New Dimensions in Compressed Air Monitoring

Innovative MABE Smart Control sensor solution ensures transparency and efficiency

Maschinen- und Behälterbau GmbH (MABE), a manufacturer of pressure vessels based in Daaden (Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany), is presenting the MABE Smart Control sensor solution together with sensor specialist core sensing from Darmstadt. The technology makes it possible to identify and record load changes and leaks in pressurised containers. As a result, MABE Smart Control can help to increase process reliability and effectively extend the service life of containers.

Daaden (Germany), June 20, 2024 – Over 50 years of expertise in vessel construction and collaboration with core sensing have enabled MABE to develop a versatile sensor solution to make compressed air systems transparent. This solution brings benefits that go beyond simply monitoring the vessels: Among other things, predictive analyses allow potential problems such as leaks to be detected and rectified at an early stage, thus minimising downtime and energy losses.

At the same time, the sensor system enables load changes to be recognised and recorded. The majority of pressure vessels in operation are designed for a maximum of 1000 start-ups and shutdowns (load changes) and a pressure fluctuation range of 20% of the permissible operating overpressure. For this reason, these vessels would have to undergo an internal inspection after just 500 start-ups and shutdowns.

The use of MABE Smart Control makes it possible to record these load changes and thus adjust the operating mode at an early stage. In this way, an internal inspection can be delayed in the best-case scenario. This leads to a longer service life of the compressed air systems and saves costs by avoiding unnecessary inspections by external, authorised monitoring bodies.

MABE Smart Control app enables convenient data readout

With the MABE Smart Control app, available for smartphones and via web access, users can call up all relevant data in real time and thus identify potential problems at an early stage in order to optimise the energy consumption of their compressed air systems. The sensor solution can also be retrofitted to pressure vessels from other manufacturers.

MABE Smart Control is ideal for use in various industrial applications and helps companies to save costs and increase process reliability. The reduction of energy losses and the optimised use of resources help to protect the environment and support companies in meeting stricter political requirements. In this way, MABE Smart Control enables increased efficiency, safety and sustainability in the compressed air supply.

The MABE Smart Control sensor solution is mounted on the pressure vessel and makes it possible to identify and record load changes and leaks. Source: Poppe + Potthoff

The MABE Smart Control sensor solution is mounted on the pressure vessel and makes it possible to identify and record load changes and leaks. Image source: MABE/Poppe + Potthoff

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With the MABE Smart Control app, available for smartphones and via web access, users can call up all relevant data in real time and thus identify potential problems at an early stage in order to optimize the energy consumption of their compressed air systems. MABE/Poppe + Potthoff

With the MABE Smart Control app, available for smartphones and via web access, users can call up all relevant data in real time and thus identify potential problems at an early stage in order to optimize the energy consumption of their compressed air systems. Image source: MABE/Poppe + Potthoff

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The compressor pumps air or oxygen into the pressure vessel, where the MABE Smart Control sensor solution continuously records the pressure. From there, the gas is routed via pipes, distributors and hoses to the end users, such as pneumatic systems, compressed air-powered tools, cleaners and dryers. Source: MABE/Poppe + Potthoff

The compressor pumps air or oxygen into the pressure vessel, where the MABE Smart Control sensor solution continuously records the pressure. From there, the gas is routed via pipes, distributors and hoses to the end users, such as pneumatic systems, compressed air-powered tools, cleaners and dryers. Image source: MABE/Poppe + Potthoff

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Maschinen- und Behälterbau GmbH

Maschinen- und Behälterbau GmbH, or MABE for short, based in Daaden (Rhineland-Palatinate), has been producing customised vacuum, pressure and high-pressure vessels for a wide range of applications since 1967. These include vessel solutions for the compressed air industry, construction industry, environmental technology, compressed air treatment and oxygen storage. The serial production of vessels is just as possible as custom-made products with variable vessel volumes from one litre up to 35,000 litres. Constant monitoring of weld seam quality is ensured by an in-house X-ray system at the site. The company employs around 40 people and is part of the internationally active Poppe + Potthoff Group. www.mabe.de

Poppe + Potthoff

The Poppe + Potthoff Group, with its headquarters and technology centre in Werther (Westphalia, Germany), has more than 1,600 employees and long-term partners in over 50 countries. Founded in 1928, the company today has 18 plants and sales offices in 9 countries. Each location has its own area of expertise, all of them focusing on the requirements of each individual customer, for whom they contribute to sustainable and environmentally friendly technologies and drive the digitalization of processes.

Poppe + Potthoff is a partner of globally active companies in various technically demanding industries such as the automotive industry, mechanical engineering, marine and aerospace. The product portfolio includes common rails, precision steel tubes, high-pressure pipes, precision components, precision and industrial couplings and specially developed test systems. With innovative hydrogen supply systems and components for electric vehicles, Poppe + Potthoff is contributing to an emission-free future for mobility and industry. www.poppe-potthoff.com