Welcome to the working group Gas Particle Systems (GPS)!
In the fields of research, teaching and innovation we deal on the one hand with the handling of gas particle systems and on the other hand with methods for the investigation, measurement and adjustment of material and functional particle properties.
The main issues of our current research are:
- Gas cleaning with filtering and electrostatic separators
- The behavior of reactive particle systems in separators
- Further development of particle measurement technology in the context of smart filters
- Adaptronic in the field of gas particle filter technology
- Generation of droplets and their separation
- Characterization, measurement and reduction of fine and ultrafine particulates
Applications of gas cleaning are found in energy technology (e.g. high temperatures), motor vehicle technology (high power density, durability) or in the separation of product aerosols (e.g. elevated concentrations). The panoply of investigations of functional particle characteristics aims for one at the development of catalysts and redispersibility of particle structures, but in particular also at new methods of real-time process control.
Our strategy combines explorative and fundamental research with user oriented technique development.
19.02.2021 - Poster Award of the ProcessNet Expert Group "Gas Cleaning"
We are pleased to announce that our contribution "Investigation of the penetration of soluble salts through surface filters using gravimetric and optical measurement methods" has been awarded this year's poster prize of the ProcessNet specialist group "Gas Cleaning".
08.02.2021 - Feature on FFP masks on 3sat
In the context of the 3sat contribution (link) we could show that permissible differences in the test standard EN149 can lead to different measuring results with the examination of so-called FFP masks. From the contribution it becomes clear: No mask offers 100% protection - not even an FFP2 mask. The use of higher-quality masks (i.e. OP mask, but especially FFP2 instead of "everyday mask") basically increases the effectiveness of the component in the overall concept. If "incorrectly worn" FFP2 masks "only" offer 50-60% overall separation efficiency due to "leakage ", this is always better than the separation efficiency of everyday masks (which is often less than 10%). Even if the effectiveness of the "mask" component is increased, the following still applies in addition: distance, reduce the number of people, reduce the duration of stay, ventilate & use indoor air filters if necessary.
21.01.2021 - SWR Aktuell
We were allowed to support the TV report about masks in the 19:30h edition of today's Landesschau SWR Aktuell and could show how to wear a mask correctly and how to recognize this (from min 6:30).
21.01.2021 - Article in the Schwäbische Zeitung
In an article in the Schwäbische Zeitung on the topic of "School and daycare: How strongly do children actually spread the coronavirus?", Prof. Dittler emphasises the importance of adhering to a whole package of measures in order to be protected in the best possible way from potentially infectious aerosols when staying indoors.
06.01.2021 - Feature on n-tv
For a report on n-tv on the topic "High-tech ventilation should make rooms usable again", Prof. Dittler reports on the effectiveness of room air cleaners.
19.11.2020 - Interview with the dpa (German Press Agency) on the effectiveness of masks
The interview appeared in the following newspapers:
- Zeit online (21.11.2020)
- Handelsblatt (21.11.2020)
- Süddeutsche Zeitung (21.11.2020)
- Schwäbisches Tagblatt (21.11.2020)
- Kreiszeitung Böblinger Bote (21.11.2020)
17.11.2020 - Interview with the campus radio: Correct ventilation is more efficient than filtering
In addition to ventilation, wearing a mask and keeping your distance, can you do something against the spread of the virus by filtering the room air? We tested highly efficient filter systems in a community school.
12.11.2020 – Start of the field tests: Simultaneous measurement of NO2 and fine dust immission at a measuring station close to traffic & in a new development area
In order to determine the differences in NO2 and fine dust immission between a traffic-related and a traffic-calmed environment, we measure at several locations with identical measuring technology. The measuring stations are located on the Reinhold-Frank-Straße, Karlsruhe (traffic-related area) and in Stutensee-Büchig (traffic-calmed area). The field tests have started. We thank the LUBW for their support!
23.09.2020 – 23.09.2020 - Interview with Antenne Niedersachsen about "How do we protect our children in schools - ventilation or filters?"
23.09.2020 - Contribution in the Medical Tribune on the effectiveness of filters for interior spaces.
24.09.2020 - Presentation at the Palas AFiS-seminar 2020: "Testing against the virus - Protection for your health"
In the context of the above mentioned seminar Prof. Dittler gave a lecture on "Filtering Face Piece - Design & Effectiveness". Masks protect, if you use them correctly.
04.09.2020 - Investigation of the effectiveness of a new type of filter for interior spaces
In cooperation with MANN + HUMMEL, we are testing the effectiveness of a new type of filter for interior spaces for reducing particle concentration in enclosed spaces. We thank the Comprehensive School Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen for the permission to test in the real environment of a primary school classroom.
11.08.2020 - Interview with the campus radio: How masks and ventilation protect against infectious aerosols
Masks protect against infection with the new corona virus. Plastic visors, on the other hand, have little or no protective effect. The minimum distance of one meter fifty may not be sufficient in closed rooms. Frequent ventilation reduces the risk of infection. These are the most important results of a study carried out at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology on the spread of droplets that are excreted into the ambient air when breathing, speaking or singing. More than touching surfaces, these tiny droplets floating in the air are responsible for the transmission of the corona virus.
Click here for the media file.
06.07.2020 - Press release on the effect of masks and the distribution of aerosols in rooms
In a KIT press release, Dr. Mathias Krause and Prof. Achim Dittler explain how masks and ventilation systems protect against infectious aerosols.
Click here for the press release.
09.04.2020 - Information on the implementation of lectures, exercises and seminars in the summer semester 2020
All lectures offered by the working group:
- Partikeltechnik (Particle technology)
- Grundlagen motorischer Abgasnachbehandlung (Fundamentals of Engine Exhaust aftertreatment)
- Nanopartikel - Struktur und Funktion (Nanoparticles - structure and function)
and the corresponding exercises are offered online.
We will inform you via ILIAS about the appropriate format as soon as possible. Please join via ILIAS. We will then activate you via "Joining on request".
The two seminars:
- Gas-Partikel-Systeme (Seminar Particle Technology)
- Seminar aktuelle Fragen der Partikeltechnik (Seminar Current Topics in Particle Technology)
will be held online via MS-Teams in the channel MVM_GPS until further notice.
You can find the current seminar schedule under this link.
03.03.2020 - Opening keynote at the 11th international AVL Exhaust & Particle Emissions Forum
In the opening keynote at the 11th International AVL Exhaust & Particle Emissions Forum, Prof. Dittler highlighted the current issue of fine dust in our breathing air. It became clear that most citizens perceive the quality of the air they breathe to be significantly worse than it actually is.
21.02.2020 – Visiting the ESTA Apparatebau GmbH
Innovative Product Development (IPD) is meeting the core of our research, which is focused on understanding fundamentals of gas-particle-separation processes. In this context we are working with innovative industry partners (e.g. through ZIM-Projects). It was our pleasure visiting ESTA Apparatebau GmbH & Co.KG today along a project related meeting. Thanks for hosting us! We look forward to continuing our fruitful collaboration.
04.02.2020 - Exkursion to LUBW (State Institute for the Enviroment Baden-Württemberg)
During their excursion to the LUBW at the location Großoberfeldstraße in Karlsruhe, the students and listeners of the lecture “Gas Particle Measurement Technology” gained insights into the determination of immission measurement values and the monitoring of air quality in Baden-Württemberg.