Sensor potentially saves millions. (Technology).(laser ultrasonic sensor measures flexibility of paper)

Hoping to save the paper-manufacturing industry millions of dollars in energy costs, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory Environmental Energy Technologies Division scientists have developed a laser ultrasonic sensor that measures paper's flexibility as it courses through a production web at up to 65 miles per hour. "We're measuring the elastic properties of paper at manufacturing speeds using a non-contact, non-destructive monitor," said EETD's Paul Ridgway. Last summer, Ridgway and colleagues tested the laser ultrasonic sensor at a Mead Paper Company (MeadWestvaco Corporation, 1 High Ridge Park, Stamford, CT 20346; Tel: 203/461-7400; Website: http://www.meadwestvaco.com) mill in …