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.

While the early days of Endress+Hauser were all about delivering reliable and accurate measured values, today the family company is driving digitalization and Industry 4.0 projects at high speed — always with a focus on the customer.

For 65 years, family company Endress+Hauser has managed the balancing act of constantly striving for innovation while never forgetting about its roots. Then and today, the main focus has always been on serving the customer. How this can be done in the era of digitalization is highlighted by Günther Lukassen, Managing Director of Endress+Hauser Germany, and Nikolaus Krüger, member of the Executive Board at Endress+Hauser.

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.

Be it individual valves or entire valve islands, revolutionary flow meters or flexible platforms for networking — Bürkert Fluid Control Systems has been keeping media, processes and ideas flowing for over 70 years. How do they do that? At the company's headquarters in Ingelfingen, Germany, one is certain that the key to success is to make sure to never lose sight of the requirements of plant operators …

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.