Increasing energy efficiency thanks to smart engineering

B. Braun Avitum AG is a leading global medical technology company that develops and manufactures a water treatment system for dialysis treatment in hospitals based on the reverse osmosis process in close cooperation with Iftest AG.

The challenge

The customer was faced with the task of updating the ECO RO Dia I/II systems, which date back to the year 2000.  The existing control system - a development by Iftest AG - had served its purpose reliably for many years, but was now technically outdated:

• no support for modern sensors and actuators
• lack of interfaces for networking with higher-level systems
• an outdated user interface
• foreseeable end of availability of central electronic components
• high energy consumption, even in standby mode
• noise emission

The solution: modernization with a system - and foresight

The focus was on increasing throughput, improving energy efficiency, reducing noise emissions and lowering operating costs - without fundamentally changing the tried-and-tested control concept. This consists of a top-hat rail module for the system control, supplemented by a remote operating module (MMI) in the front door. The basis for this is the proven Iftest carrier board concept.

• Iftest carrier board concept with integration of the system-relevant interfaces (USB, CAN, RS485, etc.)
• Modern 7“ or 15” touch HMI with graphical user interface
• Linux-based i.MX6 COM module as a high-performance control platform
• Ethernet interface for easy connection to networks
• USB & memory card for local data exchange and system maintenance
• Galvanically isolated sensor/actuator interfaces for precise measurement and safe control
• Integration of a safety controller for monitoring safety-relevant functions
• Secure update process with authorization, fallback & logging for maximum operational safety
• Demand-controlled water treatment process through the control of frequency-controlled pumps for further increase in efficiency
• EMC robustness and safety concepts for medical devices
• Software development in accordance with EN 62304 for the highest quality standards

The result

The modernized AQUABoss nX control system not only gives the system higher performance, but also makes it significantly more future-proof. The new HMI offers the operating personnel an intuitive and visually appealing user experience. The facelift is fully in line with the customer's corporate design and at the same time provides an expansion of functions. Thanks to modular connectivity, the system is now fit for higher-level systems and future digitalization measures.

At the same time, safety controllers and EMC optimizations ensure more robust and safe operation. The introduction of a demand-controlled treatment process has reduced energy consumption by up to 65%. At the same time, the water recovery rate has been increased to up to 95%, making the system not only more environmentally friendly but also cost-saving - all in the interests of efficiency, sustainability and safety.

Discover the world of IFTEST!

Discover the future of customized solutions with IFTEST's innovative carrier boards! Imagine being able to use a modular carrier board concept that is perfectly tailored to your specific applications. With Iftest, you not only get a customized solution, but also an unbeatable ratio between development and unit costs. Let yourself be surprised by the possibilities offered by a future-proof technology!