The digital factory, which in this context refers to the convergence of process and facilities infrastructure planning in an integrated 3D model, is not exactly a new issue for the big players in the process industry. However, many small and medium-size companies do not yet have seamless data management. A comprehensive 3D model can be extremely useful during the design of pharmaceutical production lines.

A Spanish refinery makes the best of its challenging location with state of the art wireless monitoring — A refinery never stands still: Hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil, fuel and petrochemicals are pumped back and forth each day. With stakes that high, valve monitoring becomes a crucial challenge. But what if the situation calls for a wireless solution? Discover, how process monitoring takes to the airwaves …

A regular large-scale inspection of a refinery took place at Mineraloelraffinerie Oberrhein (MiRO) in Karlsruhe, in the spring of 2015. All 41 process plants in No. 1 Works as well as three plants in No. 2 Works were at a standstill for four–six weeks. During this time much more took place than just the fulfillment of legal requirements: The plants were cleaned, repaired and underwent further technical optimization and testing to ensure that they would run reliably and efficiently in the years ahead.

Guided wave radar (GWR) has become increasingly popular as an alternative to mechanical technology for level and interface measurements in bypass chamber applications. This measurement method, which has no moving parts and is not affected by density changes, provides reliable and accurate level and interface measurements.

Seamless documentation of all process values is required in order to further optimize processes and systems. Previously, far-away systems such as tank farms and pump stations could only be incorporated into the process automation with a large investment or not at all. The GSM network offers a simple solution to this problem if the safety criteria for areas subject to explosion are taken into account.

For years, Siemens has been the number one trendsetter and driving force behind digitization. The technology giant has created a dedicated digital ecosystem that covers every aspect of the value creation chain: from design and planning through production and operation to maintenance and service. At its heart is the so-called “digital twin”, which enables a seamless exchange of information via integrated data models.

A matter of ideas or: How grinding becomes as easy as 1, 2, 3 — Sometimes, situations require us to reinvent the wheel. Taking another perspective, gaining new insights from an external user’s perspective, or getting to the bottom of an issue, can help us to find an original solution with an existing product.

Engineering companies are increasingly focusing on the development of Big Data analysis tools. Only recently, the Japanese plant builder Chiyoda announced the creation of a business unit dedicate to Big Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence. Now US company Jacobs Engineering follows by unveiling Connected Enterprise — a suite of integrated capabilities and solutions to enable digital transformation.

German company Thyssenkrupp has received another major order for the cement plant business of its Industrial Solutions business area. The value of the contract awarded by Société des Ciments de Sigus, part of Groupe Industriel des Ciments d’Algérie (GICA), is in the mid three-digit million euro range.

Siemens sees digitalisation as the key driver for industrial growth: At the SPS IPC Drives the German electronics giant presented its new strategic focus on discrete and process industries.