CONTENTS
Welcome
In this, the first International Process Engineer of 2025, we have several articles looking at AI in industry. The first, Curated crops (page 10), explores the work of Avalo, a company using AI to make cotton that is more resilient to both changes in climate and the production process. As stated in the article, it is typical that 50% of cotton is degraded during the production process, but a more resilient crop strain will help to mitigate this. Another article titled From predictive to prescriptive (page 46) argues that the emergence of agentic AI will see an increase in autonomous decision making in business with real-time adaptability. Dijam Panigrahi COO of GridRaster explains that this type of agentic AI is currently reshaping manufacturing operations. Although the the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has been discussed at length for some time now, improved connectivity and a reduction in the cost of sensors are beginning to make themselves felt. In The new normal (page 6), John Calder technical director from Durapump tells use why he thinks these developments will result in increased deployment of smart pumps throughout industry. As is usual for the magazine, we explore a new area of food processing: this month The perfect ready meal (page 24) looks at the importance of inspection technologies in dried foods. Chemical and process engineers will be gearing up for Hannover Messe at the end of this month. The show will look at industrial technology, with key areas being AI, smart sensors, robotics and the Internet of Things.
Nicola Brittain Editor
10 COVER 10
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Curated crops How AI can make cotton more resilient during production
PROCESS EQUIPMENT
– MARCH 2025 – 14
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Next-gen pumps New pumps from Emerson provide higher flow rates
Biomass actuators An actuator retrofit from Auma increases efficiency
Screen ready Interactive smart displays are made for use in industrial settings
PLANT MANAGEMENT
Size matters Exploring the role of composites in wide diameter tube development
www.engineerlive.com
Optimising air quality The best way of dealing with polluted exhaust air from microchip production
Plastic fantastic How plastic fans can reduce corrosion in chemical plants
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