How tense is your web?

ABB Pressductor has collaborated with paper-making and converting machine makers and users to develop a range of digital web monitors designed to determine the tension at various points in a machine or process line.

The compact PFEA 11X monitors, available in IP20 Din-rail-mounting or IP65 wall-mounting versions, are designed for use with the company`s Pressductor load cells (shown above). They have built-in displays that guide the user through the commissioning process, minimising errors and speeding up the process.

Instead of using calibration weights, the system uses a calculated value for "wrap gain". Self-diagnostics monitor the installation continuously and provide error and warning messages both via the local display, and remotely via a Profibus-DP bus which also provides a scaled and zeroed tension output for control and monitoring purposes.

The system remembers the maximum load to help identify tension extremes and the causes of any faulty load cells. The cells can indicate forces up to five times the nominal load with reduced accuracy.