Shorter planning and construction times, more flexible utilization options through rapid modifications, and everything as energy-efficient as possible: The Enpro initiative (Energy Efficiency and Process Acceleration for the Chemical Industry) is opening up interesting options for the process industries with its various development projects. New designs for pumps also offer undreamed-of opportunities, as the first modular concepts and the Hector project show. We explain how tomorrow’s pumps may be both modular and energy-efficient.

Pepperl+Fuchs has introduced a new Smart-Ex 03 smartphone that can be used in hazardous areas across diverse industries. The 5G- and Wi-Fi 6-enabled smartphone ensures outstanding connectivity and supports the latest technical standards.

The Hytecheat project aims to make use of hybrid technologies for the production of steel with low CO2 emissions. De Nora will supply the new 1 MW capacity Dragonfly on-site electrolytic hydrogen generation system for the project.

Exxonmobil has successfully completed the first commercial sale of certified circular polymers by making use of its Exxtend technology for advanced recycling of plastic waste. Berry Global has purchased the circular polymers to manufacture containers for high-performance food-grade packaging on a mass balance approach.

Yokogawa Electric Corporation has plans to acquire Adept Fluidyne, one of the largest domestic manufacturers of magnetic flowmeters in India. This move will provide Yokogawa with an Indian manufacturing base as well as access to Adept's product lineup which will ensure more timely delivery of its flowmeter products for the growing India market.

Tsubame BHB has developed an ammonia synthesis method that makes use of electride catalysts. The electride catalysts enable the synthesis of hydrogen and nitrogen at relatively low temperature and pressure levels, leading to reduced environmental impact of the ammonia synthesis process.

BASF’s Surface Treatment Business – Chemetall has inaugurated its new Global Aluminum Competence Center in Giussano, Italy. The center is expected to strengthen the firm’s position as a global supplier of solutions for the surface treatment of aluminum substrates.

Eaton has recently introduced multi-filter cartridge housings from the Ecocart series. With this, the firm has expanded the range of applications for industrial cartridge filtration.

Shenghong Refining & Chemical’s crude to para-xylene complex has successfully started up a 3.2 MMTPA ebullated-bed residue hydrocracking unit, a 3.5 MMTPA distillates hydrocracking unit and a naphtha hydrotreating unit in China. All the units have been designed by Axens.

Given the substances used, the complexity of the processes and the potential risks to people and the environment, process reliability plays a more important role in the chemical industry than it does in perhaps any other industry. The consequences of failures, leaks and equipment damage can have far-reaching consequences. Generally speaking: The greater the impact of a fault-related failure, the more important it is to use reliable, verifiable components. This is essential, particularly in the field of pump technology.