A review of the design considerations of replacement drive system installation

This paper reports options and decisions that were involved prior to and during installation and initial operation of the A.C. Drive on Paper Machine #2 at the Weyerhaeuser Company, Springfield, Oregon USA mill. Several questions will be answered. Why was the drive replaced? How did the DC versus AC drive decision get made? How were specifications developed and what were the specific considerations? What are some of the highlights of material procurement? Were there special considerations for equipment installation? What pitfalls surfaced during startup? Does operating experience prove the overall program? It is the author´s fundamental intent to focus on the decision-making process rather than the case history of the project. An attempt will be made to present the decision making processes in graphic flowchart form.