Device and method for determining the condition of at least one endless band

A unit measures the water content of the belt (12, 13, 14, 15). At the same, or a different time, the permeability is measured, in a similar location, on the same side. Measurements are taken at various locations. An instrument measures belt temperature. Moisture measurements are taken from the fibrous web at a winding machine (100) by an instrument (101). The measurement is taken after a pressing section. Web weight is determined. Further belt measurements include its temperature (at a cleaning unit), filler content, tension and thickness. Nip pressure between rollers is measured. Web surface properties are measured, including roughness and contamination. Steam quantity over the width of a steam hood is controlled as a function of the web quality. Wetting is controlled. Fibrous suspension feedstock qualities are controlled. An independent claim is included for the corresponding method.