Case Studies |
|
|
Case New Holland Purchases PCU DEF System |
CASE NEW HOLLAND (CNH) purchased PCU's DEF dispensing solution to solve a final assembly DEF dispensing first fill requirement. Throughtout the scope definition and supplier evaluation process. CNH had two primary objectives to meet; 1) Handling of the large volume of DEF fluid to meet productin demands, and 2) Managing the fluids susceptibility to freezing in the cold winter months of Racine WI and Fargo ND.
PCU worked closely with CNH engineers to propose a solution that accommodated both issues. Using a PLC controlled tote system that combined two 330 gallon totes or Industrial Bulk Containers (IBC) to supply the fluid to the assembly line, the volume of the fluid required was met. The freezing issue was remedied by CNH's decision to utilize inside storage as opposed to the more expensive outside above ground (AST) or underground storage (UST) tanks. CNH is delighted with the features for low level sensing which reduces the possibility of fluid contamination with the approach of sensing the low fluid level in the primary tote, alerting plant personnel with both visual and audible alarms, and then automatically switching to the secondary tote. The system also provides for easy forklift access that makes replacing empty totes easy and quick.
PCU's DEF Dispensing System Right Solution
The increased use and dispensing of UREA solution associated with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology is driving demand for PCU fluid dispensing systems expertise. Many of the diesel engine and truck manufactures have chosen this thechnology in order to meet the 2010 EPA Requirements for 80% reduction in NOx over the 2007 emissions regulations. A SCR system injects a precise amount of diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) into the engine exhaust. The DEF combines with the NOx to form nitrogen and water.
PCU is currently well positioned with vehicle OEM's for all online filling equipment. An existing customer that manufactures Class 8 trucks recently approached Production Control Units, Inc. (PCU) regarding filling the DEF tanks as the vehicle traveled on the assembly line. The manfacturer required the DEF machine to be capable of multiple fill volumes, and minimal operator involvement as well as verifing that the vehicle DEF tank was filled with the correct volume.
Working closely with the customer, it was determined that as the vehicle enters the workstation the Factory Information System (FIS) would communicate to the DEF dispensing machine the required volume to dispense into the vehicle. This would reduce the potential for operator error in volume selection. At this point the dispense console would commence pacing with the vehicle while simultaneously presenting the operator with the DEF fill tool. Once the operator inserts the fill tool into the DEF tank and presses the "start" pushbutton the machine monitors the amount of DEF being dispensed, automatically ceases dispensing flluid once the preset volume is achieved, and signals the operator the operation is complete. Once again, the machine communicates with the FIS the actual volume dispensed to the vehicle while the dispense console continues to pace with the vehicle until the operator removes the DEF fill tool and presses the "return to home" pushbutton.
Altogether, the application is not a new process to PCU, it just needs to be done right! The end user needs to consider that UREA is not a petrolem based product with its own unique characteristics, but rather a chemical based product where it is necessary to consider the potential for introducing fluid contaminates. To build on its experience and expertise by providing first fill DEF dispensing solutions for valued OEM customers, PCU is actively engaged in determining how best to support private fleet owner operators as well as commercial users with DEF dispensing systems in the field.
PCU Helps Gamers Dominate
You may wonder how PCU got into the computer gaming business. Well since heat build up is one of the biggest limiters of processor speed, PCU was asked to provide their liquid filling expertise to integral liquid cooling assemblies allowing gamers to stay cool and dominate.
As processing speeds continue to increase the associated heat build up has increased to the point where typical forced air convection is no longer able to effectively cool the processor. To prevent the fan size and noise from becoming excessive, the next logical step is liquid cooling: one of PCU’s specialties.
Working with micro electronics manufactures, PCU has designed several custom liquid filling solutions. These fill systems are a one stop total part processor. Before filling, the liquid cooling assembly’s integrity is checked and the fill accuracy is verified upon completion. They were designed concurrently with the liquid cooling assemblies which enabled the fill system to satisfy the requirements specific to a sealed liquid cooling assembly on an accelerated time line. The fill system’s versatility allowed it to adapt to a variety of different cooling assemblies designed for various form factors (ATX, BTX, etc.).
What does the future hold for micro electronics cooling? Well PCU is working with industries designing and testing phase change cooling solutions. And PCU has that covered too. We already have over 60 years of experience accurately dispensing phase change refrigerants.