Filt-AR: Development of an innovative Filt-AR filter press with knowledge-based control using a digital twin and augmented reality visualization

Filter presses play a crucial role in wastewater purification and sludge treatment across diverse applications, be it for sewage plants in Baden-Württemberg or operations in mines and container ships. The anticipated shortage of skilled professionals in the coming years is already impacting the optimal utilization of filter presses, given the complexity of the suspensions they filter. This has necessitated a reliance on external experts for adjustments and repairs. To tackle this challenge, the collaborative efforts of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology , and SIMEX are directed towards modernizing filter presses through digitization and the implementation of a contemporary knowledge-based control system. This involves creating a comprehensive data foundation of the filtration process using additional sensors in the filter chambers and images captured by smartphones. Leveraging this data, the filter press will be subjected to knowledge-based control, ensuring regulation at the optimal operating point through the use of a digital twin. Augmented reality will further contribute by offering a virtual insight into the filter press, enhancing operators' understanding of processes and supporting visual assessments for commissioning, cleaning, maintenance, and repair. The overarching goal is to achieve more efficient handling and treatment of wastewater and sludge, even when faced with fluctuating product characteristics.

This project is funded by Invest BW