Pfeiffer Vacuum (Germany)

The modular vertical roller mill is equipped with digital modules to enhance maintenance and operational efficiency. The digital modules include a wider range of sensors as well as data analysis tools. Skilled human operators can set several operating parameters and overlook the interaction of these. With the support of Artificial Intelligence (AI) a huge number of parameters and parameter sets is examined and determines the ideal setting value for the application requirements, e.g. improvement of specific power consumption, increasing the capacity, etc. Two case studies will show the use of AI for modular vertical roller mills producing volcanic pozzolan and GGBFS. The aim of the study is to show the methodology for examination of parameter sets and the selection of ideal setting values for specific application requirements. Savings in specific power consumption for mill and fan could be achieved in the range between 7 and 12% be using AI predicted setpoints for mill parameters.

SummaryThis article focuses on the vacuum equipment used in vacuum degassing (VD) and vacuum oxygen decarburization (VOD) processes. Despite harsh process conditions caused by outgassing and the process gases themselves, there are various pumping principles and designs of vacuum pumps that can be used. Through clever pump selection there is an opportunity to realize substantial energy and operating resource savings on the vacuum pumping side. Last but not least, a new pump series will be presented that further contributes to cost reduction through higher efficiency.

Abstract For the stability assessment of members and structures according to EN 1993‐1‐1 the equivalent member method, the geometrical nonlinear calculation with equivalent geometrical imperfections or the GMNIA analysis with geometrical imperfections and residual stresses can be used alternatively. The second possibility requires a corresponding model for the cross‐section resistance. For the verification of lateral torsional buckling, bow imperfections e0 out of plane are defined, which lead in combination with the given loading in plane and the geometrical non‐linear analysis to bending Mz and torsion of the members. The amplitudes of the imperfections are highly dependent on the nature of the approach (e.g., scaling of the buckling shape, assumption of bow imperfections) and the resistance model for the members. Within the framework of the scientific work supervised by the TU Dresden and the TU Darmstadt [1], extensive parameter studies were carried out to calibrate imperfections for lateral torsional buckling based on the GMNIA. After determining the nature of imperfections and the design models for section resistance, this paper presents results of these parameter studies and shows the calibration of imperfections for a standardisation proposal based on EN1993‐1‐1. The evaluation of the data in combination with the necessary simplifications for the design practice leads to appropriate definitions of imperfection values e0,LT and the necessary differentiations.

SummaryPart 1 of this paper describes the experiments performed to qualify the Roots pump Okta 1500 M for tritium applications at ITER. In Part 2, the goal was to define performance limits in normal operation mode. These performance limits led to some suggestions and optimization of operating parameters in order to enhance the performance of the pump. These modifications are mainly meant for introducing the purge gas into mechanical seals. This pump is the first pump equipped with dedicated gas lubricated mechanical seals capable to withstand tritium. The task of the experiments described in the article is to discover the best performance as well as the lowest influence of any kind of purge gases leaking into the process gas for tritium. The experiment was also designed to confirm that the pump mechanical seal is rugged against cross migration of process gas to ensure confinement integrity in operation range. With these suggested modifications, the pump should be even better suited for ITER's specification and commercial fusion power applications.

In contrast to the trend towards larger grinding plants, recent years have also shown a shift towards smaller and compact grinding units. Various reasons are for the benefit of smaller production units, depending on local market conditions. The modular grinding system is suited to produce all types of cement independent on feed properties. Incorporated in a modular grinding plant the installation can be transported and erected very fast and efficiently due to the design. Modules are containerized in standard container sizes and delivered pre-assembled. This study will review the selection criteria and rationale behind a plant's decision to install a modular grinding system. The experiences from different modular plants already in operation prove that the erection and commissioning can be accomplished in a very short time, the performance can easily be met by utilizing state-of-the-art vertical roller mill technology.

SummaryDevelopment of turbomolecular pumps within the last three decadesOn the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the “Vakuum in Forschung und Praxis” in 2018, the author puts the turbomolecular pump at the centre of the historical overview. From the first experiments, which led to the development of this key component of modern vacuum generation in high and ultra‐high vacuum technology, to further developments up to the present day, individual technological advances made by Pfeiffer Vacuum – especially those of the last 30 years – are presented and future development trends are shown.

Zusammenfassung Im Privatleben gehoren gewisse Wartungsarbeiten z. B. am PKW oder Motorrad aufgrund der erforderlichen Mobilitat und Flexibilitat in der Arbeitswelt zu den alltaglichen Dingen. Praventivwartung und Einhaltung der vorgeschlagenen Wartungs- und Revisionsintervalle der Vakuumpumpenhersteller gehoren in der Arbeitswelt zu wichtigen Aufgaben des Service-personals und der Betreiber von Vakuumanlagen jeglicher Art. In dem Artikel gibt der Autor einen Uberblick und Empfehlungen uber die verschiedenen Wartungs- und Serviceintervalle an den am haufigsten eingesetzten Vakuumpumpen.

Abstract Medikamente z. B. zur Behandlung von schweren Erkrankungen durchlaufen langwierige und kostenintensive Entwicklungs‐ und Zulassungsprozesse. In der Herstellungskette spielt die Gefriertocknung des Wirkstoffs eine wichtige Rolle und die Anforderungen an die Reinheit des Trocknungsguts sind hoch. Verschiedenste Silikonöle werden als Wärmeträger zum Transport der Wärmeenergie in und aus der Vakuumkammer verwendet. Silikonölleckagen können durch die mechanische Bewegung der ölführenden Bauteile während des Be‐ und Entladeprozesses und nach Prozessende zu Leckagen führen, die es zu vermeiden gilt, da es sonst zu einem kostspieligen Verlust der hochwertigen Charge führen kann. Daher gewinnt der Einsatz von präzisen und schnellen Messmethoden immer mehr an Bedeutung. Massenspektrometer sind eine präzise, schnelle und kostengünstige Multi‐Tasking‐Mess‐ und Überwachungseinrichtung, um geringste Silikonölkontaminationen im ppm‐Bereich qualitativ und quantitativ zu messen. Es wird somit nachweislich sichergestellt, dass Grenzwerte nicht überschritten werden. Der Artikel befasst sich mit der Methodik, Anwendung und den Ergebnissen.