Pioneer work in polyurethane technology recognised.

The FSK Innovation Young Talent - Technology' category award, a prestigious recognition for pioneering ideas related to materials, was awarded to Eduard Kremer, a scientific assistant in the field of polyurethane technology at IKV Aachen.

Eduard Kremer with award

The FSK Innovation Award annually acknowledges outstanding innovations in the domains of design and aesthetics, technology, as well as process and chemical engineering, emphasizing sustainable approaches. The competition is open to young talents, companies, and professionals submitting projects related to foam plastics and polyurethanes.

Eduard Kremer impressed the jury with his groundbreaking work on sensor-based process monitoring in PUR-RIM. His research allows for reducing the burden on the operator and significantly increasing the number of high-quality parts. By employing temperature, pressure, and DEA sensors, alongside considering ambient parameters such as temperature, air pressure, and humidity, process variations are detected early on. This not only leads to improved product quality but also eliminates issues like skin detachment and incomplete mold fillings. A graphical dashboard visualises all relevant data, enabling efficient monitoring and control of the process. 

Eduard Kremer's achievement highlights the potential of sensor-based technologies in enhancing efficiency and quality in industrial processes.

The award was announced and presented during the FSK Symposium on 22nd November 2023.

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@RWTH @PresseBox #IKV_Aachen #PAuto #Research

Polyurethane specialists appointment.

Yves Souguenet is to take on the role of CFO at Hennecke GROUP, polyurethane specialists headquartered in Sankt Augustin (D). The management and advisory board at the group have deliberately selected a finance manager with international experience, a solid background in accounting and internal auditing, and considerable experience in managing machine construction companies.

Yves Souguenet

The business graduate and certified tax consultant began his professional career in assurance services at one of the renowned big four auditing firms, and then held key positions in finance management at the national and international sites of one of Germany's largest, listed, industrial corporations. Before joining Hennecke, Yves Souguenet served as Managing Director and CFO at a group subsidiary for industrial compressor solutions. His areas of responsibility included finance & controlling, IT, sales & project management, and export control.

"I'm delighted to have Yves Souguenet on board as our new CFO. He complements our management team perfectly, bringing outstanding expertise in international management functions and a focus on growth and cost optimization," says Thomas Wildt, Hennecke GROUP CEO. "His track record in transforming businesses, increasing profitability, and optimizing reporting and controlling processes speaks for itself and will really support us," continues Wildt. "Under Yves Souguenet’s management, the Hennecke GROUP will remain on a profitable footing for the long-term with our Hennecke 2.0 strategy, redefining the global PUR market with high-grade, innovative technologies and services."

The Hennecke GROUP's management team includes Thomas Wildt, who as CEO oversees the areas of strategy, R&D, operations and HR, and Rolf Trippler, who as CSO is responsible for sales and service. As CFO, Yves Souguenet will assume global responsibility for purchasing and IT, in addition to finance and accounting.

@HenneckeGroup @PresseBox#Pauto 

Pump for polyurethane processing.

Pump technology plays a central role in processing reactive polyurethane components, where precise metering, reproducibility and efficiency are key. The new 'HX' pump series, an in-house development by Hennecke's polyurethane experts, marks an important milestone in polyurethane processing, just like the invention of the first high-pressure mixhead by Hennecke. It is the very first axial piston pump produced exclusively for polyurethane applications, offering Hennecke's customers real added value in polyurethane processing.

A wide range of first-class pumps in different series, which are perfectly matched to the respective application and in particular to the required output is available. As a global market leader in PU technology, Hennecke gives its customers highly specialized solutions for pump technology, just like with its mixhead portfolio, and ultimately making production even more competitive using their mixing and metering technology. Concentrating on processing aspects and market requirements, Hennecke's application experts have developed a completely new pump generation in the last two years, which is to be manufactured at the company's site in Germany. Here, the focal point is a precise, highly efficient, and future-fit metering line,

The enhanced pump housing design has a new bearing seating which allows for maximum flow around the bearing. This ensures efficient heat dissipation whilst at the same time preventing a rise in the reactive media temperature. Multiple tests have shown an effective flow of heat between the functional surfaces and the pump housing, even at maximum operating points, which is demonstrated by a clearly measurable temperature gradient. Comparable measurements from conventional pumps on the market show that heat often builds up even at room temperature and that comparatively high temperatures are reached inside and around the housing. The new HX with effective built-in cooling offers decisive advantages even in unfavorable operating conditions with comparatively high ambient temperatures.

The pump's pressure resistance reaches up to 16 bar with open circulation. This is up to 60 percent higher than comparative models by competitors. Operating with open circulation brings a clear advantage in terms of process technology. Combined with the open pump construction and resulting improved suction, this is particularly beneficial when using highly viscous polyols. And it may even mean that pre-pumps are not required, depending on the application.

As well as its extremely broad application range, the HX series features state-of-the-art sensor technology. The integration of digitalized smart features within the metering line was an extremely important aspect in the pump's development process. To ensure for example that process parameters can be recorded 'on the spot', Hennecke's engineers have incorporated pressure and temperature monitoring into the pump housing. The pumps also have additional internal sensors. These include a distance sensor for monitoring the pump bearings, an important feature for predictive maintenance work. The company's clear, long-term goal is to expand the use of intelligent sensor technology, for example to advise of upcoming maintenance measures in advance.

The increased efficiency of the pump is ultimately conveyed through an optimized energy balance in the entire system. Chemical systems using bio-based and recycled content polyols can also be easily processed. Low noise emissions during operation are another plus point for the pump.

Real added value is available when both the pump technology and the metering function are solid. Secure and calculable service measures are crucial, for example, particularly for complex application scenarios or high production volumes. This includes the easy-to-service design with integrated safety valve as well as the guaranteed long-term supply of spare parts.

The new HX series is available now in sizes HX06, HX12 and HX28, exclusively for Hennecke's new generation metering machines. The HX portfolio will be extended in the future to include even more sizes. 

@HenneckeGroup @PresseBox #PAuto