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AkzoNobel Powder Coatings has received two prestigious supplier awards from Maxion Wheels, recognising the company’s contribution to sustainable innovation, technical expertise and a long-standing relationship with one of the world’s leading wheel manufacturers. AkzoNobel’s team in the Czech Republic received the Green Wheel 2025 Award, recognising its contribution to Maxion Wheels’ sustainability ambitions. At the …

Accidents in the process industries can have consequences far beyond a minor workplace injury. Manufacturing plants, chemical facilities, food and beverage factories, bulk solids handling sites and other industrial environments bring together machinery, moving equipment, hazardous substances, high temperatures, pressure systems and complex processes. Although not every incident can be predicted, many industrial accidents can …

AkzoNobel has named Soulful Sage™ as Interpon’s 2027 Color of the Year, highlighting the growing influence of softer, nature-inspired colour palettes and natural materials across contemporary architecture. The refined soft green shade, with its subtle grey undertones, is available as part of the Interpon D2525 range of superdurable powder coatings. Designed for use across a …

Coming soon: High Viscosity Mixing – Honey applications High viscosity products such as honey can present significant challenges for conventional agitators and stirrers. Silverson Machines’ high shear rotor/stator mixers are designed to handle demanding high viscosity mixing applications. A specially developed pumping rotor increases the capacity of Silverson’s High Viscosity In-Line mixer and enables self-pumping …

TL;DR: Why earthing may not eliminate static ignition risk in powder handling Earthing and bonding are essential controls for conductive plant and equipment but they do not necessarily remove electrostatic charge carried within a poorly conducting powder. During silo and container filling, medium- and high-resistivity powders can retain charge generated during conveying and handling. That …

TL;DR: Portable vs fixed fume extraction in agile manufacturing Industry 4.0 and agile manufacturing are creating more dynamic factory environments where production lines, workstations and processes may change frequently. This can make permanently installed fume extraction infrastructure less adaptable to future production requirements. Portable fume extraction can provide localised source capture that can be repositioned …

TL;DR: Why past accident reviews and relevant good practice matter under MHHHRA The emerging MHHHRA approach to COMAH human harm risk assessment places greater emphasis on demonstrating that major accident hazard scenarios have been identified systematically and risks reduced as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP). Traditional techniques such as HAZID and HAZOP remain fundamental but …

TL;DR: How portable gas detectors improve industrial safety Portable gas detectors provide real-time monitoring of hazardous atmospheres where fixed gas detection systems cannot always provide adequate protection, particularly when workers move between locations or enter confined, remote or poorly ventilated areas. Many modern portable detectors use non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensing in the mid-infrared (MIR) spectrum …

TL;DR: Managing variable industrial wastewater Industrial wastewater treatment is becoming more challenging as production variability, tighter discharge requirements and growing water reuse ambitions create increasingly complex wastewater streams. Changes caused by cleaning cycles, batch production, product changeovers, process upsets and raw material variations can rapidly alter contaminant loading, pH and water chemistry. For process engineers, …

TL;DR: How industrial AI is making energy data more usable Industrial plants generate vast quantities of energy, production and operational data but accessing useful insights from that information can still require engineers and energy specialists to navigate dashboards, spreadsheets and reports. The next generation of industrial AI is changing this by allowing engineers, operators and …

TL;DR: Why use inline refractometry? Inline refractometry provides continuous, real-time measurement of liquid concentration using refractive index (RI). Unlike some other measurement methods, refractometry is unaffected by bubbles, foam and suspended solids and is not susceptible to measurement drift. For process engineers, this makes inline refractometers particularly useful for challenging liquid processes where reliable concentration …

TL;DR: What matters when processing difficult chemical powders? Hazardous and moisture-sensitive powders can become difficult to process when changes in humidity, transfer conditions, temperature or production scale alter their physical properties or expose operators to risk. Reliable chemical powder processing therefore depends on more than selecting the right milling or blending equipment. Key considerations include: …

When it comes to effective dust extraction, manufacturers gain a lot more than just a way to control operational dust and protect their employees. While it’s often seen as a safety measure and a way to comply with COSHH regulations, dust extraction has evolved to offer a range of benefits that enhance the entire manufacturing …

For nearly twenty years, ISF has been the go-to partner for a top manufacturer and supplier of ruminant feed and blends in Cumbria, catering to farmers all over the UK. Their latest project tackled two common issues that many feed mills face: excessive material handling and pesky airborne dust. By installing a larger mixer and …

Gericke RotaVal has rolled out an exciting update to its Fast Clean rotary valve range, blending a more hygienic design with innovative features that boost productivity, cut down on downtime, and ensure safe, reliable operation. The latest enhancements now include extractable versions in sizes up to 400 mm as a standard offering. These valves are …

Process control and automation specialist Promtek has announced its inaugural educational course, the Batching and Milling Course, taking place from 15 to 17 September 2026 at Promtek Headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent, UK. The three-day technical masterclass has been developed specifically for plant managers, production heads, shift leaders and maintenance teams working across the food ingredient, beverage …

Keeping power generation safe from fire and explosion threats Power plants play a crucial role in our modern industry and infrastructure. The continuous generation of electricity relies on a series of intricate processes, such as fuel handling, grinding, combustion, ash removal, and filtration. However, during these operations, the presence of combustible materials and dust can …

A British-designed and manufactured Horizontal Delta Blade Mixer (HDBM) from Boone Mixers has been a game changer for Surefil, a contract cosmetics manufacturer, significantly boosting the efficiency of its powder production process. Set up in an ATEX Zone 22 environment, this mixer is tasked with dispersing pigment into a super light powder and has managed …

Dynamic Air’s BulkBuster™ Bulk Bag Unloader is expertly designed to ensure the safe, efficient, and dust-free discharge of large bulk bags filled with a variety of bulk solid materials. This system is tailored to accommodate the unique flow characteristics of different bulk solids, allowing for configurations that meet the specific handling needs of each material. …

Accurate liquid flow measurement can rarely be determined by the flow sensor alone. Temperature, pressure, viscosity and the physical properties of the measured fluid can all influence a flowmeter’s performance and calibration, particularly in demanding industrial applications. Understanding these variables is therefore critical when specifying a flowmeter and interpreting its output. For engineers responsible for …

New lifecycle assessment finds that, in the assessed scenarios, timber-based façades and window frames have lower cradle-to-grave carbon footprints than aluminium, steel and PVC alternatives. AkzoNobel is marking World Green Building Week with the launch of The case for wood in more sustainable buildings, a new whitepaper developed in collaboration with the University of Amsterdam. …

AMS 6500 ATG version 5.0 and AMS Machine Works version 2.4 software enable continuous data streaming for deeper start-up and shutdown analytics Emerson has enhanced turbomachinery protection and monitoring with updates to AMS 6500 ATG and AMS Machine Works software. Continuous, unlimited data streaming enables deeper analysis across complete turbomachinery start-up and shutdown cycles. Improved …

Proximity sensors are playing an increasingly significant role in today’s machine monitoring applications, particularly in harsh industrial environments where systems require effective and reliable measurement of shaft vibration, position and speed on rotating plant. Accurate monitoring of rotating machinery is an important part of condition monitoring and machine protection. Proximity probe systems can provide critical …

For an expanding pig business in Yorkshire that needed to meet environmental permitting regulations, A-Consult has completed the installation of a new 2200m³ (5m deep) concrete slurry tank, together with a pump and mixer, installed by Landia. The new pig slurry storage system provides the farm with significantly greater capacity while also giving the business …

Borger has completed the installation of a new pump and macerating system for a processing plant that converts food waste into nutrient-rich compost. The custom-built system combines an auger, grinder and rotary lobe pump to provide a robust solution for handling and processing challenging food waste. The equipment methodically moves and reduces acidic food waste, …

I hope that everyone doesn’t mind me using this column to highlight some issues with my day job! The fact that I’ve missed the copy date (sorry Phil) and I’ve been neck deep in Ducks (See my last column on Community for details of The Widnes Duck Hunt my community event raising money for Community …

My job title contains the word “expert”, as does the name of my company. I work almost exclusively nowadays as an “expert witness”. Of course, I got to choose my company name and job title, so those two don’t mean much, and an expert witness needs only to “possess specialised technical, scientific, or professional knowledge …

It seems inevitable that most of us will have our workplaces impacted by AI.  Whether or not this impact will be overall positive, or negative is to be seen.  I read with curiosity that at a time when Dubai based logistics giant DP World is looking to roll out AI and Automation across Australia’s ports, …

In the world of industrial process automation, point level detection is absolutely vital for ensuring safety, efficiency, and environmental protection. Whether it’s in chemical plants, power stations, food production, or shipbuilding, level switches are dependable tools that signal when a specific limit has been reached, triggering necessary actions like stopping a pump or shutting a …

GEMÜ Great Britain has proudly celebrated its 45th anniversary, a remarkable journey that showcases over four decades of engineering excellence, strong customer relationships, and consistent growth in the UK. The company hit this significant milestone on June 11, 2026, marking 45 years since it was founded in 1981. Throughout these years, GEMÜ Great Britain has …

In the world of process industries, having precise measurements is crucial for making informed operational decisions. Whether it’s keeping an eye on pressure in a chemical plant, tracking temperature in a pharmaceutical setting, monitoring flow in a water treatment facility, or checking levels in an oil and gas operation, operators rely heavily on instrumentation to …

Fulton is bringing back its FBS horizontal firetube steam boiler to the UK, responding to the rising demand for high-output steam solutions, especially in spaces where vertical models like the VSRT just won’t fit due to height restrictions. Built for tough process environments, the FBS range will be available in the UK, offering steam outputs …

MattenPlant Pte Ltd, a water and wastewater treatment expert based in Singapore, has just rolled out its exciting new initiative: the Pharmaceutical Water for Injection (Cold WFI) system. This groundbreaking system is touted as the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, utilizing innovative membrane technology for local manufacturing. This initiative marks a significant step …

Get ready for VEGA’s return to the ESS Expo 2026, happening on September 16–17 at the NEC Birmingham! This year, they’ll be showcasing their cutting-edge level and pressure instrumentation tailored for the water and wastewater sector, all within the WWEM zone. If you swing by Stand WW-K70, you’ll have the chance to dive into technologies …

Mobile machinery used in construction and other demanding applications requires robust, reliable and highly accurate components to ensure safe operation, optimum performance and long-term reliability.  Inclination sensors play an important role in this environment by providing precise measurement of a machine’s angle and position which can be used to support stability control and other safety-related …

At a farm-based biogas plant in a remote area of Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main islands, a Landia GasMix system has replaced mixers that were struggling to cope with manure and agricultural feedstock. The new digester mixing system is designed to provide reliable and efficient mixing while addressing some of the challenges associated with …

road measurement portfolio to support reliable and efficient operations across global energy assets Emerson and Equinor will collaborate to advance measurement technology innovation and digital operations across Equinor’s global onshore and offshore assets. Emerson’s broad process measurement and instrumentation portfolio will support Equinor’s objectives to accelerate development, extend field life, improve recovery and advance standardised …

Poweline’s specialist refurbishment services breathe new life into hard working Landia mixers and pumps Farmers are benefiting from the extended working life of their Landia slurry pumps thanks to the specialist refurbishment services provided by Powerline Electric Motors. The Banbury-based company provides repairs, rewinding and refurbishment services for electric motors, fans and gearboxes across a …

Food processors and manufacturers throughout the UK are ramping up their buffer stock levels as unpredictable harvests and increasingly erratic weather patterns make just-in-time supply chains less reliable. A string of unsettled growing seasons, marked by long dry spells followed by sudden downpours, has made it tough for producers to ensure consistent volumes or delivery …

A specialist in Yorkshire’s steelworks has pointed out the cities that are leading the charge in Britain’s manufacturing scene, even as the industry faces increasing challenges. According to the Tadweld UK Manufacturing Index, Manchester has been crowned the top city for manufacturing in 2026. This fresh study evaluates the UK’s manufacturing hotspots based on various …

A promising spinout from the University of Strathclyde is on a mission to turn low-value mineral waste into carbon-negative construction materials that can partially replace cement in concrete. This innovative technology has the potential to cut down emissions from cement production while securely storing captured carbon dioxide (CO2). Founded by scientist Dr. Philip Salter, Ureaka …

Ofwat’s new plan for adopting AI has been met with enthusiasm in the water sector, but there’s a looming risk of an “AI ambition gap” if the industry doesn’t tackle its growing skills crisis head-on, warns specialist recruiter Murray McIntosh. The report from Ofwat lays out a clear path for the sector, placing artificial intelligence …

A recent report from the skills charity Enginuity reveals that closing the skills gaps and shortages in the UK engineering and manufacturing sectors could create economic opportunities equivalent to supporting over 300,000 apprenticeships each year. The organization emphasizes that tackling these ongoing skills challenges could not only help reduce the number of young people who …

SMEs are speeding up their digital transformation thanks to Made Smarter South East’s Digital Internship programme. Manufacturers throughout the South East are embracing artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and other digital technologies at a rapid pace, all thanks to this government-funded initiative. It helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) tap into specialized digital skills and fresh …

Andrew Hamilton, Head of the Digital Process Manufacturing Centre (DPMC) at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) Today’s manufacturing facilities are vast, interconnected spaces where machinery runs around the clock and processes stretch over large areas. From bustling factory floors and plant rooms to service corridors and outdoor assets, engineering teams need a clear view …

A recent study reveals that nearly two-thirds of adults in the UK are worried about the health risks posed by plastics in food packaging. This growing concern highlights the public’s increasing scrutiny of the materials used in everyday takeaway containers. These findings come at a time when Plastic Free July is motivating millions to cut …

High energy costs could spell trouble for UK factories, with a new report warning that without swift action from the incoming Government to lower industrial electricity prices, we might see closures and a staggering £85bn of economic activity at risk. This insight comes from a report by Make UK and Ecotricity. Titled “From Crisis to …

Manufacturers are sounding the alarm that any further sharp hikes in minimum wage rates could worsen the already intense cost pressures they face, making it even tougher to create the jobs and training opportunities essential for tackling the UK’s growing NEETs crisis. This caution comes on the heels of Alan Milburn’s independent review on Young …

UK Steel has expressed its support for the Government’s decision to bring British Steel into public ownership, calling this move crucial for ensuring the future of a key player in the steel industry. This intervention not only provides much-needed stability for the workforce but also reassures customers and the broader supply chain. As the only …

ResponsibleGlass has just rolled out the first draft of its International Standard for Glassmaking, marking a major milestone in its quest to create what it claims will be the world’s first global sustainability standard, certification, and labeling system for the glass industry. This draft standard is now available for a 60-day public consultation, inviting businesses, …