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Hydro International launches advanced tertiary treatment partnership with Brightwork
Phil Black - PII Editor
May 13, 2026
Hydro International has expanded its advanced tertiary wastewater treatment capabilities in the UK through a new partnership with Netherlands-based technology specialist Brightwork, strengthening support for water companies facing increasingly strict environmental discharge standards. The partnership will see Hydro International supply and support Brightwork’s tertiary treatment technologies throughout the UK water sector, helping utilities meet tightening …
Synthetic Lubricants: Reducing Downtime and Energy Costs
Max Karlovini
May 12, 2026
TL;DR summary: Synthetic lubricants provide better wear protection and thermal stability than conventional mineral oils They can reduce downtime, extend oil drain intervals and lower maintenance costs Improved energy efficiency can help manufacturers reduce operating costs and carbon emissions Synthetic lubricants support sustainability goals and ISO 50001 energy management strategies Real-world industrial case studies show …
Industrial Process Simulation Without Software Constraints
Olivier Baudouin
May 12, 2026
TL;DR Summary Box Industrial process simulation software is evolving from isolated engineering tools into integrated digital platforms that support optimisation, operational decision-making and sustainability initiatives across the full lifecycle of industrial processes.Modern simulation environments now enable interoperability between thermodynamic packages, unit operations, optimisation tools and external engineering software through standards such as CAPE-OPEN. This allows …
Selecting Filter Media for Wastewater Treatment Performance
Mark Barrett
May 12, 2026
TL;DR Summary: Selecting the right filter media is critical for achieving efficient and reliable biological wastewater treatment performance. In applications such as trickling filters, submerged aerated filters (SAF), moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBR) and integrated fixed film activated sludge (IFAS) systems, filter media design directly affects biofilm development, oxygen transfer efficiency and operational stability.Research collaborations …
Food Production Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction
Ian Holland
May 12, 2026
TL;DR Summary Food and beverage production is highly energy intensive, with thermal processes such as pasteurisation, cooking, chilling, fermentation and cleaning accounting for a significant share of operating costs and carbon emissions. With energy costs rising, manufacturers are increasingly focused on improving efficiency across fluid systems, pumping operations and process infrastructure.Process optimisation is becoming a …
Spray Dryer Explosion Protection and Fire Prevention Systems
Javier Martin
May 12, 2026
TL;DR Summary Box Spray dryers used in pharmaceutical and food industries present a significant explosion risk due to the presence of fine combustible dust, oxygen and ignition sources within a confined environment. The highest risk often occurs when materials are fully dried, as lower moisture content reduces the energy required for ignition. Explosion protection in …
Bulk Solids Segregation: Preventing Process Failures
Kurt Naugler
May 12, 2026
TL;DR Summary Bulk solids segregation is a hidden but critical issue in industrial powder and bulk material handling that can lead to inconsistent product quality, flow blockages, process upsets and costly downtime. It occurs when particles separate by size, density or shape during handling and is driven by mechanisms such as sifting, fluidisation and dusting. …
Sharp Rise in UK Manufacturers Seeking Finance for Growth
Phil Black - PII Editor
May 12, 2026
Applications for Personal Guarantee Insurance More Than Double in a Year New data from Purbeck Insurance Services, the UK’s only provider of Personal Guarantee Insurance (PGI), reveals a substantial increase in the number of manufacturing business owners and directors seeking financial protection as they pursue growth and expansion opportunities. The latest figures show that demand …
Pneumatic Conveying Control Methods for Process Automation
Daniel Abrahamson
May 12, 2026
TL;DR Summary Box Pneumatic vacuum conveying systems rely on effective control strategies to ensure efficient, safe and consistent material transfer. Traditionally, control is achieved through manual timer settings, but this approach requires ongoing operator supervision and can lead to variability in batch size, compressed air waste and limited scalability.To improve automation and process reliability, level …
Verdermag Production Now Established at Packo in Belgium
Verder UK
May 11, 2026
Packo, part of Verder Liquids, has announced that production of Verdermag magnetic drive pumps is now fully integrated into its manufacturing facility in Diksmuide, Belgium. The move marks another important milestone in the continued development of Packo as a leading centre of excellence for stainless steel centrifugal pump technology and process solutions. It also reinforces …
There’s no Me In Team. Oh Wait….
Sean Moran
May 6, 2026
LinkedIn is full of middle management types spouting poorly-understood stuff about psychology they got third-hand from some AI-written copypasta. The general thrust of such posts is that everyone needs to be a humble, agreeable team player. They think that anyone who thinks they are an expert on anything is trumpeting their ignorance – a clear …
Net Zero or Net Contradiction?
Gavin Smith
May 6, 2026
As the UK seeks to meet it’s net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, it seems counterintuitive that as the sitting government actively seeks to shut down UK North Sea oil production, that this same government is approving plans for energy intensive mega AI data centres.  Once such AI datacentre is planned to be built near …
Loss of Services – have you got a plan?
Dave Green
May 6, 2026
In this world with freak weather and service interruptions becoming more frequent it is more important than ever to know what the plan is. This winter there have been multiple issues which have led to water supply losses, power cuts and flooding. Those facilities that are high hazard and covered under the COMAH regulations ned …
AkzoNobel launches My Interpon Portal in Mexico alongside new ready to ship Interpon range
Phil Black - PII Editor
May 5, 2026
AkzoNobel Powder Coatings has launched My Interpon Portal (MIP) in Mexico introducing a digital platform that gives customers fast direct access to products, information,and ordering now combined with a dedicated Interpon Ready to Ship (RTS) range for the Mexican market. The launch reflects growing demand across the global process and manufacturing industries for faster procurement …
Watson-Marlow to showcase advanced dosing pump solutions at Water Equipment Show 2026
Watson Marlow
May 1, 2026
Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions (WMFTS), a global leader in peristaltic pumps and associated fluid path technologies, will present its latest chemical metering and heavy duty hose pump solutions at the Water Equipment Show (WES) 2026. The event will take place at the Telford International Centre in the UK on 14 May, bringing together professionals from …
Choosing the right scissor lift table for industrial efficiency in the UK
Phil Black - PII Editor
May 1, 2026
Selecting the right scissor lift table is a critical decision for UK industrial businesses aiming to improve workplace safety and operational efficiency. With a variety of models available, understanding the key factors such as load capacity, mobility, lift height, and platform size ensures optimal performance tailored to specific industrial needs. Whether for manufacturing, warehousing, or …
AkzoNobel Powder Coatings launches Eco+ Services to help manufacturers measure and improve sustainability performance
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 28, 2026
AkzoNobel Powder Coatings has launched Eco+ Services, a comprehensive suite of technical, digital and data driven solutions designed to help manufacturers better understand, measure and improve the sustainability of their coating operations. Developed as part of the company’s wider sustainability strategy, Eco+ Services brings together advanced digital tools, in depth technical expertise and verified environmental …
Akona introduces Rotary Batch Mixer for gentle and repeatable dry material blending
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 28, 2026
Leading material processing and handling specialist Akona Process Solutions has introduced its Rotary Batch Mixer, further strengthening its mixing and blending portfolio with a batch solution designed to deliver consistent blend quality, gentle material handling and simplified sanitation across dry bulk processing environments. The newly launched system uses a gravity driven rotary tumbling process rather …
Italy’s Industry and Unions Call for EU Action
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 27, 2026
On April 23, the National Assembly of delegates from the industrial sectors of the Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL), which is Italy’s largest trade union, took place in Rome. The gathering was centered around the future of the country’s industrial landscape, especially in light of the economic slowdown, ongoing industrial changes, and rising international …
Güntner Group appoints Yan Evans to lead data centre operations
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 24, 2026
Güntner Group, a global leader in heat exchange technology, has appointed Yan Evans as Managing Director, Global Data Center Business, strengthening its leadership in one of the fastest growing and most critical infrastructure sectors. A Chartered Engineer, Yan joins Güntner Group from FläktGroup, one of Europe’s largest HVAC companies. He built and led FläktGroup’s global …
Aqua Cooling Marks 25 Years with New Advance Chiller Range
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 24, 2026
Next-generation process chillers deliver reliability, sustainability and lower total cost of ownership Aqua Cooling, The Temperature Control People, are marking their 25th anniversary with a landmark product launch. The Aqua Advance range is a new generation of high-specification process chillers, engineered around three core principles: reliability, durability and sustainability. Offering the highest specification in the …
Daikin Rental Solutions Accelerates UK Expansion with Major Multi-Technology Fleet Investment
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 24, 2026
Integrated approach strengthens resilience, supports decarbonisation and enhances nationwide temporary HVAC capability Daikin Rental Solutions has announced a major expansion of its UK rental fleet, combining new high-capacity cooling systems, low-carbon heating solutions, process cooling equipment and UK-manufactured air handling units to meet growing demand for flexible, high-performance temporary HVAC solutions across industry. The investment …
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 23, 2026
Blueshift will exhibit its portfolio of AeroZero® Thermal Protection Systems (AZ-TPS) and AeroZero Flame and Thermal Barriers (AZ-FTBs), including tapes and larger roll to roll systems, to demonstrate their performance in extreme environments at SAMPE North America. (Seattle Convention Center, SAMPE 2026 – 27th April to 30th April)  The event provides a key platform for …
Real-time monitoring cuts pollution risk at Scottish Water site
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 21, 2026
When a strategic Scottish Water pumping station had to be taken out of service unexpectedly, the utility faced a significant risk of over-pumping and potential environmental impact. Working with Xylem and its Avensor service, the team used real-time insights to resolve the issue, avoid disruption and return the station to full operation, writes Mark McCullagh, …
Watson-Marlow to showcase scalable peristaltic pump range and single use assemblies at BioProcess International Europe 2026
Watson Marlow
April 21, 2026
Watson-Marlow to showcase scalable peristaltic pump range and single use assemblies at BioProcess International Europe 2026 BioProcess International Europe | Vienna, Austria | 27 to 30 April 2026 Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions (WMFTS) will highlight its scalable peristaltic cased pump range and single use assemblies at BioProcess International Europe 2026 in Vienna, Austria. The company …
Carrots are tops for glowing Landia Chopper Pumps
Landia
April 16, 2026
Providing essential aeration in settlement pits, Landia Chopper Pumps have completed a decade of reliable service at one of the UK’s leading carrot producers. The installation highlights how robust wastewater pumping technology supports high volume food processing operations, particularly in agricultural and vegetable washing environments where fibrous solids and grit can create ongoing operational challenges. …
Amarinth defies space constraints with technical breakthrough for major LNG expansion project
Amarinth
April 16, 2026
Amarinth has successfully engineered a bespoke suite of API 685 VS4 magnetic drive pumps for a high profile LNG processing expansion project in the Middle East. Overcoming severe spatial constraints and complex maintenance challenges, the solution reduces construction costs while ensuring zero emission operation for critical hydrocarbon handling. Known for its engineering agility, Amarinth was …
Degasser for volatile and aggressive solvents
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 16, 2026
Biotech Fluidics has introduced the DEGASi® Integration HFIP, a high performance online degassing system engineered to handle even the most challenging solvents used in analytical and laboratory environments.  Designed for compatibility with volatile and aggressive liquids, the system can efficiently degas substances such as Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) and silanes, while also supporting all common solvents used …
Media separated pressure relief valve protects components and optimises control
Burkert
April 16, 2026
Flow control specialist Bürkert has introduced a new pressure relief valve designed to protect sensitive components in fluidic systems from high pressure peaks while delivering full media separation for use with aggressive or sensitive liquids.  Developed for analysis, biotechnology and laboratory environments, Bürkert’s Type 5550 valve enables complete liquid isolation, ensuring fluids remain contamination free …
Smart sensors safeguarding water quality in food manufacturing
Burkert
April 16, 2026
Water remains one of the most critical resources in food processing and manufacturing. From ingredient blending and product washing to steam generation and clean in place (CIP) systems, consistent water quality underpins both product safety and brand reputation. In the UK food and beverage sector, where regulatory scrutiny and consumer expectations are high, maintaining precise …
Reliable Measurement Technology for PVC Powder Under Extreme Conditions
UWT GmbH
April 15, 2026
How UWT Ensures Stable Level and Overfill Monitoring Despite Dust, Frost and ATEX Zones Silo bridge with filling and venting equipment and installed sensors for level monitoring PVC powder is produced as an intermediate product during the polymerisation of vinyl chloride and is stored and processed in large quantities within the chemical industry. Due to …
Solid Waste Management Practices in Injection Molding and Industrial Manufacturing
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 15, 2026
1. Overview of Solid Waste in Manufacturing The process of manufacturing industrial products can never go without solid waste, as raw materials are converted to final products. Solid waste sectors, such as injection molding that process polymers, generate rejected parts, runner systems, and packaging materials waste. The management of these streams of waste plays a …
Energy Savings as a Growth Engine: How SMEs Can Turn Renewable Power into Productivity
Dave Howell
April 15, 2026
In this episode, host Dave Howell is joined by Kelly Lovesy, Sales Director at DCC Energy, to explore how rising energy costs are reshaping the landscape for UK manufacturers - and what can be done about it.
Switchgear vs. Switchboard Explained: KeyDifferences and Uses
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 15, 2026
Knowing the difference between switchboards and switchgear can be challenging. They both are electrical distribution and protection equipment. Even the terminology used to describe them is similar. You need to know which is right for your application to mitigate faults, protect against arc flash events and meet code without overbuying. When to Use a Switchboard …
Watson-Marlow to showcase peristaltic pumps at Making Pharmaceuticals 2026
Watson Marlow
April 15, 2026
Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions will present its precision-engineered peristaltic pumps and advanced fluid path technologies at Making Pharmaceuticals, taking place in Coventry, UK, on 21-22 April 2026. The event provides a key platform for pharmaceutical manufacturing professionals to explore the latest innovations in upstream processing, downstream processing and fill finish applications. Visitors to stand 324 …
Interpon launches Futura 2026-2029 Collection for architectural powder coatings
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 15, 2026
AkzoNobel Powder Coatings has launched the new superdurable Interpon D2525 Futura 2026-2029 Collection, now available across Europe and North America.  Inspired by the enduring appeal of classic design and shaped by the bold direction of modern architecture, the collection combines expressive finishes, advanced textures and a forward-looking vision for the built environment. Developed to reflect …
How smarter valve automation can help older plants waste less energy
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 14, 2026
For UK process plants, efficiency is an immediate operating pressure. Manufacturers are still contending with stubborn energy-cost concerns, and the wider direction of travel on decarbonisation is set by the UK’s legally binding 2050 Net Zero target. Now, older sites are being forced to reconsider how they operate. The vast majority of our industrial output …
Optimising Chocolate Pumping: Is It Sweet or Dirty?
Verder UK
April 14, 2026
When pumping or processing chocolate, several factors must be carefully considered to protect the quality of the final product. Chief among these is temperature, which remains a critical and determining factor throughout the entire process. Maintaining the correct temperature is essential when pumping chocolate, as exceeding recommended limits can cause sugars or milk components to …
From Counting Pints to Crafting Quality: The Next Chapter in Beverage Dispense Technology
Titan Enterprises
April 9, 2026
The beverage dispense industry has undergone a quiet but significant transformation over the past decade. What began as a method to closely monitor volume and secure revenue, effectively tracking every pint poured, has developed into a sophisticated sector focused on drink quality, precision dosing and consistency across a wide range of beverages.  At the centre …
Driving Change: How Hyper-Efficient Motors Are Reshaping Industries
Dave Howell
April 8, 2026
A quarter of the world's electricity is converted into motion by industrial electric motors, yet a significant share of that energy is quietly wasted. With half of the world's motors over a decade old and a "if it isn't broken, don't fix it" mindset still common across industry, the cost of inaction is mounting.
Why Chemical Firms Are Reducing Toxic Substances
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 7, 2026
Chemical giants are shedding light on why cutting down on toxic substances is now a top priority for their businesses. They point to long-term resilience, being ready for regulations, and building customer trust as the main reasons behind this shift. At ChemSec, they often see the use of hazardous chemicals as a quick win that …
How AI Is Transforming the Factory Floor
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 7, 2026
Andrew Sherlock, Director of Data-Driven Manufacturing, National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming one of the hottest topics in the manufacturing world. While a lot of the public chatter focuses on large language models (LLMs) like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, the impact of AI in industry goes far beyond just being a digital …
IChemE Launches Inquiry into UK Chemical Engineering Research
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 6, 2026
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) has announced a significant presidential inquiry into the current status and future trajectory of chemical engineering research within the United Kingdom. Led by IChemE President Raffaella Ocone, the inquiry is formally calling for evidence from stakeholders across academia, industry, and government. The investigation seeks to evaluate the robustness, strategic …
UK REACH ATRm Progress Met With Caution by Chemical Industry
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 6, 2026
A Multidisciplinary Approach This research combined numerical analysis with hands-on experimentation. By employing high-speed photography alongside destructive lab tests, the team explored how fatigue cracking arises from artificial corrosion pits. The study examined the stress response of cast iron during pressure transients—those rapid waves that occur when valves close or pumps operate. This investigation uncovered …
Research Finds Cast Iron Water Pipes Can Temporarily Reseal
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 6, 2026
Recent research has uncovered some exciting news about cast iron pipes—they can actually ‘reseal' themselves, at least for a while! This groundbreaking study, commissioned by UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) and carried out by the University of Sheffield, dives deep into how cast iron infrastructure fails. The UK water sector is dealing with a vast …
Reconomy to Open £20m Plastic Recycling Plant in Corby
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 6, 2026
Reconomy, a global frontrunner in circular economy solutions, has exciting news: their brand, Eurokey, is on the verge of completing a state-of-the-art £20 million plastic recycling facility in Corby, Northamptonshire. Covering an impressive 138,000 square feet, this site is set to become one of the largest dedicated plastic recycling plants in the UK. It aims …
UK Gov Recognises Steel as a Strategic National Asset
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 6, 2026
UK Steel is thrilled to see the government officially recognize the steel industry as a vital part of our national security. This is a significant step forward, as the new guidance now emphasizes a “British-first” approach for public contracts that involve steel. Strengthening Procurement and Accountability With these updated guidelines, government departments are now required …
UK factories could unlock £129bn in hidden capacity
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 6, 2026
A recent report from FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics reveals that UK manufacturers have the potential to tap into an astonishing £129 billion in extra annual output by better utilizing the hidden production capacity already present in their operations. The report, titled Return on Information, highlights that these productivity gains can be achieved without the need for …
Government spends £377m to keep British Steel running
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 6, 2026
The UK Government has poured a staggering £377 million into keeping British Steel’s Scunthorpe site running over the past nine months. This emergency intervention was crucial in preventing the closure of the last two blast furnaces in the country. A recent report from the National Audit Office (NAO) reveals that this intervention, spearheaded by the …
UK charts path to reducing chemicals in waterways
Phil Black - PII Editor
April 6, 2026
The UK is mapping out a path to cut down on chemicals in our environment. Recent monitoring data underscores the importance of controlling sources, leveraging science, and implementing targeted interventions. The latest insights from the UK water industry’s most extensive chemical monitoring initiative indicate that focused policies, collaborative scientific research, and effective source control can …

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