Dynamic modeling of a paper machine, part II: evaluation of wet-end model dynamics

Dynamic models that can predict the performance of a paper machine are a valuable asset both to industry and to the research community. This study evaluated the performance of a simulator package developed in Matlab® with Simulink® for modeling the wet-end of a pilot paper machine. The data produced by the model were compared to data collected during the operation of a pilot-scale paper machine. The model was able to simulate the process dynamics with reasonable accuracy. The average errors of the simulated values of lithium concentration in the headbox, mixing chest, and white water trough, were calculated as 2.6%, 5.1%, and 9.3%, respectively, after step addition of lithium chloride (LiCl) solution; 3.7%, 4.4%, and 38.6%, respectively, after pulse addition of LiCl solution; and 2.2%, 4.6%, and 1.6%, respectively, after step reduction of LiCl solution.