Caption: The bridge control on the BHS corrugator at Mondipak Brakpan ensures optimum positioning and tension of the single-faced web prior to insertion into the pre-heater. Sensors determine web position and guide it via non-crush rolls to the correct position.
A new web and bridge brake system, supplied by Dennes Engineering, which represents BHS Corrugated Machinery in South Africa, was commissioned in October 2009 and handed over to the production team on time with no unforeseen stoppages. As a result, Mondipak is already realising significant improvements in the quality of corrugated board, as well as a reduction in waste.
BHS equipment is standard in all Mondipak corrugated board manufacturing plants – at Pinetown, Springs, Kuils River and Brakpan. The upgrade at Brakpan is not only essential to ensure correct tension and web alignment but, as previously reported, is consistent with Mondipak’s policy of equipping its facilities with the very latest technology to achieve efficiency and waste reduction. It follows hot on the heels of earlier significant investments at Kuils River (PPM Sept 08 p18) and Pinetown.
More board, less waste
The web control (bridge control unit) detects the single-faced web on the bridge and aligns it automatically to the centre line of the corrugator. Sensors determine the correct web position and guide it via non-crush rolls to the required position on the operator or drive-side of the machine.
Upstream the bridge brake regulates the web tension ensuring a smooth in-feed through the glue unit and the double facer. The edges of the double-backer liner are detected via a sensor, resulting in minimal adjustments to ensure proper alignment. Further benefits include faster preparation time and speedy flute changeovers, proper tension control on the single-face web, production of flat board, less line-up waste and ‘shy liners’, less rotary shear waste and reduced cleaning time of hot plates when changing paper widths.
Mondipak delivers in excess of 220 000 tons of corrugated board every year into the local and export markets. By upgrading its plants and investing in modern technology, the group’s products are constantly improving.
‘We continuously investigate methods to guarantee sustainability on production lines and processes,’ explains André Harmse, Mondipak Brakpan general manager. ‘This upgrade will ensure improved productivity in the factory and a reduction of costs which will result in better profitability.’
Mondi Packaging
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Dennes Engineering
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