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Researcher of the month: Sami Lamminen22.02.2012

Intelligent Operator Tutoring Systems for Wood Harvesting increases productivity

Researcher Sami Lamminen takes part in a research program EffFibre (Value Through Intensive and Efficient Fibre supply) WP3 of Forestcluster Ltd. The work package focuses on intelligent operator tutoring systems for wood harvesting. The goal is to bring exact information about the distribution of the trees, the topography, the trafficability of strip roads and the location of timber on harvesting site which eases the forest machine operator’s decision making process for wood harvesting. The project is led by Jarmo Hämäläinen from Metsäteho Oy.

 

The goal of Sami’s work is to improve the pre-planning of strip road network and timber hauling. Modern technology offers possibility to illustrate new information on map for forest machine operator. It is possible to calculate the slope of terrain and the distribution of trees of logging site. It is possible also to create 3D-map of terrain with the characteristics of new information sources. The other goal of the project is to develop a trafficability map of strip road network which illustrates the bearing capacity of strip roads. The bearing capacity of strip roads is valuable information for forwarder operator. Forest machine operator needs a lot of work experience. Especially young, inexperienced operators, starting their career call for a long learning period in order to get adjusted in practical conditions and to operate economically where the planning of work is in a big role. “Operators’ productivity varies widely depending on experience. More advanced operator is more productive. The purpose of the intelligent operator tutoring systems for wood harvesting is especially to increase the productivity of inexperienced operators" says Sami.
This research is the continuation of earlier research in EffTech program. The focus of “Less is more” –project was wood harvesting at peat lands in summer time. The amount of timber harvesting should be stable around the year in forest industry’s point of view but because of weak bearing capacity the harvesting at peat lands has been possible only during the winter time. The results from the earlier research have been utilized in this research.
In 2009, Sami graduated from the University of Joensuu. His Master's thesis considers the rut formation of strip roads on peat land during wood harvesting operations.
When not working, Sami spends time with his family who includes his wife as well as three small children. He also likes to swim and to play volleyball and badminton.
 

Researcher of the month: Juho Sirviö22.02.2012

First doctoral thesis started in FuBio program now ready

Researcher Juho Sirviö takes part in both FuBio research programs FuBio JR2 (Future Biorefinery - Joint Research 2) and FuBio Cellulose (Future Biorefinery – Products from Dissolved Cellulose) of Forestcluster Ltd. The work package concentrates on reactive improvement of cellulose during periodate oxygenation. Work group is led by Osmo Hormi from the University of Oulu.

The goal of Juho’s work is to make more efficient reaction using periodate oxidation. More efficient reaction is possible using mechanical grinding, higher temperature and salts. New matter in this research is the simultaneous grinding of cellulose with periodate oxidation which enables better prehensile the surface of cellulose for chemicals to attach to. Also reaction time matters. The goal is to produce dialdehyde cellulose that has different properties than common cellulose. Because of this fact, the use of dialdehyde cellulose is much wider than common cellulose. "Cellulose is the renewable natural resource and excellent start for environmentally friendly chemistry" says Juho.
The purpose of this work package is to produce particle form flocculation chemicals from dialdehyde cellulose. Flocculation chemicals are polymers which have usually positive or negative charge. They are used e.g. the cleaning of water and paper production. Chemicals tie together noxious particles into aggregates which can easily be removed from water. Research group also creates barrier materials e.g. food packaging and new type of fiber filters using dialdehyde cellulose. 
In 2011, Juho graduated from the University of Oulu. His doctoral thesis considers improvement of birch cellulose periodate oxidation and further modification of flocculation chemical.
When not working, Juho spends time reading and playing different types of computer games. He also enjoys his common-law wife’s accompanying at home.
 
 

Researcher of the month: Jukka-Pekka Raunio22.02.2012

Image based measurement guarantees efficient production technologies and better quality for tissue paper

Researcher Jukka-Pekka Raunio is working at the research program EffNet (Efficient Networking towards Novel Products and Processes) of the Forestcluster Ltd. The project focuses on optimization of tissue making process and increasing the quality of tissue paper. Kemira Oyj has very active role as chemical supplier in this work package which is lead by Seppo Virtanen from UPM-Kymmene Corporation. At Tampere University of Technology two research groups (measurement information and image based measurement) are involved lead by Risto Ritala and Heimo Ihalainen.

The goal of Jukka-Pekka’s work is to optimize chemical usage in the tissue paper machine. In this research, the focus is to figure out how chemicals and different process components impact on the features of tissue paper estimated from images of paper. In addition the other goal is to optimize chemical usage without the loss of quality features of soft paper. Chemicals impact on i.e. the softness of tissue paper. Softness is created using the yankee cylinder, where dry paper is creped away from the surface of yankee creating the typical structure called crepe bar for tissue paper. Creping has an impact on paper softness and other features of tissue paper. Creping properties are estimated based on images. "Images tell much more of the structure of paper than the normal quality measurements" says Jukka-Pekka.
 
At the moment, the measurements are offline but the purpose is to move towards online measurement equipment. Reliable offline measurement technique is a giant leap compared to the current measurement technique, which is subjective and very slow.
 
In 2006, Jukka-Pekka graduated from Tampere University of Technology. His Master's thesis considers cross directional paper shrinkage based on the wire marking estimated from paper images.
When not working, Jukka-Pekka plays with his two small children and plays floorball.

Researcher of the month: Markus Strandström22.02.2012

New technology is needed to improve cost-effectiveness of mechanized silviculture

Researcher Markus Strandström is working at the research program EffFibre (Value Through Intensive and Efficient Fibre supply) of the Forestcluster Ltd. The project focuses on technological and logistical solutions of forest operations needed in the intensified wood production and harvesting. The project is led by Jarmo Hämäläinen from Metsäteho Oy.

The goal of Markus’s work is to evaluate the productivity and cost-effectiveness of machines developed for planting and pre-commercial thinning compared to motor-manual forest work.
 
The portion of mechanized planting is at the moment 2-3% and mechanized young stand tending is even smaller portion. Metsäteho and Metla joint calculations show that mechanized planting and stand tending can reduce the manpower requirements of the forest sector. The cost calculations were based on the prices of new base machines and devices. In young stand tending as a whole, the manpower requirement of the Naarva uprooter was as much as 60 % lower than manual tending. On the other hand, mechanized silviculture does not currently bring cost savings in general. Next generation machinery and solutions are needed. “Invocation of developed automation technology has high expectations" says Markus.
 
In the other two work packages, research is concentrated on the possibilities of these technologies. The other research part concentrates on developing the continuously working planting machine and to figure out the best place for planting using camera and laser scanner technologies. The other research concentrates developing further automation technologies, which can speed up young stand tending and reduce the burden of the driver. In these researches in addition to Metsäteho also Aalto University and Metla are involved.
 
In 1997, Markus graduated from University of Helsinki. His Master's thesis considers landscape management and biodiversity in forestry planning.
 
When not working, Markus do rock climbing.

Researcher of the month: Outi Koivistoinen22.02.2012

The usage of byproducts from industrial processes saves non-renewable resources

Researcher Outi Koivistoinen is working at the research program FuBio JR2 (Future Biorefinery – Joint Research 2) of the Forestcluster Ltd. The work package focuses on the separation of marketable organic acids from black liquor and for the microbial modification of sugar compounds in order to produce organic acids. The part of the work covering metabolic engineering of the microbes is done in the Cell factory knowledge center at VTT Technical Research Center of Finland where Outi is working together with principal scientist Peter Richard.

The goal of Outi’s work is to utilize byproducts from industrial processes. With the help of microbes (e.g. yeasts and molds), sugar containing compounds like lignocellulose are degraded. Metabolic engineering is used to modify microbes in order to produce the desired end-products. Normally, the microbes do not produce at all or not in sufficient amounts for industrial purposes. The modified microbes produce chemical compounds that can further be used as raw materials for biopolymers. The replacement of oil by field residues, byproducts from industrial processes and other plant materials can help reduce both industry dependence on fossil raw materials and carbon dioxide emissions. At the moment byproducts from industrial processes are seen of no value and business opportunities for byproducts are neglected. There are no comparable applications in the market. "This is definitely a future research area and co-operation possibilities are excellent" says Outi.
The goal of the work package is to further develop the fermentation-based technology for the production of carboxylic acid. During the fermentation process microbes naturally produce chemical compounds in their metabolic processes. Metabolic engineering makes it possible to produce different end-products, which in this case is a carboxylic acid. The goal of the project is to develop potential commercial applications from these acids. This research area strengthens the trend for a sustainable environment.   
In 2008, Outi graduated as microbiologist from the University of Helsinki. Her Master's thesis was about the L-rhamnose-1-dehydrogenase gene and L-rhamnose catabolism in the yeast Pichia stipitis.
When not working, Outi plays with her two cats and does different types of sports.

Sari Liukkonen22.02.2012

Intensive wood production gives possibilities to development of paper quality

Researcher Sari Liukkonen is working at the research program EffFibre (Value Through Intensive and Efficient Fibre supply) of the Forestcluster Ltd. The aim of the work package is to identify ecologically sustainable, the most cost-efficient and feasible ways to increase the production of domestic biomaterial with high utility value for current and future forest industry. Jari Hynynen from Metla leads this work package.

The goal of Sari’s work is to study the impact of wood, produced by intensive forest management, on mechanical pulping and paper making. Fertilization and thinning are methods for faster growth of wood. The properties of wood change when it grows faster, e.g. wood density is lower and fibers are shorter and thin-walled. TMP pulp from fast-growth wood has poorer strength properties than pulp from slower growth wood. On the other hand, thin-walled fibers give better optical properties and smoothness of the paper surface.
Fast-growth wood has more early wood and its color is lighter than that of late wood rich slow-growth raw material. This can be utilized as better brightness of the end product or as lower bleaching costs of mechanical pulp. The production of mechanical pulp consumes a lot of energy and fast-growth wood consumes even more energy to certain refining level than slower growing wood. As the result from this research, there is better understanding about the usability of fast-growth wood and the possibilities of intensive wood production. These results can be utilized in future forest management. 
Sari works also in other work package called Next generation mechanical defibration process (NextGen) in EffTech program. The objective of this work package is to develop solutions to enable significant reduction in mechanical pulping specific energy consumption. She had a presentation concerning this subject at IMPC 2011 conference in June in China. There were total 4 EffTech presentations and one poster from VTT. “Our presentations arouse great interest and were praised by the international audience. We will be in on organizing the next conference in Helsinki 2014.” Sari tells.
In 1992, Sari graduated from Aalto University of Technology as Master of Science and 1999 finalized her licentiate’s degree. Her licentiate thesis considers the usage of enzymes in mechanical pulp production.
When not working, Sari likes to enjoy the nature and reading.

Researcher of the month: Timo Melkas22.02.2012

Spatial tree map data guarantees better possibilities in competition

Researcher Timo Melkas takes part in a research program EffFibre (Value Through Intensive and Efficient Fibre supply) of Forestcluster Ltd. The project focuses on developing methods for utilizing spatial tree map data thinning operations and for updating stand information after cutting. The project is lead by Jarmo Hämäläinen from Metsäteho.

The goal of Timo’s work is to test and to develop spatial tree map data. The evaluation of data accuracy in different types of forests will be carried out. Defining the structure and testing algorithms for an operator's supporting system in thinning will also be carried out in this project. Stand level information before cutting, the timber measurement data of harvester and tree map data will be used in method development. "The financial benefit is considerable  if the accuracy of stand information and timing of thinning can be improved" says Timo.
First phase of the project was the requirement specification and after that the implementation of the spatial tree map data system. The system automatically helps the operator to follow a continuous thinning intensity and fit it into thinning models of the stand. Also, calculation methods for remaining growing stock after thinning will be produced. The pilot phase of the project took place in June and after that first data collection will be performed in August. Data collection will happen three times during this year. In this project, calculation routines and implementation are done by Argone Oy and Ponsse Oy. Information accuracy will be checked in a separate cross-country survey. Data measurement in the field will be done before and after thinning. The overall purpose of the project is to test the functionality of a spatial tree map data system. These results can then be utilized in the planning of a well-timed thinning.
In 2000, Timo graduated from University of Helsinki. His Master's thesis considers modeling the characterization of spruce bark by using taper curves.
When not working, Timo spends time with his family who includes his wife as well as two children a 4-year-old daughter Anna and 1-year-old son Emil.
 
 

Researcher of the month: Katariina Torvinen22.02.2012

Research results are utilized widely in large research program

Researcher Katariina Torvinen (VTT) is working on two different tasks at the research program EffNet (Efficient Networking towards Novel Products and Processes) of the Forestcluster Ltd. The other task concentrates on development of high filler content paper products from nano fibrillated cellulose (NFC) containing furnishes and the other task concentrates on utilizing of NFC as a smooth and flexible substrate for printed electronics applications. The research is based on previous demonstration work done in REP (Re-engineering paper) project at the research program EffTech and the aim in EffNet is to utilize and deepen previous results. Katariina's research areas are included in work package of new processes and products based NFC in EffNet which are coordinated by Erkki Hellen (VTT).

The goal of Katariina’s work is to increase a filler amount in printing paper products, because the material costs of fillers are much cheaper than fibers.  The goal is a reduction of variable costs ca. 10% of paper product by developing the binding fillers. The NFC works as an excellent binding agent because of its' thin fibrillose network structure with high surface area. NFC is an expensive material so the aim is to add NFC as an additive to the fiber network. The developed binding fillers should have better wet and especially dry strength than today's used fillers when the filler content of paper is increased. "The biggest benefit in large EffNet program is that researchers can make the most of co-operation research projects and utilize results for own work" says Katariina.
 
Katariina is also involved in other research area, which concentrates on development of a new filler-NFC composite based substrate for printed electronics applications. The substrate includes 80% of filler (stone) and 20% of NFC. Application of heat and pressure results in a dense sheet with extremely smooth surface with a plastic-like feel. This combination makes the structure also durable for both moisture and temperature variations, because the filler does not react on these variations like ordinary cellulose fiber does. Printed electronics applications are developed at a fast pace due to the high estimated market potential.
 
In 1998, Katariina graduated from University of Jyväskylä. Her Master's thesis considers paper machine's wire section variables impact on floc size distributions of fine paper grade.
 
When not working, Katariina enjoy her three daughters' accompany and does different type of sports and reading.

Researcher of the month: Aino Ropponen22.02.2012

Joint planning in process structure and fault control guarantees better possibilities in competition

Researcher Aino Ropponen is working at the research program EffNet (Efficient Networking towards Novel Products and Processes) of the Forestcluster Ltd. The project focuses on minimizing the capital and operating cost in the material flow management when stochastic web breaks disturb the uniform production. This project will provide systematic trade-off analysis between the performance measures by applying the modern methods of optimization to process concept design. This project is based on earlier research which was done in POJo design approach developed within Efftech. The project is part of Risto Ritala's Measurement Information Technology group at Tampere University of Technology.

The goal of Aino’s work is to develop optimization based process design. The core of the research is on the management of the uncertainty caused by the web breaks. Web breaks are stochastic events and they delay production causing extensive costs. The optimization focuses on the broke management and the process structure design related to it. It is economically reasonable to reuse the broke although it weakens the quality of the end product and increases the possibility of further breaks.  The goal in optimization is to find a compromise between the process investment costs and the quality criteria. "Process design optimization can be a solution to reduce the capital intensiveness of forest industry" says Aino.
A year ago Aino returned from London, where she spent 10 months in research exchange at Imperial College. She was a member of an international research group which develops and applies optimization methods in different application areas.  Imperial College is one of the top units in the UK and it is well known for their research. "The best thing in the research exchange was experiencing the atmosphere of a high level university and to learning new ways of research. I also met a lot of people and got new international contacts into my network" says Aino.
In 2007, Aino graduated from Tampere University of Technology. Her Master's thesis examined applications of probability analysis for updating the parameters and state estimates of nonlinear models.

When not working, Aino goes jogging and does other sports.

Researcher of the month: Tuomas Eerola22.02.2012

Better control for paper making process using machine vision

Researcher Tuomas Eerola is working at the research program EffNet (Efficient Networking towards Novel Products and Processes) of the Forestcluster Ltd. The project focuses on means for managing the uniformity of web material in macro scale, in particular so that the bulk and surface microstructure is constantly produced over time and machine wide. The project is part of Heikki Kälviäinen's machine vision and pattern recognition group at Lappeenranta University of Technology.

The goal of Tuomas's work is to develop characterization methods for paper formation, surface orientation and surface topography. Modern digital imaging of web is the main means of characterization and it has developed a lot during last couple of decades so that machine wide measurement is possible now. This has made a lot of possibilities for automatic control and adjustment of paper making process. "Paper making production efficiency can be improved by making adjustments online" says Tuomas.
 
Networking between different Universities guarantees the research has wider view for the subject and can benefit other researchers' expertise.This research work is based on results of Qvision project within EffTech. Machine vision and pattern recognition enables more developed process control, which on the other hand guarantees uniform quality and cost efficiency. 
 
In 2010, Tuomas graduated from Lappeenranta University of Technology. His Doctoral thesis considers how humans perceive the visual quality of printed photographs and how it can be predicted by using machine vision and pattern recognition methods. The presented methods were evaluated and verified with real data, and shown to predict well the subjective evaluation results.
 
When not working, Tuomas among other things collect and watch movies.