Hazardous Materials Cabinet Ready For 4.0

The 4.0 vision...

One of the principles of Industry 4.0 is “digitalisation starts with the sensor”. Therefore, the system — which the term safety cabinet no longer adequately describes — is packed with sensors. Level, temperature, exhaust air monitoring, door status — the focus is on process safety and anyone who wants even more sensors only has to define their needs.

However, Industry 4.0 also means networking and mobility. This can be achieved with web-based software, which all cabinets installed used to communicate with one another.

The operator can retrieve information, e.g. on levels or faults, centrally and on the network from any device and from any location. There is also potential for optimisation in the centrally collected application data.

...into the future

Consumption quantities, media selection, disposal frequency or, where necessary, downtimes can be used to draw conclusions about requirements and adapt them accordingly. A central ordering system with direct data transmission to media suppliers ensures automated purchasing of the necessary chemicals. The system is scalable and can be integrated into the general building automation, e.g. ventilation systems.

Stable and Lean Processes

“Cabi2Net means that hazardous materials cabinets are combined in a network for the first time,” Hagen emphasises. The user can easily retrieve all relevant information about the operating status of the hazardous materials cabinets, e.g. on mobile devices such as a smartphone, tablet or of course a PC, from any location worldwide. The system fits perfectly into Düperthal’s favoured lean lab concept. “It helps to make processes more stable and leaner,” the Managing Director says. “Using the system provides safety and releases resources, which can be used for research, development and production.”

Change brings opportunities

As described, concepts such as these free up resources, but need to be accompanied by a change in working processes, not just in the laboratory but also in adjacent areas.

Networked for added safety Network solution optimises storage of hazardous substances A scenario that occurs several times a day in numerous laboratories around the world: For a synthesis, a laboratory employee requires a special solvent that has to be stored in a hazardous substances cabinet. However, because there are several hazardous goods cabinets in the laboratory, they first have to search for the solvent they need. This takes time and is counter-productive in terms of an optimum laboratory process.

Central Control

The Cabi2Net solution allows central control of these processes. With up-to-date data and intelligent networking, it helps to organise the value chain efficiently. Information can be called up on the internet via a web interface, independent of individual devices.

The system is scalable, with additional modules allowing the integration of numerous sensors and actuators. Integrated into the general building automation system is possible too. Using it provides safe active storage of hazardous substances and solvents, while freeing up resources for research, development and production activities.

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