However, don't let this stop you from signing up for the conference--we have jam-packed program in store for you. You can see the program -- and sign up -- here.

So, one day this last week I was making a presentation to a group of people in our industry.  I brought up the Light Green Machine Institute.

One of the people in the room is new to our industry.  He let me talk on for a while and then said, "I have some questions."

"Sure," I said.

"How many new facilities are being built in this industry?"

I admitted there are not many, at least here in the United States.

"So," he asked, "What good are your 'LGMI principles' ?"

(Think fast on your feet, Jim.)

I told him they are particularly valuable in rebuilds, especially rebuilds that involve a significant speed up.  I explained that all else being equal, the faster a machine's speed, the longer various elements of a machine will be.

Dryers are our old standby and an excellent example.  Assuming the machine already had state-of-the-art pressing and the paper was exiting the press section at world class solids levels, a speed up will involve more dryers.  This will involve lengthening the machine, hence lengthening the building.  However, if we go to steel or even aluminum dryers, we can avoid the expense of lengthening the building because of the better heat transfer.

I also talked to him about pumps, piping and other issues where LGMI principles can help out in a rebuild.  

It was a good exercise to be questioned by an outsider.