Gas mixing: complete solutions from a single source
Bringing a respiratory device for infants to mass-production within five months? Developing an automated gas control system for flame-cutting machines? The fact that this are completely different products is irrelevant, because we don’t think in terms of industries, we think in terms of solutions. Let these true stories demonstrate to you how Bürkert makes wishes come true and more.
“Big solution for tiny lungs.”
“We're now always a cut above the rest.”
We regulate gas
Because we think beyond the indus-try’s horizon, we are repeatedly tapping into fascinating connections. And because we use them to come up with unconventional solutions, our clients trust us with very special requests. However, we not only try to meet these requests, we also use them as our inspiration to think one step ahead and offer complete solutions from a single source.
“Big solution for tiny lungs.”
Client Meeting
Half a billion. That’s how many breaths a person takes by the time he or she reaches the age of 78. Each breath is precious – and none is as moving as the first. Sometimes small lungs need a little support.
Respiratory support
Our client has taken on a meaningful job. It develops respiratory systems that help newborns when they need it.
Fact
Around one in ten babies are born before the end the 37th week of a pregnancy. Because premature infant lungs are often not yet mature, these babies are particularly prone to breathing problems. In some cases, they do not instinctively respond to a lack of oxygen by taking a rapid flat breaths. To a certain degree, their bodies forget to breathe.
CPAP breathing
Premature babies are therefore carefully monitored in intensive care units and often use a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or CPAP machine. If needed, these devices are also accompanied by machines that support breathing at a frequency of up to 15 Hz. CPAP treatment is used for newborns who are, in principle, able to breathe, but need help to stabilize their airways. To this end, a mixture of air and oxygen is supplied to the machine.
The use of a CPAP machine is often combined with intubating the patient. For adults or older children, this form of breathing is noninvasive and consists simply of a small hose that is inserted into the nose. This is what is called (nasal) CPAP.
High-frequency breathing
CPAP and NCPAP devices are worldwide an important part of any intensive care unit’s equipment. Devices that can adequately respond when a newborn cannot compensate for a lack of oxygen with high frequency breathing are, in contrast, unaffordable and, additionally, too complex for many intensive care units.
NCPAP
Another issue is that most conventional respiratory devices cannot accommodate a baby’s nose. That’s why larger face masks are used, which are uncomfortable for babies and cause unnecessary stress. Our client has addressed this problem by launching a unique device on the market. We were able to support him in this project.
The Bürkert Solution
Because technology should not be unnecessarily complex when a baby’s start in life is already difficult enough. In working with us, our client was able to develop a device that supports high-frequency breathing up to 20 Hz and also allows the use of an NCPAP device even for premature infants.
Quiet technology: With Bürkert components, our client was able to reduce the noise normally produced during CPAP treatment. This spares patients unnecessary stress.
Technology where it is needed: This innovative device will enable our clients to tap into markets that were previously closed.
System solution: Because Bürkert components are designed according to a modular principle; they can be easily incorporated into systems regardless of their specific use. This saves significantly on costs.
Have a look how Bürkert solves the problem:
“We’re now always a cut above the rest.”
Client Meeting
If you work with flame cutters, you will know the problem: The quality of the actual cut depends on many variables. The cutting speed, the distance of the torch nozzle to the workpiece as well as the size and design of the nozzle are crucial factors – and, last but not least, the type of gas supply.
Flame cutting
Fact
If the gas supply of the flame cutter is controlled mechanically/manually, the cutting quality is influenced significantly by the know-how of the respective operators. Incorrect adjustments cannot be excluded fully and can have some very undesired consequences.
Mechanically / manually control
If the preheating flame is set too high, the upper cutting edge starts to melt and excess slag builds up at the lower edge.
An insufficient preheating flame creates deep grooves in the lower part of the cut surface.
A soiled nozzle has a negative impact on the oxygen jet, resulting in uneven, nonrectangular cuts.
In short: When controlled mechanically/manually, the quality of the results varies greatly and gas consumption is often too high. Actual efficiency is something else. Furthermore, it involves extra effort as a result of the many individual components.
Gas can also be supplied using an automated solution consisting of individual components. Depending on the material applied, the material thickness and the torch configuration, the gas pressure levels are controlled proportionally and automatically using the set-point value default for the pressure controllers specified by the PLC. However, seeing as it consists of individual components, this type of gas supply demands a lot of space and a lot of wire. Furthermore, due to its actual size it can hardly be accommodated in the vicinity of the moving torch. Yet another disadvantage is the complex integration, usually via analogue signals.
The Bürkert Solution
We have designed the gas supply as a compact integrated unit. It only has to be connected – and can now be positioned in the immediate vicinity of or even on the torch. The gas pressure levels and the controller parameters are set and defined automatically via a digital communication interface. Specific control functions are integrated directly in the gas supply. Individual components are not required for this solution, thus reducing the amount of material and effort considerably.
Bürkert technology: The automated gas supply ensures the cut quality remains constant and only the exact amount of necessary gas is consumed.
Know-how at the push of a button: Our gas control system does away with the manual adjustment of the gas composition. Moreover, if repairs are necessary, the unit is simply replaced.
Solution: The integrated system solution increases efficiency – and cuts costs. Since it originates from a single source, it simplifies the logistics and production processes of our client.
