Rio, GE, Atlas unite to automate mining
22 September, 2008Rio Tinto has formed separate alliances with Atlas Copco and General Electric (GE) to develop autonomous drilling and energy-efficient mining solutions.
Megatrends of the future
15 September, 2008 by Glenn Johnson, EditorThere is no doubt that the changing face of the world manufacturing industry is presenting enormous challenges and opportunities to the automation and process control industry. Can we, in Australia, be innovative enough to continue to prosper while meeting our environmental and social responsibilities in the future? This article is an excerpt from a forthcoming feature in What’s New in Process Technology magazine.
Garnaut projections show mitigation bearable
11 September, 2008The costs of reducing greenhouse gas emissions are less daunting when the alternatives are considered, according to the Garnaut Climate Change Review.
Emerson opens Singapore customer service centre
10 September, 2008Emerson Process Management has opened the Southeast Asia Service Centre in Singapore to make its full range of automation services more accessible to the Asia–Pacific market.
All talk no action for social responsibilty
10 September, 2008Many Australian businesses appear not to be pulling their weight when it comes to their corporate social responsibility, according to a recent report by consultant firm Grant Thornton.
Champion sets five-year safety record
10 September, 2008Australian compressed air specialist Champion Compressors has recently chalked up five years without a ‘lost-time injury’ in any of its workplaces.
The instrumentation skills shortage — is there light at the end of the tunnel?
10 September, 2008 by John Immelman* | Supplied by: Endress+Hauser Australia Pty LtdThe demise of the instrumentation technician in Australia began over 20 years ago when formal training in these skills ceased. Throw in Generation Y, short-sighted venture capitalists, outsourced servicing and company reengineering and it is evident that all is not well with the instrumentation profession.
Using seawater to cut emissions
13 August, 2008Technology that can cut CO2 emissions from industry, power stations and shipping has been developed by a South Australian company.
Electrical engineer honoured with international award
12 August, 2008The prestigious Quazza Medal has been awarded to the University of Newcastle’s Laureate Professor Graham Goodwin for his contribution to electrical engineering.
Sarina distillery upgrade planned
07 August, 2008Sugar manufacturer CSR has announced it will spend $17.8 million to increase its ethanol production capacity to 60 megalitres (ML) per annum, to match strong demand by Australian oil companies for fuel-grade ethanol.
Proposed ‘cleaner coal’ power plant
05 August, 2008GE Energy is garnering support from governments and industry to build a $3 billion Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power plant by 2015.
Company acquisition plans
05 August, 2008Bosch Rexroth plans to acquire all shares in Hägglunds Drives AB, which is based in Mellansel, Sweden. Hägglunds Drives is an international supplier of complete hydraulic drive systems, separate drive motors and services.
$1.4b gas field announced but no gas until 2015
01 August, 2008Oil giants ExxonMobil and BHP Billiton will develop a $1.4 billion gas and oil field in Bass Strait but, although oil production will start in 2011, gas production will not start until 2015.
Research and development helps Australian manufacturers
25 July, 2008 | Supplied by: AusIndustryMelbourne-based automation and robotics specialist Andrew Donald Design Engineers is reaping great benefits from its work with Australian manufacturers. The company works with its customers to design automated processes to improve efficiency and productivity, and with its strong focus on research and development, has claimed the Australian Government’s R&D Tax Concession since 1998.
Emerson acquires TopWorx
16 July, 2008Emerson has announced it has acquired TopWorx, a manufacturer of industrial sensors and controls that monitor and manage automated valves and other field devices.
