transport Archives - EN MSR Data loggers

Semiconductor Manufacturing Company TSMC: Wafer Transport Monitoring with Data Logger MSR175plus

TSMC, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, has been the world’s dedicated semiconductor foundry since 1987. The company uses MSR175plus shock data loggers for monitoring and quality assurance of highly sensitive wafer transports.

Author: Xavier Yangg, Honghong Technology Co., Ltd, a subcompany of Hongke Technology Co., Ltd

In 2023, TSMC served 528 customers and manufactured 11,895 products for various applications covering a variety of end markets including high performance computing, smartphones, the Internet of Things (IoT), automotive, and digital consumer electronics. Annual capacity of the manufacturing facilities managed by TSMC and its subsidiaries exceeded 16 million 12-inch equivalent wafers in 2023. TSMC owns several wafer fabs in Taiwan, China and the USA. In addition, TSCM is investing in the European Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (ESMC) in Dresden, is planning further factories in Arizona (USA) and is building a plant in Kumamoto, Japan.

Significant transport risks for highly sensitive semiconductor components

The transportation of wafers, photomasks or chips in the semiconductor industry, is a critical phase, as these components are very delicate. Various risks can occur that can lead to potential damage.

During transportation, shocks, vibrations or improper handling can lead to cracks, scratches or breakages. Wafers, the base material for the production of semiconductor components such as chips and sensors, are extremely thin and react extremely sensitively to mechanical, thermal, chemical and electrostatic influences. Even minimal impurities or irregularities in their surface or structure can have a negative impact on the electrical properties of the components manufactured on them. For this reason, strict protocols are followed in the semiconductor industry to ensure the quality and integrity of the wafers.

Most transport damage caused by mechanical stresses such as shocks, impacts and vibrations is not visible from the outside or at first glance. It is precisely for this reason, as well as for reasons of traceability in the event of liability issues, that it is essential to monitor the transport of highly sensitive goods with a data logger as a travelling companion.

To ensure that the relevant measured values are recorded and stored, it is important to pay attention to the measurement/storage rate, the data storage capacity , the measuring range of the g-force sensor(s), the battery capacity and the robustness when choosing a transport data logger. Equally important is powerful analysis software that is able to process millions of data quickly and determine relevant shock events quickly.

After all, what use is a logger if its storage options are not sufficient for the required tasks or the recorded data is not meaningful and certainly not conclusive? For quality reasons, TSMC has decided to use MSR175 and MSR175plus transport data loggers from the Swiss manufacturer MSR Electronics GmbH.

MSR175plus shock and climate data logger detects even concealed transport damage

TSMC uses MSR175plus data loggers for instance in the transport between Taiwan province and the United States. As vibrations occur during transportation, the engineers in charge want to understand the actual g-values and define the maximum vibration range. The average round-trip transportation time is approximately 9 days, covering a distance of about 25,000 kilometers. Due to long-distance testing requirements, the high battery capacity and storage characteristics of MSR175plus was one of the main arguments in favour of choosing the MSR175plus. The company had experienced with other data loggers that when recording excessive shock data over a longer period of time, data loss occurred due to insufficient storage capacity. The company no longer wanted to take this risk and therefore opted for MSR data loggers after consulting Hongtronics, a branch of Hongke. The MSR175plus data logger’s memory of 4 million measured values is sufficient to record data for days or months; over 1,000 shock or impact events can be registered.

Acceleration sensors simultaneously record ±15 g and ±200 g shock values

Shocks, often occurring during reloading or unloading in the harbour or during transport, is considered the most common cause of transport damage. Shock events can have a very negative impact on the mechanical construction of any industrial or consumer product, and even more for highly sensitive goods such as wafers and photomasks. Not all damage is caused by the highest shocks. Repeated, less intense shocks can also cause damage, especially to sensitive goods.

The MSR175plus data logger uses highly accurate sensors to monitor and capture potentially damaging events and provides assurance that the specifications of the shipment are met. Thanks to the two simultaneously recording ±15 g and ±200 g acceleration sensors, both light shocks and strong shocks and impacts are detected, delivering unparalleled insights of the transport.

In addition, the MSR175plus data logger measures and stores temperature, humidity, air pressure and light and is equipped with a GPS/GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver. The satellite-supported position data is stored by the data logger, allowing the location of a transported item to be quickly determined and documented in the event of a damage.

The 2400 mAh lithium-polymer battery, which can be recharged via USB, ensures that the logger runs for a long time, even with GPS tracking activated.

MSR175plus boasts high precision and reliability, providing detailed data reports and charts for easy analysis and comparison. Its durable casing can withstand the challenges of transportation environments, coupled with a long battery life, ensuring extended monitoring periods. In the event of damage, the logger provides a clear picture of the damaging event including indispensable data to be used in determining liability as well as helping with insurance claims.

Successfully address the challenges of wafer transportation

TSMC has successfully addressed the challenges of wafer transportation and will continue to use MSR data loggers to monitor the vibration and shock values generated during the round-trip transportation of photomasks and wafers between Taiwan province and the United States. TSCM engineers state they highly recommend the use of MSR data loggers to manufacturers or engineers in need of quantifying vibration data.

In conclusion, the MSR175plus is a powerful GPS data logger that offers a comprehensive solution for transportation monitoring. By using MSR175plus, effective management and control of various parameters during transportation can be achieved, ensuring the safety and quality of products.

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MSR shock data loggers monitor transport of grinding machines

What happens when and where to valuable freight on its way to its destination? With the MSR175plus transport data logger with shock sensors, climate sensors and GPS tracking, it is clearly traceable where the consignment of goods was worldwide. In the event of damage, the recorded data can quickly provide a comprehensive picture of the transport circumstances.

Transport damage is not only expensive, it also damages the image. To prevent this from happening in the first place, a leading global technology provider for gear grinding has its freight monitored with MSR data loggers for quality assurance purposes. The company develops top-class gear grinding machines, 90 percent of which go to the automotive industry.

In a company whose products are almost invariably exported to international markets, monitoring transport is crucial. In production and logistics, it was discovered early on that product complaints were in the vast majority of cases not due to material or production defects, but to damage caused during transport.

Determine transport loads in shipping tests

First and foremost, the logistics manager wanted to optimise the packaging so that transport damage to the freight could be avoided in the first place. To do this, he turned to the Swiss specialist for export packaging, Wegmüller AG from Attikon near Zurich. Wegmüller developed custom-fit wooden packaging and recommended a special desiccant corrosion protection process. In order to prove the flawless effect of the corrosion protection process and the outer packaging, Wegmüller relied on MSR165 data loggers equipped with shock, temperature, humidity, air pressure and light sensors from the Swiss measurement technology company MSR Electronics GmbH for initial test trials back in 2016. Shocks caused by excessively hard impacts and blows during loading, reloading or unloading are generally considered to be the main cause of transport damage. They can have a very negative effect on the mechanical construction of any industrial or consumer item, but are often not visible externally.

Very often, however, goods also suffer rust damage during the journey. Corrosion is caused by moisture, especially temperature fluctuations, which cause condensation to accumulate on metallic surfaces. Wegmüller’s desiccant process keeps the packaged goods in a constantly dry atmosphere. Wegmüller was able to demonstrate with the collected data from the MSR data loggers that the process works perfectly.

Data loggers can detect possible damage at an early stage and reconstruct events.

Using the recorded data of an MSR data logger, it can be recognised beyond doubt after transport whether a product has been exposed to excessive vibrations or environmental stresses and whether it is necessary to check the quality again. To answer the question of where the damage occurred, MSR175plus data loggers with GPS tracking are used in addition to MSR165 data loggers.

The MSR175plus transport data loggers are equipped with two shock sensors (±15 g and ±200 g), one temperature, humidity, pressure and light sensor each, as well as a GPS/GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver. The satellite-based position data are stored by the data logger and thus critical transport events can be localised quickly. In the case of insurance or liability issues, the MSR175plus data logger helps to settle claims quickly and easily.

Test trials were conducted to determine where the MSR175plus shock data logger is best mounted. The decision was made in favour of the machine’s grinding head, as impacts occurring there would present particular challenges. Since it is not always clear in advance of a transport which measuring range is required for the acceleration measurements, the parallel shock value recording of the ±200 g sensor at 6400 Hz and the ±15 g sensor at 1600 Hz is used. Light shocks and strong shocks and impacts are thus recorded equally, in all three axes. The higher the recording frequency, the more accurately both the actual course and the peak values are mapped and the more meaningful the data obtained.

The service technician on site dismantles the logger immediately after the arrival of the cargo and sends it back to the head office in the package already supplied. Both the MSR165 and the MSR175plus are approved for air freight. In the case of the MSR175plus data logger, there is also the option of removing the battery for return shipment; depending on country-specific regulations, this may be relevant.

The responsible employee reads the recorded data from the logger via USB and interprets it with the MSR PC software. In addition to the MSR PC software for configuring and evaluating the data, the scope of delivery of the MSR165 and MSR175plus data loggers also includes the “MSR ShockViewer” evaluation software, which specialises in evaluating shock events. If nothing abnormal is detected, the data file is stored for documentation purposes. If a critical event is detected, a fitter is immediately contacted on site to deal with the matter. The data logger is reconfigured and enclosed with the next shipment.

The logistics manager emphasised the preventive effect of the data logger as positive: He noted that care in handling the freight is usually significantly higher when an MSR data logger is on board.

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Transport Monitoring of Fragile Artworks

Use of the MSR165 and MSR175 data loggers in everyday museum life

Authors: Matthias Läuchli and Nathalie Bäschlin, Läuchli Konservierung Restaurierung GmbH, Museum of Fine Arts Bern

Since 2015, selected transports at the Kunstmuseum Bern have been monitored using MSR data loggers. The collected data provides a basis for the planning of loan transports to assess the expected stress on the artwork and the performance of the packaging in terms of vibration, shock and the insulation of temperature and relative humidity.

The preservation of our cultural heritage is designed for long time horizons. The works of art should be publicly accessible to society today and in the future, in the form of exhibitions, and their interrogation in current social contexts means that our cultural heritage remains alive. Our current global understanding of culture has led us to move works of art physically and to transport them to local or international exhibitions. Mechanical impacts (shocks, vibrations), light and climate fluctuations are the associated risk factors.

Works of art classified as “fragile” are particularly at risk. These include works that have high sensitivities due to experimental artistic techniques or are made of materials that have aged and weakened over the centuries. Many of the paintings to which we ascribe high cultural value today fall into this category. The appreciation and the endangerment cumulate to a certain extent in a high demand for preventive protective measures. A proven approach to this problem is the optimal controllability of risk factors.

Research results

This was the premise behind the Innosuisse-sponsored project Transport fragiler Gemälde 2010 – 2014 (www.gemaeldetransport.ch). An interdisciplinary research team tried to understand what happens during a transport.

Which vibrations affect a painting during air transport, which during truck transport?
Where can patterns be detected that we can extrapolate to the duration of impact and include in the risk assessment?
Which phases are to be classified as unknown factors?
How can the mechanical sensitivity of paintings to vibration and shock be characterised?
How can packaging systems be improved to reduce the stress on the work of art during transport?

It has been shown that preventive protective measures at the plants and optimised packaging systems can measurably reduce the number and intensity of vibration effects.

However, vibration and shock loads are unavoidable in any transport. Some of these can be estimated on the basis of the chosen transport route and the means of transport. However, a portion remains random due to specific constellations or special events (e.g. accident).

It therefore seemed crucial to develop a tool for monitoring and documenting all transport processes that could be used in everyday museum life.

Monitoring of museum transports of paintings

In the Museum of Fine Arts Bern and selectively in other Swiss museums, selected transports have been monitored since 2015. The measurement strategy provides for simultaneous measurements inside the packaging and on the outside. In addition to measuring the load on the work, this also enables an assessment of the performance of the packaging in terms of vibration, shock and the insulation of temperature and relative humidity.

Transport data loggers of the type MSR165 were used for the measurements, which allow a high measuring frequency and, thanks to the SD memory card, a complete data recording. The evaluation method developed during the CTI project was adapted and further developed for use in the museum.

Since then, around fifty works of art have been accompanied on their journey around the globe. The collected data provides a basis for the planning of loan transports to assess the expected stresses. For important works, all local changes have been recorded by means of monitoring since 2015.

Monitoring with the MSR175 data loggers

In order to reduce the effort for the evaluation and thus to be able to increase the number of monitorings, first attempts were made with the transport data loggers MSR175 and the evaluation software MSR ShockViewer.

During the transport of a painting from Zurich to Bern, the data loggers were placed close to the work of art and on the outside of the transport box, as shown in figures 1 and 2, according to the existing measurement concept.

Three phases were recorded. From the exhibition rooms of the Zurich museum, the closed transport crate was pushed into the shipping area with the help of trolleys and secured in the air-conditioned loading area of the truck. These handling phases are referred to as ‘handling’. The second phase refers to the journey from Zurich to Bern (truck). This is followed by another handling phase in which the transport crate was pushed from the truck to the depot area of the Kunstmuseum Bern using special trolleys.

These phases are shown on figures 3 and 4 in terms of vibrations and climatic conditions over time. The blue data points are recorded at the factory, the red ones on the outside of the packaging.

The climatic conditions are stable inside the packaging during the entire transport process. The thermal insulation and moisture barrier of the packaging function perfectly during this relatively short transport.

The interpretation of the movement data is much more complex. Nevertheless, the characteristics of the recorded phases can be well differentiated. During handling (manual or mechanical lifting, setting down, pushing; transfer on trolleys, fastening in vehicles), the highest acceleration values are usually measured. The values on the outside of the transport box are higher than inside, which indicates a functioning shock absorption. During truck transport, the picture is different. The values inside the packaging are on average higher than on the outside. Due to resonance effects (vibration) of the packaging materials, there are slight amplifications here.

The challenge in designing the foam padding is to take into account the different requirements of shock and vibration damping. While efficient shock damping is possible with these materials, only resonances can be minimised in the relevant frequency range (below 100Hz) with regard to vibrations.

The MSR 175 data logger seems ideal as a tool for comprehensive, practice-oriented monitoring of art transports. The high measuring frequency makes it possible to record all relevant vibrations. The MSR ShockViewer evaluation software enables a simple, detailed analysis of the measurement data and, thanks to the export options, further processing for the specific presentation of the transport process.

Looking to the future, we expect a simplified monitoring strategy to be a tool for museums to measure the transport of important works in their collection and to clearly document the accumulation of stress. The systematic recording and evaluation of the potential damage factors that have an impact will make it possible to correlate the stresses with the specific sensitivity of the artworks and to optimise transport packaging.

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CERN, European Organisation for Nuclear Research: MSR Data Loggers as Transport Detectives

CERN documents physical parameters during transports with MSR175 and MSR175plus data loggers

CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, located near Geneva, is one of the largest and most renowned centers for fundamental physics research in the world. Both MSR175plus and MSR175 transport data loggers were used for test shipments of high-sensitivity detector modules from Europe to the U.S., recording shocks in the ±200 g measurement range, air pressure changes, and humidity changes.

CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, located near Geneva, is one of the largest and most renowned centers for fundamental physics research in the world. Here, well over 15000 researchers and staff from a wide range of disciplines are engaged in various tasks of modern particle physics in order to investigate the structure of matter and the fundamental interactions between elementary particles.

This organization has recently become known primarily for the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), which has a circumference of 27 km and uses 9300 magnets to direct the particle beams around the accelerator ring. One of the research tasks being carried out in the LHC is ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment). This is a current experiment in particle physics designed to recreate the state of matter immediately after the Big Bang, called Quark Gluon Plasma (QGP), and it alone employs more than 1000 people.

Monitoring highly sensitive detectors in transit

ALICE has an intensive collaboration with the sPHENIX experiment at BNL (Brookaven National Lab) in the USA. For this experiment, which is concerned with the study ofQGP, ALICE is supplying a total of 84 detector modules based on active monolithic pixel sensors; these are used to observe charged particles produced by the collision of ions at high energy.

The detector modules are very sensitive to vibrations, shocks or unusual changes in environmental conditions regarding temperature, pressure or humidity. For this reason, the detector modules are transported from Geneva to Laurence Berkeley National Laboratory in California, which is also involved in the sPHENIX project, by air in special suitcase-like containers by hand through several intermediate stations.

However, the current restrictions imposed by COVID-19 entry regulations in the USA make transport by humans impossible, so that a transport company specially certified for the transport of highly sensitive goods is forced to handle the transfer of the modules.

However, trust is good, control is better and so those responsible for the sPHENIX project turned to the measurement technology company MSR Electronics GmbH, based in Seuzach, to place its MSR175 transport data logger and the MSR175plus, which is equipped with GPS tracking, in special transport cases initially for test transfers. For these test transports, however, no real modules were used as test objects, but only simpler sample specimens. The MSR loggers had the task of monitoring the ambient conditions during the transports and recording related measured values as a function of time.

Comprehensive measurement recordings possible

The tamper-proof MSR175 series data loggers act as a kind of “black box”, recording and storing critical transport events that lie above the preset tolerance limit. Both the MSR175 and MSR175plus are equipped with ±15 g and ±200 g 3-axis accelerometers, as well as one each of temperature, humidity, air pressure and light sensors.

The MSR175plus adds a GPS/GNSS receiver, which can be used to locate transport events. In addition, the two logger types differ in their shock measurement modes: while the MSR175 optionally records either ±200 g at 6400 Hz, or ±200 g at 3200 Hz, or ±15 g at 1600 Hz, the newly launched MSR175plus measures simultaneously (±200 g at 6400 Hz and ±15 g at 1600 Hz). This is a decisive advantage in transport monitoring applications where it is not clear from the outset which of the two acceleration sensors should be selected. The danger of not selecting the correct sensor when setting up is thus eliminated.

The memory of both logger types is sufficient to record data for days or months. The transport data can be read out via USB. Using evaluation software, conspicuous events can be quickly analyzed and documented as evidence. The recorded measurement data is not only indispensable for clarifying liability and insurance issues in the event of transport damage, they also help to optimize packaging.

In the specific case of the CERN transport of the highly sensitive detector modules from Europe to the USA, both the MSR175plus loggers and the MSR175 loggers were used, recording the shocks in the measuring range ±200 g, changes in air pressure and humidity. The data obtained can be used to improve transport conditions and overall handling, which increases overall transport safety

Conclusion

The MSR175 and MSR175plus data loggers are suitable for universal monitoring of all types of transport. For example, in electronics, medical, automotive, automation or general equipment technology. Due to their compact design, calibrated sensors, large memory capacity and long battery life, they are predestined for long-term monitoring of important physical transport parameters. This is important not least when a cause of damage, a time of damage or a damage location must be determined, for example, to clarify liability issues.

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Prevention Strategies for the Transport of Fragile Paintings

Use of MSR165 data loggers in a CTI research project for risk assessment for shock and vibration immissions

Authors: Cornelius Palmbach, Thomas Fankhauser, Matthias Läuchli, Anita Hoess and Nathalie Bäschlin, University of Bern /Bern University of the Arts, Switzerland

The number of artworks in transit around the world is constantly growing. During such transits paintings are subjected to a great deal of stresses and risks such as shocks and vibrations. The handling of such paintings at museums, during loading and unloading of packing crates, truck journeys over bumpy roads and cargo handling at airports are typical situations where such risks may lead to the paintings becoming damaged. The objective of the research project (www.gemaeldetransport.ch) is to find a new approach to the classification of the shock and vibration immissions that occur during transit, to the manner in which the associated risks are assessed and to determine tolerances for developing preventive strategies. The laboratory measurement series carried out using the newly developed simulation rig, together with the supplementary measurements carried out during the actual transportation of paintings, provides the basis for the evaluation of current packaging methods and the development of future ones. The interdisciplinary research team comprises specialists from the Department of Conservation and Restoration (KuR) at the University of Bern BFH / Bern University of the Arts HKB and the Institute for Mechatronic Systems ifms at the Bern University of Applied Sciences in Burgdorf, Switzerland. The project is supported by four business partners: A Swiss insurance company and the four leading Swiss art transportation firms. Specialists from various Swiss museums are participating in the project as partners that are able to contribute practical experience in this area.

Monitoring actual consignments in order to classify the shock and vibration immissions

Until recently an individually assembled, custom measuring system was used for the project, to record the shocks and vibrations acting upon a painting inside a packing crate in transit. This comprises a control unit, an external battery and multiple external acceleration sensors. This allows continuous, highly accurate measurements to be carried out (with a measurement rate of up to 2,000Hz) over a period of several days (large battery capacity, memory capacity of up to 32GB – depending upon the USB stick used). While this system offers very high performance and precision, it is impractical for the purpose. Firstly, the individual components are very expensive and complicated to use (custom-written application software) and secondly, it is very heavy and unwieldy. It is therefore impossible to pack this system into the crate along with the painting – it must instead be carried in its own technical crate that is connected via cables to the acceleration sensors mounted inside the painting’s crate. An ideal alternative is therefore an MSR165 logger , configured with an internal triaxial acceleration sensor, internal humidity sensor and an additional slot for a 4GB micro SD card for expanding the memory capacity. This logger still allows continuous measurements to be recorded during transit (without threshold values) over a period of up to 3 days, at a measurement rate of max. 1,600Hz. Reducing the measurement rate allows the maximum operating time to be extended even further. In order to be able to fully utilise the memory capacity of the SD card, the logger is used with the ring memory mode activated. This means that when the SD card is full, the oldest data is automatically overwritten – and therefore deleted. For this reason, the maximum possible measurement time is determined in advance so that the time at which the transport is expected to commence can be programmed as the start criteria and the time at which the memory card becomes full can be set as the stop criteria.

As a result of its very small external dimensions, low weight and the fact that the sensors and power supply are incorporated into the logger itself, the MSR165 data logger can be mounted directly to the frame of a painting or to the inside of the packing crate. It is not necessary to run cables that could constitute an obstacle when handling the packing crate. The ability to easily charge the device’s battery via the USB connection of a laptop and simultaneously program the measurement parameters significantly eases handling of the logger in comparison with the measurement system used previously.

To-date, the MSR165 has only been used to measure the shocks and vibrations acting on the frame of a painting or on the internal wall of a packing case. The device configuration – with its four additional analogue inputs – does however allow a further uniaxial acceleration sensor to be connected so that vibrations in the fabric supporting the painting can also be measured. An additional, self-developed external power supply is however required for this third-party sensor.

It’s not only mechanical influences that can cause damage to paintings; climatic variations present potential risks too. For this reason, a device configuration that includes an internal humidity sensor is used for transport measurements, so that a just a single device is needed to additionally record the ambient humidity and temperature history in addition to the shocks and vibrations within the packing case.

Comparative measurements for evaluating current transportation packaging

The type of painting, the transit route and the mode of transport determine the type of packaging used. From simply wrapping in bubble wrap to the use of an elaborate double insulated packing case, a multitude of methods and material combinations are used in practice to reduce both the number of shock events and the continuous vibrations acting during the transportation of a painting. In order to evaluate and compare the damping power of the existing packaging systems used by the different business partners with one another, test journeys were carried out using trucks with air suspension. Each truck carried up to eight identical test paintings that were packaged differently. This was done to ensure that each of the packaged test paintings was subjected to practically the same stresses. An MSR165 – with the configuration described above – was attached to the frame of each test painting in order to record the vibrations to which the paintings were subjected during the journey over highways, motorways and through city traffic. In order to determine how well the different packaging systems dampened the vibrations generated by the truck, the individually assembled measuring system was used to additionally record the vibrations at the floor and sidewalls of the truck during each journey.

The MSR165 devices were programmed such that recording (at a measurement rate of 1,600Hz, continuous without threshold values) could be manually started and stopped by pressing a button. For evaluation purposes, the recorded measurement data was saved in the form of CSV files and subsequently evaluated using the Matlab software. In order to assess the transmission behaviour of the vibrations from the truck to the test paintings, the maximum values, the RMS level (root mean square) and the dominant frequencies were determined. The results are intended to highlight the pros and cons of the different packaging methods and allow proposals to be developed for optimising them. The further advances and results of the research project can be viewed at: www.gemaeldetransport.ch

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Transporting Fragile Paintings – Developing New Processes for Efficient Damping of Shocks and Vibrations

Use of MSR165 data loggers with acceleration sensors in CTI research project

Authors: Cornelius Palmbach, Nathalie Bäschlin, Matthias Läuchli, Marcel Ryser and Anita Hoess, Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH)/Bern University of the Arts (BUA), Switzerland

The use of MSR165 data loggers was first considered back in May 2012 in the CTI research project Risk assessment for shock and vibration immissions with new preventive strategies for transporting fragile painting. The findings of this research provided extensive new information on improving risk assessment and on the problems of existing transport packaging. Building on this, a follow-up project is being performed to develop strategies for optimum vibration protection for the transport of fragile paintings.

The interdisciplinary research team is made up of specialists in Conservation and Restoration (KUR) at Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH)/Bern University of the Arts (BUA) and the Institute for Mechatronic Systems (ifms) at BFH-TI in Burgdorf, Switzerland. The project is supported by four business partners: a Swiss insurance company and the three leading Swiss artwork transportation companies. Specialists from various Swiss museums are assisting the project as partners with practical experience.

Comparative measurements for assessing existing and newly developed transport packaging

The type of packaging chosen depends on the type of painting, the transportation route and the method of transport. In real-life applications, countless methods and combinations of materials are used to reduce shocks and continuous vibrations during painting transport – from simply wrapping the paintings in bubble wrap to using complex double-insulated crates. The original project had already revealed that some of the packaging used provides inadequate damping, and in some cases even increases exposure to agitation.

As a result, the vibration-damping properties of a large variety of cushioning materials were tested with an electrodynamic vibration test unit (a shaker) in the current research project. Drop tests were also performed to evaluate the paintings’ response to shock. The business partners (haulage companies) then used the test findings to develop various prototypes with redesigned damping systems.

Multiple test journeys were performed in lorries with air suspension to compare the damping capacities of the prototypes to those of existing packaging systems under real-life conditions. Each lorry contained four identical test paintings, each with different packaging, to ensure that all the packaging types were exposed to near identical stresses in a route covering country roads, motorways and urban roadways. To study how well the various packaging systems damped the agitation caused by the lorries, MSR165 data loggers produced by Swiss technology company MSR Electronics GmbH were fastened to the test paintings, to the outside of the packaging and to the cargo areas of the lorries. The test involved a total of 13 MSR loggers with integrated triple-axis acceleration sensors and humidity sensors.

The data loggers were programmed to start and stop recording (with a measurement rate of 1600Hz, continuous with no limit values) automatically at preset times. The measurement data were then evaluated with MATLAB software. To assess the damping capacity of the various packaging types, the test measured how agitation was transmitted to the test paintings from the lorry and from the packaging. This involved determining and comparing the maximum values, the RMS (root mean square) levels and the dominant frequencies. The findings are expected to reveal the advantages and disadvantages of the various packaging methods and highlight steps that can be taken for further improvement.

You can follow the progress of the research project on the following website:
www.gemaeldetransport.ch

The CTI project was covered by nano, a German science programme produced by the television channel 3sat, in its report on ‘Fragile freight – research enables safe artwork transport’.

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Transport Monitoring of Highly Sensitive Medical Technology

Use of MSR Data Loggers at Uroviva Services AG, Bülach, Switzerland

Authors: Dirk-Marcus Walenzki, Franziska Rüesch, Peter Meierhans, Uroviva Services AG, Bülach

Professional transport of sensitive, high-tech medical devices within operating rooms and between hospitals and clinics requires high level of competence and modern transport logistics. Uroviva Services AG specializes in transport of medical devices and uses data loggers from MSR Electronics GmbH for quality assurance. Using the data loggers they can verify when and where the cargo has been subjected to shocks and whether their intensity may have affected the smooth functioning of the highly sensitive, high-tech devices.

There is a constant increase in the number of road transportation of highly sensitive medical devices and supplies nationwide. The sensitive, high-tech devices are therefore exposed high levels of stress and risks such as shocks and vibrations. The loading and reloading of the devices and moving them within the operating rooms of hospitals and clinics, the truck journeys over bumpy roads and forecourts are typical risk situations which may result in damage to the devices.

The Uroviva Services AG has set itself the goal of transporting such highly sensitive, high-tech medical devices from A to B using advanced transport logistics. Based in Bülach, Switzerland, the company is part of Uroviva Network, the renowned competence-centre for urology which with its various sites and with approximately 9,000 patients annually is one of the key components of the urological care in the Canton of Zurich.

Transport monitoring for quality assurance and best practice evidence

Uroviva Services AG uses autonomous MSR165 data loggers with integrated 3-axis accelerometer for the monitoring of the demanding transport of sensitive medical devices and the comprehensive recording of blows, shocks and vibrations. The highly sensitive sensor records the accelerations in all three axes: front-back (x), right-left (y), up-down (z). Since the data logger is subjected to a permanent gravity (gravitational acceleration), one can also determine the actual position as well. Once the position and the acceleration forces have been determined the data analysis can reveal which kind of stress the cargo has been exposed to. In principle, and depending on the choice of sensors, one can use MSR165 both for measuring direct impact on the cargo, e.g. forces and accelerations, as well as the indirect factors such as temperature, humidity, pressure, or light. If no threshold values are set, the MSR165 provides continuous transport measurements of up to 3 days, at a measuring rate of 1600 measurements per second. If threshold values are set, the MRS165 Data Loggers can be used for monitoring of shocks for up to six months. The user has an optional autonomous charging station or long-life batteries at his disposal for an even longer period of recording. Shock monitoring is possible with the MSR165 either for ± 15g or ± 200g. 32 measurements are recorded prior to the event. While logger’s storage capacity of two million measurement values suffices for standard recording of over 10,000 blows, Uroviva Service AG utilizes the version with expanded memory for its application. Hence, its loggers have a storage capacity of over one billion readings. MSR165 can be mounted directly onto the casing of a mobile device thanks to the very small external dimensions, light weight and the built-in sensors and power supply in the data logger itself. There is no need to install cables which would be a hindrance during transportation. The battery can be charged via the USB port of a notebook and the measuring parameters can be programmed simultaneously, facilitating the handling of the data logger.

For purposes of quality assurance and best practice evidence, Uroviva Services AG uses a MSR165 data logger for every consignment. This ensures that shocks impacting the cargo during the entire journey over country roads, motorways and in city traffic are recorded. Using the continuous recording and documenting, the company can verify at all times when and where has the cargo been subjected to blows or shocks and whether their intensity may have affected the smooth functioning of the highly sensitive, high-tech devices. Based on the measured data and transport route recorded during transport and loading process one can significantly optimize the transport route, means of transportation and securing of the cargo.

Swiss Television SRF reported in its economy show „Eco“ regarding the use of the MSR165 data loggers at Uroviva Services. The report about Uroviva starts at 3’38.

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Transport Monitoring With Data Loggers: Protect Your Goods!

Transport data loggers in use at Wegmüller AG, packaging services

During transportation, freight is subjected to a wide range of external influences that could lead to goods becoming damaged. The dataloggers manufactured by MSR Electronics GmbH provide seamless information about the transportation conditions of a shipment. The data recorded by these miniaturised measuring instruments serves not only to determine the cause of possible damage but also deliver findings that could help improve the design of the goods themselves.

China: A grinding machine worth 1.5 million Francs arrives at its final destination following a trans-oceanic flight. The fir transportation case in which the valuable freight was carefully packed in Attikon (CH) appears undamaged. However, when the case is opened it becomes apparent that the machine itself is badly damaged. Presumably the screw on the transportation lock was loosened as a result of a mechanical shock and the moveable part of the machine fractured and separated. “We assume that a forklift or crane set the case down too fast”, says Marc Wegmüller, Managing Director of expert packaging firm Wegmüller AG, Attikon. Where and how the damage was actually caused remains unclear, because the grinding machine was not fitted with a datalogger from MSR Electronics that would rapidly have been able to answer the riddle of how the damage occurred.

Prevention is better than remedy

In order to save their business partners this sort of stress and make the transportation conditions more transparent, packaging services provider Wegmüller AG is now using the MSR165 datalogger. With 1,600 shock measurements per second, its air pressure and humidity sensor together with temperature measurements, these tiny multi-talents can detect every unplanned event. The sensitive light sensor can also reveal with seamless precision, when a package was opened. The MSR165 documents every little change together with the exact time it took place. In co-operation with the haulier it is usually possible to pinpoint the cause quickly. This allows the costs of the damage – or at least the correct apportionment – to be passed straight on to the party that was responsible.

Tests during overseas shipments: The MSR165 accompanies freight for Soudronic AG

Wegmüller AG made some interesting findings in co-operation with its test customer Soudronic AG, the leading global manufacturer of plant and machinery for the metal packaging industry. The company’s head office in Bergdietikon ships its machines in the wooden cases made by the export packaging company from Attikon as standard. Transportation by road and also by sea and air can place heavy stresses on both products and their packaging. Soudronic therefore trialled the MSR165 datalogger in a freight consignment to the USA. For monitoring the shipment in general and also for analysing the stresses to which the consignment was subjected during the journey, 3-axis acceleration (shock, vibrations), temperature, air pressure and relative humidity were recorded. The evaluation of the measurement data supplies valuable data that must now flow into both the machine design and into that of the packaging.

Small logger, big performance

“We have now tested the new datalogger exhaustively in drop tests and for monitoring long haul shipments, and we’re very pleased. The amazing thing is that, despite being ‘Swiss made’ the MSR165 costs only around a third of the price of conventional shipment monitoring systems”, says Wegmüller. “We are currently using three of the devices and we also rent these out to our customers upon request”, continued Wegmüller. The logger is affixed to the packaging or, even better, to the equipment itself – accompanying the freight on its journey. On the way, the measurement parameters defined by the customer are recorded, saved for follow-up monitoring and later evaluated just like a transportation log. Such evaluations are not only of significant benefit to the customer – insurance companies would also benefit from the use of such a measuring device. “In the case of claims the insurer could rapidly build up a picture of the transportation conditions.” The measurement parameters delivered by the datalogger would bring much information to light that would be of great significance in investigating claims.

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Acceleration sensors simultaneously record ±15 g and ±200 g shock values

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Use of MSR Data Loggers at Uroviva Services AG, Bülach, Switzerland

Transport monitoring for quality assurance and best practice evidence

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Transport data loggers in use at Wegmüller AG, packaging services

Prevention is better than remedy

Tests during overseas shipments: The MSR165 accompanies freight for Soudronic AG

Small logger, big performance

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