Patent ID: 8303771
Filing Date: 2012-11-06
Classification: D21C

Abstract:
1. A method of measuring the forces acting on at least one seal in a washing apparatus for washing and dewatering cellulose pulp comprising a rotary drum including a plurality of compartments disposed along the outer periphery of said rotary drum for washing said cellulose pulp, said plurality of compartments defined by a plurality of axial walls, a stationary casing disposed around said rotary drum thereby defining an annular space between said stationary casing and said rotary drum, at least one axially extending longitudinal seal dividing said annular space into a plurality of zones, and a force measurement device for measuring the force acting on said at least one seal in the radial direction of said rotary drum comprising a load transmission shaft having a first end proximate to said at least one longitudinal seal on said rotary drum and a second end distal from said rotary drum, and a spring member for transmitting a first driving force to said at least one longitudinal seal, said method comprising measuring, by means of said force measurement device, the biasing force provided by said spring member for determining said first driving force applied to said at least one longitudinal seal when said rotary drum is not operating, measuring, by means of said force measurement device, a second driving force acting on said load transmission shaft during operation of said rotary drum, and deriving a third driving force acting against said at least one longitudinal seal in a radial direction away from said rotary drum based on said measured first and second forces.