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.
The facility is one of the largest Ethernet-APL field network deployments undertaken by a Chinese domestic chemical enterprise, completion is expected for Q3/2027
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.
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.
Low weight, high power density and innovative sealing concept for easier maintenance
Inductive heating is rapidly gaining importance in food processing and food-related packaging systems. The technology enables reproducible temperatures and short response times while meeting high hygiene standards. Kendrion consistently applies this proven principle to food and packaging machinery: with scalable systems for inductive heating and industrial surface heating. They generate heat exactly where it is needed: during transport, in the heating plate, in the container, or in the roller. Energy consumption is up to 50 percent lower than with gas or oil heaters.
Fraunhofer project for better recycling processes of paper packaging
The fertilizer sector is caught in a global paradox between growing food to feed billions and the urgent need to decarbonise. Compressors present a largely overlooked opportunity to reduce lifecycle costs and carbon emissions, while enabling more sustainable production of ammonia. Author: Greg Gedney, Business Development Manager, Industrial Operations, Greene Tweed
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.
Delivering high performance in the UV and visible wavebands for forensic investigation
Improved efficiency of protein capture with Surface Acoustic Wave Flowmeters
Hanna Lundin, product engineer at Emerson, explains in this article how simplified tank monitoring system architectures make it more feasible for companies to implement an automated solution to improve their inventory management, increase safety and efficiency.
The German specialist in mixing, dispersing and powder-wetting technologies, is significantly strengthening its operations in India with the opening of a new facility in Bangalore. The expansion, which includes a larger technical and service team as well as increased local procurement, underscores the company’s long-term commitment to the Indian and Southeast Asian markets.
Robust technology monitors the most challenging wastewaters
BASF already produces metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) on an industrial scale that can store large quantities of CO₂ and water vapour in a limited space.
Cerafiltec sent out the final shipment for what will become the world largest ceramic membrane bioreactor
Integrated thermal protection technologies prevent overheating and identify heat sinking issues for equipment longevity
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.
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.
With the growing complexity of technical plants, demographic shifts in the workforce, and increasingly stringent regulatory requirements, traditional methods of risk assessment are reaching their limits. To meet these challenges, TÜV SÜD has developed a digital approach, called iaHAZOP, that builds on established risk assessment methods and extends them into the digital domain. The process industry now has a tool that redefines the state-of-the-art in technical risk management. Authors: Michael Pfeifer, Senior Expert Adaptive Safety and Alexander Kurdas, Expert for Machinery and Electrical Safety. TÜV Süd
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.
Ethernet-APL enables fast, standardized Ethernet communication down to field level, even in hazardous areas. While the technology simplifies engineering, commissioning, and diagnostics, the real value lies in integrated solutions. With engineered, certified systems tailored to customer needs, operators benefit from reduced complexity, faster deployment, and higher system availability.
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
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.
Optimized performance with more torque for the same size
Level switch approved for hygienic applications
Efficient conveying of fluids with high viscosity
From fertilizer to energy source of the future
Environmental condition monitoring with rapid response
The safety solutions provider has been successful in its digitalisation strategy, which has been helped by international expansion and strategic acquisitions.
Agriculture is facing major challenges today. Climate change, increasing demands on sustainability and the pressure to achieve higher yields with lower resource consumption require innovative solutions. Greenhouses offer a controllable environment that can be made even more efficient through technological advances such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
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.
The measurement technology and automation solutions specialist increased its sales, created new jobs worldwide, invested more than at any time in its history and maintained profit stability.
Maintaining Compliance with the European Union Methane Emissions Reduction 2024/1787 Ruling Requires Quantitative Optical Gas Imaging
As one of the world's most important industrial trade shows, HANNOVER MESSE 2025 sends out positive signals to industry and politics. Artificial intelligence (AI), automation, digitalization and electrification are driving efficiency leaps in industry. Strong impulses are also coming from partner country Canada, which is actively strengthening and expanding transatlantic cooperation in turbulent times.
For pure compressed air with optimum energy efficiency
Reliable agitating and mixing under difficult conditions in heavy-duty applications
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are essential for storing renewable energy and ensuring grid stability. However, their implementation comes with inherent risks, particularly related to lithium-ion battery fires.
To help engineers and operators meet the challenges of precision batching and ensure accurate measurements and smooth process operations, the editorial shares some key insights.
NOA cooperation for efficient and secure vertical communication at process automation production plants kicks off
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