Call for action to accelerate global sustainability

Real Progress campaign begins with automation, electrification and digitalization in mining, metals and pulp and paper industries

ABB has launched a new global sustainability initiative, showcasing the power of technology and expertise to accelerate sustainability while enhancing productivity has been launched by ABB. Their Real Progress campaign is a rallying call to customers, partners and suppliers, inspiring them to harness technology leadership and the solutions that exist today to amplify their own impact across process industries such as mining, metals and pulp and paper.

For more than 130 years, the technology leader has been embedded in industries where emissions are hard to abate and where alternative solutions are either unavailable or difficult to practically implement. Today, ABB is combatting many changes happening in the world, such as rising emissions, water and energy scarcity and workforce skills challenges. The company is showing that the power of bold ideas and pioneering technologies can overcome these challenges, step by step, together with the wider industrial and societal ecosystem.

The decarbonization challenge unites the mining, metals and pulp and paper industries with leadership teams striving to meet increasing market demand with a more rapid increase in energy and resource efficiency to reach their committed sustainability targets such as more carbon-neutral operations. Across these vital process industries, there is a growing recognition that automation, electrification and digitalization are essential components of their journey towards meeting climate targets set out by businesses, legislation, governments and international agreements over the next 25 years and beyond.

“The journey toward sustainability isn't a gradual progression; it's a bold transformation. The actions and decisions we take today, together with every innovation we embrace, are powerful steps towards a sustainable future, and we're unapologetically leading the charge,” said Joachim Braun, Division President, ABB Process Industries. “Every day, ABB is working side by side with customers in their mines, their mills and their plants, to provide complete technology solutions with automation, electrification and digitalization to radically reduce emissions and energy use. Together with our great network of partners, we are proud of driving real progress in sustainability, but we know that more can and must be done. We’re part of the journey and commit to making real progress always.”

In the metals industries, ABB is committed to enabling customers to use less energy and raw materials when producing steel and aluminum through advanced automation and electrification systems, combined with industry-specific equipment and digitalization, across plants. One solution that brings autonomous plants to life is ABB Ability™ Smart Melt Shop. It facilitates operational excellence by combining real-time crane and ladle tracking, automatic and optimized crane scheduling and heat loss prediction. Benefits include raising casting speeds by 4-5 percent, 5 degrees Celcius less arcing per heat, reduced delays, less material rejection and increased human safety​.

As steel companies move from traditional blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace (BF-BOF) to more sustainable electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking, technologies such as ABB’s ArcSave® electromagnetic stirrer (EMS) can also be deployed in the melt shop to create equilibrium in the melt, enabling more steel to be made, faster and using fewer resources. In partnership with Tenova, this solution has been deployed on the world’s largest EAF, operated by customer Acciaieria Arvedi in Italy. The results include an 18 degrees Celcius lower tapping temperature, a 3.6 percent reduction in electrical energy consumption and a 38,000-ton annual reduction in CO₂e emissions at the plant. EAF productivity has also increased by 5 percent.

ABB Ability™ Energy Management System is a digital solution that provides monitoring and optimization of energy consumption and CO₂e footprint across the metals enterprise. Benefits of this solution include improved planning of operations and 5 to 15 percent energy cost savings in the entire plant.

Electrification is a key pathway to more sustainable metals manufacturing. Leveraging 100 years of metals process know how, ABB experts work together with customers to tailor drives and motors solutions to perform reliably and precisely according to the demands of each process. From primary steelmaking through rolling and processing, using ABB medium and low voltage drives and motors means more efficient energy use, cutting operating costs.

“Alongside some of the foremost steelmakers and aluminium producers in the world, we’re facing a reality that the industries consume large amounts of energy and are responsible for a large proportion of CO₂e and greenhouse gas emissions today,” said Frederik Esterhuizen, Global Business Line Manager, Metals, ABB Process Industries. “We’re enabling mills to take control of their processes and equipment to improve process efficiency, product quality and yield while maximizing resource and energy efficiency. In this way, we will help to limit climate change and create real progress for future generations.”

“Sustainability isn't an option; it’s an imperative for every business leader in our rapidly evolving world. To thrive and create a better future, we must embrace sustainability at the core of our operations,” said Rohit Sharma, Global HSE and Sustainability Manager, ABB Process Industries. “It’s not only about being responsible but also about staying competitive and resilient in an ever-changing global landscape. Our commitment to sustainability today will define our success and impact generations to come.”

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@ABBgroupnews @abbindustryserv @abb_automation #Steel #Pauto

Tractor valves.

Danfoss Power Solutions has enhanced its tractor valve platform with additional electrohydraulic module sizes as well as new mechanical modules, enabling the valve to be used on a wider range of tractor models.

“Danfoss tractor valves have long been used on many of the top tractor brands worldwide. With these enhancements to our valve platform, we are now a full-line valve supplier able to meet the needs of a wider range of tractor models, from small to large and basic to advanced,” said Jonas Lauersen, senior sales development manager, Spool Valve Solutions, Danfoss Power Solutions. “The valve offers a number of benefits, including a high degree of design flexibility and minimized parasitic losses. Danfoss’ unmatched global service and support rounds out the offering, providing our customers with a complete package.”

Proven in farm fields for more than 20 years, Danfoss’ tractor valve provides rear implement, front implement, and front loader control. Built on the PVG 32 proportional valve platform, the tractor valve offers a variety of components and features specific to agricultural applications. A range of valve modules — inlets, working modules for auxiliary functions, hitch modules, top-mounted modules, and endplates — enable customization for each specific application.

Danfoss has added zero-leak electrohydraulic PVBZ 16, 40, and 48 modules to the platform, which enables the valve to cover flow rates of up to 170 liters per minute (44.9 gallons per minute). The new sizes enable customers to tailor the flow rate for each service more accurately. All PVBZ modules are based on the PVG 32 platform, eliminating the need for interface plates and allowing them to be combined in numerous configurations to match customer needs. The new modules are compatible with PVE electrohydraulic actuators.

For tractors with mechanical implement actuation requirements, Danfoss has added zero-leak mechanical MVBZ modules to its valve platform. The MVBZ modules can be combined with the electrohydraulic PVBZ modules, enabling the use of mechanical modules for auxiliary function control and electrohydraulic modules for hitch control. The new mechanical modules also enable the valve to be used on base-model tractors.

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@DanfossPower @Danfoss @NapierPR #Automation #Agriculture

Little cube aids air quality.

Picture a classroom filled with children, their eyes heavy, faces reflecting fatigue, and motivation at an all-time low. This scenario is an all-too-common occurrence – not just in classrooms, but in every indoor environment. It highlights the often-overlooked importance of indoor air quality. The team at QE recognizes that the air we breathe has a profound impact on our lives and introduced an intuitive game-changer for everyone – the Wuerfeli. A compact, pyramid-shaped CO₂ monitor that continuously monitors the air you breathe while adjusting its brightness to fade into any scenery.

Stäfa, Switzerland – Fresh air not only heightens your concentration but also significantly reduces the risk of respiratory infections like influenza. Regular ventilation is the key to unlocking numerous benefits such as preventing mold, overall well-being, sharpening your concentration and reaction capabilities significantly, while combating fatigue. But how do you know when indoor air quality is poor, and you need to take a ventilation break? This is where Wuerfeli comes into play.

As the name suggests (see below), the core of Wuerfeli's brilliance is the world's smallest, highly accurate, cube-shaped CO₂ sensor – the SCD40 by Sensirion. With it, the device transforms you into an air quality expert, guiding you through the invisible pathways of air, optimizing your living space's air quality every day. To ensure your indoor air is as oxygen-rich and fresh as outdoors, the Wuerfeli uses four colors to visualize when to open and close your windows. Say goodbye to guesswork and welcome the simplicity of fresh air with a flick of a switch: 

● Blue:     Close the windows, the air is as fresh as outside
● Green:   Good room air quality
● Orange:  Ventilation is recommended due to decreased cognitive performance
● Red:       Air exchange needed – 1 in 30 breaths consists of previously exhaled air

In addition, Wuerfeli's unique pulsating mode in combination with the blue color helps you reduce ventilation time and minimize energy loss.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Sensirion for such a meaningful cause. The SCD40 and the SHT40 are a perfect fit for Wuerfeli. High accuracy, unmatched price, and smallest form factors have allowed us to create a compact and affordable CO₂ monitor for everyone and everywhere”, says Laurin Schwitter, Co-founder of QE.

Wuerfeli also plays a central role in two major air quality studies conducted in 100 Swiss schools, where the Swiss-based company was able to prove a 63% reduction in COVID-19 infections in well-ventilated classrooms. Its high-precision measurements provide valuable insights into building design, insulation, ventilation behavior, and, most importantly, the demonstration of the “Wuerfeli Effect”: An apparent improvement in overall indoor air quality thanks to the intuitive color system that turns anyone into a ventilation pro in just a few days.  A clearly noticeable improvement. 

This partnership highlights both companies’ commitment to improving the health and comfort of people worldwide. "We want to inspire you to embrace a new level of air quality awareness. Don't just live; thrive with the gift of fresh air."

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@QE_Wuerfeli @sensirion #AirQuality #Environment

Monitoring with surge protection.

Modularity, loop disconnect function, and fault monitoring for signal lines up to SIL 3 in accordance with IEC/EN 61508 - these features are combined in the new M-LB-4000 surge protection system from Pepperl+Fuchs. The devices limit induced transients from various causes on signal lines, for example, due to lightning or switching operations. The 2-channel modules support higher plant availability: Since the protective function is completely housed in the plug-in protection module, there is no need to for rewiring during the replacement.

The M-LB-4000 consists of a two-part surge protection and a two-part fault status monitoring system.

The protection module contains all protection components. It can be replaced without tools while the base module remains in operation. The device has a status indicator on the front panel. When pulling the protection module, the relevant signal circuit remains interconnected via the base module mounted on the DIN mounting rail. The disconnection process does not lead to any signal interruption, meaning that a protection module can be replaced without impairing plant operation.

It allows easy commissioning and servicing using a loop-disconnect function and uninterrupted protection module replacement during ongoing operation.

If the protection module is rotated by 180 degrees and plugged in, the signal circuit will be broken via the integrated isolating function. This simplifies servicing work and loop checks and allows insulation tests to be performed during commissioning or repeated testing.

The two components of the fault status module monitor the status of multiple surge protection barriers. The kit consists of two parts; the optical emitter / receiver and the optical deflection unit. If a fault occurs in one of the barriers to be monitored, the optical signal is interrupted and the fault is identified. The fault status module provides an LED status indicator, enabling visual inspection of the surge protection to meet the normative requirements for regular testing. In addition, a status message output is available, so that the block in which the fault occurred can be identified. One fault status module can monitor up to 50 modules.

At 6 mm, the small width of the modules saves space in the switch cabinet. During retrofitting, existing common disconnect terminal blocks can be replaced regardless of space requirements.

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@PepperlFuchsUSA @mepaxIntPR #PAuto

Superior solinoid valve.

Emerson has introduced the new ASCO™ Series 327C solenoid valve, which features a direct-acting, high-flow design that provides superior flow-to-power ratio compared to similar valves. The Series 327C design features a balanced poppet construction that permits high flows at minimum power levels, making it ideal for use in power plants, refineries and chemical processing facilities.

Facilities like these can have hundreds, even thousands, of valves installed throughout their processes and systems. Even one malfunctioning valve can disrupt critical gas and fluid flows, impacting process quality and forcing unscheduled downtime and extra maintenance.

The ASCO Series 327C incorporates features that combine reliability and durability to increase operational efficiency and improve process certainty. The valve features a unique, two-layer dynamic seal technology that provides low friction and excellent stiction resistance, helping ensure reliable valve operation in environments with temperatures ranging from –60 to 90 degrees Celsius. In addition, the valve is SIL (Safety Integrity Level) 3 Capable, demonstrating a high level of performance integrity and a very low risk of failure over the valve’s projected lifecycle.

“Facilities such as power plants and refineries have demanding, high-flow gas and fluid delivery processes and need valves that are efficient, reliable and easy to maintain across thousands of hours of operation,” said Anne Sophie Kedad, director of marketing with Emerson’s discrete automation group. “The ASCO Series 327C solenoid valve provides the reliable performance these facilities require, helping improve operational efficiency by minimizing unnecessary maintenance trips and extending the intervals between proof tests.”

The ASCO Series 327C valve can help streamline supply chains and simplify specification complexities for global industrial users by providing a single, globally approved solution for high-flow solenoid valve applications. The valve also offers a unique electrical test connection to minimize field commissioning time and prevent moisture ingress in storage.

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@EMR_Automation @Emerson_News @EmersonExchange @ASCOValve @mepaxIntPR #PAuto 

New website for electrical, electronic and optical connectors.

Lane Electronics go live with new Website.

Lane Electronics has implemented a major upgrade to its website. The internet is a very important sales channel for any company and ensuring customers have a seamless and satisfactory experience is essential.

Visitors to the new website will experience improved keyword and part number search functionality, with suggestions of typical part numbers and related products such as mating halves, dust caps, nut plates, gaskets, telescoping bushing and other connector accessories. A blog section features regular product updates and company news and there is a new “events” zone providing customers with upcoming opportunities to see the Lane product range and meet product specialists in person.

Key elements of the new Lane Electronics website include:

• A new e-commerce shop with improved product filtering, detailed technical specifications and latest product images. More product categories are highlighted including those dedicated to the various types of connectors, backshells, caps, contacts, heat shrink boots, RF components and spares. Thousands of parts are featured in the new store, nearly doubling the amount available to be bought online.
• An extended part number cross reference page with improved functionality and more user-friendly interface.
• Quick access to over 127 product types or product ranges filtered by: type, manufactured by, market sectors and specification.
• Access to the latest PDF Catalogues of all products available - 132 downloads in total.
• New keyword and part number ‘search’ functionality providing and improved customer experience.

Nick Wheeler, Sales Director at Lane Electronics, says, “Our products cover a very diverse range of applications and we need to offer every customer the simplest and fastest way to find the exact product they require. E-commerce is now essential, allowing orders to be placed by our customers without having to rely on our sales office being open. The huge increase in products available in our store will greatly increase the convenience of buying from us.”

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@FC_Lane @proactivefleet #PAuto #TandM

Field power supplies.

DIN-Rail power supplies and Field Power Supplies equipped with a fully integrated EtherCAT interface have been introduced by PULS (at SPS 2023 in November 2023).

The integration of the EtherCAT interface allows users to configure and remotely control the power supplies in an efficient and time-saving manner. In addition, it provides access to a variety of measurement data, which enables reliable monitoring and predictive maintenance of both the power supply and the end system.

Application data in real-time:
PULS power supplies with integrated EtherCAT ports can be directly connected to EtherCAT controllers – without the need for additional gateways, providing easy and rapid access to all application data and power supply functions. The real-time capabilities and high-speed transmission of EtherCAT is ideal for maintenance, logging and remote control in large-scale systems.

The power supply data can also be used within real-time control loops. Based on the data, drives or other high-energy users can be controlled in an optimal way to keep the dynamic power needs within the capabilities of the power supply system. This enables improved system efficiency as power supplies can be used at the optimal operating point.

Three models available: • 240 W or 480 W DIN rail power supplies with EtherCAT • Input: AC 100-240 V, DC 110-150 V • Output: 24 V, 10 A or 20 A; 48 V, 10 A • 2 x RJ45 EtherCAT ports • Rated to IP20 • 600 W FIEPOS Field Power Supply with EtherCAT • Input: AC 380 - 480 V • Output: 24 V, 25 A • 4 eFused outputs • M8 A-Coded • Rated to IP65/67

Key benefits of PULS power supplies with EtherCAT interface include:
Use real application data to improve the utilisation of end system.
Implement preventative maintenance and fix errors before they occur.
Reduce energy costs and speed up fault analysis and troubleshooting.

PULS offers all the documentation and tools required to integrate their smart power supplies with EtherCAT into customer’s automation networks, enabling direct access to the device data from the PLC or embedded controller.

This includes extensive documentation – from datasheets, data- and interface-description to quick start guides, enabling a fast and easy integration even for users with little experience. In addition, PULS also provides the relevant electronic data files such as IODD for IO Link or ESI files for EtherCAT. As part of their quick start quides PULS also provides sample configurations and programs for selected PLCs and control tools.

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@PULSPowerSupply @proactivefleet #PSU