between heaven and earth

contact
CUSTOMER MAGAZINE OF TÜV RHEINLAND
MINUTE PARTICLES WITH
MAGICAL PROPERTIES
Miracles of medical
technology – tiny electrodes
stimulate the acoustic nerve
DISPLAYS OF STRENGTH
Discovery from India – a new
process hardens plastic fibers
BETWEEN HEAVEN
AND EARTH
Fascinating bridges – no other construction inspires
greater creativity
ISSUE 2.10
Contents
04
Technology & Safety
Focus: Connections
Gas without Borders
Trends & Innovation
18
Harder than Steel
04
18
20
Markets & Expertise
Return on Investment for Everyone
20
The Indian company CPE manufactures
How TÜV Rheinland is advising companies
especially strong and flexible plastics
about CSR strategies
How the Nabucco pipeline will create
new transport routes for natural gas
Bound for New Shores
06
Patent Help
30
China for Auto Experts
23
How TÜV Rheinland strengthens the
A discussion about the new import
innovative ability of businesses
regulations for vehicles and spare parts
bound for China
How bridges help connect people
around the world
Life at Full Volume
11
Why the hearing implants from
Cochlear Limited are so valuable to
patients
Spotlight
Eco Star Goes Up in Flames
16
Facts and Figures
Why it’s important to be careful when
Allergy-Free Behind the Wheel
storing wood pellets
Lowering Risks
14
Help for Haiti
Data from Dublin
Allegation Refuted
Mindful
02
contact 2.10
Editorial
24
People & Environment
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Confucius says: “If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange
these apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an
idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will
have two ideas.” Ideas connect people, businesses and economies across the
continents. Globalization is the pre-condition to allow us to share our ideas
around the world. Challenges, be they local or global, can be met more easily
because we are connected to each other. TÜV Rheinland employees are part
of this network and our company is a positive example of globalization. In
every corner of the world, we work with all of our experts’ know-how to find
solutions for you, our customers. I believe that responsible guides are essential in a world that is constantly progressing and changing. Every day, TÜV
Rheinland experts all over the globe assume a guiding role, using their experi-
That Sinking Feeling
24
ence and know-how to ensure safety and reliability in many areas of daily life.
Why Rainer Weiskirchen went shopping
We promote lasting commitment in a world that is spinning faster all the time.
for swimming aids on the Mediterranean
Building a bridge has long been a socially and economically significant way to
coast
demonstrate a connection. Yet the world’s architectural masterpieces could
hardly have withstood the centuries without the expert knowledge of compa28
nies like TÜV Rheinland. The testing organization’s work on the Stari Most, or
What happens when the air is sucked out
“old bridge”, in the Bosnian city of Mostar is one of the examples (p. 6). TÜV
of a tank container
Rheinland also recently forged an informative link between the international
A Container Crash with the Mouse
automotive industry and the Chinese supervisory authorities (p. 23), thereby
helping the companies ensure their ongoing access to what is probably the
Impressum
32
most important market worldwide. What happens when manufacturers fail to
connect with consumers is impressively illustrated by the TÜV Rheinland
“swimming aid” test (p. 24). And sometimes a connection can also be priceless: discover how cutting edge technology certified by TÜV Rheinland is helping people with hearing impairments to regain their active role in the community (p. 11). We hope that you, too, will maintain a strong connection with TÜV
Rheinland.
Cover picture:
I wish you enjoyable reading!
Knows all the weak points
in any bridge’s construction: Michael Georg Müller
from TÜV Rheinland.
contact 2.10
Friedrich Hecker
President and CEO of TÜV Rheinland AG
03
04
Technology & Safety Nabucco Pipeline
INFORMATION
Michael Küpper
michael.kuepper@de.tuv.com
+49 221 806-4756
04
contact 2.10
E
E
TH
THE PIPELINE SURFACES IN BAUMGARTEN, AUSTRIA. WHEN IT IS
COMPLETED, UP TO 31 BILLION
CUBIC METERS OF GAS WILL FLOW
THROUGH EUROPE’S MOST IMPORTANT GAS DISTRIBUTOR ANNUALLY.
GERMANY’S GAS SUPPLY WILL ALSO
BE SECURED BY THIS PIPELINE.
UT
O
R
Vienna
Baumgarten
Budapest
Bucharest
Sofia
Istanbul
Erzurum
Ankara
ASIA – EUROPE
GAS WITHOUT BORDERS
The Nabucco pipeline connects central Europe with the world’s largest
gas reserves in the Caspian Sea and the Middle East. With this project,
the EU wants to create new transport routes for natural gas and increase independence from Russian gas. The 3,300 kilometer long pipeline has a diameter of 1.42 meters (56 inches) and reaches from Turkey’s eastern border to Austria. 7.9 billion euros have been invested in
the project, and construction is to begin in 2011. Gas is to start flowing
through the new pipeline in 2014. TÜV Rheinland has been commissioned to test material specifications and audit pipe and valve manufacturers. Thanks to its global network, the testing services provider
was able to audit 70 manufacturers around the world in six weeks.
contact 2.10
05
BOUND
FOR NEW
SHORES
You can build them, burn them or cross them before you come to them. The French liked to dance
on their one in Avignon, while the American duo
Simon and Garfunkel sought a safe passage over
troubled waters with theirs. No other construction is as deeply symbolic as the bridge.
With their help, our ancestors discovered new lands.
The Romans used them to secure their empire and to
quickly deliver supplies to their armies and provinces. In
each case, bridges brought distant harbors – and the
people who lived there – closer together. Knowledge
was transferred and cities conducted trade or imposed
tolls to become rich and powerful. However, bridges
didn’t just have a unifying effect: during many wars, people deliberately destroyed them to harm their enemies or
to gain an advantage.
All of these attributes are symbolized by the Stari Most.
For more than 450 years, the old stone bridge in the Bosnian city of Mostar was part of everyday life and was said to
link the different nationalities that lived there. On 9 November
1993, the Stari Most was destroyed by the Croatian artillery. In
an international collaboration spanning several years, a copy of
the ruined original was rebuilt stone by stone. Now the bridge has
not only been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also
serves as a symbol of reconciliation.
Schleswig-Holstein’s landmark: 963
meters long and 21 meters wide, the
Fehmarn Sound Bridge spans the Baltic
Sea to connect the German island of
Fehmarn with the mainland.
06
T B R I DG E
ES
Bridge Building Technology & Safety
G
H
472
METERS
H
I
ST BR
ID E
ID
W
G
E
SI DU RIVER BRIDGE,
CROSSING A VALLEY
NEAR YESANGUANZHEN, CHINA
50
METERS
SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE,
AUSTRALIA
LONG
ES
T
B
Currently the “widest
long-span bridge in the
world” according to the
Guinness Book of
Records.
E
DG
I
R
54
KILOMETERS
BANG NA EXPRESSWAY
IN BANGKOK, THAILAND
contact 2.10
07
RI
D
GE
The tallest pylon of the
Viaduc de Millau
reaches higher than
the Eiffel Tower.
343
METERS
VIADUC DE MILLAU,
SOUTHERN FRANCE
M
T EXPENS
S
I
O
V
E
B
LL
A
T
EST PYLO
N
The Stari Most, or “old
bridge”, was considered an
architectural masterpiece in
the sixteenth century. Today,
the city of Mostar’s landmark
in Bosnia-Herzegovina is
listed as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
The Scheffel Bridge was constructed in
1923 during a period of inflation. According to the inscription, it cost
1,520,940,901,926,024 marks to build.
1,5
QUADRILLION MARKS
SCHEFFEL BRIDGE IN
SINGEN, GERMANY
contact 2.10
Bridge Building Technology & Safety
TYPES OF BRIDGES
ATTRACTIVE AND PRACTICAL
For as long as mankind has existed, people have been on the lookout for constructions to help them
create new transport routes over rivers and low-lying areas – and to forge ties between nations. Thanks
to today’s materials and state-of-the-art mechanisms, it is becoming increasingly simple to bridge a gap.
Beam bridge: easy to build
and therefore widely
Suspension bridge: primarily
used to cross broad, navi-
used. Characterized by
gable bodies of water
a visible separation
spanning more than
between the beams
800 meters.
and their supports.
Golden Gate Bridge,
Kapell Bridge, Lucerne,
San Francisco, USA
Switzerland
Arched bridge: consists of
one or more arches and
was formerly made of
Movable bridge: examples include draw, swing or flap
bridges. The dis-
stone or concrete.
advantage: only one
Now generally built
route can be used at
using steel or rein-
a time.
forced concrete.
Tower Bridge, London,
Great Britain
Ponte Vecchio,
Florence, Italy
Bridges – architectural masterpieces
Bridge supervision
In earlier times, a felled tree was usually all it took
Modern bridges have an average lifespan of about 100 years.
to cross a stream. However, as freight and passen-
However, they have to be examined and monitored regularly to
ger traffic increased, as well as when machines, cars
ensure that they really do reach this age. This task is performed by
and trains were later invented, bridges had to meet a
around 30 experts from TÜV Rheinland who specialize in the su-
whole new range of requirements. To cope with the
pervision and routine inspection of bridges. They also develop re-
growing burden, wooden and stone building materials
storation concepts and oversee the production of individual steel
were replaced by iron, steel and concrete.
Over the millennia, architects have also developed increasingly sophisticated techniques. Engineers generally distinguish
components – for instance for the New Greenville Bridge, which
spans the Mississippi River between the U.S. state of the same
name and its neighbor Arkansas.
between three construction types: beam, arched and suspension
Michael Georg Müller is one of around 20 bridge inspectors at TÜV
bridges. Movable bridges that can be raised, shifted to one side or
Rheinland. “Each bridge has to be tested at legally regulated inter-
turned as required, such as the railway swing bridge in Bremerha-
vals for structural integrity and traffic safety, as well as for durabi-
ven, are a further specialty. The bridge off the Nordschleuse lock
lity,” explains the trained construction engineer. The main inspec-
connects the German city’s railway line to the Columbus train sta-
tion generally takes place every six years. From minor abutments
tion and can be turned around in seven minutes to let vessels like
on the road surface to the underside of the bridge, Müller examines
car carriers or repair ships pass through to the local dockyards.
every structural component with a fine-tooth comb. In addition to
his professional expertise, he also needs a good dose of courage:
contact 2.10
09
if necessary, the keen skin diver inspects un-
bridge in the German harbor of Krefeld. Sever-
derwater pylons or abseils off bridges wearing
al of Müller’s colleagues are responsible for
a safety harness. He then documents his fin-
monitoring bridges. They attach special sen-
dings using a software program that adds up
sor devices at significant points to provide a
the flaws he has detected to determine a total
round-the-clock recording of selected data
The city with the world’s great-
score for each bridge. The results are forward-
about each bridge’s condition and load. This
est number of bridges is… no,
ed directly to the owners or operators, who
information is then transmitted to their com-
not Venice but Hamburg! With
then have to rectify the faults according to a
puters via a phone line. If specific limits are
2,485 in total, the
set of precise regulations. “I really enjoy my
exceeded, the computer program immediate-
German harbor
job. It’s a great combination of outdoor and
ly raises an alarm. The experts also assess all
town boasts
office work,” says Müller, who inspects
the data to provide the operators with valuable
more brid-
around 200 bridges per year. He first develop-
information about the condition and safety of
ges than
ed a fascination for the unifying constructions
each bridge. This helps ensure that people can
Amster-
during the course of his career and now ap-
still head for new harbors in the future – even
dam and
preciates the chance to examine very old or
if they have to cross over troubled waters to
Venice
especially beautiful ones, such as the swing
do so.
combined.
QUESTION
DID YOU KNOW?
To create the pylons of the
Akashi-Kaiky Bridge,
engineers lowered two
gigantic steel cylinders onto
the ocean bed. Each one
has a diameter of
80 meters, has
been filled with
ready-mix concrete and weighs
370,000 tons.
H
1990
G
SPAN LEN
T
G
T
ES
Panoramic outlook: TÜV Rheinland expert Michael Georg
Müller enjoys the view of the
headland and the Baltic Sea from
the Fehmarn Sound Bridge.
METERS
AKASHI-KAIKYO
BRIDGE IN KOBENARUTO, JAPAN
BI
G
INFORMATION
Michael Georg Müller
michael.georg.mueller@de.tuv.com
+49 511 589999-84
10
contact 2.10
Better Hearing Technology & Safety
LIFE AT FULL VOLUME
Around the world, more than 150,000 people with hearing impairments have been fitted with cochlear implants. Two wearers explain how the high-tech devices have changed their
lives.
At first glance, Lisa Nitz is a perfectly normal teenager. The 16-year-old
goes to high school and likes spending her spare time with her
friends. Her hobbies are swimming, playing beach volleyball and listening to music. That wouldn’t exactly be
unusual if it wasn’t for one small detail: Lisa has
been almost totally deaf since birth. She is
able to fully experience the world around
her thanks to a cochlea implant – an appliance embedded in her inner ear, or
cochlea.
Different to a hearing aid
Cochlea implants are suitable
for people with profound hearing impairments. “In many of
these cases, the hair cells in
the cochlea are defective,
meaning that sound waves‘
energy cannot be translated
to nerve impulses for the
brain to recognise sound.“
No sounds are then detected,
which is why conventional
hearing aids are no help: they
merely amplify sound waves
and need a certain level of residual hearing to work properly. The
cochlea implant (CI) is based on an
entirely different principle: it partially
replaces the damaged hair cells and
directly stimulates the acoustic nerve to
help the patient recognize noises and voices
more clearly.
Lisa can confirm the benefits: “I started out wearing
Sounds complicated: an external
processor transmits digitalized
sound waves to an internal receiver,
which then converts them into electrical
impulses that stimulate the acoustic nerve.
hearing aids on both sides but there were a lot of things I
couldn’t hear and I had to really concentrate all the time.” When she was
five, she received a cochlea implant. “That was a completely new expecontact 2.10
11
An integrated magnet holds
the transmitter coil in place.
The device can easily be
removed for activities
such as swimming.
INDUSTRY NEWS
COCHLEAR LIMITED
rience for me. Suddenly, I could even hear
speech processor has to be individually ad-
the birds chirping – a sound that would have
apted to suit the patient over a number of
been unimaginable with a hearing aid.”
sessions. The wearers then have to undergo a long period of hearing training.
The Australian company Cochlear
How it works
Karin Raasch knows all about that. After
is the world market leader for
Lisa can now detect such high frequencies
several episodes of sudden hearing loss,
hearing solutions such as cochlear
thanks to the external speech processor
the 53-year-old party service owner was left
implants. “By making the most of
behind her ear. An integrated microphone
with only around ten percent of the hearing
ongoing developments and new
picks up the sound waves in her environ-
in her left ear. She has been wearing a CI
technologies, we aim to offer our
ment and the processor converts them into
on that side since 2007. “If you’ve no longer
customers the best possible hea-
digital signals before sending them to the
registered certain frequencies for more
ring performance both today and
transmitter coil – a small disc that Lisa can
than 20 years, you get quite a shock when
for the rest of their lives,” explains
easily affix to her scalp using an integrated
they suddenly reappear. At the beginning, I
Johan Brinch, Vice President Regu-
magnet. The implant itself is secured bene-
couldn’t tell what a lot of the sounds were.
latory Affairs at Cochlear Limited.
ath the skin and consists of a corresponding-
The brain has to learn to hear again from
TÜV Rheinland already started
ly magnetized receiver coil and an electrode
scratch.” Lisa had very little trouble with the
working with the company in the
array that is embedded in the cochlea. The
adaptation and hearing training. Now she
early 1990s. “The technology is ab-
implant converts the digital signals from the
can even listen to music on her iPod: “I
solutely fascinating,” says Udo
speech processor into electrical impulses
have a special set of headphones that I can
Joseph, Head of Active Medical
so that the electrodes can stimulate the
connect directly to the speech processor.
Products at TÜV Rheinland. “We’ve
acoustic nerve.
Now I can play Nelly Furtado over and over
again.”
just certified Cochlear Limited’s latest-generation CI, the Nucleus 5
Learning to hear
System.”
It may sound complicated but for the
Mastering everyday situations
patients, it’s the beginning of a whole new
Both CI wearers haven’t let their hearing
life. Lisa is full of confidence: “I really don’t
impairment get them down and have mas-
care if people stare at the thing behind my
tered their daily lives with ease. Karin
ear. What matters most is that I can hear
Raasch meets a lot of people through her
well!” However, that doesn’t happen over-
work and is thrilled that dealing with custo-
night. Once an implant has been fitted, the
mers is now much less difficult. At the
12
contact 2.10
Better Hearing Technology & Safety
INFORMATION
Udo Joseph
udo.joseph@de.tuv.com
+49 221 806-1689
www.cochlear.com
Karin Raasch is thrilled that she
can deal with customers confidently again. The 53-year-old has been
wearing a Cochlear implant in her
left ear since 2007 and will
soon get a second one fitted on
the other side.
same time, she is fully aware that even with
BACKGROUND
the best technology in her ear, things will
never be quite the same as they were be-
THE HUMAN EAR
fore her first episode of hearing loss. “Everybody sounds a bit like Mickey Mouse to
Human beings are surrounded by a
A miracle of medical technology
me now,” she says. “But I can still distin-
huge variety of noises during their
In a cochlea implant, an array of
guish between the different voices around
daily lives. These noises enter the
electrodes take over the role of the
me. You get used to it and it’s become com-
auditory canal as sound waves, strik-
damaged hair cells. Each electrode is
pletely normal to me now.” She certainly
ing the eardrum and making it vibrate.
responsible for a specific range of
has no regrets about the surgery. “In the
Inside the middle ear, auditory ossi-
frequencies. The speech processor
next few months, I’m also getting an imp-
cles known as the malleus, the incus
does the preliminary work by dividing
lant inserted on the other side.”
and the stapes ensure that the sound
the entire frequency spectrum that the
By contrast, Lisa has decided to stick to one
waves are transmitted to the cochlea.
human ear can normally detect into a
CI for now. She gets along just fine that
This causes the fluid in the cochlea to
series of frequency bands and convey-
way. “If somebody calls me from behind or
vibrate and sets the inner hair cells,
ing these signals to the implant.
I’ve turned my head in a different direction,
which are specially attuned to certain
There, they are transformed into elec-
I sometimes don’t hear what’s being said
frequencies, in motion. The hair cells
trical impulses that can be used by the
and have to ask again. The teachers at
transform these movements into elec-
electrodes to stimulate the acoustic
school always wear a type of microphone
trical impulses before sending them
nerve. Doctors can individually adapt
around their necks. If I attach my speech
on to the acoustic nerve. The brain
the single frequencies to suit each
processor to a receiver, I can hear absolu-
then registers a sound.
patient, resulting in a significantly
better sense of hearing.
tely everything they say.” And what does
she do when she goes swimming? “I take
Sound processor
the processor off completely. I also do that
when I’m fighting with my mother. Then
she can scream as loudly as she likes and I
Electrode array
still have my peace and quiet.”
Transmitter and
receiver coils
contact 2.10
13
Facts
and figures
ALLERGY-FREE
BEHIND THE WHEEL
LOWERING
RISKS
Everyone knows the symptoms: runny nose, itchy skin – aound 20
All companies licensed in the aerospace industry must
percent of Germans have allergies. But most people don’t realize that
have their existing quality management system certified
bouts of sneezing when driving can be dangerous. “During a sneezing
according to the new Norm EN 9100:2009 by July 1,
fit, you can cover 30 meters in blind flight,” warns Dr. Karl Sander from
2012. TÜV Rheinland already informed the industry of the
TÜV Rheinland. When pollen levels are high,
allergens find their way into the car through
the ventilation system or actually form in the
car’s interior, for example from processed
harmful substances. Ford is doing something
about this: they are the only automaker in the
world that gets their entire passenger car
major changes at the 2010 International Aerospace Exhi-
fleet in Europe tested by TÜV Rheinland – over 100 materials and the
bition and Conferences at Berlin’s Schönefeld airport.
interior air filter are tested. The approach has been successful: the sig-
“Above all, the areas of risk analysis and customer orien-
net “Allergy tested interior” is in every model. This makes driving
tation will become much more stringent,” says Otto Kru-
more pleasant and safer for those who suffer from allergies.
se, expert for aerospace certification at TÜV Rheinland.
Information: Dr. Karl Sander, karl.sander@de.tuv.com
Information: Otto Kruse, otto.kruse@de.tuv.com
HELP FOR HAITI
Donations for earthquake victims: in May 2010 TÜV Rheinland employees and
the executive board transferred 30,000 euros to the non-profit association
“Help – Helping others help themselves” to aid in the rebuilding of Haiti. “The
initiative came from the employees. They asked me if we could all join forces
to help in light of this terrible catastrophe,” says Aiko Bode, responsible for
CSR at TÜV Rheinland. Company management also enthusiastically joined in
and doubled every euro donated by the employees. The most effective longterm help for Haiti is for the Haitians themselves to take over the rebuilding of
their country. This is exactly how TÜV Rheinland’s donation supports the Haitians, because it will finance construction of a workshop that will manufacture
metal parts for the rebuilding of houses and at the same time train at least six
tradespeople.
Information: Aiko Bode, aiko.bode@de.tuv.com
14
contact 2.10
DATA FROM
DUBLIN
Michael Olberding from TÜV Rheinland is happy
about a “piece of Ireland” in his office. Since the
end of 2009, a dedicated line commissioned by
the Irish National Roads Authority has connected
the Cologne traffic specialist’s computer to the
Free-Flow Toll System on the M50 in Dublin. Drivers on the ring around the Irish metropolis have been paying toll since 2008 without
having to pass through a toll booth. Either a chip on the windshield automatically
communicates with the toll bridge or automatic license number recognition identifies
the vehicle, and the bill comes later. TÜV Rheinland has been showing its expertise
in free-flow systems in Ireland since 2006, just like it did during introduction of the
MINDFUL
commercial vehicle toll in Germany and Austria. In Dublin the experts contributed
their know-how to the system’s installation and operation. Now, thanks to the tech-
The trade group REWE is contribut-
nologies connecting Cologne and Dublin, the experienced TÜV Rheinland team con-
ing to more sustainability in the
tinues its work by helping with monitoring and system optimization.
shopping basket with its new Pro
Planet label. The symbol will be on
Information: Michael Olberding, michael.olberding@de.tuv.com
all products of the store’s own brand
that “make a measureable contribution to sustainable handling of natu-
ALLEGATION
REFUTED
ral resources by their manufacture,
processing or use.” For a product to
carry the label, it must be proven to
be environmentally and socially
“The cars decelerate safely, even from
compatible. The TÜV Rheinland ex-
high speeds.” Boris Lenz of TÜV Rheinland
perts tested and validated the pro-
came to this conclusion in his report for
cesses and methodology of label
Toyota Germany. Background: in the USA,
allocation before the mark was
the Japanese automaker was accused of
awarded. Initially Pro Planet will be
being responsible for deadly accidents resulting from blocked gas pedals. But during
found on selected foods like straw-
brake tests, the TÜV Rheinland expert determined that, “The minimum legal require-
berries grown in a water-friendly
ments in terms of deceleration and braking distance are fulfilled.” With this, the af-
fashion. But also non-food products
fected models iQ, Aygo, Yaris, Auris, Verso, Avensis and RAV4 meet braking require-
like special textiles or paper grades
ments even when the gas pedal is blocked at high speeds. But this should no longer
will carry the trade group’s mark of
occur in the future, as Toyota modified the gas pedal mechanism in the more than
quality in the future.
200,000 recalled cars.
Information: Boris Lenz, boris.lenz@de.tuv.com
contact 2.10
Information: Bernhard Priesemuth,
bernhard.priesemuth@de.tuv.com
15
ECO STAR EMITTING
TROUBLE
The small, compressed wood pellets are the new star on the European heat
market. The bad news is that carbon monoxide – an odorless and deadly
gas – can form when they are stored.
INFORMATION
Andrea Rieth
andrea.rieth@de.tuv.com
+49 221 806-1715
DIN CERTCO GmbH
Peter Suxdorf
suxdorf@dincertco.de
+49 30 7562-1448
PELLET CERTIFICATION
MARK PROVIDES CERTAINTY
TÜV Rheinland has developed a
DINplus certification for wood
pellets. With this mark, companies around the world can document that they operate according
to the highest quality standards, consistently
Logs instead of natural gas
manufacture top-quality pellets and voluntarily
and heating oil: around
undergo regular production inspections that in-
120,000 heaters in Germany
clude product testing. To prove this, TÜV Rhein-
are already heated with the
land carefully analyses features such as the
pellets made of compressed
heating value, ash development and chemical
sawdust. Estimates put their
composition of the compressed wooden logs.
number at one million for
2020.
16
contact 2.10
Wood Pellets Technology & Safety
The little logs seem completely harmless.
fatty acids in the wood with the atmosphe-
ties, where the employer has responsibility
They are generally made from waste wood
ric oxygen. This would lead to the CO con-
for the safety of his employees and is ulti-
that is generated in carpenter shops and
centration decreasing with the duration of
mately legally liable. The experts from TÜV
during the production of paper. The com-
storage, meaning that it would be particu-
Rheinland also offer private homeowners
pressed wood pieces are an ideal, sustaina-
larly high when filling the storage space
advice on the technical and legal risks asso-
ble source for heat as they are CO2-neutral,
with the pellets.” A possible implication
ciated with their pellet heating systems and
currently almost one-third cheaper than
would be to not enter the filled storage
the corresponding storage space.
heating oil and practically infinitely available
area. “The danger should not be underesti-
as biomass. But the popular pellets pose
mated,” warns the expert. There have al-
hidden dangers which emerge mainly when
ready been cases of poisoning resulting in
they are not properly stored: they emit car-
death in commercial storage facilities.
bon monoxide (CO) through natural gas
emissions. In higher concentrations this
“In addition to that, the exact release rates
odorless and colorless gas leads to dizzi-
are as yet unknown. We cannot safely rule
ness, light-headedness or headache. In the
out that high concentrations of CO form in
worst case, carbon monoxide poisoning
a storage space at a later time.” And there
leading to unconsciousness resulting in
are differences between the types of wood
death can occur.
bits. First studies show that pellets made of
pine wood have a higher potential of form-
Fatal accidents
ing carbon monoxide that those made of fir
TÜV Rheinland already extensively warned
wood.
about this danger, even if there are still a lot
To date there is no danger sym-
of unanswered questions surrounding the
A question of employer liability
bol for wood logs. It’s a diffe-
eco logs. There is still no conclusive answer
As long as it remains unclear under what
rent story with carbon monox-
as to why these gas emissions processes
conditions and at what rates carbon monox-
ide: the colorless and odorless
happen at all. Andrea Rieth, expert at TÜV
ide is formed, TÜV Rheinland supports
gas is a strong poison that can
Rheinland, says, “Experts surmise the
higher safety measures. This also applies to
lead to death. It is also highly
cause is autoxidation of the natural fats and
storage of the pellets in commercial facili-
flammable.
BACKGROUND
FOR PRIVATE USERS: HOW TO SAFELY STORE WOODEN LOGS
• Consult a specialist from the be-
• The rule of thumb is to always air out
• Important: the pellets are very mois-
ginning when planning a wooden
storage space before entering it. Al-
ture-sensitive. When they come in
log heating system.
ways have a second person present
contact with water, they expand and
who can get help in case of emergency.
can increase their volume threefold.
• Keep wooden logs stored outside
of the home in a space with a preinstalled ventilation system.
So they must be stored in a dry
• Devices measuring carbon monox-
place.
ide levels can be purchased in special
stores for around 100 euro. They
y reli-
• By storing goods in sacks and using canvas sacks, risks compared
ably measure the CO concentration
ion in a
log storage area.
to storage in enclosed spaces is
reduced. But always consider the
danger of carbon monoxide.
contact 2.10
17
18
Trends & Innovation India
HARDER
THAN STEEL
“It can withstand a lot,” communicate the
proud looks. Ten Indians are happily bouncing on a two square-meter steel grating that
is showing no signs of noticing the load. It
is made of a new glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP) that has compelling characteristics: the material is lighter and more resilient
than stainless steel. It is also considerably
Stronger, lighter, cheaper: a new type of glass fiber-reinforced plastic keeps even the most aggressive lyes and acids
at bay. Developed in Mumbai by CPE, TÜV Rheinland certified the new material and its Indian manufacturer.
more resistant to corrosion from aggressive
substances and so ideal for the chemical
industry. Glass fiber-reinforced plastic has
been used for nearly 60 years in the aerospace industry, automotive engineering,
electric and medical technology, wind energy plants as well as in the areas of sport and
leisure. CPE has further developed the
manufacturing process, enhancing the advantages of the material (see background).
Due to the convincing test results, TÜV
Rheinland now awarded a TÜV Rheinland
Certificate for the innovation.
INFORMATION
Roland Schräder
roland.schraeder@de.tuv.com
+49 261 8085-636
www.cpel.com
18
Strong in export and innovative
Roland Schräder, TÜV Rheinland expert for
plastics engineering, and Professor R.P.
Shimpi, the globally recognized scientist at
the Department of Aerospace Engineering
at the Indian Institute of Technology Bom-
contact 2.10
Tests the new material for its fatigue limits and pressure properties: Roland
Schräder from TÜV Rheinland (center).
bay, together put the innovative material to
BACKGROUND
the test over a number of days. The glass
fiber mats are placed in a casting mold,
SUPERIOR: NEW PROCESS BY INDIAN SPECIALISTS
where they are saturated in a liquid plastic
resin, normally epoxy resin, in a number of
CPE’s innovation: The company
characteristics. This puts the In-
layers and cured. In the lab, the new glass
uses vinyl ester resin plastic, as
dian specialists in the company
fiber-reinforced plastic proved its endurance
this is particularly resistant to
of just a handful of businesses
strength, chemical stability as well as pres-
chemicals. The Indian company
throughout the world that can
sure and bending properties.
also developed a new process that
manufacture containers for
For Ashwin Rajpurohit, Managing Director of
makes especially large containers
chemical liquids with a diameter
CPE, getting the certificate was “a mile-
even more resistant to aggressive
up to seven meters and a height
stone in our company history”. The busi-
lyes and acids.
up to 20 meters. The capacity of
ness, now under second-generation man-
one five by 15 meter tank is up
agement, organizes all processes according
The interior wall of the container
to 300 cubic meters or 300 tons
to state-of-the-art standards, and the pro-
is covered with an additional pro-
at an empty weight of just 20
ducts meet the most stringent international
tective coating. The liner is made
tons. A same-sized stainless
quality norms. So it’s no wonder that custom
up of three to four-millimeter thick
steel tank weighs more than
products from CPE can be found all around
thermoplastics panels made of
twice as much and is consider-
the world. The company is one of the largest
polyvinylideneflouride (PVDF),
ably more expensive to produce.
exporters in India and has received nume-
polypropylene (PP) or polyvinyl
rous awards from the government. In the
chloride (PVC) that are welded
In addition, the new composite
port of what was formerly called Bombay,
together with hot air.
material is up to ten times more
there is a logistics center for fast delivery to
elastic than steel. This makes the
customers around the globe. The main pro-
CPE connects the liner to the
GFRP steel grating used in chem-
duction facility in Mumbai and the produc-
GFRP with a special cloth, thus
ical production superior to that
tion plant in Vadodara, 500 kilometers away,
achieving unprecedented material
made of steel.
have both been certified by TÜV Rheinland
as recognized plastics specialist centers.
contact 2.10
19
20
Markets & Expertise Corporate Social Responsibility
RETURN ON INVESTMENT FOR EVERYONE
Team spirit: the staff at KNAUER
GmbH have every reason to be
happy thanks to the company‘s
employee-friendly policies.
20
contact 2.10
Sustainable company management pays off, also for medium-sized businesses. It builds bonds with employees, creates growth and preserves
resources. It makes particular sense as it benefits the big picture. In a pilot
project, TÜV Rheinland helped companies in Berlin to develop their CSR
strategy.
Actually, it is the classic medium-sized busi-
Sustainable and near the
ness values that are today merged under the
core of business
word sustainability. Successful business
“Just like KNAUER, most of our ten project
people have always known that the only
partners already pursue CSR approaches,”
things that make business sense in the long
says Dr. Carmen Giese. “But often the sys-
term are those that also bring added value
tematic integration into the company’s
to the company and the environment. Cor-
value-added chain was missing, as was a
porate Social Responsibility (CSR), the bal-
direct focus on the company’s core areas of
ance between the ecological, social and
expertise,” said the project leader of the
economic dimensions of business, is famil-
Center of CSR, Sustainability and Compli-
iar to medium-sized businesses. “Today we
ance at TÜV Rheinland in Berlin. It was time
look at all corporate areas through CSR glas-
for the testing services provider, who itself
ses,” says Alexandra Knauer. For the award-
has implemented a systematic CSR strate-
winning managing director of Dr. Ing. Her-
gy, to bring this successful management
bert KNAUER GmbH, CSR means both a
instrument to medium-sized businesses.
path with a goal, as well as an on-going pro-
Currently TÜV Rheinland is developing an
cess.
internet-based guide (Guide Sustainable
Business) from its experience with the pilot
The family business has been manufactur-
project. The aim is to support companies in
ing scientific laboratory measuring instru-
their alignment to sustainability, compliance
ments for nearly 50 years and exports over
and CSR based on eight fields of activity.
70 percent of them throughout the world.
“As an internationally-operating specialist in
From 2008 to 2010 Dr. Giese and her team
a competitive market, we want to take res-
helped the Berlin companies and their em-
ponsibility for our employees, the environ-
ployees to define and implement sustain-
ment and our stakeholders in all areas. This
able processes on all levels. “Because only
will keep us competitive and innovative,”
when everyone takes on responsibility is
says Alexandra Knauer. In May she was
there an economic impact,” says Alexandra
Childcare in case of emergency:
named “Businesswoman of the Year” for
Knauer. Renovations to the company build-
KNAUER GmbH takes its employ-
her CSR engagement and awarded the 25th
ing lead to a 50 percent savings in heating
ees’ needs very seriously and
Prix Veuve Clicquot.
energy. When selecting suppliers, the com-
offers practical assistance.
contact 2.10
21
pany looks at the origin, manufacturing
processes and environmental compatibility
of the materials. New printers that use
BACKGROUND
PIONEER OF THE TESTING SERVICES INDUSTRY
duplex printing reduce energy and paper
consumption. An ecological balance sheet
In 2010, TÜV Rheinland published
is currently being prepared.
its own comprehensive Sustainability Report for the first time. The
The employer’s reputation is of great im-
Report provides a systematic over-
portance. “Employer branding is becoming
view of the Group’s international
the decisive competitive factor in light of
social commitments and achieve-
demographic developments,” says Alexan-
ments, as well as the impact its
dra Knauer. She does everything so that her
business activities have on the
employees feel comfortable and identify
environment and the company’s
themselves with the company. A big garden,
economic development. In addition
emergency child care, employer-financed
to an interview with the Executive
pension plan, events, profit-sharing and
Board about the organization’s mis-
other services like the financial security day
sion, readers will also find details
strengthen employees’ bond to the compa-
about TÜV Rheinland’s public im-
ny. “When my employees are happy, then
age, its appeal as an employer
Promoting transparent business
they perform for the company. And this con-
and its low staff fluctuation rate,
practices: the TÜV Rheinland CSR
stantly creates new prospects for the futu-
as well as the ecological footprint
Report.
re. CSR strengthens our power of innovati-
of each employee in Germany and
on and our market position in the long term.
the extensive internal compliance
And our customers, suppliers and the pu-
program.
respective market, is part of TÜV
blic feel that,” sums up Alexandra Knauer.
The Sustainability Report was
Rheinland’s core business. The ma-
A piece of wisdom that medium-sized busi-
compiled according to the speci-
jority of its services are geared to-
nesses have always taken to heart – and
fications of the Global Reporting
wards sustainability and this also
that they can now realize more systemati-
Initiative (GRI), a set of globally
entails a high level of social respon-
cally.
established guidelines for corpo-
sibility. Since 2006, the Group has
rate sustainability reporting. The
supported the United Nations Global
GRI awarded it the highest rating
Compact, an international network of
of “A”.
companies and interest groups that
A separate guideline gives an over-
is committed to endorsing human
view of the numerous GRI indica-
rights, basic labor laws and environ-
tors and shows where to find the
mental protection, as well as fighting
corresponding facts in the Report.
corruption. To promote and aid this
The initial Report provides full
campaign, the company presented
coverage of all the company loca-
the International TÜV Rheinland
tions in Germany. From 2010, TÜV
Global Compact Award for the first
Rheinland plans to compile and as-
time in 2008. The prize is awarded
sess its sustainability-related data
to prominent figures whose work
on a global scale.
helps further the goals of the United
Maintaining consistently high
Nations Global Compact.
INFORMATION
Dr. Carmen Giese
carmen.giese@de.tuv.com
+49 30 43663-251
www.tuv.com/de/corporate_social
_responsibility_1.html
22
standards of quality and safety
worldwide, independently of the
www.tuv.com/sustainability
contact 2.10
CCC Summit Markets & Expertise
行
CHINA‘S ROADMAP
FOR AUTO IMPORTS
会
INFORMATION
Gunnar Pflug
gunnar.pflug@de.tuv.com
+49 221 806-3108
Experts in CCC requirements: Representatives of the Chinese delegation at TÜV Rheinland.
New import rules: The Chinese delegation was available to the German
automotive industry to answer
questions on the new regulations.
the quality standards at 250 exporters to
Information Summit of this kind at TÜV
China throughout the world – depending on
Rheinland in Cologne the delegation from
the product, one to two times a year,” says
China detailed its expectations. By conduct-
Gunnar Pflug, head of the TÜV Rheinland
ing a direct dialogue with one another, open
Technology Center for Traffic Safety.
questions were answered and contradic-
The desire for individual mobility in China
tions were cleared up. “It is very important
continues to grow. The German Association
The updated CCC regulations come into ef-
to China that imports run smoothly, which is
of the Automotive Industry (VDA) estimates
fect in July 2011 for passenger cars and at
another reason for this workshop premie-
that passenger car sales in China will in-
the beginning of 2012 for commercial vehic-
re,” says Pflug. To date, the Europeans only
crease by 16 percent to just under ten mil-
les. So the crème de la crème of the Euro-
had written documentation at their disposal.
lion units in 2010. This also benefits German
pean automotive industry came together in
The new CCC regulations also apply to Chi-
automakers, who have tripled their sales
mid-May with leading representatives of the
nese manufacturers that want to sell cars
there to 1.55 million cars in the last four
responsible Chinese institutions. At the first
and spare parts in their country.
汽
years. Every fifth new car comes from a
German brand. But before the cars can be
BACKGROUND
exported to the Far East, manufacturers and
suppliers have to deal with Chinese authori-
ACCESS TO SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN
zation regulations. This applies to whole
cars as well as a wide range of spare parts.
There are also special import regula-
facturers in the telecommunications
Only when the binding certification stipula-
tions for various products in Brazil.
and IT industries in six Japanese and
tions, called China Compulsory Certification
For example, from July 2011 all im-
Chinese cities about the special autho-
(CCC), are met may the products be import-
ported household appliances require a
rization requirements in Brazil. China
ed and offered on the market. The body of
state-approved certificate. TÜV Rhein-
has been Brazil’s largest trade partner
rules stipulates regular visits to production
land experts now informed manu-
since 2008.
facilities. “Currently our experts examine
contact 2.10
23
24
People & Environment Inflatable Swimming Aids
THAT SINKING
FEELING
Bright colors, a broad grin and big, adorable eyes: while
inflatable animals and plastic boats might look harmless, they’re often anything but. To make sure water
toys don’t pose any hidden dangers, it’s best to rely on
test marks like the GS Mark from TÜV Rheinland.
TEST RESULTS
What TÜV Rheinland inspected:
Test objects:
- 88 children’s air mattresses and inflatable swimming
articles
- purchased at beaches in Italy, France and the Netherlands
Results:
- high levels of phthalate plasticizers in 29 of the
88 swimming devices
- almost half of the products shouldn’t have been on
sale in the EU because they don’t comply with the
required safety standards
- many cases of low quality materials and poor workmanship
- swimming seats for children under three proved
especially dangerous
24
contact 2.10
Children are magically drawn to the sea
and to water in general. Responsible
parents always keep a close eye
on them while they’re
paddling and playing
with swimming
toys.
Rainer Weiskirchen’s mission did seem
phthalates – dangerous
rather unusual. In the space of five days, the
plasticizers that are be-
TÜV Rheinland employee drove 3,500 kilo-
lieved to cause reproductive
meters along the Italian coast and around
problems and other side effects.
the lakes of Northern Italy, from the Adriatic
“They definitely have no business be-
to the Ligurian Sea – and all for a trunk full
ing in children’s toys anymore,” explains
of children’s air mattresses and water toys.
Weiskirchen. “Technology has come so far
He bought them in the typical stores that
that manufacturers can now produce the
line the popular beach promenades and
plastic animals without using these kinds
went through a similar process in France
of softening agents at all.”
and the Netherlands. Laboratory specialists
He mainly noticed that many of the water
in Germany were awaiting the 88 plastic
toys and swimming aids from the beach
objects to investigate just how dangerous
boutiques had an extremely distinctive
a fun day at the beach can be.
smell – a sure sign that dangerous solvents
had been used during their production. The
mechanical tests revealed equally poor
Shocking results
All the swimming devices were sub-
results. Plastic parts that can become de-
jected to a range of chemical and
tached are considered dangerous because
mechanical tests. The analysis
contact 2.10
small children might swallow them.
for harmful substances yielded
But the experts were most shocked by the
alarming results: almost one
swimming aids for children under three.
third of the products
Baby seats are commonly used to help
contained high
very young children become accustomed
levels of
to water, but every single test subject re-
25
USEFUL TIPS
Take care when buying water toys:
- Sight and touch test: be wary of
products with sharp-edged seams
- Check all instruction manuals, age
- Advice: to be on the safe side, it’s
specifications and warning symbols:
best to seek advice when buying
they should be easy to understand
toys. It’s also a good idea to ask
and provide sufficient detail
whether the store or supermarket
carries out internal quality checks
and poorly processed valves
- Baby swimming aids: no toy-like
- Smell test: a strong odor can indicate harmful solvents
designs are acceptable; swimming
aids should be labeled with the
13138-3
mark
EN
N1
3138
31
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38
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26
Cute but dangerous: when
purchasing water toys,
consumers should
always rely on expert
advice – and the test
mark from TÜV Rheinland.
contact 2.10
Inflatable
Swimming
Aids People
& Environment
Aufblasbare
Badeartikel
Mensch
& Umfeld
All-round protection: no
beach holiday is complete
without an inflatable swim
ring. Parents can help keep
their children safe by buying swimming aids before
they leave home.
ceived the verdict “product unacceptable”.
tested safety also shows that the product
“Swimming seats for small children should
has been assessed by an independent in-
be labeled as such,” explains Weiskirchen.
spection authority.
No Compulsory Testing Policy
of the objects designed to look like boats,
Avoid beach boutiques
Demands for compulsory toy test-
mushrooms, bumblebees and other nov-
As a general rule, consumers should buy
ing throughout the EU have so far
elty shapes. And construction errors can
before leaving home because well-known
fallen on deaf ears. According to
be extremely dangerous. For instance, if
specialty shops and department stores
the latest EU Toy Safety Directive
the center of gravity is too high, the child
always have control mechanisms and qual-
from 2009, manufacturers and re-
can topple into the water. Or if the seat is
ity standards in place. Rainer Weiskirchen
tailers are still only required to ap-
too tight, it may get stuck there in an emer-
strongly advises against heading for the
ply the “CE” mark, which is not
gency – an alarming scenario. To make sure
nearest beach boutique to stock up on
monitored by an independent test-
that can never happen in the first place,
inflatable elephants or crocodiles at the
ing authority. Instead, they simply
parents should always look for the EN
holiday destination. “After all, the major
have to document the production
13138-3 mark. Products labeled with this
department stores take their internal quality
process and verify the safety of
European norm for swimming aids have
checks very seriously and can usually pro-
their own products. By contrast,
been confirmed to offer increased protec-
vide their customers with detailed advice.”
test symbols such as the GS Mark
tion against capsizing, as well as a clearly
That helps ensure that the bright yellow
are not only awarded by indepen-
defined sizing system based on age and
duck and the friendly dolphin really do re-
dent organizations like TÜV Rhein-
height, among other safety features. In ad-
main as harmless as they look.
land, but also guarantee compli-
BACKGROUND
However, that wasn’t the case for many
dition, all toy packaging should include the
ance with specific safety standards
name of the manufacturer or importer. The
INFORMATION
– all for the sake of our children’s
CE mark indicates that a product complies
Rainer Weiskirchen
rainer.weiskirchen@de.tuv.com
+49 911 655-4230
well-being.
with the regulations and norms that are
valid throughout the EU. The GS Mark for
contact 2.10
27
A CONTAINER CRASH
WITH THE MOUSE
Daredevil experiment on German television: An enormous tank container crumples in front of running cameras during the Saturday
evening quiz show “Ask the mouse”. It’s no accident, as TÜV Rheinland experts had precisely computed this spectacle and made sure
that safety was maintained in the studio throughout the show.
“Isitsha-bulashi kanye na-igundane. That’s
Zulu.” For decades, refrains like this have
been the hallmark introduction to ARD’s
educational program with a touch of humor.
As soon as that puffing mouse with brown
fur and bouncing whiskers flickers across
Germany’s television screens, you know
that complex subject matters are about to
be explained in a way that everyone can
understand. “The mouse” has achieved
cult status across all generations in Germany. “Why is the sky blue?” – “How does
cheese get holes?” It is the seemingly innocuous questions posed by children that
cause adults to break out into a sweat that
the mouse answers with ease and a twinkle in its eyes. Like in the Saturday evening
quiz show “Ask the Mouse”, hosted by
Dr. Eckart von Hirschhausen, where teams
of celebrities face those tricky children’s
questions.
Simply buckled: Host von Hirschhausen
is astonished by the enormous power of
air pressure, which can squash a sturdy
tank container like a beverage can.
28
contact 2.10
Ask the Mouse People & Environment
Why don’t you suck the air out!
it had buckled considerably in the test run.
cy off-switch behind the stage. Martin
Next to comic Wigald Boning, Lena, winner
“We also removed all parts on the contai-
Meier could have stopped the experiment
of the “Eurovision Song Contest” also pon-
ner that could have been jarred loose and
at any stage – which, needless to say,
dered matters on the mouse celebrity panel
gone flying through studio when the contai-
wasn’t necessary, as the test experts had
in May. A straightforward yet spectacular
ner buckled,” Meier reports.
exactly calculated this spectacular experiment. Not a hint of astonishment crossed
question: “What happens to a tank container once the air is sucked out of it?”. The
Pump switched on, ears plugged!
Meier’s face, as a surprised gasp ran
host pulled a huge food tank container with
The start of the experiment meant one
through the studio: the container had col-
a capacity of 22,000 liters into the studio.
thing for the audience: plug ears, open
lapsed like a tin can.
“A sensational experiment, never before
mouth – to equalize the pressure. The huge
seen in this form on German television,”
pump was operated from a safe distance of
announced von Hirschhausen to the au-
ten meters. Creaking noises droned through
dience. Not without its dangers, however.
the studio as the container’s metal skin
In order to ensure the safety of the camera
yielded. There was an additional emergen-
crew, audience, celebrities and von Hirschhausen himself, the program managers hi-
BACKGROUND
red the experts from TÜV Rheinland. “Initi-
THIS IS HOW IT WORKS
ally we agreed on appropriate safety
measures and determined the parameters
An extremely powerful pump with
there is sufficient
absolutely necessary for the experiment,”
the strength of 26 vacuum cleaners
counter pressure
says Martin Meier, expert for facility safety
sucks air out of the tank. Shortly
from the inside.
management, tanks and environmental pro-
thereafter, the container collapses
As soon as the
tection, explaining the media challenge. “It
like a tin can. The scientific expla-
air pressure
was an unusual experiment for us. When
nation: the atmospheric pressure
inside the tank
we test the pressure resistance of industri-
on one square meter is roughly
drops by suck-
al facilities, we usually measure the maxi-
the equivalent of two elephants,
ing out the air, a
mum pressure these tank containers are
or around ten tons. With a surface
vacuum is created,
able to withstand – rarely how they react to
area of 50 square meters, this adds
leading to the collapse
a vacuum.” A trial run brought clarity, also
up to 100 elephants resting on the
of even the strongest of
in terms of what safety measures were
tank. But why doesn’t it collapse
steel.
necessary. The TÜV Rheinland experts re-
sooner? As long as the tank is
commended that the container frame be
filled with air it remains stable, as
reinforced for the live test in the studio, as
contact 2.10
29
It inflates upon impact:
Today the airbag is standard equipment in every
passenger car. It took 40
years of development work
to get this far.
INFORMATION
Bruno Götz
bruno.goetz@lga.de
+ 49 911 655-4920
The study can be ordered free of
charge at www.patente.lga.de
30
PATENT HELP
Developing new products and technologies requires a lot of time and
money. For many companies it is
not clear if this investment will be
worth it down the road. There is,
however, a way of identifying technology and market trends at an early stage – by analyzing patent data.
engine, and Carl Benz, the inventor of gasoline-powered cars.
The successors of these pioneers also
proved their inventive genius. Germany is
one of the world leaders in innovation. German inventors applied for 17,500 global patents in 2008, securing third place behind
the tinkerers in the USA (38,000) and Japan
(20,000).
They move the world forward in small and
In general terms, a patent protects a tech-
large steps, in good and sometimes bad
nical innovation and grants the owner sole
ways: inventors, those people that discover
rights to the use of his invention for a pe-
new technological approaches through their
riod of time, giving industrious „Gyro Gear-
own creativity. Among the best known are
loose“ a quasi exclusive right to exploit his
Nicolaus August Otto, inventor of the Otto
idea in order to profit from it. The inventor
contact 2.10
Relative Patient Activity
Patent-based methods Trends & Innovation
Discovery
Euphoria Disillusionment
Reorientation
Growth
Maturity
Seniority
Walter Linderer applied for a patent for
The technology life cycle: On the road to discovering a new technology, euphoria
the first airbag in Munich in 1951.
is followed by sobering disillusionment. After a phase of reorientation when
Thousands of other patents followed.
problems are solved come growth and maturity until the technology ultimately
becomes old.
has, after all, probably invested a substan-
as problems arise in its realization. As soon
the airbag as well. The pressurized air, de-
tial amount of money in its development. In
as these problems are solved, by, for ex-
signed to inflate the bag in the event of a
return, he reveals his invention by register-
ample, a technical innovation or because
collision, was replaced by a propulsion unit
ing the patent, thus allowing further
general conditions have changed, progress
that operated in a manner similar to an ex-
development by other researchers.
is unstoppable. The technology goes
plosive device.
through a phase of reorientation, followed
The first air bag in the Mercedes W126 mo-
A look into the crystal ball
by rapid advancement and ever-increasing
del was sold exactly 2,636 times in 1980. It
„It can often take decades to progress from
dissemination until the product reaches ma-
would take a further decade and a half be-
the initial idea that was registered for
turity and, after a while, is considered „old
fore it was installed in high-volume produc-
patent to a product with market maturity,“
hat“.
tion cars in Germany. It wasn‘t until 1995
that the airbag was standard equipment in
explains Bruno Götz of TÜV Rheinland. Fa-
the VW Golf. The number of patents relat-
mous examples are the neon light, which
took 82 years to develop, the credit card (25
40 years for the airbag
ing to airbag technology reached a high
years) or the zipper (32 years). When cer-
A case in point is the airbag. Walter Linderer
point in 2000. „Today airbag technology is
tain patents are applied for – publication is
applied for a patent for his „device to pro-
fully mature. In order to significantly reduce
a legal requirement – trends can be identi-
tect passengers in vehicles from injury
the risk of injury in an accident, new inno-
fied very early on, as long as one can inter-
caused by collisions“ back in 1951. It was,
vative technologies are needed“, explains
pret them correctly.
however, just the basic concept which was
Bruno Götz.
TÜV Rheinland experts have developed a
a long way from technical realization. The
new service, allowing companies a „look in-
concept became very interesting in 1967,
The right timing
to the crystal ball“. This is based on the
when American President Lyndon B. John-
By providing a tailor-made analysis for each
technology life cycle, which assumes that
son decided to put pressure on car manu-
individual customer, TÜV Rheinland enables
in the majority of cases product develop-
facturers to increase car safety in light of
companies to predict the stage a given
ment follows a set path. Initially, euphoria
the large number of fatal accidents on Ame-
technology has reached and thereby deter-
results from the discovery or invention of a
rican roads. On the other side of the Atlan-
mine if investing in it is worthwhile. TÜV
technology, followed by a sobering period
tic, Mercedes Benz was busy developing
Rheinland experts Bruno Götz and Andreas
contact 2.10
31
Trends & Innovation Patent-based methods
Fraas also evaluate the customer’s patent
in a specific field of technology more preci-
activities to create a technology profile, as
sely without having access to any internal
the number of patents a company has ap-
company information“, says Fraas. With
plied for or holds is a statement about its
their analyses, the TÜV Rheinland patent
innovation potential and economic produc-
experts provide an important basis to help
tivity – and, in certain cases, that of its
companies make well-informed decisions
competitors. „With the aid of objective pa-
on all levels.
tent data, we can analyze the competition
SEMINAR INFORMATION
LEARN SUCCESSFUL PATENT RESEARCH
How can patents be used as sources
opment departments to patent offi-
of information? Learn about this in
ces. The course comprises four
the “Patent researcher LGA” course
modules which can also be booked
offered by the TÜV Rheinland LGA
individually. However, only partici-
Academy. Experts teaching the course
pants who have successfully complet-
explain the language of patents as
ed all four modules and the final test
well as the basics of patent laws, data
are awarded a certificate.
bases and documents. They help participants navigate their way through
these complex areas. This training is
Contact:
useful for anyone in patent research –
Matthias Förther,
from employees in corporate devel-
Phone +49 911 655-4975
Editorial Information
Publisher:
TÜV Rheinland Aktiengesellschaft, Kommunikation,
Am Grauen Stein, D-51105 Köln
Phone: +49 221 806-2121
Editor: Aud Feller
Fax: +49 221 806-1760
Text: S+L Partners GmbH, Köln
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Printing: Druckhaus Ley + Wiegandt, Wuppertal
Photo Credits: Ansgar Sollmann, pp. 1, 2, 6–7, 10; TÜV Rheinland, pp. 2, 15, 19; Dr. Ing. Herbert Knauer GmbH, pp.
2, 20–21iStockphoto.com / Alessandro Oliva, p. 3; Ralf Bille, p. 3; Nabucco Gas Pipeline International GmbH (NIC),
pp. 4–5; Eric Sakowski, p. 7; Adam.J.W.C., p. 7; Bilfinger Berger AG, p. 7; iStockphoto.com / thumb, p. 8; Philippe
GR – Fotolia.com, p. 8; Heinz Seehagel, p. 8; LianeM – Fotolia.com, pp. 8–9; Woysil, p. 9; Jon Larson / iStockphoto.
com, p. 9; Hendrik Schwartz – Fotolia.com; p. 9; oscity – Fotolia.com; Wikipedia, p. 10; FotoFrank – Fotolia.com, p.
10; Cochlear Ltd, pp. 11, 13, Guido Schiefer, pp. 12–13 ; Ford-Werke GmbH, S. 14; ILA 2010, p. 14; Claudia Dewald
/ iStockphoto.com, p. 14; REWE Markt GmbH, S. 15; Zeit4men – Fotolia.com, p. 16; Licht & Gestalt – Fotolia.com,
p. 17; WoGi – Fotolia.com, p. 17; abcmedia – Fotolia.com, p. 17; great_photos/Shutterstock, pp. 18–19; Hanne
Engwald, p. 23; flucas – Fotolia.com, p. 24–25; Joachim Wendler – Fotolia.com, p. 26; Klaus Eppele – Fotolia.com,
p. 26; Frédéric Prochasson – Fotolia.com, p. 26; tap trofsnag – Fotolia.com, p. 27; Prod. Numérik – Fotolia.com, p.
27; WDR, pp. 28–29; picture alliance/dpa, p. 30; artcop – Fotolia.com, S. 32
Ident-No. 106059
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