We use cookies to provide you with personalized services and improve our website. More info Ok
It wasn’t too long ago that hazardous zones and production zones were reasonably well separated. The areas where explosive gases, vapors, or combustible dusts were present tended to stay in their own very specific environments, and the equipment operating in those areas was specified accordingly. Today, however, that distinction is less clear.
As digital transformation increases demand for data from automation systems – driven by new digital innovations such as advanced analytics, AI and expanded connectivity – maintaining system integrity has become a challenge. ABB’s Luis Duran explores how the concept of “separation of concerns” protect the core of the automation system in a cyber-secure way, while enabling new digital value without compromising operational performance.
200 ms response time for maximised process performance and reliability
Nijhuis Saur Industries (NSI), part of Saur Group, introduced PFAS Resolve at IFAT 2026 in Munich. It is a Saur Group solution: a modular concept combining advanced technologies to address the full spectrum of PFAS contamination directly on site.
Compact series for more efficiency and performance in an expanded range of applications
A long-standing automation partnership between a Swiss machine builder and one of the world’s leading manufacturers of industrial robots is aiming to help transform the pharmaceutical supply chain in Europe with the launch of what is believed to be the ‘smallest’ automated palletising cell for vials and pre-filled syringes.
Wireless scanner in different variants for multiple operating scenarios
At a specialist aerospace equipment manufacturer in Portsmouth, an initiative to reduce energy costs identified steam energy usage that could be optimised. Dart Aerospace involved Bürkert’s engineering team to develop a system that could automatically close steam flow during non-operational periods. This custom-developed flow control system was set live in January 2025 and achieved return on investment in a matter of months.
Qlar is opening a new Test Center for reliable pneumatic conveying in Bangalore, India, supporting customers in the metals, cement and energy sectors. With the facility, Qlar is strengthening its position as a provider of practical test infrastructure.
Fraunhofer project for better recycling processes of paper packaging
Ultra-thin barrier layers on packaging effectively protect food and medicine from oxygen, moisture, and contaminants. The Film-Inspect sensor, developed at Fraunhofer IPM, measures the quality of these barriers during the coating process, enabling process control for the first time.
For safe inspection of processes in hazardous environments
Combination of laser and paramagnetic detection methods for a for a wide range of applications
Flexible adaptation to different user requirements
A new wave of more efficient, adaptable and intelligent plant operations is emerging as conventional control systems evolve into modern, open and modular automation ecosystems. Stefan Basenach, Senior Vice President ABB Automation Technology, explains how ABB’s Automation Extended allows industrial organizations to fully embrace the opportunities of digitalization while futureproofing their operations.
Polyurethanes (PUR) are found in many products, such as upholstered furniture, foam or insulation materials, flooring, paints and even medical catheter tubes. The production of these high-demand plastics, however, relies on toxic isocyanate. Fraunhofer researchers have now developed an alternative production process using harmless dicarbamate.
Metering and emptying solution for IBCs in the food and beverage industry
Easy-to-use logistics solution with optional GPS localisation
In September 2025, a ransomware attack on Collins Aerospace interrupted check-in and boarding systems at major European airports, heavily impacting Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin. The attackers never breached the airport’s core IT – they didn’t need to. One compromised supplier was enough to paralyze a critical service. Here, Stephan Nobis, business development manager at automation supplier COPA-DATA, discusses why Europe’s critical infrastructure must move from compliance to continuous cybersecurity – or face severe risks.
ELGi Compressors Europe, a subsidiary of ELGi Equipments Limited announced the transformative operational results achieved by its customer, Guttsta Källa AB, a century-old Swedish natural mineral water producer. By implementing a high-performance ELGi compressed air solution, Guttsta Källa has dramatically increased its production throughput while delivering substantial annual energy savings of 120,000 kWh, positioning the company for continued growth in the premium Swedish bottled water market.
Valuable energy is lost in pressure reduction stations, exhaust steam pipes and condensation systems. With Energify system, the company CFT GmbH offers a simple and robust solution for the cost-effective conversion of even slight pressure differences into energy. This saves electricity costs and lowers CO₂ emissions. The system performance is controlled precisely with sliding gate valves from Schubert & Salzer.
Diaphragm metering pumps in robust design ensure reliable treatment processes for a safe resource
Intrinsically safe tablets and smartphones serve as digital and networked hubs for connected workers in the process industry
Increased safety through clarity in challenging situations for the process industry and railway sector
Precision and accuracy are essential for liquid dosing applications to ensure quality and safety. While these factors are vital at the micro level, macro scale applications, involving litres of product, can also make significant efficiency gains by optimising dosing control. To achieve this, selecting the right valve and measurement technology is vital, with the right level of automation.
Optimised fixed-focus and zoom lenses, designed to operate in the ultraviolet spectral region (200-400 nanometres)
Accelerated PLC integration without need for programming
Looks matter, but they aren’t everything: long before croissants, biscuits or waffles are placed in protective packaging, manufacturers need to ensure that their contents are exactly as they should be. In upstream steps, producers pave the way for the highest quality, safety and shelf life of ready-to-eat products. Ingenious technologies that work towards this goal are always part of the packaging process.
As the world urgently seeks ways to decarbonise, James Clements from Signal Group explains how gas analysis will perform a vital role – particularly in carbon capture, and not just for CO2 but for all of the important greenhouse gases.
Upgrading pneumatic control valves with digital capabilities can enhance process quality and efficiency. Though a full digital control system redesign might be prohibitive, integrating digital positioners and process controllers can offer many of the same benefits without requiring a complete overhaul. Author: Kieran Bennett, Industry Manager, Food & Beverage at Bürkert.
The largest oil producer in the Caribbean used Cogent DataHubTM software in a recent project to modernize their SCADA systems and integrate new IoT-enabled well-monitoring devices
Enhanced pump design for higher performance
Precise material analysis plays a central role in many industries - from the pharmaceutical and food industries to construction materials, biotechnology and environmental sciences. Whether for quality assurance or for predicting material behaviour, the precise characterisation of particles is crucial.
Titan Enterprises, a leading UK manufacturer of liquid flow measurement solutions, has had a long-standing supplier relationship with John Guest, part of the RWC family of brands, since designing their first beverage flowmeter in the early 1990s. Following discussions with a customer, the two companies teamed up to develop a streamlined, state-of-the-art single unit for beer dispensing systems, fully integrating Titan’s turbine flow technology within RWC’s pioneering PolarClean connector.
Experts have to collaborate effectively for process plants to be controlled reliably and economically. Safety, reliability, and efficiency must be guaranteed. This means operators of such plants are dependent on experienced project partners who not only supply individual products, but also have a deep understanding of the processes and requirements on-site and are able to use this knowledge to develop customized and long-term sustainable solutions.
From fertilizer to energy source of the future
Variable speed motor platform to upgrade inefficient direct online induction motors
Addressing complex fluid measurement challenges of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) across different industries.
As businesses in industry continually aim to become environmentally sustainable, the demands are increasingly pushed throughout the supply chains. Liquid and gas flow controls, ubiquitous throughout industry, are highlighted within the sustainability drive. Optimising the performance of valves and their controls can directly improve energy efficiency for end users. Moreover, procurement teams are progressively checking that flow control suppliers are achieving a holistic position to meet sustainability goals.
Solenoid and process valves for pressures up to 1.000 bar
Digital Edition Download PDF
