Together with the experienced and established manufacturers and machine builders for the paper industry, we have developed automated evaluation stations according to individual requirements. The device uses NIR measurement technology and our proven evaluation algorithms to determine the quality parameters. We have many years of know-how in this new technology.

The automated waste paper bale inspection enables you to evaluate waste paper bales objectively, quickly and efficiently and avoids the need for additional personnel for inspections.

Our development partners:

• Haarla Oy - Specialised supplier to the process industry and machine builders - Products: BALEMAT
• VALMET - Developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services - Products: Baletester

Automated waste paper bale testing - First commissioning:

The world's first installation takes place in autumn 2013 at MM-Karton's board mill in Gernsbach. Only a few weeks after commissioning, more than 1200 measurements were successfully carried out and evaluated in Gernsbach. Since then, many more start-ups have followed.

Together with the experienced Finnish machine manufacturer Haarla Oy, we have developed the BALEMAT automated evaluation station for waste paper bales. The device uses NIR measurement technology and our proven evaluation algorithms to determine the quality parameters.

We have many years of know-how in this new technology.

Together with Haarla Oy, the PTS team has developed the evaluation stations in a mobile version (Balemat truck, see video) and carried out commissioning at Mayr-Melnhof (Gernsbach, Germany) and at Soon Orora Paper (Botany Mill, Australia).

Information - Balemat:

Product Description - Balemat

• Overview Balemat 2 - General Concept

The measuring system is fully integrated into the PLC of the Valmet bale tester and has an interface to Smurfit Kappa's operational ERP system. Birmingham and Hoya are now the third bale tester to operate at Smurfit Kappa after Roermond. Two further installations at Smurfit Kappa have already been ordered and scheduled for 2019. Further installations are planned beyond that.

PTS supports Valmet Saragossa in the commissioning and production of waste paper bale testers, including Smurfit Kappa at its sites in Birmingham and Hoya. PTS supplies the PaperBaleSensor (PBS), the metrological core component for the inspection system. The so-called core version is used in Valmet's bale testers. This means that the core produced with a core drill from the waste paper bale is automatically brought to the PBS installed in the system and pushed past the measuring window. Using the proven NIR methods and algorithms of PTS, the moisture, ash, plastic and wood pulp content is determined at random.

Setup and equipment -Smurfit Kappa:

The measuring system is fully integrated into the PLC of the Valmet bale tester and has an interface to Smurfit Kappa's operational ERP system. In Birmingham and Hoya, Smurfit Kappa now has its third bale tester in operation after Roermond. Two further installations at Smurfit Kappa have been realised in succession in 2019.

More information: Bale Tester - Website