The world's most common form of renewable energy production is not solar energy or wind power, but energy generated by burning biomass or biogas. Like coal-fired power generation, the efficiency of the process needs to be monitored, as well as the range of toxic materials that can be released when burning organic materials and other waste. [ + ]

Many oil fields, especially mature ones, can produce high levels of hydrogen sulphide, which is deadly at even low concentrations. As drilling and completions are often in remote locations, getting to the nearest hospital in time to respond to an exposure event could be impossible. It is always crucial to be able to detect the gas as soon as possible when a leak occurs, in even the most challenging conditions. [ + ]

With engineers succeeding in 3D-printing electrical components — such as resistors, inductors and capacitors — they've put the new technology to the test by printing a wireless 'smart cap' for a milk carton that detected signs of spoilage using embedded sensors. [ + ]

Changing vapour phase conditions affect radiation-based continuous level measurement. [ + ]

Digitalisation overlaps into all parts of the economy and transforms the way we do business. But if digitalisation is so important, where does it sit in the business and political agenda? Who needs to drive it? [ + ]

Management at turnkey automation systems providers are always seeking ways to improve production efficiencies on the manufacturing floor. The challenge is to keep up with sales growth and deliver systems on time, while maintaining the same amount of resources. [ + ]

There comes a time when the ends of a conveyor belt must be joined. Whether a first-time installation, replacement or repair, the question is: what methods are available to fasten the two ends, and which one is best for your application. [ + ]

Product quality and the ability to deliver orders on time are the fundamentals to sustaining customer relationships. [ + ]

Revolutionary intelligent bearings technology will underpin the creation of intelligent machines, says SKF. [ + ]

The IoT enables companies to establish an information-enabled business, linking consumer information, distribution, manufacturing and supply chain — allowing manufacturers to become flexible and competitive on a global scale. [ + ]

The oil and gas industry has been relatively quick to establish convergence between operational and business information systems, but this results in the need for better methodologies for countering the threat posed by cyber attacks. [ + ]

Piezo valves are often a better alternative to conventional solenoid valves, especially in the areas of flow and pressure control and as directly controlled proportional valves. [ + ]

As SCADA operations face increased demand for cost reduction and enhanced efficiency, the spotlight is on enabling new capabilities, and it's in new technology and adaptive processes that SCADA teams are focusing their efforts. [ + ]

The digitalisation of the industrial world involves the collection and analysis of data from a large number of sensors with the aim of aiding the people responsible for plant operations, maintenance and management. Handling this flood of data in an intelligent way holds the key to greater plant efficiency. [ + ]

Last week at the ACI Connect conference and exhibition, Rafael Koenig, chairman of Profibus Australia, presented at the Future Networks Forum to an audience of automation, control and instrumentation professionals about Profinet's role in Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things. [ + ]