Siemens has been working with Ok Tedi Mining Limited since 2005 to improve operational performance. The latest project targets improvements in the drive train infrastructure. [ + ]

Research conducted at Georgia Tech has demonstrated the possibility of pumping molten metal at over 1400°C using ceramic pump components, opening up new possibilities in high-temperature heat transfer and storage — a critical factor in efficient energy conversion. [ + ]

Identifying process defects within plastic parts can be very challenging, and can only be achieved through deploying high-speed, precise machine vision systems. [ + ]

The Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS has developed a multibeam antenna that can be integrated into existing systems and improve their reliability. [ + ]

A three-pronged approach to mine rehabilitation and recommissioning has paid handsome time, cost-efficiency and community dividends for Glencore as it brings its Integra coal mine in the Hunter Valley back into production. [ + ]

An integrated solution unlocks real-time visibility into utility usage across brewing, packaging and distribution for improved decision support. [ + ]

One of the largest producers of mineral water in France, Carola, is producing a lighter PET bottle and, in doing so, has also increased output speed by 3000 containers/h. [ + ]

Modern pH sensors have significantly improved processes for Finnish gold miner Agnico Eagle. [ + ]

As far as the process industries are concerned, the road to Industry 4.0 is still long. Fraunhofer researchers and engineers are working on interconnecting process systems so that they can be serviced and maintained predictively, by combining operating data with employees' knowledge. [ + ]

A new water information management system has improved efficiency and productivity for a US wastewater treatment plant. [ + ]

Traditionally, beer brewers used to prepare their own malt, but now specialised malt houses often handle this job for them. The processes in these facilities are largely automated and carried out with state-of-the-art equipment. [ + ]

A quarry has acheived increased productivity as well as increased uptime and 30% higher crusher wear liner life using the Metso cone crusher. [ + ]

Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute have demonstrated special high-temperature piezo sensors can continuously monitor components that are as hot as 900°C. Potential applications include the detection of cracks and corrosion in hot power station components. [ + ]

When a German chocolate manufacturer needed to upgrade its compressed air station, it was clear that oil-free compressors should be used. [ + ]

Boral's Linwood quarry had a 30-year-old primary jaw crusher that was struggling to keep up with production demands, and tertiary crushers that were nearing the end of their effective service life. [ + ]