Aseptic production in the pharmaceutical industry: the digital factory provides seamless data management and facilitates planning and operation. (Pictures: M+W Zander) (Archiv: Vogel Business Media)
Minimizing Planning Errors

The “Digital Factory” and the Promise of Seamless Data Management

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.

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The total area covered by the refinery as demonstrated by Project Manager José María Elexpe Rovira. (Phoenix Contact)
Wireless Control and Automation

This Spanish Refinery is Both on Air and In Control with Wireless Automation

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 …

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Fig. 1: The refinery MiRO in Karlsruhe: Optimal use was made of the shutdown time in spring 2015. Not only inspection by the TÜV (Technischer Überwachungs- Verein) was on the agenda; many individual projects were also realized. (MiRO)
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How to Make the Optimal Use of Scheduled Plant Downtime

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.

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The Ex-box is certified according to Atex and IEC-Ex and can thus be used worldwide in Ex zone 1. (Pictures: Wago Kontakttechnik) (Archiv: Vogel Business Media)
Wireless in the Ex Environment

A Safe Way of Wireless Process Automation via the GSM Network

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.

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 (www.siemens.com/press)
Milestones in Digitization/IIoT

Digital Solutions for the World of Tomorrow

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.

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“Digitization and connectivity are changing the way businesses operate and the capabilities they need to be successful,” said Jacobs Senior Vice President Aerospace and Technology Darren Kraabel. (Jacobs Engineering)
USA: Connected Enterprise Framework Unveiled

Jacobs Engineering Invests in ION Software

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.

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