Customer stories
Vacuum diaphragm pump PC 3001 VARIOpro at the evaporation crystallizer
© Pfeifer & Langen
In the research and development of sugar products, reproducible conditions are crucial for systematically investigating and advancing processes. At Pfeifer & Langen – the inventor of cube sugar and gelling sugar – vacuum is a central control parameter in evaporation crystallization at pilot scale. Stable and precise vacuum technology from VACUUBRAND contributes significantly to process reliability, product quality, and energy efficiency of the trials – seamlessly integrated into the company's advancing digital transformation of its research division.
Precise vacuum for optimal crystallization
Pfeifer & Langen develops customized sugar products and continuously investigates new process engineering approaches for optimization – for example, of crystallization. Laboratory and pilot-scale facilities are used to replicate process conditions under realistic yet flexibly adaptable conditions.
Sandra Bormann
© Pfeifer & Langen
Sandra Bormann, bioprocess engineer and application specialist at Pfeifer & Langen, describes her area of responsibility: "We systematically analyze our research and development processes to identify suitable automation potential and increase the degree of automation as much as possible in the future. This allows us to proactively address the challenges of demographic change.”
The evaporation crystallizer, for example, is an ideal candidate for further optimizing its partial automation. Sandra Bormann explains the significance of vacuum in this process as a central control parameter:
“By lowering the boiling point, vacuum enables evaporation at reduced temperatures. This allows the supersaturation that is crucial for crystallization to be investigated in a targeted and reproducible manner. Stable and precise vacuum control is therefore an essential prerequisite for our research and development trials and contributes to their process reliability, product quality, and energy efficiency.”
The combination of compatible interface technology and VACUUBRAND's dedicated support enabled us to continue using the existing vacuum technology in our pilot plant efficiently and successfully integrate it into our automation system for the evaporation crystallizer. This has further increased the degree of automation in our research and development.
Vacuum diaphragm pump from VACUUBRAND integrated into the automation system of the evaporation crystallizer
© Pfeifer & Langen
Integrating existing vacuum technology with compatible hardware
The automation of the pilot-scale crystallizer was to be implemented using vacuum technology already available in the equipment inventory: a PC 3001 VARIOpro vacuum pumping unit with integrated CVC 3000 controller (successor product PC 3001 VARIO select). For the control system, the team developed a Python script that was intended to handle precise vacuum control, among other functions.
"After contacting VACUUBRAND's service department, we received quick and competent assistance. It turned out that a coordinated setup was required for reliable device communication," reports Sandra Bormann.
Two specific components were recommended and provided:
- A USB-to-RS-232 adapter cable
- A RS-232 null modem cable (Sub-D 9-pin, 2x female)
The result: With this special configuration, the connection could be established immediately and remained stable. The vacuum pump could then be reliably controlled and seamlessly integrated into the automated process management. "We were both surprised and very satisfied with how simple and quick the integration could ultimately be implemented," Sandra Bormann summarizes her experience.
Interfaces for VACUUBRAND vacuum controllers
- Ethernet (RJ45): Modbus TCP / USB
- RS-232 (additional adapter required)
- New: LADS OPC UA for selected vacuum pumps
We are happy to support your automation projects
The use case at Pfeifer & Langen demonstrates how digital transformation can be advanced in research and development environments within traditional industries. Often, existing hardware is sufficient when enhanced through intelligent integration and the right interfaces.
Do you face similar challenges when integrating our vacuum technology into automated processes? Our experienced service team is ready to assist you with advice and practical support – from interface selection to successful implementation.
