Aerosols have been a well-known and challenging problem in the metalworking industry for a long time. Harmful additives from cutting fluids form aerosols which workers breathe in every day.
In 2015, a research project was initiated by leading Finnish metal industry companies to solve the aerosol problem. The project involved Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK), VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, and the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (TTL). Pirkko Pihlajamaa was working as a teacher of HVAC engineering at TAMK. With more than 25 years of experience in the design and analysis of industrial ventilation systems, graduate engineer Pirkko Pihlajamaa decided to participate in the research project.
Solving the problem turned out to be more complex and challenging than initially expected. However, Pirkko continued with the research and focused on finding a solution. Solving problems is one of her key strengths: “Since I was a child, I have been excited by thinking about different riddles and finding solutions to them,” she says. In the final stage of the research project, Pirkko had a new idea, which she decided to test – and it worked. The AerOff Solution for Machine Tools was invented.
The oil filters traditionally used in the industry effectively remove particles from the air. However, there was previously no effective solution available on the market for removing harmful aerosols as well. The AerOff Solution effectively removes these harmful aerosols and thereby improves workplace air quality. Pirkko’s hobby gives her a special perspective on the importance of clean air: “As a hobby singer, I am very aware of the importance of indoor air quality,” she explains.
In addition to a healthier working environment, customers also benefit from lower VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions and lower costs. The AerOff Solution recycles the cutting fluid that it separated from the air back into use. This reduces both the cost of cutting fluids and of treating hazardous waste. Pirkko sums up the benefits of the AerOff Solution: “Improved workplace air quality, a circular economy, and reduced emissions can all be achieved at the same time.”
Pirkko continues to work as an inventor at Aeroff Oy, the company founded as a result of the research project. Aeroff now also offers expert services to help customers reduce emissions from industrial processes and improve the energy efficiency of their production. In addition, Aeroff Oy is currently developing new solutions that can also be used in other industries in the future.
From her extensive work experience, Pirkko knows that every industrial production facility is unique and requires a customised solution. This is reflected in the company’s services, Pirkko explains: “Aeroff’s products and services are tailored to the needs of each customer, innovative, and up to date.”
Pirkko is delighted with the feedback she receives from customers and the employees who benefit from the AerOff Solution. She remembers one comment particularly well: “As a hobby singer, I was happy to hear one customer’s comment: After the AerOff Solution was installed, one of the company’s employees regained their singing voice and can now sing in a choir again.”