OxyGuard

OxyGuard is GEW’s next generation oxygen control system. It consists of an innovative new inert gas chamber and revolutionary control software for precision control of oxygen concentration. OxyGuard is ideal for low migration/odour printing, siliconisation and other high performance applications.

OxyGuard inert gas curing

Closed loop control

OxyGuard features a radically improved closed loop control functionality. Oxygen set points are rapidly achieved and maintained to within ~±10%, even with different materials or coatings. Chamber O₂ concentration and flow rates are clearly displayed on the HMI. The innovative control ensures no spikes of oxygen concentration, even during rapid machine acceleration. User adjustable warning and error bands are graphically represented on the HMI and can be outputted via digital I/O if levels are exceeded for an adjustable time period.

Job reporting

OxyGuard includes a means of recording live system curing performance data. Oxygen level (ppm), UV intensity and any warning and fault conditions that occur are recorded and timestamped.

For compliance or GMP (e.g. EC Regulation No. 2023/2006), data
can be exported via GEW API for OEM integrations or via an email
report, triggered via the HMI ‘Job logging’ function.

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The benefits of OxyGuard

Achieves precision oxygen ppm control with custom set points from 30-10,000ppm
Closed loop control algorithm rapidly achieves set points and minimises inert gas usage
Custom designed chambers support all GEW lamp models and widths, and any quantity of lamps per chamber
Chambers can be on rollers, straight through web paths or mounted on conveyors
A radically improved user interface makes operator monitoring and adjusting of the curing process easier than ever before
Enhanced user-set alarm and warning outputs are available, to enable simple process compliance

Retrofits

Retrofits of OxyGuard control software to existing GEW RHINO/RLT nitrogen systems are possible without changing the physical chamber. This is a quick and easy route to improved process control and lower N₂ usage at a reasonable cost.

Example configuration shown on roller chamber. Many other mechanical configurations are available (e.g. flatbed conveyor).

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How it works

Ambient oxygen reduces the effectiveness of UV curing in many inks and coatings. The OxyGuard system overcomes this, by reducing oxygen concentration at the point of curing. A chamber, with inlet and outlet slots, is constructed around the material and an inert gas, usually nitrogen, is pumped in to displace the air and maintain a target oxygen level. A quartz window in the chamber allows the UV lamp to be mounted outside the chamber and shine through to irradiate the ink / coating. Oxygen levels in the chamber are monitored by an oxygen sensor. A closed loop algorithm precisely adjusts the flow of inert gas to the chamber to maintain target oxygen ppm as the material moves through the chamber.

UV lamphead – Compatible with all lamp models and any number of lamps.
Inert gas curing chamber – Available on rollers, straight through web paths or mounted on conveyors.
Inert gas control box – All-electronic control to monitor O₂ concentration and regulate inert gas flow.
Oxygen analyser – Compact oxygen sensor mounted near chamber for rapid response.
Inert gas feed – Inert gas feed to control box c/o customer.
HMI touchscreen – GEW UV process control displays oxygen concentration and inert gas flow for each chamber.
RHINO Power Electronics – Ultimate efficiency electronic control is used to power the UV lamp and manage the OxyGuard system.

Inert Gas Curing System Diagram 2025 Update

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Specifications

N₂ pressure required	8 bar
N₂ flow requirement	Contact GEW
N₂ purity required	99.999%
Compatibility	Any GEW mercury or LED lamp
Sensor calibration	Yearly
Set point range	30 – 10,000ppm
O₂ alarms available	I/O output
Configuration	Roller or flatbed