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.
Certification to ATEX and IECEx requirements enables IE6 technology to be deployed in hazardous areas
On a high-speed food and beverage line, small errors rarely stay small across the wider production environment
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.
Wireless scanner in different variants for multiple operating scenarios
The ifm group has announced its financial results for the successful 2025 fiscal year.
Sometimes, digitalization is really straightforward. For example, retrofitting existing water treatment plants to enable transfer of measurement and sensor data to the cloud is now as simple as plugging in an expansion card.
AIMPLAS, the Plastics Technology Centre, is leading IRION, a European research and innovation project aimed at building a more sustainable and resilient green hydrogen value chain.
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.
In high-pressure fluid systems, inaccuracy is more than a measurement problem - it’s a performance, safety, and cost risk. From hydraulic power units to oilfield chemical injection skids, reliable flow data under extreme pressure is essential to keeping critical systems running efficiently and safely.
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
Combination of laser and paramagnetic detection methods for a for a wide range of applications
For use in rugged applicactions from -40 to 75 °C
Stainless-steel body for high pressures and a broad temperature range
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.
Alfa Laval is turning circularity into action with the launch of ThinkCircularity, a take-back programme that recycles materials from its ThinkTop valve control units. The pilot project has been well received by customers and partners
Cost-effective alternative for applications without need for IP68 approval
Tomohiro Yoshida is the new FA Business Unit President for Europe.
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.
Diaphragm pump manufacturer KNF begins a new chapter in its leadership as Martin Becker focuses on his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors and Alexander Heizler takes over as CEO.
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.
APC enables capacity increases without new hardware, energy savings and cost reduction through continuous optimization, and more stable product quality under fluctuating conditions.
Inline Ultrasonic Concentration Measurement and Bubble Detection System
Robust technology monitors the most challenging wastewaters
When it comes to beverage dispensing and flow measurement, Titan Enterprises offers two distinct solutions that each has unique strengths and trade-offs, making the choice application-dependent.
At the Bürkert Trade Press Days we spoke with Georg Stawowy, CEO of Bürkert Fluid Control Systems about the concept of a regenerative economy.
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
Integrating Electrical Signature Analysis technology (ESA) in high power drives turns modernization into a digital transformation catalyst for industrial assets. These include motors, pumps, fans, mixers and conveyors operating in hot, toxic or hard-to-access environments, previously regarded as unmonitorable.
Elimination of measurement blind spots with safe and easy-to-install solution
Increased safety through clarity in challenging situations for the process industry and railway sector
Vaisala launches new probe recalibration and reuse service
October marks the 50th year since ABB’s Low Voltage Variable Speed Drive was first brought to market. Developed by Finnish company Strömberg, which went on to become part of ABB, VSD have revolutionized industrial energy consumption and decarbonization
Siemens launches a one-stop security platform for managing communication connections in OT networks. With virtualized network structures it protects shop floor devices from targeted attacks and unauthorized access.
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.
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