A team of researchers from Lund University recently visited Alfa Laval to participate in a hands-on workshop focused on assembling a gasketed heat exchanger, a key component within the Sentio Competence Centre. The Sentio aim is to integrate advanced sensors into industrial products to enable real-time process optimization. Axel Knutsson, Materials Specialist at Alfa Laval, organized the workshop where Mikael Olander, Laboratory Technician, shared his expertise from over 25 years of experience in the assembly and testing of such exchangers. The Lund University team included Mikael Hörndahl, Jesus Carrero Robles, and Bekmurat DalelKhan from the Division of Production and Materials Engineering, as well as Ajša Cuprija from the Division of Synchrotron Radiation Science.
During the workshop, the researchers practiced aligning and mounting gaskets and plates, ensuring the proper assembly of the heat exchanger to meet performance and durability standards. The workshop concluded with a guided tour of Alfa Laval’s state-of-the-art materials lab and test centre, offering the researchers deeper insights into the company’s advanced technologies and processes.
“It was a productive afternoon and an inspiring peek behind the scenes. The valuable input from the technicians and engineers helped me and my fellow researchers to understand what needs the industry has, in terms of sensors for sustainability, and what the challenges are.” says Ajša Cuprija.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the Sentio Competence Centre project, underscoring the importance of strengthening ties between academia and industry to advance sustainable manufacturing technologies.