Process control

In most industries, a custom-fit process control system is key to ensure optimal levels of reliability and efficiency. Nowadays, processing systems receive increasing pressure to achieve productivity and cost-effectiveness without any loss of quality. Improving control and monitoring reduces wastage of expensive compounds. Additionally, it provides improved production reliability. The delivery of continuous data of such systems also helps to meet regulatory standards.

A well-integrated process control system enhances the level of automation within a process of any scale. In addition, it provides improvements to maintenance costs, production costs, reliability and, most importantly, quality. With increased automation comes the ability to collect more process data. This is crucial for productive process management as well as traceability.

Next to an efficient process control for the product itself, a good process control assists in monitoring hygiene and quality of the productions’ environment.

Our microfluidic systems can monitor and analyse a variety of factors in a production process. With the right sensor, you can measure the flow or pressure of a liquid or gas. Additionally, you can monitor the ph- or CO2-levels, VOC volumes or lactate and glucose amounts. Next, you can add valves to properly lead the fluids throughout the system. To finish up your process control system, we offer a range of accessories that solve specific problems. (As a start, check out our bubble trap, filter or damper.)

All of those components are very small and only have a low power consumption. Which is why they can easily be integrated into existing process control systems. Also, thanks to the modular set-up, you only add exactly what you need and can leave out the rest. They are all controlled with the mp-Multiboard2 and the software made by Bartels. That way, you have all the data you need in one spot.

You want to learn more?

Then head over to our YouTube channel and browse our videos there. They show you different options on how to integrate various components into a system. Additionally, you can find some examples for specific applications.

Da Vinci Laboratory Solutions – Ensuring the safe use of Hydrogen as GC carrier gas

Hydrogen is an ideal alternative to Helium as a carrier gas. It significantly reduces the costs and analysis time without losing chromatographic resolution. Unfortunately, the use of Hydrogen could also be dangerous. That is why our client Da Vinci Laboratory Solutions (DVLS) developed the DVLS³ Simply, Smart Sensor. This sensor constantly monitors the Hydrogen concentration in the GC oven. In case the sensor detects a user-defined Hydrogen concentration, it automatically starts a safety protocol. The DVLS sensor drastically decreases the risk when working with Hydrogen in a GC oven.

The pictures show the controller unit of the sensor on top of a GC (at the top) and a Hydrogen sensor that is installed inside the oven to monitor the Hydrogen concentration (at the bottom).

The DVLS³ Simply, Smart Sensor includes the mp6 micropump and a corresponding driver made by Bartels Mikrotechnik. The micropump ensures the continuous active sensor feeding in this system. This ensures that the sensor readout accurately describes the actual state of the gases in the oven.

If you would like to learn more about gas analytics and how they can be added into process control systems, make sure to check out our videos about CO2 sensors and VOC sensors. And you can read more about the DVLS³ Simply, Smart Sensor on the DVLS website.