Goodbye 2024

Back to the Roots

2024 began for us in a special place: back to where it all started, in Gassel. The year has flown by already; something about "time flies when you're having fun." We've had an incredible time with our colleagues at WRG and IMG.

Launch of the Aufero 2100 & 2500

The market demanded a more compact solution, specifically for locations where space is limited. This got Hans to work, kicking off 2024 with the announcement of not one but two new air purification systems: the Aufero 2500 and Aufero 2100! Simone shared: “We had a fun way to announce the birth of our ‘twins’ to our partners. Around the holidays, we sent out a package containing a Christmas card, a birth announcement, and a personalized chocolate bar.”

To showcase the systems in action temporarily, we also developed a mobile demo unit. The debut went to Kemie, where the Aufero 2500 was mounted on a specially designed mast, expertly installed by our partner Cuvotech. After running for a week, the results were clearly visible. Roel explained: “There’s an anticipated tightening of exposure limit values. Together with the stone processing sector, which produces custom-made countertops, we explored areas for further improvement beyond existing measures to reduce exposure. The result is clear: we can offer an effective solution for stone processing as well!"

Clean air for Employees

2024 was largely about clean air in the workplace. Roel noted: “We visited many companies where employees are exposed to dust as a result of the production process. In many places, measures are in place, but sometimes these are insufficient or hard to manage. At various locations, we provided insights into the spread of (fine) dust by conducting measurements and using models. Demo systems were installed at metalworking and stone-processing companies to demonstrate the effectiveness of our Aufero systems.”

Additionally, we collaborated with ProRail and Strukton to explore ways to reduce exposure to respirable quartz dust during railway maintenance. Most railway tracks are laid on a bed of stones, known as 'ballast,' to ensure forces from passing trains are effectively transferred to the ground, rainwater drains efficiently, and the track remains aligned. However, some of this ballast contains respirable quartz, and inhaling these particles increases the risk of developing various serious conditions. These risks are especially significant during railway work.

Rob shared: “We delivered a comprehensive report for the ‘Dust-Free Railway’ project. Experiments were conducted with one of the railway maintenance vehicles, including indicative measurements and smoke tests. CFD simulations were used to assess the intervention's impact on the work environment around the machine and its effectiveness in limiting the spread of hazardous fine dust particles. The findings were shared with project partners this year through a report and have led to a working proof of concept that can be applied across multiple areas within the railway sector. This was not only an interesting project from a research perspective but also highly impactful, as railway lines also run through residential areas!”

Our partner CuVotech

Over the past year, our partner CuVotech has handled all installations, cleaning, and maintenance work in the Netherlands, France, and Belgium. Tim from CuVotech shared: “This past year, we’ve once again experienced how effectively the Aufero 7500 captures dust particles from the air. We are continually impressed by the amount the device collects. Recently, we installed the first units of the Aufero 2500, and we look forward to installing and maintaining even more of these in 2025.”

Farewell, Guido

Unfortunately, the year ends with less positive news, as our colleague Guido has bid farewell to ENS Clean Air. After more than eight years of dedicated work on scientific studies and projects, he is starting a new chapter elsewhere.

Guido, thank you for everything – we wish you the best of luck in your next adventure