Cleanzone 2014: Innovative solutions for IT integration, automation, process optimisation and bio-contamination

Technological innovations and an open exchange on future developments with colleagues and experts from around the world are the primary reasons for visiting an international trade fair, and Cleanzone, which is taking place for the third time on 21 and 22 October 2014 in Frankfurt, has proven itself to be an essential meeting place for the cleanroom industry in this regard.

This year's presentation of the latest technological innovations at the trade fair will be focused on the integration of IT in clean environments, automation, process optimisation, energy efficiency and bio-contamination monitoring. International exhibitors utilise this interdisciplinary platform to present their pioneering solutions to companies that are already carrying out production under cleanroom conditions or are planning to do so. Exhibitors include market leaders such as Assa Abloy, Basan, Cleanroom Competence, Daldrop + Dr. Huber, Deerns, Dycem, Ecolab, Profi-con, Trox, Spectec and Weiss. 

Cleanroom Award: Focus on innovation

It is not only established companies that offer exciting innovations. Users, universities and start-ups are also hotbeds for new concepts, and new developments often arise from collaborations between universities and industry. Professor Dr. Gerhard Winter, Professor of Applied Hygiene, Cleaning Technology, Chemistry, Materials and Sterile Technology at Albstadt-Sigmaringen University, explains: “Our university is the only one in Germany that offers a degree programme in hygienic engineering, providing academic training for aspiring cleanroom experts – it is what sets us apart. We work very closely with industry, and for their theses, students have to design solutions to queries from companies that are usually related to clas-sification and validation. Most of these new developments are imple-mented by the companies, providing our students with excellent opportunities for their future employment.”

Since 2012, ReinraumAkademie (Leipzig) has been using the Clean-room Award to showcase concepts and products from providers, users, newcomers and university projects that are notable for their outstanding innovation. By doing so at Cleanzone, they provide an overview of how and where innovations are currently being created within the cleanroom industry. The award honours pioneering advances in the field of cleanroom technology for their innovation, sustainability and efficiency. The five finalists get to present their concepts in a special area and through presentations at Cleanzone Plaza. The winner will be chosen by the trade fair public during the trade fair and officially honoured on the second day of the event. 

The winners in 2012 and 2013 found out just how great an impact participation in this competition – which offers 3,000 euros in prize money – can have. The first-prize winner in October 2012 was Technology of Sense B.V. The Dutch firm won the award for its innovative “Apmon” monitoring system. “We were convinced that our innovation would be of use to the industry, and that is why we entered the competition. The award, and the tremendous support from experts that came in its wake, were a huge help to our efforts to successfully launch “Apmon” on the market. Major brands like Samsung and BMW showed their interest straight away,” says Anneloes Elbers, Marketing Director for Technology of Sense B.V. The ground-breaking idea behind “Apmon” is that, rather than measuring the particles suspended in the air as was previously the case, it is the particles deposited on surfaces that are measured. “Apmon” makes it possible to conduct automated particle measurement round the clock and to continuously monitor contamination values in cleanrooms on screen. The system is already in use, including at the European Space Agency (ESA) and in the automotive industry by Kostal Industrie El-ektrik. The sales partner in Germany is PMT Partikel-Messtechnik GmbH, which is presenting “Apmon” at Cleanzone 2014. 

The Portuguese firm Laborial, winner of the 2013 Cleanroom Award, has also benefited from its win. The company's innovation, “Blautouch”, is an interactive workbench designed especially for ultra-clean environments. This specially prepared workbench can also be utilised with gloves, and allows users to access any company and/or project data they require – without having to set up additional computers or devices that often endanger the purity of the room. “The Cleanroom Award was the second competition we entered in 2013, and we have been enjoying an outstanding response from experts worldwide ever since. They have realised that “Blautouch” sets new standards for the utilisation of IT in sensitive environments. Without a doubt, this has helped us achieve our leading position in this field,” states Tânia Fernandes, Marketing Director at Laborial. “Blautouch” will be represented at Cleanzone by the exhibitor Basan.

Cleanroom Award: Deadline for applications is 15 August 2014

Applications will only be accepted until 15 August 2014. They are to be submitted to: ReinraumAkademie (Leipzig), Annett Michel, email: annett.michel@reinraum-akademie.de.