Since early this year, the University of Heilbronn University has a MicroQuick Particle Scanner by RJL Micro & Analytic GmbH. Mrs. Prof. Dr. Katja Mannschreck from the department of process and environmental engineering and her students have already successfully applied the particle scanner in several projects.
During the initial start-up, ambient conditions were measured in the production hall as well as the laboratory with particle traps, and a brief instruction manual was written for subsequent users. Another project included the use of the particle scanner to set up a cleanliness analysis in accordance with VDA 19. In this context, blank values were determined, decay curves generated, particle distributions of variably cleaned components and results of mutiple analyzes compared. One student used the scanner as part of his thesis to compare the cleanliness results of components rinsed in different product carriers. With his work, the student was able to participate in the round robin test organized by the CEC.
Starting in the coming winter semester, engineering students at the University of Heilbronn will work in cooperation with business students of the University of Esslingen on the funded project ANOPIT (analysis and optimization of a process chain for industrial parts cleaning). A team at the University of Esslingen produces the components and takes care of the cost accounting for the cleaning and analysis, which a team at the University of Heilbronn conducts. The content of the project is on one hand the cleaning technology, and on the other hand the communication between persons of different disciplines.
Together with her students, Mannschreck deals intensively with the topic "process chain component cleanliness". The aim of the numerous investigations with the MicroQuick is the development of a sample process with which the various parameters of a cleaning process can be systematically investigated. In this context, Mannschreck wants to assure that the subject of cleaning technology and the associated practical experiments with the particle scanner not only remain part of individual projects, but become an integral part of engineering studies and mandatory internships for all.
