NEWS MODERNISING WATER MANAGEMENT


accurately determining fluid flow within a pipe. By placing transducers on the outside of the pipe, ultrasonic signals are transmitted through the pipe wall and fluid. The difference in signal transit times provides a precise calculation of flow velocity. This technique suits applications where operational continuity and low maintenance are critical.


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At an industrial site along the Lower Rhine, water is an indispensable raw material. It supports a range of applications – from chemical processing and energy generation to cooling and cleaning.


Annually, the site moves approximately 760 million cubic meters of water through a vast pipe network. The majority serves as process water for through- flow cooling and circulation water for temperature regulation. This scale of usage is energy- intensive, with hundreds of pumps and drives consuming around 240,000 megawatt hours of electricity each year. As operational demands evolved, and the focus shifted toward energy efficiency and streamlined maintenance, engineers began exploring alternative technologies to the measurement system that was in place..


Thanks to the previous successful applications at the same site, engineers opted to retrofit an existing DN300 steel pipeline with a stationary clamp- on ultrasonic flow meter. Clamp-on systems offer key advantages, such as: installation without pipe modifications, no risk of contamination, zero pressure loss, and minimal maintenance. These benefits were particularly important given the volume and criticality of the water being measured. The retrofit was completed without any operational downtime, and the new setup introduced no energy loss or mechanical wear. To find out more contact Simon Millington – Flexim Emerson GB: flexim- uk@emerson.com | +44 (0)1606 781 420


lamp-on ultrasonic flow measurement offers a non-intrusive method for


FROM STEM TO STEAM - WHY WE NEED CREATIVE THINKERS


he chemical supply chain is facing a widening skills gap. Tim Doggett, CEO of the Chemical Business Association (CBA), explains that the challenge is not simply recruitment, but changing perceptions of the industry to reach a wider, more diverse talent pool.


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The UK’s chemical supply chain is vital to every aspect of modern life. From medicines and agriculture to construction, electronics, and energy, more than 96% of manufactured goods have a chemical input, making the sector indispensable to society, the economy, and sustainability. Contributing around £70 billion in annual revenue and £22 billion in gross value added, the industry directly employs over 150,000 people, with at least half a million more employed across its supply chain.


Despite its scale and importance, the sector faces a widening skills gap that threatens its long- term resilience. A substantial proportion of experienced professionals are approaching retirement, while insufficient numbers of young people are entering the industry, in many cases, due to lack of knowledge about the variety of roles that exist. This risks significant loss of expertise at a time when rapid technological progress, environmental pressures, and shifting policy priorities are reshaping the workforce. Research across the chemical supply chain shows that 85% of professionals recognise a skills shortage across several key areas. One of the most urgent needs is sustainability expertise. As the UK moves toward Net Zero, demand is accelerating for skills in green chemistry, environmental compliance, and renewable energy. Another is logistics – more than half of UK HGV drivers are over 50, raising questions about succession planning and the sector’s ability to maintain safe and reliable movement of hazardous materials.


Digitalisation adds further pressure. Despite global advances in AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making, many areas of the chemical supply chain remain reliant on outdated systems, creating barriers to innovation. Over a third of industry professionals identify lack of training with new technologies as the biggest skills gap, threatening both operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.


STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) has long been the backbone of technical education and remains essential. However, the challenges – and opportunities – of the 21st century require alternative skills that complement technical competence, such as creativity, adaptability, communication, and interdisciplinary thinking. This is where STEAM, which adds the Arts to STEM, becomes crucial. The Arts in STEAM extend far beyond traditional creative disciplines. They include design, language, communication, critical thinking, and the broader skills that enable people to approach challenges in innovative ways.


While scientists, engineers, and logistics professionals are vital to the sector, so too are more creative thinkers who can support innovation,


6 JANUARY 2026 | PROCESS & CONTROL


engagement, and technological transformation. Incorporating the Arts does not dilute scientific excellence; it enhances it by pairing technical skill with fresh ideas and perspectives.


To help close the skills gap and change perceptions of the sector, the CBA launched Generation STEAM, an initiative designed to broaden horizons and highlight the sector’s diverse opportunities. It aims to inspire curiosity in young people, regardless of their background, interests, or academic pathway, and to challenge the stereotype that the chemical industry is only for those who identify with traditional STEM roles. It expands the “A” in STEAM to represent Ability, Ambition, Attitude, Adaptability, and Aspiration, highlighting that with these Attributes, Anything is possible. The initiative also champions Apprenticeships, reminding young people, parents, and educators that university is not the only route into a rewarding and meaningful career. A key goal of Generation STEAM is raising Awareness of the chemical supply chain among young people, especially those who don’t fit the traditional academic mould, as many are unaware of the breadth of opportunities available. By raising the profile of roles less widely considered, it highlights the importance of different strengths and abilities, helping young people see themselves in the sector while breaking down outdated stereotypes about careers and the chemical supply chain itself as a ‘dirty’ or ‘polluting’ industry.


Central to Generation STEAM is its Army of Ambassadors – a diverse group of professionals across different career stages who volunteer to engage with schools, colleges, and communities. They make careers relatable by sharing real-world stories, showing that the industry offers Accessible and inclusive pathways for all kinds of talent. Embracing STEAM is not only futureproofing the sector, but showcasing a long-term commitment to breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations.


By welcoming a broader range of skills and perspectives, the industry can present itself as innovative and inclusive while ensuring the chemical sector’s competitiveness and resilience. To express an interest in becoming a Generation STEAM ambassador, please email info@generation- steam.com.


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