MCI research team solves the paradox of “highest efficiency at lowest costs” in filter technology

MCI develops geometry of a compact air cleaner for rail cars to substantially enhance filter performance and simultaneously reduce operating costs

Within the scope of an already eight-year-long research cooperation between Management Center Innsbruck (MCI) and the globally active filtration experts of MANN+HUMMEL another project has now successfully been completed after only 12 months. The aim of the joint project was to develop an air filtration system with lowest possible operating costs for the broad use in commercial vehicles and passenger cars.

Using highly modern laboratory equipment, and drawing on the expertise of the research group for “Fluids and Mechanics”, our researchers have now been able to develop a most efficient cyclone separator with a minimum pressure drop. The advanced system achieves a pre-separation efficiency of up to 94 percent with the pressure drop remaining below 3,5 millibar. The air filtration system, which was first presented at InnoTrans, International Trade Fair for Transport Technology, 2014, has been in great demand ever since and is now produced for rail cars and several other areas of application. The optimized design of the pre-separator extends the service life of conventional filtration systems by more than ten times. As a result, also maintenance costs and fuel consumption are considerably reduced.

Dr. Volker Greif, Industrial Filtration Manager at MANN+HUMMEL, is satisfied with the results of the latest joint research project: “Our long-term cooperation with MCI once again led to the successful conclusion of an innovative project. Within an incredibly short period of time, an entirely new cyclone separator was developed and perfectly adapted to the desired area of application. Only through relentless dedication our research team was able to achieve the ambitious aim to increase the pre-separation efficiency of this centrifugal separator, while at the same time reducing pressure drop and use of energy.” Ralf Bauder, Advanced Engineering Manager at MANN+HUMMEL, adds: “Alongside expert knowledge, also the dynamism of the responsible team and the efficient strategy developed by MCI formed the basis for such excellent results.”

In this context Professor Michael Kraxner, Head of the Department for Research & the Transfer of Technology at MCI, outlines MCI’s area of focus: “As Entrepreneurial School®, we are familiar with the application of basic scientific research to industrial-scale production. Not only our students, but also people from the world of industry show great interest in our applied research projects. We thus create added value, not only in the education of motivated students on the university level, but also for our industry partners by launching innovative products with a competitive edge.”

MANN+HUMMEL is one of the world’s leading experts for filtration solutions and acts as development partner and equipment supplier for the automotive and mechanical engineering industries. In 2014 16.000 employees in more than 60 locations generated a total sales revenue of over 2,8 billion euros. The company’s products include air filtration systems, intake manifold systems, liquid filtration systems, cabin air filters, and technical plastic parts for the automotive industry as well as filter elements for motor vehicle maintenance. The product range for use in mechanical engineering, process engineering, and industrial-scale projects comprises industrial filters, membrane filters for water filtration, and filtration systems.

As Entrepreneurial School® with currently 3.000 students, MCI enables motivated young people to outstanding performances and offers scientific solution expertise to its partners within a strong international network with practical and solution-oriented research and development.

For further information see:
press briefing by MANN+HUMMEL
www.mann-hummel.com

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