NipDynamics
Make Nip Conditions Visible. In Real Time.
NipDynamics is Voith's embedded roll cover sensor system designed to visualize nip conditions during production. Unlike conventional nip measurements taken during shutdowns, NipDynamics continuously monitors nip load distribution at full machine speed, with paper in the nip and under real operating conditions. This enables papermakers to identify hidden process issues, optimize machine performance, and make data-driven decisions based on real-time measurements.
Benefits at a Glance
Real-Time Nip Visibility
Monitor nip conditions continuously during production instead of relying on periodic inspections.
Improved Process Stability
Real-time control of nip conditions helps reduce waste, lower energy consumption, prevent downtime, and improve product quality, generating substantial cost savings across the machine.
Early Warning of Critical Issues
Detect roll cover failures, delamination risks and irregular loading situations before they lead to costly downtime.
Optimize Quality and Efficiency
Identify root causes of moisture profile variations, paper wrinkles and winding quality issues.
Support Data-Based Decisions
Optimize cover crown design, machine settings and maintenance activities using measured nip data rather than assumptions.
Wide Application Range
Suitable for rubber, polyurethane and composite roll covers across a broad range of paper machine positions.
Product Details
NipDynamics integrates a unique sensor stripe directly into the roll cover structure and continuously measures the nip load distribution during operation.
The system combines embedded sensor technology, electronic hardware and visualization software to provide actionable information about the actual nip behavior.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| System Type | Online nip measuring system |
| Measurement Mode | Real-time continuous monitoring |
| Machine Condition | Full machine speed |
| Paper in Nip | Yes |
| Cover Materials | Rubber, Polyurethane, Composite |
| Data Output | Nip load distribution visualization |
| Monitoring | Continuous online monitoring |
| Installation | Embedded in roll cover |
| Software | Dedicated NipDynamics visualization software |
Customer References
The technology has been successfully implemented across different paper grades, machine configurations, cover materials and operating conditions worldwide. Field installations have demonstrated reliable system performance in press rolls, film presses, reel drums, tissue applications, and MG cylinder positions.
Use case for Reeling & Winding
NipDynamics in a LunaReel rubber roll cover helped a paper producer to improve winding quality, and reduced quality-related costs without requiring machine downtime.
Challenge:
- The customer experienced uneven winding hardness at the reel winder, resulting in quality issues during the downstream calendering process and increased claim costs. The root cause of the problem was unknown and difficult to identify.
- Highly senitive application ~2 kN/m
Main Target:
- Identify the root cause of the winding hardness variation.
- Improve the nip pressure profile and winding quality.
- Enable precise roll alignment and process optimization.
- Reduce quality-related costs and customer complaints.
Result:
- The investigation with conventional methods revealed that unequal horizontal tambour movement created a skewed nip profile, causing inconsistent winding hardness.
- After installing NipDynamics, the customer gained continuous, real-time monitoring of nip conditions throughout the winding process.
- The data enabled online roll alignment optimization without machine downtime.
- Winding hardness uniformity and CD profile consistency were significantly improved.
- Quality issues and associated claim costs were reduced, resulting in a more stable and efficient winding process.
MG Cylinder Application
MegaSoft roll cover was applied to a 1st glazing position and sister roll against MG Cylinder
Challenge:
- Varying nip conditions and very high ambient temperature
Main Target:
- Optimization of profile situation
Result:
- 16-month successful installation
- Profile situation optimized
- €45,000 savings realized
- Customer expanded NipDynamics installation to all other rolls as well. In total 6 roll covers were equipped with NipDynamics.
Tissue Pressure Roll Installation
SolarSoft blind drilled application at a Tissue Pressure Roll
Challenge:
- Improve moisture profile and investigate cover delamination issues
Main Target:
- Improve paper moisture profile and solve cover delamination issue
Result:
- From the first day of operation, NipDynamics identified a wet stripe in the paper profile caused by locally low line load, enabling targeted corrective actions.
