Test gases from automated production

Linde has automated the complex production process for calibration gases, which are primarily used for calibrating measuring devices. (Image source: Linde GmbH)

– Complex processes in the production and intralogistics of calibration and other specialty gases implemented for the first time
– Company-wide competence center for specialty gases in Unterschleißheim near Munich

With a new digitized concept, Linde is setting new standards at the Unterschleißheim site near Munich for the production and intralogistics of calibration and other specialty gases. For customers, automation means not only even more reliable supply but also improved transparency in quality assurance.

Calibration gases are mainly used for the calibration of measuring devices and must therefore meet special requirements regarding manufacturing tolerances, analysis accuracy, and purity of the raw materials. As precisely defined gas mixtures, they consist exclusively of gases of high purity and vapors of pure liquids. Accordingly, the production process is highly demanding, starting with the selection and pretreatment of the respective container material, through gravimetric manufacturing, filling, homogenization, and final quality assurance.

Process automated for the first time

Linde has implemented these complex processes at the Unterschleißheim site (near Munich), the company-wide competence center for specialty gases, with a pioneering system for the first time: The centerpiece of the digital solution is a specially tailored MES software (Manufacturing Execution System). This coordinates and visualizes all subprocesses such as bottle sorting and preparation, laboratory analyses, filling, and the entire supply chain up to handover to the customer.

As a second key element, automatically controlled conveyor systems handle the internal transport of gas cylinders within the plant. The cylinder handling system was specially developed for Linde and is – like the MES – unique worldwide in this form. The third pillar of the automation concept is the gantry system of the storage hall. This automatic loading and unloading unit operates completely autonomously and ensures easy access to the stored containers.