PR: Mission: Smart Filtering 4.0
May 12, 2022
TEKA | Katrin Herbers
TEKA heralds new generation of filter technology with AirCube
More efficient, more sustainable and, above all, smarter than all filter units available on the market to date. This product promise is fulfilled by the AirCube, the latest product innovation from TEKA, the internationally active manufacturer of extraction and filter units. Digitalisation in extraction and filter technology is thus receiving new impetus and is also reaching small and medium-sized companies in particular.
Behind the Smart Filtering mission stands above all an increase in performance. The intelligent system enables resource-saving work and at the same time offers more efficiency in extraction and filtering. Its intelligent technology thus enables greater process reliability for the highest-quality products. With the VarioControl control unit at its heart, the system offers added value through networking and thus meets the requirements of Industry 5.0, as it is able to conduct communication via MQTT or with OPC UA interfaces from machine to machine. After the debut at the Expo & Conference 2021 of the IndustryFusion Foundation in Gießen, TEKA is introducing the new unit to its international markets.
"With the AirCube, we offer a highest-level system of versatile use. It represents our most digitised unit and meets the Ready-To-Go standards of IBN 4.0. It reduces downtimes, e.g. can decide independently in Smart Factory use whether exhaust or circulating air is required, saves air and energy, reduces energy costs and CO² emissions and can be automatically controlled depending on the process. Thereby, it significantly improves the air quality in the working environment," says Simon Telöken, TEKA Managing Director. The AirCube can be used anywhere in the world where metals are processed thermally or mechanically and fumes and dusts are emitted during the machining process.
Coordinated performance levels
With power ratings between 5.5 kW, 7.5 kW and 11 kW, the new TEKA unit is predestined for various areas of application. All AirCube units are equipped with an integrated spark trap, frequency converter and automatic filter cleaning as a default. The filter and motor control is integrated in the fully galvanised and coated system housing. This makes the unit particularly easy to install in terms of plug-and-play. The standard package also includes the MQTT interface and spare parts management via TEKA VarioControl, allowing state-of-the-art predictive maintenance. "Precisely because the AirCube is smart and ready to plug in, we expect to move into international production halls at short notice," Simon Telöken continues.
In the Factory Server, communicating with the unit, production profiles can be created, such as cutting stainless steel or construction steel, grinding on machines or welding. Thus, depending on the production situation, the system automatically controls exhaust air, increases or reduces the cleaning cycles on the nano filter cartridges or adjusts the suction power or flow rates.
The documentation of the multi-voltage capable system is done digitally and the data exchange takes place via MQTT. The serial monitoring of compressed air and current as well as the external contacts, via which various add-ons can be controlled, are convincing product arguments with which TEKA wants to drive forward the digital transformation in the field of filter technology, especially in small and medium-sized companies.
Upgrade packages
With six different upgrade packages, users can configure the AirCube to meet their specific needs and make it even smarter. For example, the compressed air upgrade consists of a compressed air sensor, flow sensor, compressed air monitoring including data interface for statistics. Package 2 is about process air monitoring - temperature. Upgrade 3 can be used to control the energy management of the system: Here, the current consumption in each phase is determined and monitored. A data interface takes over the determination of consumption. Upgrade 4 integrates the OPC UA interface for all sensors. Package 5 can be used to combine various 2-way distributors, consisting of a motor-driven exhaust air and recirculation air circuit including interface and transition piece. The AirCube is also frequently requested with a wall-mounted signal tower with which the AirCube can be visually monitored. Upgrade 6 is the indoor air monitoring system Airtracker. The IBN Box rounds off the "construction kit" of the intelligent AirCube.
Caption: The new AirCube is available in 5.5 kW, 7.5 kW and 11 kW and is suitable for various applications.
Caption: Smart for customised solutions - the AirCube can be configured for specific applications with six different upgrade packages and made even smarter according to requirements.
