The market is increasingly moving towards continuous line production. Yet many companies still face manual challenges in the so-called End-of-Line area – where food products are labeled, inspected, stacked or palletized after packaging. Growing labor shortages are increasing the pressure to act. This new partnership addresses these challenges with a holistic solution approach.
Each partner contributes its specific know-how to the alliance: Bizerba is responsible for weighing, labeling, slicing and inspection technologies and takes on the role of system integrator. FANUC contributes cutting-edge robotics and control technologies. KILIVATIONS brings years of expertise in the development of robotic applications and automation solutions. Schmalz adds extensive knowledge in gripping and vacuum technology – tailored specifically to the requirements of delicate food products.
At automatica 2025, the four companies presented a first milestone of their partnership: a modular, fully automated sandwich station for hygienic, contact-free handling of fresh food. The system combines precise slicing technology with state-of-the-art robotics, advanced vacuum gripping systems and high-precision dosing – enabling pinpoint production of snacks “on demand”, contactless and efficient.
A wide range of projects is already underway – focusing on product handling, case loading and palletizing in the End-of-Line area of the food industry. Bizerba acts as the central point of contact and integrator of the overall solution.
Oliver Deifel, Director Global Customer Solution Center at Bizerba, emphasizes: “This strategic partnership is a perfect match and a key element of our Bizerba strategy to deliver holistic solutions for the food market. Our goal is to transform the entire line process downstream of the packaging machine into continuous, scalable automation concepts. As the central integrator, we combine our own portfolio with the specialist knowledge of our partners – efficient, future-ready and customer-focused.”
The combination of deep industry knowledge, technological excellence and many years of experience across industries makes this new alliance a powerful driver for transformation in food processing.
Yokogawa Electric announces that it has formalized a long-term agreement with Shell Global Solutions International B.V. (“Shell”) to integrate and further develop technologies for utilizing robots and drones in plant monitoring and maintenance. Under the agreement, Yokogawa will add an advanced machine vision tool called Operator Round by Exception (ORE), developed by Shell, into its own OpreX™ Robot Management Core. The enhanced software service will be made available by Yokogawa to customers in the energy, chemicals, and other industries.
ORE is a digital solution that uses machine vision and AI analytics to enable robots to autonomously perform a number of tasks in the operator round process, such as reading gauges and checking for leaks and machinery issues. It is the result of a two-year collaborative effort within Shell, which combined machine vision strategy with deep capabilities in the field of integrity management, remote site inspection, and corrosion management.
OpreX Robot Management Core is a key product in Yokogawa’s robot solutions. The software helps customers maintain their facilities in a safer and more efficient manner by integrating the management of various types of robots that perform plant maintenance tasks conventionally carried out by humans. When connected to a plant’s control and safety systems, the data acquired can be used to issue instructions to robots, thus enabling the first step to be taken toward autonomous plant operations. The addition of Shell’s ORE technology will significantly increase the number of use cases available to customers through OpreX Robot Management Core.
Moving forward, Yokogawa robotics operations will deploy at two Shell facilities as a pilot into how robotics and drones can deliver value through efficiencies in plant monitoring and maintenance.
This collaboration is the first key milestone for Yokogawa working alongside Shell in the collaboration space at the Energy Transition Campus Amsterdam, which was created by Shell in 2022 to provide a platform for collaboration between companies, societal organisations, governments, and universities to work on tomorrow’s energy solutions. Shell and Yokogawa have also agreed to collaborate on an aligned R&D roadmap to further develop and enhance the machine vision technology, ensuring continuous innovation and improvement. This collaboration underscores both companies' commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to the energy and industrial sectors.
Masaharu Maeda, Yokogawa Electric vice president, executive officer, and head of the company’s Solutions Business Division, stated, “We are very excited to be working with Shell on this key technology field that promises to address the workforce challenges facing plant owners by significantly improving the efficiency of rounds in the field, while also reducing the inherent risk to operators. We look forward to making it available to industrial facility owners globally in the near future and contributing to safer and more efficient workplaces.”
“Shell & Yokogawa have a proud history of developing together to enable advanced automation solutions for our sites. With this agreement, we are taking our relationship to the next level. Robotics solutions combined with AI provide the potential to create a step change in productivity and safety,” said Gerben de Jong, CIO for Shell Integrated Gas, Upstream and Projects & Technology.
Ammonia has been traditionally known for fertilizer production. In the future, it could also play a key role in the Energy Transition as an efficient source of hydrogen and a climate-friendly substitute for fossil fuels since it can be produced from nitrogen and hydrogen with zero carbon emissions. Furthermore, ammonia offers a wealth of advantages in terms of transportation and storage. The Fraunhofer Institute for Microengineering and Microsystems IMM is working on a space-saving, efficient and, above all, decentralized ammonia cracking technology in numerous research projects.
“Ammonia has very bright prospects for the sustainable transformation of our energy system,” explains Gunther Kolb, Head of the Energy Division and deputy institute director of Fraunhofer IMM in Mainz. “Producing sufficient energy without emissions isn’t the only challenge involved in the Energy Transition, after all. Because large amounts of green electricity can be produced mainly in places with a lot of wind or sun, like Chile and Australia, low-loss transportation to areas with less renewable energy available is indeed an important factor.” Using ammonia can bring transformative advantages in this regard.
Green hydrogen (H2), combines with nitrogen (N2 ) in a 3:1 ratio to produce ammonia (NH3) and energy stored and transported in this form (i.e. ammonia) undergoes lower losses in the supply chain. Moreover, ammonia has a few advantages over hydrogen for the storage of electricity. It remains liquid at atmospheric pressure and even at a pressure of just 7.5 bar or when it cools to only about -33°C. By contrast, liquefying pure hydrogen requires feeding it into a vacuum at low pressure and lowering the temperature to -253°C, which requires much energy. In addition, ammonia has a higher volumetric energy density than liquid hydrogen, so it can carry more energy per unit volume.
“Generating ammonia from hydrogen and nitrogen only requires about five percent more energy than generating hydrogen from green electricity,” Kolb explains. “And both producing and cracking ammonia are almost completely carbon-free.” Ammonia is toxic and flammable, so it is classified as hazardous and subject to stringent regulations. Thanks to the existing high safety standards, some 25 million metric tons of ammonia are currently transported safely worldwide by ship and rail each year, chiefly for fertilizer production.
Ammonia must be reconverted into its original compounds (i.e.nitrogen and hydrogen) for use in the chemical industry or as an energy source. Equally important, this needs to be done with minimal energy losses. Ammonia in gas form is fed into a reactor at a temperature of about 600 degrees Celsius, in which it comes into contact with an inorganic nickel-based catalyst with large internal surface. “Right now, the first big electrolysis facilities are being built in locations rich in green electricity, like Australia and Chile, to produce ammonia. On the European side, one of the first major cracking facilities is under construction in Rotterdam at the same time, for example,” Kolb says. The plan is to supply hydrogen to places where it is needed via pipelines. The primary issue is that many potential customers, especially SMEs, lack access to hydrogen pipelines. Germany’s hydrogen infrastructure is currently being built out. Plans call for a core hydrogen network comprising about 9,000 kilometers of pipelines in total to be put in place by 2032, primarily by converting natural gas lines. However, even after that, large areas will not be connected to the hydrogen supply.
“Our decentralized cracking technology can close this supply gap both efficiently and with zero emissions for required quantities of between 100 kilograms and 10 metric tons of hydrogen per day,” Kolb explains. “In the AMMONPAKTOR project, which received funding from the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, we teamed up with the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM to develop a compact ammonia cracker that achieves an efficiency of 90 percent during the reconversion process through our innovative plate heat exchanger technology and integrated exhaust gas combustion from the pressure swing adsorption used for cleaning, in comparison to 70 percent for conventional technologies.”
The energy needed to heat the reactor is generated directly in the cracking reactor with the help of the exhaust gas streams, so no additional fuel or electricity is required for cracking purposes. The AMMONPAKTOR reactor is also about 90 percent smaller than conventional technology. This is especially important for mobile and space-constrained applications. The use of exhaust gas also means the technology has a smaller carbon footprint than electrically heated reactor concepts. “Aside from the system’s internal exhaust gas utilization, the innovative plate heat exchanger from Fraunhofer IMM, which is directly coated with a catalyst, makes all the difference,” Kolb says. “Instead of the conventional method of generating the heat required for cracking in a pipe system heated from the outside at about 900 degrees Celsius, which requires much energy, our technology generates the heat right where it is needed, so our system has much better heat transfer. And that works out to huge energy savings.”
A finished prototype at Fraunhofer IMM’s location in Mainz already enables hydrogen production of about 75 kg per day, about the same as the daily output from a 50-kilowatt fuel cell. “That volume alone would be enough to supply a small hydrogen filling station, for example,” Kolb notes. The next development goal, for now, is scaling up to daily production of up to 10 metric tons, including as part of the EU’s five-year maritime project GAMMA and the Fraunhofer flagship project AmmonVektor, which is exploring the entire green ammonia value chain to make hydrogen available on a decentralized basis and at as low cost as possible. This three-year project, headed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT, has been under way since early 2024.
Kuva Systems brings to Sensirion a sophisticated industrial IoT product tailored for upstream and midstream oil and gas operations. Its technology includes a proprietary, low-cost infrared optical camera that delivers minute-by-minute visualization and quantification of methane emissions. This capability allows operators to pinpoint leak sources without false positive alarms and to cost-effectively conduct remote root-cause analysis of emission problems. The Kuva solution enables operators to implement automated workflows for root-cause analysis that minimize emissions as well as meet regulatory and ESG goals.
The integration of Kuva Systems into Sensirion Connected Solutions reflects a strong strategic fit, aligned with the Group’s long-term vision to expand its industrial IoT capabilities in emissions monitoring. From a financial perspective, the transaction is not significant and will not have a material impact on the Group’s liquidity or financial guidance in terms of stock exchange reporting obligations.
With the acquisition of Kuva Systems, Sensirion Connected Solutions now becomes a one-stop shop for continuous methane emissions monitoring, empowering oil and gas operators with a fully integrated, scalable suite of solutions tailored to the complexity of their sites.
“The integration of Kuva Systems into Sensirion Connected Solutions is a major milestone in our strategy to deliver a full range of end-to-end solutions for continuous methane emissions monitoring,” said Felix Hoehne, General Manager of Sensirion Connected Solutions. “By offering innovative, sensor-based solutions, and now advanced optical imaging, we’re enabling oil and gas operators to maximize performance and coverage by choosing the right solution for their site complexity and monitoring needs—all from one, globally operating, trusted partner.”
“We’re excited to join the Sensirion Group to accelerate our mission with the backing of a global sensing technology leader,” said Stefan Bokaemper, CEO of Kuva Systems. “This move enables us to scale our solution and reach more operators who are looking for cost-effective operational workflows to tackle their emissions challenges.”
The Pepperl+Fuchs Group, a pioneer in the field of mobile devices for hazardous areas, focuses not only on explosion protection for its mobile devices, but also on security against cyberattacks. To provide the best possible protection against threats and minimize the risk of a data breach, Pepperl+Fuchs is increasingly relying on independent Common Criteria certification for its mobile devices, which is one of the world's most stringent cybersecurity certifications. It assesses and guarantees that a certified device meets strict security criteria, including secure data and communication management, protection against unauthorized access, integrity of the operating system and applications, and resilience against known cyberthreats.
Common Criteria certification is particularly recommended for products used in demanding industrial environments such as hazardous areas. That is why Pepperl+Fuchs has had its 5G smartphone Smart-Ex® 03 certified accordingly. The smartphone has been structurally tested and achieves security level EAL2, which is a high standard for a mobile device. Only highly secure official communication would require EAL3 and certification according to a correspondingly standardized protection profile. Customers can therefore rest assured that the Smart-Ex® 03 offers appropriate protection against cyberthreats.
In addition to the Smart-Ex® 03, the two Samsung powered 5G tablets Tab-Ex® 04 Pro and Tab-Ex® 05 also meet Common Criteria. Pepperl+Fuchs thus offers a comprehensive portfolio for mobile workers in industrial sectors that is not only certified for use in hazardous areas – depending on the device and variant, up to Division 1 and Zone 1/21 – but also meets the most stringent regulations for operational safety and digital security.
A particular advantage of Common Criteria certification is that it is recognized internationally by more than 30 countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and France. This ensures high, uniform standards, improves the acceptance of IT products, and increases confidence in security.
“Protection against cyberattacks is playing an increasingly important role, especially for mobile devices,” says Jörg Hartleb, Head of Product Management at Pepperl+Fuchs subsidiary ECOM Instruments. “This makes it all the more important for us to offer our customers appropriately secured devices for use in Ex zones. Pepperl+Fuchs is currently the only supplier to offer Common Criteria-certified, intrinsically safe mobile devices in its portfolio. This underscores the importance we place on our customers' security.”
“We are proud to have had the opportunity to accompany P&F through this highly complex security scheme. Thanks to our dedicated consulting and the tailored support we provided, we – together with our trusted testing and certification partners – successfully enabled the achievement of a key industry milestone: the Common Criteria EAL2 certification. This certification not only underscores the technological sophistication of Pepperl+Fuchs’s products but also speaks volumes about the exceptional commitment and expertise of the development teams at ECOM, Avaa Mobile, and Pepperl+Fuchs. It reflects a shared commitment to cybersecurity, quality, and innovation that drives forward the entire sector. At Eurofins E&E, we believe that true progress in cybersecurity comes from collaboration, rigorous standards, and an unwavering focus on excellence,” added Dipl.-Ing. Thami Elidrissi, Head of Wireless Strategy and Cybersecurity at Eurofins E&E Europe.
ystral is investing around 1.8 million euros in a new validation centre at its headquarters in Ballrechten-Dottingen (Germany). The centre will enable the machine and plant manufacturer to carry out more tests than before and further improve the testing conditions for its customers. Users do not have to be on site during the tests but can also follow them remotely via livestream.
ystral plans, designs and manufactures highly efficient mixing, dispersing and powder wetting machines as well as process systems. The new validation centre expands ystral's testing capacities, as the existing application technology centre and a development laboratory have reached their capacity limits. "The construction of the new validation centre is a major step in the history of our company – because this is ultimately the place where we come together with our customers," says Peter Manke, Managing Director and co-owner of ystral. The validation centre is scheduled for completion by the end of October.
In the new building, production companies will have the opportunity to test ystral technologies, train their operating personnel on ystral machines and use the testing facilities for method and product development. Tests with flammable or explosive media are also possible.
The validation centre offers numerous analysis options. Samples can be examined with regard to various factors using the optical microscope: Both density measurement and particle size analysis with dynamic light scattering are possible. In addition, viscosities can be determined using various measuring methods with and without tempering and curves of various shear rates can be plotted.
Already today, manufacturing companies from all over the world are utilising ystral's testing facilities. With the new validation centre, the mixing technology specialist aims to further expand its international presence. "Users don't have to be on site during the tests, but can follow them remotely via livestream," explains Uwe Klaumünzner, Head of the ystral validation centre. "However, many of our customers still like to come back to us because of our hospitality, our comprehensive support during the trials – and not least because of the scenic surroundings."
Advantech announces that its Human-Machine Interface (HMI), TPC-B520 and TPC-B300, have officially received IEC 62443-4-2 Verification of Compliance (VOC) certification from Bureau Veritas. These products represent Advantech's first HMI systems to achieve compliance with this international cybersecurity standard, demonstrating the strategic approach to addressing industrial security threats while enabling customers to proactively meet future global regulatory requirements. This certification strengthens operational security across smart manufacturing and digital factories.
Bureau Veritas is a world-leading testing, inspection, and certification organization specializing in industrial cybersecurity, product verification, and management system certification, dedicated to enhancing product trustworthiness and market competitiveness for its clients.
IEC 62443-4-2 represents the comprehensive cybersecurity standard for Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS). This standard defines the technical requirements for how factories, production lines, energy systems, and infrastructure should implement robust cybersecurity protection. With only a few industrial HMI products currently verified as compliant with this rigorous standard, Advantech's achievement highlights exceptional product credibility in today's increasingly security-conscious industrial market.
TPC-B520 and TPC-B300 feature modular designs that adapt flexibly to various industrial environment requirements while simultaneously enhancing both hardware specifications and cybersecurity protection.
The systems incorporate Intel-driven security technologies including Intel® Platform Trust Technology (PTT), Intel® AES-NI encryption instruction set acceleration, and Intel® Boot Guard technology. These technologies help system integrators meet IEC 62443-4-2 standard requirements for authentication, data protection, and system integrity while reducing the complexity of system integration and certification processes.
By implementing these IEC 62443-4-2 compliant HMI solutions, enterprises enable system integrators (SIs) to build secure and reliable Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS) architectures that effectively safeguard system integrity, data confidentiality, and availability during cybersecurity incidents. This comprehensive protection allows manufacturing operations to respond in real-time to evolving threats and enhance operational resilience amid increasingly stringent global cybersecurity regulations.
BASF is further expanding its sustainable product portfolio with two new renewable ammonia grades: renewable ammonia and renewable ammonia solution 24.5%. The renewable ammonia grades are produced at BASF’s Verbund site in Ludwigshafen by feeding hydrogen into the ammonia plant, thereby reducing its natural gas consumption.
In BASF’s Verbund system, hydrogen is produced using both fossil and renewable energy sources. Through a mass balance approach, the renewable ammonia grades are attributed renewable energy-derived hydrogen. These grades have been certified according to ISCC+ and can be used as a 'drop-in' solution in the same reliable way as conventional products. The renewable ammonia grades are available in the usual bulk quantities.
“Our biggest goal is net zero of our products. With our renewable ammonia, we can significantly undercut the product carbon footprint (PCF) of our other low-CO2 ammonia grades”, said Dr. Jens Aßmann, Vice President Business Management Ammonia Value Chain and Operations Amino Resins at BASF. BASF calculates PCFs in accordance with the Together for Sustainability PCF Guideline.
The demand for low-carbon or “green” ammonia has constantly increased in the past years and is expected to still rise in the future. “Our customers, as well as BASF’s own downstream businesses, need low-carbon products already today to explore their market”, Aßmann emphasized. “We are proud to offer the first renewable ammonia produced in Central Europe with a very low PCF.”
The expansion of the ammonia portfolio is a further step on the sustainable journey of BASF’s Monomers division. The division has already developed one circular or low PCF option for every major product line by 2025. The division’s sustainable offerings are an essential part of BASF’s path to climate neutrality and net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
HIMA Group, a leading provider of safety-related automation solutions, has continued its significant growth path in the fiscal year 2024. Revenue increased to EUR 186 million, driven largely by international expansion and an increasing focus on digital solutions. Following an already very successful fiscal year 2023, the HIMA Group continued its growth momentum in 2024. Revenue rose by 23 percent, from EUR 151 million in 2023 to EUR 186 million in 2024. Organic growth was 12 percent in 2024.
Jörg de la Motte, CEO of HIMA Group, said, “With the acquisition of Sella Controls and Origo Solutions in 2023 and 2024, we have brought new expertise into the company and strengthened our market position as a key solutions provider. In addition, we have further expanded our operations outside Europe to support demanding customer projects locally.”
In Europe, 24 percent of sales were generated from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, 19 percent from other EU countries, 11 percent from the United Kingdom, and 9 percent from Norway. The Asia-Pacific region contributed 19 percent to sales, followed by the Middle East and India with 12 percent and the Americas with 6 percent.
Dr. Michael Löbig, CFO of HIMA Group, said, “The encouraging sales performance is a clear signal of the viability of our business model. We expect further sales growth in the current year, although the market environment remains challenging, particularly in Germany.”
In 2024, HIMA recorded substantial growth, particularly in the railway sector, with one of the reasons being new customer projects supported by Sella Controls. The railway industry now accounts for 17 percent of sales. An expanded product and solution portfolio was presented for the first time at InnoTrans 2024. It was very well received by trade visitors, particularly because of its high flexibility, easy integration, cost efficiency, and ability to promote the digital transformation of railway transport.
Following the opening of a new subsidiary in Saudi Arabia in 2023, another was established in India in November 2024. In addition, new sales offices and service centers were opened in several countries. In China, for example, a new service center commenced operations in Zhanjiang to better serve customers in the southeastern part of the country. In addition, a subsidiary was opened in Colombia, and a branch is planned in Peru. Further expansion in these growth markets is planned to support large and demanding customer projects locally. In regions where the HIMA Group does not have a direct presence, the partner program has been further expanded.
“With these investments in high-growth regions, we are further expanding our customer proximity and strengthening our international position,” added Jörg de la Motte.
The portfolio has been expanded to include new digital solutions such as cockpits for controlling safety lifecycle management, SCADA+, and safeHMI. The safeHMI, developed in partnership with DEUTA-Werke, replaces classic, hard-wired visualization solutions with secure, flexible control panels. The long-standing cooperation with security specialist genua has also been further intensified in order to strengthen the resilience of automation systems against cyber threats.
Jörg de la Motte said, “Our strategy with a clear focus on digitalization under the motto #safetygoesdigital is paying off. With our digital cockpits for controlling safety lifecycle management, safeHMI, and SCADA+, we offer our customers real added value.”
HIMA Group is increasingly focusing on AI-based innovations and has expanded its own innovation lab, ‘himalaya’, in Mannheim to accommodate this. Solutions developed here that are already in pilot use include AI-supported remote diagnosis, which detects anomalies in safety control systems at an early stage and enables proactive maintenance. The company’s internal chatbot, ‘Ask Paula‘, which specializes in functional safety, will be introduced in June 2025.
Dr. Michael Löbig said, “AI has great potential for HIMA Group, both internally and externally. Our innovation lab, ‘himalaya’, is the right place to quickly identify and tap into applications and potential.”
This is particularly evident in the responsible use of resources and the protection of people and the environment. To operate successfully and responsibly in the long term, HIMA pursues economic, ecological, and social goals. These include participation in sustainability initiatives, the establishment of a global CSRD team, sustainable location and trade fair concepts, as well as ideas competitions and awards for particularly successfully implemented projects.
"For every customer feedback, HIMA makes a contribution to tree planting and thus makes an active contribution to environmental protection," adds Dr. Michael Löbig.
Spectaris, Allotrope Foundation and the OPC Foundation are proud to announce a major milestone in smarter labs by advancing semantic interoperability and structured data standards in laboratory environments: At the most recent, and now 8th hackathon, which took place on April 11, 2025 in Germany and once again featured various companies, from device manufacturers, software providers to even laboratory operators, a successful demonstration showcased the integration of Allotrope Foundation Ontologies (AFO) and the Allotrope Simple Model (ASM) into the OPC UA (Unified Architecture) framework.
The showcase was implemented by Dr. Matthias Arnold, CTO of the LADS OPC UA Joint Working Group, as part of the broader Spectaris initiative for networked laboratory equipment. The implementation demonstrated how AFO can be dynamically mapped into OPC UA nodesets and leveraged for generic or application-specific labeling of laboratory device data—offering a scalable, semantically rich foundation for data management.
OPC UA is a modern Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) architecture that enables secure, platform-independent communication and contextual data exchange across smart devices and systems.
“Communication and data standards for laboratory and analytical applications are two sides of the same coin: communication standards capture live data generated during experiments and result creation, while data standards document the results — along with critical context such as who conducted the experiment, when, with what materials, and using which methods. Ideally, both should be built on shared definitions of entities and information elements,” said Dr. Matthias Arnold. ”For the first time, the combination of OPC UA LADS and Allotrope Foundation framework enables seamless integration between communication and documented data. Ontologies like the AFO provide the conceptual foundation necessary to achieve true FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data across laboratory environments.”
The success of this integration highlights the power of cross-organizational collaboration in driving digital transformation in the lab.
“The integration of Allotrope models into OPC UA represents a significant advancement for semantic interoperability in the lab,” said Stefan Hoppe, President of the OPC Foundation. “It allows end users to benefit from both open information models and an open, secure communication platform. This collaboration accelerates the journey toward harmonized and future-ready laboratory ecosystems.”
The Allotrope Simple Model (ASM) was also used to represent analytical results in two formats:
This approach maintains a direct linkage between each ASM element and its underlying AFO definition, enabling machine-readable semantics, traceability, and alignment with FAIR data principles.
“Open standards like Allotrope and OPC UA each play crucial roles in today’s laboratories—enhancing data quality and enabling seamless communication between systems. But as laboratory challenges grow more complex, true innovation demands interoperability across multiple standards. By federating these open standards, we unlock a scalable, semantically rich foundation for building the connected, digital lab of the future. This collaborative approach not only accelerates progress but also sets the stage for deeper, pre-competitive partnerships that drive industry-wide transformation” said Janet Cheetham, Chair, Allotrope Foundation.
This demonstration reflects the growing alignment between Allotrope Foundation and Spectaris over the past few years and highlights the practical value of harmonizing open standards across instrumentation, data modeling, and lab automation technologies.
Technical documentation and implementation artifacts will be made available to the broader community to encourage feedback, reuse, and future collaboration.
For more technical information please listen to the presentation from Dr. Matthias Arnold, AixEngineers here: https://opcfoundation-events.com/2025/05/01/opc-day-2025-international/#arnold
Two years after the last successful multi-vendor tests, the technology has proven its strength again in a realistic simulation. The load tests were tailored to meet customer-specific requirements, demonstrating that components from various manufacturers can seamlessly work together to build a robust and reliable system based on PROFINET over Ethernet-APL. Requirements were defined from the end-user perspective by the global chemical company BASF. On the supplier side, devices from Endress+Hauser, Pepperl+Fuchs, R. Stahl, Phoenix Contact, and Samson were integrated into an Emerson control system and their interoperability was confirmed.
Two years after the first set of successful tests with other automation systems, Emerson DeltaV was in scope of the mass load test with nearly 240 Endress+Hauser measuring devices, including flow, pressure, temperature and level sensors, as well as positioners from Samson. They were tested in a ring topology consisting of Ethernet-APL field switches from Pepperl+Fuchs, Phoenix Contact and R. Stahl. Emerson provided the control system DeltaV DCS including PROFINET System Redundancy (S2) support as well as the AMS Device Manager System.
The results spoke for themselves: Ethernet-APL performs reliably under full-scale conditions. The test scenarios on a network with the maximum number of devices successfully verified both, performance and reliability with the Pepperl+Fuchs switches. Key performance metrics — such as total net load and redundancy switchover times — met and even surpassed the required standards.
The field switches from Phoenix Contact were subsequently subjected to similar tests and were able to demonstrate their performance. The pre-series switches from R. Stahl were tested as well and based on the valuable results, the optimized devices will be now available for the market launch.
Gerd Niedermayer, Senior Expert Emerging Automation Technologies at BASF extends his gratitude: “Thank you to Endress+Hauser for the opportunity to conduct the scalability tests with our PROFINET-APL partners. With the help of their digital field devices, we are able to optimize diverse topics centering around engineering, commissioning and lifecycle in BASF plants and save CAPEX and OPEX costs.”
“With the success of the recent scalability test, the cooperating companies have again proven that the multi-vendor infrastructure is open, future-proof and ready for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)”, emphasizes Harald Müller, technical lead of Ethernet-APL and director technology at Endress+Hauser Temperature+System Products. This gives planners and end users further evidence that Ethernet-APL is an enabler to create more flexible, efficient and cost-effective industrial automation systems, leveraging the full scale of benefits through digitalization.
Karl Büttner, expert product manager system integration and marketing lead of Ethernet-APL at Endress+Hauser Flow, is proud and excited about the proven success of this technology: “Since 2023 we provide instrumentation for Ethernet-APL projects worldwide. Endress+Hauser is pleased with the successful launch of the technology, which helps our customers to digitalize their process plants.”
Endress+Hauser’s PROFINET support for Netilion is an additional step to support the Ethernet-based communication. It ensures remote access for example to process values and health diagnostics for all native and PROFINET-APL devices, ensuring high plant availability.
Ethernet-APL, already backed by a wide ecosystem, sees even more devices and manufacturers coming on board. The high market demand and worldwide successful implementations in the first medium-sized and large projects prove that Ethernet-based field communication in process automation has a bright future.
A competent partner in process automation is not only characterized by technical expertise, but also requires an overall understanding of the specific requirements of an industry, in-depth knowledge of explosion protection regulations, global project experience, and the ability to deliver solutions reliably, in compliance with standards, and on time.
In addition to classic control technology, communication infrastructure in particular is becoming increasingly important. The digitalization of industrial processes – for example, through Ethernet-APL – and the integration of HMI systems in the field place new requirements on planning and implementation. In hazardous areas in particular, systems must not only be technically safe, but also fully integrated into existing plant concepts.
Technical decision-makers are often faced with the challenge of combining a wide range of interfaces, systems, and requirements. Close cooperation with an experienced partner from the design phase onwards is therefore essential – from the selection of suitable enclosures and components to mechanical and electrical design, to certification, documentation, and logistics. Ideally, this is all provided from a single source with a central contact person, even for international projects.
Pepperl+Fuchs has undertaken a practice-oriented approach in process automation for many years. Known for its expertise in explosion protection, the company combines standard products with project-specific requirements – from simple terminal boxes to complex controller or Ethernet-APL enclosure solutions for Zone 1/21 and Class I, Division 1.
The success of these systems is not only based on their technical design, but also on close cooperation with customers – from the planning phase to delivery. This results in solutions that impress both technically and economically.
To be a successful partner of this kind, it is crucial to be able to rely on a flexible and comprehensive portfolio that meets the varied requirements in industry. Pepperl+Fuchs offers a wide range of products that can serve as the basis for customized solutions.
The solutions portfolio includes:
This wide range of products enables customers to find the correct technology for their particular process. In addition to many individual components and standard products, the company can use configurators and engineering teams to combine and adapt the components in an enclosure solution according to the customer's requirements. This results in custom system solutions that are optimally tailored to the requirements of the respective application.
These customer-specific solutions are conceived and implemented in Solution Engineering Centers (SECs), which are strategically located worldwide. In addition to the European sites in Germany and Italy, there are SECs in China, the USA, Australia, and India. These act as technical service providers within the company structure and take over all phases of a project from consulting and engineering to material procurement, project management, and construction, to certification and packaging. The close interaction with the relevant local sales organizations creates a flexible system that combines global standards with local adaptation—a major advantage for projects that are planned internationally but implemented regionally.
Another advantage is the high level of in-house production. In addition to its own foundry with gas and electric furnaces where Ex d enclosures are manufactured and tested to the highest quality standards, the company also has a production area with equipment such as a press brake and a brushing machine for the production of Ex e stainless-steel enclosures. These form the basis for a wide range of enclosure solutions for customers from the process automation sector.
Solutions of this nature are used worldwide. Below are two examples to illustrate this.
Ex d Controller for Crude Oil Vapor Pressure Analysis
In crude oil processing, analysis of the vapor pressure is a key process step. This value significantly influences the transport and storage of the crude oil. However, to carry out this analysis, the crude oil often has to be transported through hundreds of meters of pipelines. Due to its viscous properties, booster pumps are required—often installed in Zone 1.
Pepperl+Fuchs implemented 12 control solutions in a flameproof enclosure (Ex d) for an Australian customer. In addition to transformers, protective devices, and frequency inverters, the systems also included intrinsically safe modules for controlling field devices. All pre-assembled on a support frame, fully certified, and ready for immediate use. Together with the booster pumps, the supplied control systems form an especially important part of the infrastructure.
Purge and Pressurization for Hydrogen Analysis Technology
Another example is the integration of analysis devices for hydrogen quality control at gas stations in the United States. Precise analysis is essential to ensure that the hydrogen meets all quality requirements. This is especially important for hydrogen purity, because contamination in the hydrogen supply can lead to damage to sensitive components such as fuel cells and even entire fuel cell stacks, which are affected by early ageing or defects. Since the analysis devices used do not have the necessary approvals for hazardous areas, special enclosure solutions with purge and pressurization are required. This enables the systems to be made "Ex-compatible" and to reliably analyze the hydrogen. In this instance, a stainless-steel enclosure is equipped with system components for purge and pressurization such as a control unit, valve, and pressure regulation, to create an explosion-protected internal environment.
The control unit continuously monitors the overpressure in the enclosure and automatically intervenes in the event of a fault—either via a warning message or by safely shutting down the system. This solution enables the use of high-precision analysis devices even in hazardous locations and therefore makes a significant contribution to the safety of the refueling operations. Together with its customers, Pepperl+Fuchs has successfully developed and implemented solutions of this nature to monitor the hydrogen quality directly at fuel pumps.
The challenges in process automation are as diverse as the applications themselves. To be successful in the long term, a company need more than just technology. It needs a partner that understands processes, translates requirements, and develops solutions that work reliably even under difficult conditions. Companies such as Pepperl+Fuchs demonstrate how technical expertise, a global presence, and collaborative thinking can be combined to create systems and solutions that are not only compliant with standards, but also practical and future-oriented.
The main priorities for engineers involved in the design or maintenance of applications that rely on fluid or gas flow control are typically centred around operational performance, ease of design integration, and long-term reliability. While these criteria must be achieved, the energy efficiency imperative is increasingly important. It’s vital for application end users to minimise energy costs, while the advantages that achieve this can also help procurement and sustainability governance teams approve manufacturers within their supply chain.
For example, Bürkert’s Kick and Drop coils within solenoid valves, have been designed to address the need for reduced energy use. A unique design minimises the power requirements to hold open the valve plunger, delivering energy savings of up to 80%. In a similar way, TwinPower valves, ideal for applications that remain open for long periods, only require power to move the valve, rather than maintaining its position.
In a flow control system, cost efficiency doesn’t just depend on the energy required to actuate the valve, but it also relates to the media itself. In a dosing application, for example, surface acoustic wave (SAW) technology can achieve the most precise flow measurements. Highly relevant within the pharma and food & beverage sectors, Bürkert’s FLOWave flow measurement sensor optimises ingredient use for batch control efficiency. This not only lowers fluid consumption and costs but also safeguards product quality and reduces waste.
In addition to media control, switching from pneumatically powered valves to electromotive process valves, particularly for large orifice applications, can also enhance cost and energy savings. This approach removes the inherent inefficiency of compressor-driven pneumatic systems, including the fluctuating process pressures to prevent valve movement, which consumes further energy.
The materials and design of the valves themselves also impact environmental sustainability, as well as cost. This is particularly true for applications that require valves constructed from stainless steel, which is not only expensive, but is also energy intensive to produce. To minimise the impact, Bürkert’s stainless steel valves are manufactured with hydroforming, where a tube is filled with water-oil emulsion and pressurised within a mould to form the shape. This process uses much less material while retaining the original thickness of the tube, ensuring suitability for high pressures. Similarly, technology within Bürkert’s flow control devices has also been designed to minimise stainless steel use. For example, the FLOWave flow measurement sensor weighs just a few kilos, compared to a Coriolis sensor that can tip the scales at around 50kg.
While efficient flow control devices, manufactured with low impact materials and processes, directly affect costs and carbon footprint for the end user, the wider environmental sustainability commitments of technology suppliers should also be a focus, particularly for procurement teams.
Globally, Bürkert has a publicly stated goal to become CO2-neutral by 2028, representing a real reduction of 33% compared to its 2023 emissions. This will be achieved by the increased production of green electricity at Bürkert’s sites, combined with energy storage, as well as the reliance on more efficient building technology. Decarbonisation will also involve the further electrification of company mobility. Already in the UK, the field engineering & applications team rely on an electric car fleet. To support customers in their general approval of their suppliers, the process and results of this environmental commitment are fully validated.
Environmental commitments are essential, but they are not the only sustainability imperative. Following the UN Sustainability Development Goals, Bürkert’s ethos also has a strong focus on economic and social sustainability. This includes creating a fair working environment and ensuring a healthy work-life situation for the global Bürkert team. At the same time, the organisation is also focussed on increasing diversity, not only to ensure equality in society, but also to improve decision-making processes and increase innovative strength globally. Further information on Bürkert’s commitment to sustainability can be found here.
Helping Bürkert achieve these goals is its foundation as a family-owned business – as it still remains today. This gives the company a nimbleness to make decisions, based on what it believes is right, for its employees and their families, its customers, and the world within which the company operates. Responsibility for sustainability has always been deeply rooted in the Bürkert company culture, and the direct action the company takes qualifies this commitment.
Milk powder is an indispensable ingredient in the global food industry. The versatility of this product makes it an essential ingredient for many manufacturing processes in fields such as baby food, chocolate, and baked goods. Precise and hygienic measurement techniques are essential to meet increasing requirements. Innovative solutions from JUMO enable manufacturers to make milk powder production effective, safe, and resource-efficient.
Spray drying has become the standard process for the manufacturing of milk powder. In this process, liquid milk is forced through fine nozzles into a stream of hot air under high pressure. Temperatures of up to 200 °C cause the water to evaporate in a fraction of a second, leaving behind a fine powder. To increase efficiency, the generated process heat is recycled for such uses as preheating the milk before it enters the spray tower.
To ensure that the process runs smoothly and safely, critical parameters such as temperature, pressure, moisture, and conductivity must be closely monitored and controlled. Measurement technology plays a central role here – both in hygienic wet areas and in sensitive dry areas.
Before the actual drying process, the milk undergoes several processing steps that require the highest standards of hygiene. Here, JUMO sensors that have been specifically developed for the requirements of the food industry are used.
Robust materials, such as 316L stainless steel and FDA-compliant seals, guarantee resistance to cleaning agents and acids that are used in CIP (cleaning in place) processes.
Safety and efficiency in dry areas
In dry areas – especially in and around the spray tower – explosion protection and process reliability are key priorities. Here, dust containing starch and sugar (both of which are found in milk powder) poses a potential danger.
Thanks to modern wireless systems such as the JUMO Wtrans T Ex, complex cabling is no longer necessary, which reduces installation costs and increases flexibility.
A particular highlight of JUMO technology is the integration of digital communication interfaces such as IO-Link or Modbus. These enable seamless integration into modern production facilities and support automation through smart data analysis.
Through precise measurement and control of central process parameters, JUMO sensors contribute significantly to conserving resources and ensuring consistently high product quality.
JUMO's innovative solutions enable dairies and food manufacturers to meet the high demands of today's food industry. Hygienic, efficient, and sustainable – this is how JUMO designs milk powder production for a safe and successful future.
Emerson announced the Flexim FLUXUS® / PIOX® 731 series, a new range of non-intrusive, clamp-on, ultrasonic flow meters designed to offer greater flexibility, convenience and availability. The nine models in the 731 series feature high-performance volumetric and mass flow sensing technologies and a robust, functional design, providing accurate and reliable measurements for both liquids and gases.
Process manufacturers often need to make permanent or temporary flow measurements in areas where penetration into the process media would be problematic because it would typically require a production interruption, along with high costs and downtime. Although some solutions are available, not many meet the performance requirements for a wide range of demanding industrial applications.
To address these and other issues, the Flexim 731 series provides non-intrusive volumetric or mass flow measurements with no process media pressure limitations, ensuring cost-effective operation and low ownership costs. Modular hardware enables the reduction of assembly time by 20% for faster delivery, and integration with most up-to-date software and hardware is straightforward.
The 731 series provides disturbance correction for enhanced accuracy in challenging conditions, such as disturbed flows. It also provides the Advanced Meter Verification feature to validate meter performance, Wet Gas Correction to ensure accurate gas stream measurements, and the Dynamic Gas Meter feature for precise mass and volume correction. Various models are available to meet varying application requirements. Including a general purpose version that includes disturbance correction and the Dynamic Gas Meter, one for pipelines and terminals providing leak detection and integrity monitoring, along with mass flow and density measurements.
All models include an 84mm wide x 45mm high backlit display with 240 x128 pixel resolution for easy readability, synchronised channel averaging for precise gas measurements, and a wide power supply range of 0-240 volts AC +/-10% at 50-60 Hz or 11-32 volts DC. A USB-C port is provided as a servicing interface for programming and data extraction. Meeting ATEx (Atmosphéres Explosibles), IECEx (International Electrotechnical Commission System for Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmospheres), and EAC (Eurasian Conformity) standards, with FM (Factory Mutual) certification expected in April 2025, the Flexim 731 series is designed for global use and compliance.
EGE-Elektronik manufactures intrinsically safe capacitive level controllers for hazardous areas with potentially explosive gas atmospheres. The compact KGFTa-series sensors feature a high temperature stability of -20 °C to 180 °C. They have the ATEX and IECEx approvals for installation in zone 0 and in partition walls between zone 0 and zone 1.
The KKa 030 Ex external amplifier, which is also approved for zone 0 and zone 1, enables remote parameterization outside the high-temperature area. The system consisting of KGFTa and KKa 030 is connected to an IKMb 123... analysis device, which provides an intrinsically safe power supply. The series includes sensors with G1/4 and G1/2 threads. The level controllers made of stainless steel 1.4571 feature IP68 protection, a PEEK measuring tip and a PTFE cable. They are therefore also suitable for monitoring aggressive media. Typical applications include level monitoring of process fluids in chemical and pharmaceutical production.
Situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in Cornwall, Loe Pool is fed by the river Cober and a number of smaller streams. Both the pool and the bar are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to their unique wildlife and habitat.
As the most southerly town on the island of Great Britain, Helston sits on the banks of the River Cober, upstream of Loe Pool, and has experienced significant flooding in the past. Loe Pool is Cornwall’s largest natural freshwater lake, protected by Loe Bar which is approximately half a mile in length. However, the bar is geographically remote and exposed to the ferocity of the Atlantic Ocean, so environmental monitoring equipment needs to be able to operate in harsh conditions, without mains power, and with limited communications connectivity.
Historically, Helston’s flood risk resulted from backing up in the Loe Pool and the River Cober, so alleviation measures primarily included the emergency creation of a relief channel in the bar. However, this was obviously a hazardous operation, so in the 1980s and engineered outflow was created in the form of a concrete pipe, installed to operate as an overflow for the pool. The pipe allowed excess water to drain from the pool through the bar, but was overwhelmed by river flows during high flow events. This necessitated expensive and invasive over-pumping operations that also had a significant lead-in time to bring all the equipment to such a remote site. In addition, as a result of high tides and extreme weather, the outfall of the pipe was largely blocked by sand and shingle, which had to be removed during periods of flood risk. This process was inefficient, costly and time-consuming, so a second engineered outfall was developed.
The second, more advanced outflow was built in 2020 to largely eliminate the requirement for over-pumping. The additional capacity provided by the second pipe meant that the pool drains by gravity rather than costly and carbon-intensive pumping operations. “The new outflow featured penstocks, pumps, flow monitors and remote communications, and was developed to provide a number of important advantages,” says Will Hancock, Project Lead at the EA.
Level and flow monitors were installed in the River Cober, the Loe Pool and in the new outfall pipe. “This provided us with the ability to monitor the site remotely,” Will explains, “which meant that less site visits were necessary, lowering project costs and carbon footprint, and enabling us to respond to flood risk in a faster and more timely manner.”
The new monitoring system was designed to detect the excessive accumulation of water in the pool, so that the second outflow could be implemented when necessary. Under such circumstances, an excavator is used to expose and open the outfall cover before the sluice gate is opened and the pumps are allowed to remove water from the pool, for discharge to the beach. Over the last 5 years, the second outfall has been opened on two occasions.
Prior to the installation of the new monitoring system from Nivus, flow was measured in Helston and in the discharge pipes with a traditional Doppler flow meter, and the failure of one of these units provided the EA with an opportunity to review and upgrade the monitors.
Explaining the evaluation process, Will Hancock says: “These measurement instruments perform a critically important function. Not only do they help manage the Loe Pool to lower flood risk, they also feed data into our flood forecasting model, so it was essential that we utilise accurate, reliable instrumentation.
The EA has extensive experience with flow measurement technologies, including the cross-correlation method from Nivus, so it was determined that this would be the appropriate solution for the discharge pipes and the river monitor. The key advantage to this area velocity flow measurement technique over the instruments which it replaced is that it provides a 3-dimensional flow profile that is calculated in real-time to provide reproducible and verifiable flow values in full or partially filled channels or pipes. Older Doppler methods are less accurate because they only measure 2-dimensional flow.
The method utilises particles, minerals or gas bubbles which act as reflectors within the water body. Reflections are saved as images or echo patterns, and compared with a further scan which is conducted a few milliseconds later. Velocity is determined by measuring the beam angle of the positions of unambiguously identifiable reflectors. The method produces highly accurate readings without the need for additional calibration.
Explaining the background to the decision to invest in a cross-correlation solution, Will says: “The Nivus equipment has been assessed by the EA, and we now run both fixed and portable versions of the technology. Nivus is also a Framework Partner, so the procedure for implementing this solution was relatively simple, despite the specific challenges that this site presented.”
As a remote location Loe Bar does not benefit from easy access to utilities, so it was necessary for the monitoring solution to be able to operate off-grid; solar/battery power was therefore adopted. The solution also needed to be sufficiently rugged to be unaffected by its proximity to the beach. “Nivus proposed a complete low-power solution, which calculated the power requirements and specified the solar generation capacity that would be necessary to ensure continuous monitoring in all weathers,” Will explains. “The solar panels were fitted at an angle to the sea, which was less ideal for power generation, but necessary to avoid potential damage from sand-blasting.”
Special low-power versions of the Nivus equipment were also deployed. For example, a Nivus NF750 transmitter employs low-power electronics, and consumption is minimised by setting the monitor to sleep, then wake up after 15 minutes to take a measurement, and then return to sleep mode.
For redundancy purposes, two Nivus CS2 bed-mounted, cross-correlation sensors were fitted in each of the discharge pipes, and the same dual-sensor redundancy arrangements were established in the river flow monitor at Helston, albeit in a cross-channel configuration.
The EA’s standard remote communication equipment was installed inside a kiosk along with the transmitter, a multiplexer, rechargeable batteries and a solar power regulator.
Access to the monitoring site is also limited. The closest that EA vehicles can access is 200m away, so any site visits would necessitate manual portability for any necessary equipment. Access to the monitoring locations within the pipes is also potentially hazardous – necessitating breathing apparatus and other PPE. Fortunately, therefore, the newly installed monitoring system does not require regular service or calibration.
Nivus installed the new monitoring system in March 2025, and Will says: “The performance to-date has been good – there have been no outages and there have been no requirements for a site visit. We performed manual checks on the monitors using a portable NivuFlow Stick and they are monitoring very accurately, representing a significant improvement on their predecessors. It is also comforting to know that we have the redundancy measures in place,” he adds.
Looking forward, Will says: “Given the importance of the Loe Bar as an ecological asset, and of flood management in Helston, we are delighted with the performance of the monitoring system, and will be applying for the Loe Pool and Bar to be recognised as a ‘Strategically Important Asset’.
“At the EA, we are accustomed to managing remote sites, but Loe Bar is probably one of our most challenging locations, so it has been gratifying to be able to establish a robust, reliable, and off-grid solution to meet the twin goals of environmental protection and flood risk reduction.”
The new Alfa Laval Clariot™ monitors equipment and processes to provide actionable insights that enhance uptime and optimize resource efficiency. The development is based on the extensive experience from more than 3,000 condition monitoring units already operating worldwide. With new hardware and software Alfa Laval now offers a complete digital handshake, tailored for use in demanding hygienic processes.
Unplanned downtime costs manufacturers billions of euro in lost revenue each year. Idle process lines cause product loss, extra cleaning, production delays, wasted water and potential damage to machinery.
“In a world where every drop and every man-hour count, our customers increasingly seek solutions that improve uptime and productivity, while reducing resource waste. This is where Clariot™ makes a difference, helping manufacturers in hygienic industries prevent failures and run at full capacity without unnecessary interruptions”, says Torsten Pedersen, Commercial Head Condition Monitoring at Alfa Laval Fluid Handling.
Clariot™ provides 24/7 monitoring, alerts and diagnostics for pumps and other rotating equipment, e.g. agitators. The industry-intelligent solution proactively detects machine failures before they occur, maximizing performance, minimizing downtime and extending equipment lifespan.
Clariot™ is an important next step in the digitalization strategy of Alfa Laval, where resource and operational efficiency align with the latest smart technologies. Clariot is a standalone system, enabling maximum cybersecurity, by operating independently from internal business-critical systems, meeting the requirements of IEC 62443-3-3 SL1.
Installation is simple, and Clariot™ is compatible with most pump brands. The user interface is intuitive, and the investment is low with a short payback time. It is designed for hygienic processes, for monitoring pumps and other rotating equipment, e.g. agitators. The Clariot VX sensor is designed specifically for wet production environments and for handling multiple change-overs on the process lines. Clariot™ VX sensors are pre-mounted on a range of Alfa Laval pumps, and the use of Clariot™ potentially extends the warranty on equipment if monitored and serviced according to recommendations.
To assist decision-makers and buyers, Alfa Laval has developed a Buyer’s Guide to condition monitoring in hygienic industries with detailed information about maintenance strategies, selection and implementation of the right solutions as well as customer benefits. The guideline is available on the Alfa Laval website.
VPInstruments announces the addition of the VP Leak Detector to its comprehensive product portfolio. This intuitive ultrasonic inspection tool is designed to help maintenance professionals easily detect compressed air, gas, and vacuum leaks and troubleshoot mechanical systems.
The VP Leak Detector is a practical and cost-effective solution ideal for both beginners in ultrasonic inspection and seasoned professionals. With its user-friendly design and minimal training requirements, the device empowers technicians to quickly identify leaks. These leaks might otherwise result in wasted energy, increased operational costs, or equipment failure.
Key benefits and features of the VP Leak Detector are the integrated LED Bar Graph Meter that provides a clear, visual feedback during inspections and the 8-position sensitivity selector to allow professionals precise adjustment for accurate leak detection. The scanning module enables flexible use for various applications and the rubber focusing probe ensures pinpoint accuracy when identifying leaks. The device features a rugged ABS hand-held design and stainless steel sensor enclosures. It operates in the 36–44 kHz frequency range for fast response times and the weight of only 0.3 kg makes it ideal for energy audits or routine facility inspections.
The VP Leak Detector is a powerful tool designed to support a wide range of maintenance and energy management tasks. Its precision and ease of use make it ideal for daily operations as well as long-term efficiency strategies.
OndoSense presents a new radar sensor for high-performance level control, the apex Level Line enables high-precision and fast level measurements in harsh industrial environments with extreme temperatures, smoke, and dust – e.g. for molten metal level monitoring or for throughput measurements on conveyor belts. The radar level sensor consistently delivers reliable measurement results with an accuracy of up to 0.1 millimeters, even with strongly fluctuating levels. This is due to a unique combination of a high measuring rate (500 Hz) and smart filter algorithms. As a result, the OndoSense apex Level Line ensures error-free, precise measurements at all times, even in the presence of wave motion, bubble formation or other abrupt level fluctuations.
The radar sensor has a dust-tight, jet-proof protection rating (IP 67) and is ideal for harsh environments with its durable PTFE lens. For extreme operating conditions, OndoSense offers an optional air-cooled heat shield for maximum protection against very high temperatures or heavy dirt. This ensures that the OndoSense apex Level Line delivers the best possible measurement results in any environment.
The OndoSense apex Level Line 's application spectrum ranges from level monitoring of molten metal in slab casting, in ladles, ladle cars, launder systems, melting furnaces and crucibles to throughput measurements on conveyor belts and level or volume measurements of bulk material stockpiles in mining.
The radar level sensor offers a wide selection of interfaces: The OndoSense apex Level Line is equipped with either an advanced Profinet interface or a proven analog current interface (4–20 mA). Three digital switching outputs (PNP/NPN) are also available. The level sensor's measuring range starts at just 0.1 meters and extends to 40 meters. Thanks to preconfigured application profiles in the configuration software, customers benefit from simple and fast sensor commissioning.
Vaisala launched the new DMP1 Dew Point and Temperature Probe to monitor environmental conditions in critical manufacturing rooms and spaces. With dew point measurement capability down to -70°C, and a rapid response, hundreds of times faster than other competing measurement technologies, the new compact DMP1 is ideal for dry rooms.
The DMP1 probe provides precise measurements in demanding dry processing conditions, such as lithium-ion battery production, where humidity control is critical to manufactured battery performance. Employing advanced measurement technology, the DMP1 ensures that dew point conditions stay as specified in all areas of a manufacturing dry room and therefore helps maintain both product quality and manufacturing safety.
The probe can be easily integrated into centralized production, safety, and quality monitoring systems. Designed for measurement stability, with long calibration cycles, the DMP1 has a low maintenance requirement and can withstand accidental humidity spikes caused by humans, machines, or external air conditions.
The DMP1 is a part of the modular Vaisala Indigo measurement ecosystem, offering plug-and-play compatibility with connected smart devices. For example, it can be connected to an Indigo300 transmitter to display data locally and transmit measurement values to automation and control systems. The probe can also be connected to an Indigo80 handheld device for maintenance work, and interchangeable probes mean that downtime is minimized and service work is simplified.
As industries evolve, OEMs require high-performance, reliable, and cost-effective flow measurement technologies to integrate seamlessly into their systems. Titan Enterprises specialises in developing customised flow meters and instrumentation that meet rigorous industry standards while offering superior accuracy and longevity. OEM solutions range from modifications to existing proven technology, even as simply as adjusting cable length, colour and fittings, to a long-term full design project involving a detailed design specification, development and prototyping.
“Our customers face unique challenges, from extreme environmental conditions to demanding regulatory requirements,” says Neil Hannay, Senior R&D Engineer at Titan Enterprises. “We collaborate closely with OEMs to design, test, and manufacture flow measurement solutions that enhance system efficiency, reliability, and overall performance.”
While precision engineered flowmeters may represent a higher upfront cost, the investment is small compared to the critical processes and equipment they help to safeguard. Process Managers are encouraged to invest in trusted measurement solutions that consistently provide long-term accuracy, stability, and reliability.
An initially appealing equipment choice can sometimes lead to suboptimal outcomes in terms of performance, system compatibility, reliability, or operational lifespan. Such issues can negatively affect end-user satisfaction and damage a company’s reputation. As a result, several OEMs have turned to Titan Enterprises for more robust and reliable alternative solutions. Titan Enterprises provides a comprehensive range of flow meters, including ultrasonic, turbine, and positive displacement meters, that cater to diverse sectors such as medical, food and beverage, and chemical processing. Through extensive research and development, Titan continues to push the boundaries of innovation, ensuring that OEMs benefit from cutting-edge technology that meets their exact specifications.
“Providing ongoing support for our OEM’s is key,” continues Neil. “Offering expert guidance and understanding of the issues the customer is aiming to resolve goes a long way to ensuring long-term customer relations, system reliability, and optimal product performance. And as OEM products develop, we can modify our flowmeters to move along with them.”
NORD has extensive knowledge and long-term experience in more than 100 industries. As a system supplier with global presence, the company offers tailor-made and sustainable drive solutions for all stages in the packaging process. Fredriksons, a manufacturer of conveyor systems for the food and beverage industry, benefits not only from the space-saving design, the different speed levels and the integrated multi-protocol Ethernet interface of the NORD drives, but also from the option for variant reduction – both for decentralised and control cabinet solutions. The ability of NORD drives to withstand temperatures down to -30 °C makes them particularly advantageous for deep-freeze applications.
Fredriksons’ chain conveyors for food packaging use IE3 asynchronous motors from NORD with a NORDBLOC.1® helical bevel gear unit combined with the NORDAC ON frequency inverter. The decentralised frequency inverters provide an economical solution for modern production environments. They cover a power range from 0.37 kW to 3.7 kW and are characterised by their full plug-in capability, plug-and-play function, low maintenance and high reliability. Further features are PLC on board and the integrated Ethernet interface. The PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT protocols can be easily set via parameters. In addition to STO and SS1, the NORDAC ON will soon offer new functional safety features: SLS, SMS and SSM.
For stand-alone solutions, Fredriksons uses the NORDAC PRO SK 500P frequency inverter from NORD. The control cabinet inverter in book-size format is suitable for practically any drive application. Its variants cover a power range from 0.25 to 22 kW while also convincing with its high overload capability. Soon, the inverter will be available with a power extension up to and including 160 kW.
By using NORD products, the Swedish machine manufacturer was able to reduce the number of drive variants in its systems. Thanks to the reduced use of materials and the ideally matched drive components, the TCO and the CO2 footprint can also be reduced.
Teknic announces its AC-input ClearPath™ integrated brushless servo motors (1-4 HP continuous power) are now officially IP66K and IP67 rated, making them ideal for demanding washdown environments. These TENV (Totally Enclosed, Non-Ventilated) motors are designed to withstand both high-pressure washdowns (IP66K) and temporary submersion in water up to 1 meter when not running (IP67).
The ClearPath™ servo motors are designed, manufactured, and tested at Teknic’s headquarters in Upstate New York using advanced automation for consistent quality. They meet both the U.S. Premium Efficiency and European IE3 efficiency standards, are UL listed and CE certified for electrical safety, emissions, and susceptibility, ensuring fast, hassle-free machine certification. The series supports digital I/O, step and direction, and advanced protocols including Modbus (via ClearCore), EtherNet/IP (via ClearLink), EtherCAT (on DC models), and serial communication. Each ClearPath permanent magnet (PM) motor includes a sealed, NEMA 6-rated servo drive (equivalent to a VFD) built directly into the motor enclosure. Preconfigured for advanced field-oriented control (FOC), this all-in-one design eliminates the need for external VFD-to-motor cables, significantly reducing conducted and radiated RF noise.
ABB’s new LV Titanium Variable Speed Motor platform delivers the benefits of a high-efficiency motor and variable speed drive (VSD) technology in a single, compact, customizable, plug-and-play solution that enables industrial customers to minimize their energy consumption, save money and reduce carbon emissions.
The LV Titanium offers a simple and cost-effective way to provide IE5 Ultra-Premium efficiency for pumps, compressors and many other applications. As a drop-in replacement for existing direct-online (DOL) induction motors, the Variable Speed Motor provides an easy upgrade path to a VSD-driven motor with a fast ROI.
The innovative platform is more than a drive simply bolted on to a motor. Instead, it is engineered as a fully integrated concept, with an advanced drive module purpose-designed from the outset for optimal performance with a high efficiency permanent magnet (PM) motor. This sleek, streamlined design, with the axial drive mounted on the end of the motor, saves space and makes the LV Titanium ideal for applications like vertical pumps. It is also remarkably quiet in operation.
A further advantage of the LV Titanium is that it can operate over a wide range of speed and torque requirements, with the capability to deliver high torque at low speeds.
Plug-and-play functionality means the LV Titanium needs no commissioning, as the fully integrated motor and drive are commissioned and optimized to work together before leaving the factory. This makes installation fast and easy, with no need for cabinets or electrical rooms, and specially trained personnel are not required. The LV Titanium has an intuitive control panel with customer friendly analog and digital inputs and outputs (I/O) together with a simple built-in PLC, while its connectivity features include the Modbus RTU communications protocol for easy integration with PLCs and other control devices.
Thanks to its compact design and high power density, the Variable Speed Motor is at least two frame sizes smaller than comparable induction motors, making it suitable for installations where space is at a premium, such as in replacing older, inefficient motors.
The possibilities for energy cost savings by switching to the LV Titanium are illustrated by comparing it with a conventional, standalone, fixed speed motor in a 7.5 kW centrifugal pumping application - one of the main sweet spots for the IE5 Variable Speed Motor. The annual savings on the electricity bill are estimated at well over Euro 4,000 based on a typical energy cost for Europe of Euro 0.21/kWh. At the same time, there is an yearly reduction of 6,000 kg in CO2 emissions based on the average European carbon intensity factor of 0.3 kg CO2/kWh (source - https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/carbon-intensity-electricity).
The LV Titanium Variable Speed Motor is currently available in smaller sizes from 1.5 kW while the platform will expand to cover applications up to 30 kW for a wide range of industrial sectors – from water treatment and chemical processing to food and beverage. In addition to being available off the shelf, the motor can be customized to suit specific customer requirements.
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