Newsletter_04-2024_EN

ZETAs Innovation Labs
The further development and optimisation of magnetic agitator
technology is being driven forward at the TechCenter ZETA.
on a process, simulation, automation and sensor level. The “ZETA
Bire System” is ideal for collaboration projects with universities and
industrial partners, as well as for external contract projects.
As an absolute all-rounder, the system can map a complete
upstream process with living organisms. Bisy uses also for training
purposes. The current focus is on the development of a new control
algorithm for dissolved oxygen, which individually adjusts the oxygen
saturation in the medium to the living culture via the optimum
combination of agitator and gassing performance. Another area of
focus is the implementation of the MTP concept on the Siemens SI-
MATIC PCS neo platform.
Forward-looking process automation: the MTP concept
Versatile, modular systems are the process industry‘s answer to
constantly changing market requirements. Flexible technical solutions
for the automation of modular plants are particularly high in
demand – only with these can modular plant construction be implemented
consistently.
The „Module Type Package“ (MTP) concept gives the individual
modules a digital description and enables them to be flexibly connected
and orchestrated, in the sense of a plug & produce system.
Production capacity can be increased by adding MTPready modules,
and flexible reconfiguration allows for the production of different
products. Standardization and modularization, both being driven
forward by numerous companies and organizations, are already well
advanced and the corresponding tools are available. The automation
experts at ZETA are now working on a seamless integration of modules
with process automation.
Process intensification: inline conditioning
Buffer solutions are essential media in the production of therapeutic
proteins and other biomolecules. Increasing production titers,
shorter batch times, capacity expansion of existing facilities and
the intensification of bioprocesses have increased the volumetric
demand for buffers and have led to operational bottlenecks. While
many production facilities have improved their capacities through
inline dilution of concentrates, the demand for buffers continues to
rise. As a result, the supply with buffer solutions remains labor intensive
and logistically challenging.
Proper planning and implementation of inline conditioning systems
will alleviate production bottlenecks. Inline conditioning enables
just-in-time preparation of buffers by mixing stock solutions.
The advantages: the need for production space is minimized and
flexibility in the use of buffer solutions is maximized.
The TechCenter ZETA in Lebring provides an important research
environment with space and infrastructure for various experiments
and test series. However, it is by no means the only location where
innovative concepts are developed. The topics of digitalization and
data science are concentrated at the ZETA headquarters in Lieboch.
In the field of automation, the Innovation Hubs conduct research at
the ZETA site in Hallbergmoos and at SIGMA in Goldbach, Germany.
ZETA in Vienna has a strong focus on process innovation, and
the experts at Biotree in Bangalore are responsible for operator training.
ZETA Innovation Labs sees itself as a hub for talents, bringing
together entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and experts.
There are currently 1400 employees working at 28 ZETA locations –
an enormous potential of knowhow and creative ideas just waiting
to be explored. In a research environment where all employees can
contribute their respective expertise, the spirit of innovation is put
into practice.
“In terms of R&D, we are currently working on adapting our
structural organization, which will enable us to work together even
more efficiently”, explains Thomas Maischberger, Corporate Head
of Research and Development. “There will be a rather small permanent
R&D team, which will be flexibly supplemented by experts
from the various departments depending on research field, project,
or questions to be explored. A suitable team will be put together for
each research topic.”
The structure of the R&D department is intended to support ZETA‘s
global approach to innovation, which aims to break new ground with
foresight, and exchange t he k nowledge o f e mployees i n a m eaningful
way.
A glimpse into the future
There are some industry trends that clearly indicate which topics will
be in focus in the coming years. Thomas Maischberger and the ZETA
team are working on products and services related to plant modularization,
process intensification, integrated engineering, and the
simulation of production processes.
In the long run, Maischberger expects that topics such as AI,
digitalization, and platform-based process modeling will be the
essential technologies that will step up productivity. Overarching
questions related to climate change, resource scarcity, and incurable
diseases will also be at the forefront of discussion. Looking to the future,
the ZETA expert explains: “As an interdisciplinary team, we will
be more challenged than ever to address complex issues as quickly
as possible.”
No progress without innovation
Change and innovation are essential elements of ZETA’s corporate
strategy. Managing Director Andreas Marchcler is convinced that
“without continuous development, there is a risk of stagnation”. “Innovations
are the key to success and tomorrow‘s earnings. At ZETA,
we see innovation as a fundamental corporate value. We create
spaces for inspiration, the generation of ideas, and the targeted implementation
of innovations to ultimately create added value for our
customers with our solutions. The ongoing inclusion of our industry
partners ensures customer benefit and, therefore, success.”
ZETA GmbH
A 8501 Lieboch/Graz
www.reinraum.de | www.cleanroom-online.com NEWSLETTER | Edition EN 04-2024
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