Apparatus for composite sheet weight determinations

A measurement apparatus for weight measuring of a composite sheet comprising a sheet material having a second material thereon as a coating or as embedded particles therein, comprising:

• an x-ray sensor including an x-ray source and an x-ray detector for providing an x-ray signal from X-ray irradiating the composite sheet;
• an infrared (IR) sensor including at least one IR source, at least one IR filter and at least one IR detector for providing an IR signal from IR irradiating the composite sheet, wherein the IR sensor comprises a transmissive sensor, and
• a computing device coupled to receive the x-ray signal and the IR signal including a processor having an associated memory for implementing an algorithm,
• wherein the algorithm uses the x-ray signal and the IR signal to compute two or more of a weight of the sheet material, a weight of the second material, and a total weight of the composite sheet without the use of at least one beta gauge and without the use of at least one nuclear gauge.