011 “LHP’s original parameter sets were brought into the upgraded software, and that is what they started out with. Then, during the training we showed them how to expand the system’s capabilities by simply making adjustments to the parameters.” changing the system’s parameters to fit the exact application. USNR’s engineering team develops the parameters based on what the customer wants it to do, and the system’s abilities based on those parameters can be turned on at the outset, or later depending on the customer’s process. Gilbert explained, “LHP’s original parameter sets were brought into the upgraded software, and that is what they started out with. Then, during the training we showed them how to expand the system’s capabilities by simply making adjustments to the MillTrak is a vision-based lumber flow management system. It maximizes throughput efficiency utilizing a camera that is mounted above the lumber transfer to provide a clear view of the flow. It can detect the presence and position of lumber as it passes through the camera’s field of view; accuracy is dependent on the camera’s position and distance from the lumber deck being monitored. Its location above the lumber flow reduces its susceptibility to the dust and moisture that often hinder photo-eye and proximity detection systems. MillTrak creates a virtual array of presence detection points along the lumber conveyance. As lumber pieces travel through the detection area, the system is able to recognize the presence or absence of lumber as well as its width, length and skew. Through adaptive hook sequencing, the hook timing can be adjusted based on the lumber’s width. If a skewed piece is detected, extra space can be created by having the hooks remain up until the piece has straightened, reducing the need for operator intervention. The virtual array can be easily modified through software and does not require the physical relocation of numerous photo-eyes and proximity sensors. Much of the conventional PLC logic can be simplified to use less timer logic replaced by more accurate proof of detection logic, allowing for better optimization of timing for lug chain loading and smoothing the flow. Optimizing lumber flow maximizes the efficiency of the process and reduces the overall cost of ownership. Damon Clinch is one of USNR’s process control experts who has an intimate knowledge about the parameters.” (Screen examples for parameter sets are shown on page 13.) Achieving process evolution Butch explained the new process after all the changes were made. “We actually don’t have an operator at the cab any longer, we have him down at our unscrambler. His main duty now is to control what comes across the unscrambler and tipple out any unwanted pieces we don’t want to get into the edger infeed. The optimizer now makes all the decisions for edging the piece, and it’s doing an excellent job.” The operator is also able to input grade or product information as each board is presented. The optimizer takes that information into account when it makes its solution for processing the piece. For example, if the operator sees that the board presented is pallet stock, he can input that information so the optimizer takes it into account for the edge solution. The MillTrak systems also facilitate this redesigned process. Of note, Gilbert Aponte worked at this mill in the 1980’s when it was owned by Roy O Martin Lumber Company. He was the plant technician at the time, and had his hand in almost all of the processes at the site. When the original scanning system was installed by USNR in the early 1990’s, Gilbert was working for USNR and handled the installation. Gilbert was able to shed much light on the process, both before and after this current evolution. Of the original process, Gilbert says, “It was designed with a specific focus in mind and it served that purpose. Now we needed to take a new approach, remove some of the steps that were built in to the original process and try to simplify it. That took mill personnel and USNR engineering staff to come up with the most cost effective way to make the transformation occur.” He explained that, in doing so many components were reused and recycled back into the new design. One of the challenges for the team was to be very careful not to remove something that could be reused in the design, and it required everyone involved to work together to create a process that is effective in today’s market. Improving piece count The overriding goal the mill had set for the project MILLTRAK monitors THE FLOW MillTrak system, having installed many of the units in mills around the globe. “There is basically one critical component and that’s lighting/contrast. When lighting is even and consistent, and where there is adequate contrast to easily differentiate the wood from the background, then MillTrak makes the job easy.” The MillTrak system was launched in late 2009 and today 35 systems have been sold with numbers increasing substantially over the past year. Also available is the MillTrak 3D system for optimizing log flow at the primary end. Following are some of the applications MillTrak is designed to benefit. ► ►Planer infeed backlog ► ►Edger unscrambler feeding a lug chain ► ►Trimmer lug loader backlog ► ►Cant hook deck sequencing ► ►Adaptive hook timing based on product width and skew ► ►Stacker layer sequencing ISSUE 5 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 11 “Removing the opportunity for the operator to override the scanner and letting the scanner do what we put it in to do, we’ve realized recovery to the tune of about 2%. It’s hard to quantify that as we’re still evaluating.” With the new process a single operator runs the entire line. “We actually don’t have an operator at the cab any longer, we have him down at our unscrambler. His main duty now is to control what comes across the unscrambler and tipple out any unwanted pieces we don’t want to get into the edger infeed. The optimizer now makes all the decisions for edging the piece, and it’s doing an excellent job.” what we want it to do.” He went on to comment on the improvement in recovery. “Removing the opportunity for the operator to override the scanner and letting the scanner do what we put it in to do, we’ve realized recovery to the tune of about 2%. It’s hard to quantify that as we’re still evaluating.” Butch says that he is extremely satisfied. “We’re still training folks and we learn something new every day. It’s been a learning curve for us.” Training was handled on site by the USNR start-up team. Butch also related that training was extended upstream from the edger all the way back to the headrigs. “One of the biggest challenges for us is trying to keep unwanted pieces and junk away from our edger system. That’s been a training process for everybody.” All systems ‘Go’ was to improve throughput and efficiency. Butch related that previous piece counts were in the range of 10 pieces/min. or below, and even that wasn’t a consistent number. “We set out to consistently get 4 pieces/min. increase in the flow. If we can get lumber to the system we can consistently do 13 pieces/min. We’re also contemplating more projects in front of the edger to try to get a few more pieces to the edger. I think the system will do exactly 12 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 5 - 2011 Throughout the project’s duration Butch was pleased with the support from USNR, and even more so of the start-up crew. “USNR had an excellent start-up team here for us from controls to mechanical, and optimization. We started this thing up in a short amount of time.” LHP personnel involved in the project were as follows. James Stroud, electrical superintendent, was involved with the electrical layout, system start-up, and working with USNR system programmers. Rob Blankenship, production manager, was involved with production flow, training, and working with USNR controls technicians to understand the new system. Wayne Fontenot as production superintendent, worked with the start-up team during the changeover. He was heavily involved with training at the edger, and also training the operators upstream on the quality of pieces that had to get through to the edger to ensure the transformation of the process was a success. Greg Thibodeaux, mechanical supervisor, worked with USNR service technicians and Pierce Construction, a local contractor, on installation of the new mechanical equipment. Wayne Fontenot, James Stroud, and Heath Broussard, supervisor responsible for quality control, all worked closely with the USNR team setting the new software parameters for the system. And Butch Morgan was involved with the project from beginning to end. Butch’s next focus for the site will be finding ways to increase the sawing speed, with attention to upstream processes. He says the hardwood market is primarily species driven. “While the red oak market has softened somewhat, we’re managing to keep our head above water.” The evolution this project has made to the mill’s process in terms of efficiency, throughput and value recovery further support that cause. MillExpert: hardwood process expert The world of hardwood processing is different from that of softwood dimension mills. Many optimization platforms on the market are simply not designed for the intricacies that the hardwood industry demands. And that is why MillExpert has gained a very strong approval rating among mills in this sector. USNR’s team of optimization specialists includes several who are well versed in the hardwood processing realm. Their expertise dates back to NHLA and hardwood algorithms based on the INOVEC WaneMaster. Product configuration in the MillExpert edger optimizer is familiar and intuitive. The configuration of cuttings is set up to mirror the NHLA grading rules. The tally rule allows control over the value used by the optimization. Commonly-seen variants of NHLA tally are offered in addition to the standard rule, as well as the options of end tally and block tally. Along with powerful control over wane allowances, the user is able to take full advantage of MillExpert’s built in productby-product configuration. Wane free clear cutting evaluations can be set up to work in conjunction with the optional BioVision feature, providing grade recognition capability. These features combine to provide maximum control over the system for producing higher quality products. Contact us for more information about our line of products designed specifically to meet the requirements of the hardwood processing sector. The screen above demonstrates an FAS cuttings solution evaluation with BioVision. Using the wane parameters, knot allowances and required yield, the board will be cut to 10.7” wide with three clear cuttings totalling 124 clear cutting units. If the board were wider or longer its surface measure would round to 13 and the cuttings would no longer meet grade requirements due to knot and wane constrictions. The Scale Table below demonstrates how the value of a board can be configured by both length and width. Scale tables are set by length and width. Other hardwood-related parameters are shrinkage for surface measure determination, push/pull logic and tally rule type. The cutting rules configuration dialog (left) mimics the Hardwood Lumber Grades Standard Inspection method. ISSUE 5 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 13 HARDWOOD EDGER OPTIMIZER More hardwood edger optimizers than all others... combined! The clear leader in optimized hardwood applications, our MillExpert Hardwood Edger Optimizer is designed with your products in mind ► Wane-free clear cutting evaluations; works with optional BioVision for visual grade recognition capability ► Considers true random or fixed widths, or a combination ► Independent wane controls for each edge ► Largest, most experienced support staff in the industry MillExpert Hardwood Edger Optimizers can be applied as ► new systems ► upgrades to Inovec, Newnes, or USNR optimizers ► retrofits to existing systems with alternate scanners Combining dense 3D scan data with the power of today’s high speed computers, MillExpert Hardwood Edger Optimization lets you get the most value from every board you edge. For an evaluation of your system, call us today! 800.buy.usnr www.usnr.com USNR’s new BioLuma 2900 sensor delivers color images and color solution plots for each board scanned. Millwide. Worldwide. 14 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 5 - 2011 [email protected] New insulated dryer floor panels New floors for your old veneer dryer Insulated dryer floor panels are easy to install over the existing floor, and provide significant efficiency gains. USNR’s insulated floor is designed to retrofit existing dryers of all configurations. New floor panels fabricated from mild or stainless steel are installed over the existing concrete floor that is typically found in most older dryers. Complete seal weld installation literally eliminates dryer leakage around the foundation, and keeps thermal energy inside the dryer to improve dryer productivity. The insulated floor upgrade significantly enhances dryer performance and gives new life to your existing dryer, all with a minimal capital investment. Improved dryer alignment and expansion reduces plug ups and lost operating time. Foundation sealing that is normally required around door frames is eliminated. With decades of success in veneer drying, we know that uninterrupted performance and high quality veneer production is critical in today’s challenging operating environment. Get the most out of your system with unique and reliable upgrades from USNR that are designed by the people who understand veneer processing machinery better than anyone in the business. Contact us today at [email protected], or toll-free 800-BUY-USNR. Benefits include the following. ► ►Reduces energy consumption ► ►Improves dryer productivity ► ►Prevents further foundation deterioration ► ►Eliminates leakage ► ►Easier cleanout ISSUE 5 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 15 USNR’s capable lumber handling team takes the mystery out of lumber sorting, with a wide variety of solutions that are time tested on a global scale. Whatever your challenges, we can help you make the right choice. USNR sorts it out for you Sorting lumber can seem daunting when faced with the vast number of variables at play in most modern mills. How many sorts do we require? How do we accommodate more grades within our existing sorting system? How do we increase our operational throughput and still sort effectively? How do we deal with wet boards or MSR? What do we do with the partially filled bins at the end of the shift? How can we do more with a finite number of resources? How do we give our customers more of what they want, and less of what they don’t want within acceptable grade rules? Fortunately USNR has the expertise to sort out these issues – pardon the pun. With thousands of sorter installations worldwide, USNR’s lineage boasts brands such as Newnes, Hemco, CSMI, LSI, Coe, Irvington Moore and others. USNR has many decades of experience solving a multitude of lumber sorting problems. USNR’s Newnes brand offered the first vertical bin sorter to lumber producers decades ago, and today features the widest array of advanced technology solutions. USNR’s sorter tops include J-bar, pusher lug and drag chain; sorter bottoms include vertical bin, slant bin, slant tray, horizontal tray and sling. We design for speeds up to 240 lugs per minute. High speed bin sorter options comprise the following. ► ►bin chokes ► ►bin baffles/dividers ► ►bin kickers (new) ► ►stub bin walls ► ►fully sheeted bins ► ►live bin walls ► ►bin safety lock cables (LNS) ► ►sweeper chains below sorter ► ►wireless bin attendant ► ►auto bin dumping and auto package tracking WinTally USNR’s WinTally ® is the leading contender in sorter management systems. WinTally V7 operates on the Windows 7 platform, with SQL Server 2008 R2 Express database, Crystal 10 reporting and Ethernet IP. Standardized code offers excellent support and upgradeability. WinTally is capable of a multitude of complex sorting configurations. Following are a few of its key features that set it apart from other tally systems available today. ► ►Bin dispersion: allows the tally to disperse products throughout a bin. E.g. the system can create packages with an even dispersion of low grade #2 boards within a package of higher grade #2. ► ►Product mixing: allows a mix of products within WinTally’s user interface offers control of a host of sorting configurations. 16 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 5 - 2011 a bin. E.g. a customer may want to offer a deal to end users where they can purchase packs containing a certain percentage of ‘wet’ boards in a #1 pack, or to mix packs by species. ► ►Bin throttle: limits the number of boards that can be directed to a single bin or area so as not to overwhelm the bin or pull chain area while allowing mill personnel the ability to maintain control of the process. ► ►Jag pack management: A jag is a bin that is not completely filled, and typically occurs at the end of a shift. If a different product will be run in the next shift, the bins must be cleared out first, causing production loss on re-entry when that run is used again. This feature minimizes the number of jags remaining at the end of a shift by shutting off products at the optimizer once those bins are filled. The optimizer must then re-optimize these products into a different grade, minimizing jags while maintaining the highest value combinations. Optimizer integration ► ►Reduced product setup; enter products ONLY at the LHG or THG ► ►Offers increased product control to enhance ► ►Product sorting by priority allows specific Machine configuration product mixing ► ►Built in board logging from the LHG or THG; WinTally automatically saves selected board images for diagnostics packages to be produced in a sequence regardless of their location in the sorter. ► ►Trim-by-product capability allows a product arriving at the trimmer that does not appear in the active product list to be trimmed back to an allowable product. ► ►Virtual bin: direct multiple sorts to any location. Typically used where a dropout sends a number of products to a pull chain for hand sorting. Each of these products can be defined, tallied and reported the same as products sorted to bins. ► ►Multiple MSR board tests can be run simultaneously. This allows much enhanced testing functionality. ► ►End spray and grade stamp boards by product and/or grade. ► ►Multiple views of bin data are available, and the bin overview screen shows the product-by-product count per bin. ► ►Dual bin search zones, configurable per sort. ► ►A real-time board display maximizes feedback and troubleshooting, configurable by the user. ► ►Database can be backed up and restored through the user interface, with no loss of board counts in the bins. ► ►VFD speed control setup from WinTally is Integration with USNR’s Lineal High Grader (LHG) or Transverse High Grader (THG) in the planer mill, and trimmer optimizer in the sawmill ups the ante for the WinTally, however it is not essential. When WinTally is integrated with the LHG or THG the products are entered only once in the system, at the optimizer. The optimizer’s board solution is relayed to the WinTally system for sorting. Further, if a mill is cutting to order, once the order is filled the optimizer no longer makes that product. Instead it will select the next most valuable solution. This could be a cut-n-two or single board solution depending on the value of currently active products (based on mill inputs) and the physical characteristics of the piece. When WinTally is not integrated with LHG or THG, the products must be entered at both the optimizer and at the WinTally. As an example, product mixing can work in a stand-alone WinTally system used with another vendor’s optimizer. In that case the product is not “turned off” at the optimizer but can still be mixed throughout specified bins. configurable per product run. ► ►Adjust PLC timing points (user customizable). ► ►Chain stoppages can be forced, based on the occurrence of specified alarms. The alarms can be allowed to occur to a predetermined limit (customizable by site). ► ►Any alarm can be configured to accumulate downtime for reporting purposes. ► ►Interfaces with USNR Grade Mark Reader to configure grade mark setup, per run. ► ►Interfaces with USNR’s LHG or THG for grade tests and for single point product setup. Shift configuration and data reporting ► ►Create complex swing shifts and report printing instructions, then track production to a crew even when complex shifts exist. ► ►Reports are designed in Crystal Reports, and offer up to 1000 shifts of historical data. USNR’s sorting expertise offers many more options and features. Please contact us at 1.800.BUY.USNR, +360.225.8267, or [email protected]. Features, features, features There are many other standard features offered with WinTally besides those described previously. ► ►Sort-to-order capabilities. Any number of products can be sorted for specified packages. The sort definitions will self-disable when the order entry count has completed. ► ►Flexible sort setups for each product run. New products can be added at any time. WinTally interfaces with USNR’s grade mark reader. ISSUE 5 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 17 NEW PROJECTS AKD Softwoods Edger infeed improvements Parton Lumber MillExpert/LASAR log optimization Arkansas plywood producer 3 main cylinder replacements The Associated Kiln Driers site at Colac, New Zealand is updating the infeed at its transverse edger system with new unscrambler, transfers and positioning table. USNR will work with Skookum Technology to implement the improvements. Allegheny - Edger upgrades Parton Lumber at Rutherfordton, North Carolina, has ordered a MillExpert log optimizer with two LASAR scan heads for its carriage system. The MillExpert software will feature rotation optimization, using actual whole-log solutions to evaluate the best log orientation, not just simple sweep. A major plywood producer in Arkansas is replacing three main cylinders on its Coe plywood press. The heavy duty design of the new cylinders will fit into the same envelopes as the old. The new cylinders will also provide longer life with excellent tolerance for high stress and pressure spikes. Allegheny Wood Products at Kingwood and Norton, West Virginia are upgrading their existing V6 Edger systems with MillExpert optimization. Warm Springs Forest Products Edger top reman chip head module Ames True Temper Kiln Boss upgrade The mill located at Warm Springs, Oregon is adding a top reman module behind its existing Schurman board edger. The plant at Wallingford, Vermont is upgrading its Kiln Boss controls system to allow for current and future functionality enhancements. West Fraser Planer mill modernizations Building Products of Canada Coe Dryer Dry End Seal system The company’s Coe Fibreboard Dryer, located at LaSalle, Quebec will receive a retrofit with a new dry end seal system including powered exhaust fan. The purpose of the upgrade will allow two of the end zones to operate under slight negative pressure, reducing the fume leakage into the plant and preventing ambient air from entering the dryer through the cooling sections. California Redwood Trim Line modifications West Fraser is modernizing its planer mills at Hinton and Whitecourt, Alberta. At Hinton, significant modernization will be done including a quick change head conversion to its Coastal planer. The Whitecourt site will also receive major modernization to its planer mill. Western Forest Products Trimmer optimizer upgrade Western’s Nanaimo Sawmill Division is upgrading its trimmer optimization from the QNX platform to the latest USNR Sawmill Suite release, V7.1. The Korbel, California site has ordered modifications to its planer mill trim line along with a new slant hopper stick/lath placer. USNR was pleased to sponsor free tickets to a NASCAR race for four lucky folks who visited our booth at the recent SFPA Expo in Atlanta, Georgia. Pictured left to right are Ben and Vicki Crim, and Malinda and David Richbourg. Ben is Director of Engineering at Hood Industries, Hattiesburg, MS, and David is General Manager at Culp Lumber, New London, NC. The car shown was displayed courtesy of Ken Morgan of Morgan Lumber at Red Oak, VA. Ken is an avid racing enthusiast, and now that he is retired he has more time to pursue his passion for race car driving. 18 Millwide INSIDER | ISSUE 5 - 2011 Multi-Track Fence Winning design for high speed, low maintenance and precise positioning In 2010 USNR launched the Multi-Track Fence, a cost effective solution to improve the speed and accuracy of the trim line. The first fence was installed in June 2010, and today 32 Multi-Track Fences have been installed globally. This fence accommodates very high speeds with precise board positioning, an excellent choice for high-speed optimized applications requiring 0.1” (0.25 cm) positioning resolution. The Multi-Track Fence allows wider lug spacing at high speeds, with less critical timing than other rotary fence models. It operates without any air or hydraulics; all electric actuation. Join the growing number of mills who are utilizing its many features. To learn more contact your sales representative, send us an email at [email protected] or call 800-BUY-USNR today. 32 SOLD To see a video of this fence in action, go to http://www.usnr.com/media/Multi-Track-Fence.wmv. Sign up today! INSIDER Complimentary Subscription Millw ide AG AZ TH E M Name Title OM IN E FR US NR E | IS SU 11 1 - 20 IONS T A T O R GOOD DE THE CYLINDER es ry li n at b r Lu m C a rr ie ld e r yi e b e tt e ti r ro ta c o ve o n , re ry eer r Ve n in ie I at Ra O U TeSs performance LHG anc h n e N ON nd LU S B lo c kP V I S I Omarket turnarou O T S ra M O V ERamping up fo R E S FRA WEST New Company p ri m a Mailing Address CityState/Prov. CountryZip/Post code Please (continue to) send me the Millwide Insider magazine by USNR. Tel.Fax Date E-mail Signature Fax to 250.804.4028 or mail to Colleen Schonheiter, USNR, PO Box 8, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4N2. To unsubscribe, or to subscribe by e-mail, please send your request to [email protected]. ISSUE 5 - 2011 | Millwide INSIDER 19 PO Box 310 Woodland, WA 98674 PROFILE Millwide INSIDER is printed on recycled paper. UPCOMING EVENTS John Seifert is USNR Regional Account Manager based in the Northeast US. right combination of technology I started in 1963.” But that hasn’t for his customers. “I’m proud to quelled his interest. He has been contribute to the development of active in sawfilers’ associations hardwood optimization with the for many years and has even MillExpert edger optimizer.” John written two instruction manuals. also contributes ideas for features John’s experience in this industry spans nearly five decades, with in carriage optimization. John understands the frequent An avid sportsman, John likes to fish, hunt deer and squirrels with his Brittany Spaniel, Rusty. his primary focus being hardwood ups and downs of business for Having raised four grown children, processing. With tenure in both his customers. “Because my John and his wife, Cathy, now sawmills and supplier companies, customer base is made up of 99% enjoy many weekends camping. John has seen it from both sides. hardwood sawmills, it has been His expertise has proven its challenging with the hardwood value for putting together the market in its worst slump since 2011 2012 NOV. 16–19 ExpoCorma FEB. 8–9 IHLA MAR. 14–16 HMA Concepcion, Chile Indianapolis, Indiana New Orleans, Louisiana NOV. 29–DEC. 2 WOODEX MAR. 1–2 PELICE MAR. 29–31 AusTimber Moscow, Russia Atlanta, Georgia Mount Gambier, Australia MAR. 13–15 KFIA London, Kentucky