All around clean

To ensure that already the manufacture of the catalytic converters runs clean and free of contamination, BASF was in need of a new powder handling line in the plant in Nienburg (on the Weser) designed to thermally treat mineral compounds. OAS AG was entrusted with planning and construction of this line. The objective was to convey and weigh many different solid and liquid raw materials in the production process in a way that the line is not subject to superfluous fouling. Since the line was installed in an existing building, planning also included the adjustment to the limited building area and height, which turned out to be a real challenge.

By means of vacuum conveyors, pneumatic diaphragm pumps, and platform weighers, the new powder handling line gravimetrically doses the solid and liquid raw materials into the different mixers. To this end, a set of floor scales and a vacuum conveyor especially designed for the raw materials used were installed for each of the three newly built mixer lines in powder feeding. After mixing, sifters weigh the powders and fill them into transport containers to be transported to the thermal treatment line.

Now, the resource handling during the manufacture of the catalytic converters for motor vehicles does not only emit little dust and is free of leakages, but the entire system can also be cleaned easily. All around clean!