Industry News
Schenck Process names new CEO
Schenck Process has named Andreas Evertz as its new CEO, effective as of 5 May 2014. Evertz will lead the company in conjunction with Managing Directors Mike Petkovich and Wolfgang Kleinschmidt. [ + ]
Is 'underground coal gasification' the new fracking?
Recent news that a gas project in Queensland has been charged with environmental harm has put the spotlight on underground coal gasification, or UCG. [ + ]
Honeywell technology selected for major Asian natural gas pipeline
Automation and safety technology from Honeywell Process Solutions has been selected for the third phase of a pipeline project supplying natural gas from central Asia to China, the company has announced. [ + ]
Fieldbus Foundation and HART Communication Foundation progress towards potential merger
The Fieldbus Foundation has announced progress in its discussions with the HART Communication Foundation on the potential for merging the two organisations. [ + ]
Reducing brown coal emissions with direct injection carbon engine
A direct injection carbon engine (DICE) developed by CSIRO could reduce emissions from brown-coal-generated electricity by as much as 50% compared to current technology. CSIRO will trial DICE in the Latrobe Valley. [ + ]
Baxter Research Robot available to purchase in Australia
The Baxter Research Robot has been released for sale in Australia and New Zealand. The low-cost robot is an open-source platform that allows researchers to customise a range of applications for robots and to drive robotics innovation. [ + ]
F-35 purchases a boost for Aust high-tech manufacturers
The government's decision to purchase more F-35 joint strike fighters is a boost for Australia's high-tech manufacturing industry, aerospace manufacturer Marand says. [ + ]
Fluid Components International celebrates 50 years of business
Fluid Components International (FCI) is celebrating 50 years in business. Established in 1964, FCI is a technology innovator and global leader in flow, level and temperature measurement. [ + ]
Microalgae could be used to clean up nuclear effluent
The microalga, Coccomyxa actinabiotis, was discovered in a used fuel cell storage pool at a nuclear facility and is capable of withstanding extreme radiation doses of up to 20 kilograys (kGy). [ + ]
ACI Connect attracts engineering leaders to launch event
ACI Connect, Australia's new automation, control and instrumentation-focused conference and expo, launched in Melbourne last week, receiving very positive feedback from attendees. [ + ]
Weidmüller announces plans to acquire R. STAHL shares
Weidmüller has issued a public takeover offer for all shares of R. STAHL. The company has offered €47.50 for each share. [ + ]
Vibration harvesters get a boost with piezoelectric material
Self-powered sensors and devices could soon be a reality, after researchers discovered a way to boost the energy output of lightweight polymer vibration harvesters. [ + ]
Education key to success of Australian manufacturing
Despite downturns in some manufacturing sectors, things aren't all bad for the industry, according to the Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency's (AWPA's) new report, the Manufacturing Workforce Study 2014. [ + ]
EPA to prosecute Orica over alleged ammonia leak
Orica is being prosecuted by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) over an incident in which ammonia gas allegedly escaped from the company's Kooragang Island site in March 2013. [ + ]
Engineers Australia president kicks off ACI Connect
ACI Connect opened in Melbourne this morning, with Engineers Australia president Alex Baitch addressing senior engineering professionals on the future of manufacturing and engineering and the key role that automation, control and instrumentation will play in it. [ + ]
