Additive manufacturing scores big: The strengths and weaknesses of 3D printing in chemistry and pharmaceuticals. (© lucadp - stock.adobe.com; Eike Hübner [M] Alban)
3D-Printing and Additive Manufacturing

Chemicals, Hot off the Printer: Additive Manufacturing in Chemicals and Pharma

What has advent of additive manufacturing in store for the process industry? – The 3D-printer becomes a gamechanger: While some companies set themselves apart by using customized materials or dream of the pill out of the printer, others fear the impending marginalization of the chemical industry. Gold rush or hangover? An industry is looking for answers between polymer filaments, prototypes and printed pills.

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Seal-less sliding vane pumps feature a magnetic coupling consisting of samarium-cobalt magnets and a unique bearing and head design. (Picture: PSG)
Sealless Pumps

Better Without: The Must–Know Facts About Sealless Pumps

Why seal-less pumps can provide benefits over pumps with packing rings or mechanical seals — When manufacturing or handling dangerous and hazardous substances, full product containment may be necessary to prevent costly downtimes or risky exposure of workers or environment. Thus, pump failures are a common risk in chemical operations — and the seal a major cause of concern. Can seal-less pump designs do better?

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A V-AN pump in use: Under pressure sulfur dioxid is pumped up to a height of almost 30 meters to enter the vessel and reach the position, in which it is used within the production process. (Bungartz)
Special Centrifugal Pumps

Toxic, Caustic, Harmful? No Problem for these Special Centrifugal Pumps!

For decades, intrinsically safe pumps have been known as a problem-solver — as a result, this is also true for the centrifugal pump manufacturer Bungartz with its permanently safe pump performances. Numerous — even unusual — examples from the chemical industry and related areas verify this statement. A globally active company is only one example of those benefiting from the extensive experience the pump experts bring to the table. Due to a change implemented by a supplier, the company is reliant on a reliable pump solution for its production process.

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Galleries

Interference-prone transmission paths for measurement and control signals can be effectively protected by using signal conditioners. The picture shows components of Pepperl+Fuchs’ SC-System (left: 6 mm wide modules save space and can be used up to 70 °C; right: transmitter power supplies belong to the most frequent used interface modules, here the Smart version.) (Pictures: Pepperl+Fuchs; Fotolia gui_yong_nian/alphaspirit;[M]-Frank)
Signal Conditioners

Effective Protection against Faults by Using Signal Conditioners

The operation of high-quality field devices and process control systems can only be as effective as the signal they receive. However, the signal lines are exposed to numerous sources of interference. Galvanic isolation of the signal circuit between the field and process control system offers effective protection at a relatively low cost. It avoids the risks involved with a direct connection between field devices and the controller.

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