ARVPS: Adaptive Relay Valve Pressure System

The aim of this project is to investigate a new technology to realize an automatic pressure control over the full width of a weaving loom. On current looms a constant air pressure is put on the relay nozzles over the full width of the machine. This pressure is constant for all yarns inserted. However, for weak yarns a lower air pressure would be recommended and a higher air pressure for stronger yarns. Besides lowering the air consumption due to a lower air pressure, this solution can also reduce the number of yarn breaks, which should in turn allow an increase of productivity. This means a decrease in energy consumption and a productivity increase. A decrease in energy consumption is very important in a world of ever increasing energy costs. In order to make it possible, we need to be able to put a variable pressure on each relay nozzle of the loom. The technological requirements are valves that can act fast enough as well as software to control these valves. It also requires a scientific investigation into the possible influences and effects of the different and varying air pressure settings on different yarns. With this new system, it would be possible to adjust the air pressure from pick to pick. This would allow a more diverse multitude of yarns to be woven simultaneously leading to the creation of new, special articles, increasing the versatility of the loom.

Supported by: IWT

Contact: Ir. Simon De Meulemeester