The trend toward linking up the production and control levels in a network is now making itself felt in low-voltage switchboards in the process industry. The critical point in this field is that the communication-capable switching devices are able to provide direct and secure exchange of data. The OPC UA protocol helps to make the data of the loads and the motors accessible via the switchboard.

New technical developments are thronging the market place during the course of Process Industry 4.0. In this context, a new system in the area of valve technology is catapulting itself to the top of the development pyramid. It can be used to simplify, to improve the structure of administrations and to optimise processes. All this can yield surplus value for plant manufacturers as well as plant operators.

Schenck Process has launched a new platform to visualize the status of all machines, no matter if it is Schenck Process- or any other equipment.

Screen classifying cutters master challenging product — Calcium chloride is really difficult to process. This very hygroscopic salt dissolves exothermic in water and its abrasive properties require robust process equipment. An American calcium chloride supplier has found a save and reliable process solution.

BP Ventures has invested $ 5 million in Belmont Technology’s solution to further expand the artificial intelligence (AI) and digital capabilities in its upstream business. The investment is to support the ongoing work exploring opportunities to apply machine learning and cognitive computing in its global oil and gas business.

Gea supplied their Norwegian customer Borregaard with the supply of a turnkey plant for the spray drying of lignosulfonate in the double-digit million range. The solution also includes a new silo for feeding stored powder materials into the plant's packaging system and a large wet scrubber for dedusting. The entire process solution will be installed at the Norwegian site in Sarpsborg and commissioning is scheduled for the middle of 2019.

Although PLC and DCS are both used in the automation systems, there were completely different purposes behind their creation, and up to a certain time their functionalities were quite different. Today, advanced automation solutions can even over-perform both of them. Recently, in an exclusive discussion with PROCESS India team, A. Bhaduri, General Manager-Process Solutions, Rockwell Automation (India), explained the origin, evolution, convergence and next level of these two technologies. An excerpt...

With an aim to support the company’s growth plans, Exxon Mobil has undertaken this move. The firm also plans to centralise its project delivery across the company and further integrate its upstream business with the downstream and chemical segments.

Right application of blowers and compressors is very essential for the most optimised performance. A good system layout offers more power saving and higher efficiency. It is also important to make sure that proper care is taken during piping design and installation.

Technip bags a three–digits million Euros contract from Tupi, a Brazilian offshore consortium. The plant engineers will supply 200 kilometers of flexible pipes and associated equipment for the development of the Lala Alto offshore field.