What does the future handling of field devices look like? Why has digitalization in the process industry not yet progressed as far as users and manufacturers would like? The discussions around device management provide an insight into the challenges. Thanks to Profinet and APL, solutions for this are already starting to emerge.

Emerson has recently introduced its Aventics Series Advanced Valve Systems with OPC UA. The digital twin solution has the ability to enhance productivity and efficiency as well as solve interoperability challenges.

What can large pharmaceutical companies do to protect their OT networks from security threats? TX One Networks presents some first-hand insights.

Challenges for manufacturers of explosion protection solutions – LNG, hydrogen, and digitalization of process plants with Ethernet-APL are focal points for manufacturers of explosion protection solutions. We talked to Dr Andreas Kaufmann, Head of Marketing and Innovation at R. Stahl, about how the Ex specialist is dealing with these future challenges.

The Corona crisis, particularly the lockdowns adopted by many governments, has hit the chemical industry hard in China. However, sales in many of the top companies in China already declined in 2019, even before Corona. But there are exceptions, as the figures from 2019 in our latest top 10 show here.

Fintoil has partnered with Emerson and Neste Engineering Solutions to optimize operations at its under construction biorefinery in Finland. Automation software and advanced digital technologies will be installed at the plant which is expected to produce advanced biofuel and biochemical feedstocks that will assist in reducing emissions.

With CSPE 2.0 Optima Pharma will present at this year’s Achema, its successful concept for implementing complex turnkey projects consisting of a filling and capping line, isolator and freeze dryer to achieve safe production starts in less time.

Can hydrogen play out as chlorine chemistry’s trump card? — Safe, clean, and sustainable — Eurochlor’s position paper on its Mid-Century Strategy for the chlorine industry reads like green buzzword bingo. Yet it’s clear that if the European Union wants to become carbon-neutral by 2050, it will have to take chlorine chemistry into account. It’s just as well that electrolysis provides a sought-after co-product.

Senseye’s predictive maintenance solution for industrial firms is capable of reducing unplanned machine downtimes by up to 50 % and increasing maintenance staff productivity by up to 30 %. With this acquisition, Siemens plans to expand its portfolio for digital enterprises services and provide highly flexible solutions to its customers.

The pharmaceutical industry has never been more dynamic. The rapid development of Covid-19 vaccines is the best example, and an excellent opportunity for an innovation leader in aseptic ­production. Bausch+Ströbel is determined to be at the forefront of the competition for the best technical solutions.