Patent ID: 6175092
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: B07C,G01N,Y10S

Abstract:
An apparatus for classifying batches of wood chips according to light reflection characteristics comprising:illumination means for directing substantially even light onto an area of wood chips included in at least a representative portion of an inspected one of said wood chips batches, said illuminated wood chips presenting light reflection characteristics being substantially representative of the wood chips of the inspected batch;image creating means for sensing light reflected on the illuminated area of wood chips included in said batch portion to produce first electrical signals representing reflection intensity values for the wood chips included in said batch portion;moisture detector means for producing second electrical signals representing average moisture values for the illuminated wood chips included in said batch portion;means for deriving from said first and second electrical signals global reflection intensity data for the inspected batch, said global reflection intensity data being normalized according to a predetermined moisture reference value; andmeans for comparing the global reflection intensity data with reference reflection intensity data to provide classification of said inspected batch of wood chips according its light reflection characteristics, said classification enabling adjustment of process parameters of a pulp production process to be fed with the inspected batch.