output by reducing the time we spent breaking logs down ,” said Grant Arnold , Waipapa Pine Operations Director .
Automating the decision process The mill decided on carriage optimization using USNR ’ s LASAR2 front and backside scanners .
“ Scanning as much of the log as possible is preferred for any mill planning to utilize USNR ’ s optimized whole log breakdown system ,” said Dale Bradicich , USNR International Account Manager .
“ Depending on the mill layout and available space for front and backside sensors , up to 270 ° of coverage is achievable on a log loaded onto the carriage .”
Arnold said : “ We considered other vendors and looked at a couple of other installations here in New Zealand , but when we compared functionality and fitness for our operation there was only one way to go .
“ I have also had experience with USNR optimizers in the past , so I was very happy knowing USNR sets the benchmark with these systems .”
LASAR2 scanning LASAR2 is the second-generation laser log scanning technology from USNR . This technology has been used successfully in transverse transport machine centers such as conventional headrig carriages , overhead end-dogging systems and log merchandiser decks , in addition to close-coupled primary breakdown systems such as C-frame carriages and EDLF machines .
The scanner produces ‘ radartype ’ measurements of the distance from the sensor to each data point within the field of view , amounting to between 50,000 and 100,000 data points for one side of a log . Using front and backside scanning , a scan image can be created that profiles 75 % of a log ’ s circumference .
Flexible optimization The USNR Carriage Optimization system provides detailed breakdown rules that can be set for
The carriage operator now relies on optimization to save time , and ensure the best breakdown solution for each log . Run rates have increased by 28 %, sawn recovery by 3 % and graded recovery by 2.9 %
each species , grade and fiber class , along with other options including configurable face cut orders , configurable minimum opening face sizes and lengths , half taper , full taper , and no taper options .
Multiple adjustable scan zones ensure maximum coverage area and maximum scan density on every size of log . The stop-n-loader scan feature allows pre-positioning of the carriage knees to accept the next log , pre-loaded close to the saw line , for faster throughput .
Installing the system “ We are very satisfied with how the project progressed ,” said Arnold . “ Geoff Strang and the group at Skookum Technology ( USNR ’ s agent in the region ), Aaron Taitoko and the Tui Technology team , as well as the complete USNR team working on our project , did an excellent job .
“ My Waipapa Pine team grabbed the project with both hands and worked closely with all suppliers to make the project a success .”
Monica Thomas , an engineer from USNR ’ s Salmon Arm , BC location , did the initial log study based on information provided by the mill . The study was instrumental in aiding Waipapa ’ s decision process .
To ensure success , Don
I have also had experience with USNR optimizers in the past , so I was very happy knowing USNR sets the benchmark with these systems
Grant Arnold , Waipapa Pine
Getchell , project manager from USNR ’ s Eugene , Oregon facility , made the trip to New Zealand for the installation .
“ Training , commissioning and ongoing support from Don has been to the highest standard ,” added Arnold .
Exceptional results With this optimizer upgrade , all three key production measures in the mill have increased . Run rates have increased by 28 %, simply as a result of relieving the operator of breakdown decisions in order to concentrate on loading the log , dogging and driving the carriage .
The average time to process a log on the carriage has been reduced by 20 seconds . Sawn recovery has increased by about 3 %, and graded recovery has increased by 2.9 %.
“ These results have aligned very well with our business goals ,” continued Arnold . “ Bottom line , we have seen an increase in volume , a higher grade in this volume , and we have cut fewer logs to achieve these improvements .
“ More production , less cost and a better sales mix has given our performance a great boost .
“ In the end , we ’ re very , very satisfied with all that USNR has done for us .
“ Given the success of this install , we plan to move towards optimization in other key machine center areas in the future .”
See us at Ligna Hall 25 , Stand D65
International Forest Industries | APRIL / MAY 2017 39