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To keep global energy and manufacturing systems safe and efficient, engineers must accurately track every degree of temperature, every pound of pressure, and every inch of material level. Since 2007, Beijing Rettar Technology Co., Ltd. (RETTAR) has dedicated eighteen years to a single, unwavering conviction: ”Do only one thing—make industrial measurement more accurate.” Pioneering Excellence in Global Process Measurement From its inception, RETTAR has been a technology-driven enterprise focused on providing high-precision, intelligent sensor solutions for the coal, mining, grain, and construction sectors. We launched our journey with the self-developed CPR6500 radar level meter, establishing a baseline for reliability in demanding environments. Our mission has always been clear: to empower global industry with a high-precision measurement ecosystem that turns complex raw data into actionable operational safety. Evolution: From Legacy Points to Spatial Intelligence The

At interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf, Eirich will present forward-looking solutions for the food and pharma sectors from May 7 to 13. The focus is on energy-efficient processes and the intelligent bundling of complex preparation steps. Holistic Solutions for the Process Industry From May 7 to 13, 2026, the global packaging and process industry will meet at this year’s interpack in Düsseldorf. The world’s leading trade fair acts as an international driver for future topics such as sustainability, resource-saving production, and smart manufacturing—areas where Eirich specifically plays to its strengths and presents innovative solutions for energy-efficient, stable, and digitally controlled production processes to the industry. Maximum Process Reliability via Multifunctionality As one of the technological leaders in the industry, the Hardheim-based specialist shows how complex preparation processes can be reliably mastered. The company’s technology combines numerous process steps such as mixing, granulating, kneading, and coating in a single unit. This reduces interfaces, minimizes contamination risks, and ensures optimal results with low energy input—ideal conditions for applications

Beijing Rettar Technology Co., Ltd. (RETTAR) has been officially nominated for the 2026 Leaders in Automation Awards. This recognition comes from Control, a top international magazine for the automation industry. Being nominated proves that RETTAR’s 3D scanning technology is making a real impact on how companies monitor bulk materials like coal and minerals. Industry Recognition for Technical Excellence The Leaders in Automation Awards are highly respected because they are organized by the experts at PMMI Media Group, who publish Control. Unlike other traditional industry lists, this award is determined through a rigorous voting process. This means the recognition is granted not by a committee, but by thousands of frontline automation engineers and technical decision-makers who rely on these technologies to maintain system integrity in critical process industries. For RETTAR, being nominated for these awards shows that their 3D mapping technology is a leader in the field. It highlights the company’s ability to provide radar tools that work reliably in tough places like mines, power plants, and heavy factories. This nod from the industry confirms that RETTAR is helping

Smart pneumatic conveying control: efficient, adaptable, and ready for the future The Gericke GUC-C Conveying Controller delivers precise, reliable control for pneumatic dense phase conveying systems. It combines industrial-grade reliability with the connectivity and flexibility required by modern bulk material handling applications. The GUC-C Pneumatic Conveying Controller from the Swiss Gericke Group sets a new benchmark for process control in pneumatic conveying. Designed for industries where efficiency, safety, and integration are critical, the GUC-C streamlines the operation of dense phase conveying systems across the food, chemical, pharmaceutical, mineral and specialty sectors. Its modular architecture and user-friendly interface make it the perfect choice for both new installations and upgrades to existing conveying lines. A key advantage of the GUC-C Controller is its versatility and scalability. One unit can manage multiple conveying lines, supporting various process modes and configurations. This reduces equipment costs and simplifies

ULT presents new cartridge filter system for safe and clean manufacturing processes Air technology vendor ULT presents the ULT 2500.1, a new extraction and filtration system for larger dust quantities. The system is designed for applications in laser processing, welding, grinding, cutting and polishing processes, as well as filling operations. The ULT 2500.1 fume and dust extractor is a cartridge filter unit in a standard ignition-source-free design for volume flows up to 6,800 m³/h. The system can be utilized in a wide variety of industries, e.g., metal or plastics processing, electronics or battery manufacturing, bulk material handling, or in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. The ULT 2500.1 was designed to meet fire and explosion protection safety requirements in its standard configuration. The use of low-maintenance HEPA H14 filter elements guarantees 99.995% air purification. The filter change comes along with minimal contamination and without subsequent cleaning work. Further user benefits include easy integration into existing

In an era of precision fuel management, the RETTAR 3DPro2300 eliminates the ”Black Box” of coal bunkers. Using 3D Spatial Mapping, it replaces risky manual audits with real-time, high-density data for smarter, safer operations. In 2026, the energy sector’s push toward high-quality development has reached a critical inflection point. As ”Carbon Emission” targets and intelligent mine construction accelerate, fuel management precision now dictates cost control and market competitiveness. For power plants, coking facilities, and port terminals, coal bunkers are no longer mere storage units; they are critical data nodes linking procurement, scheduling, and operational decision-making. The Operational ”Black Box”: High-Stakes Uncertainty Despite digital advancements, the interior of a massive coal bunker remains a high-risk ”black box.” Industrial operators consistently face three systemic pain points: - Inventory Shrinkage & Discrepancy: Monthly audits frequently reveal variances of hundreds of tons between book value and physical stock. When a 10,000-ton silo suffers a 5% margin of error, the resulting financial fluctuation is unacceptable. - Manual Safety Risks: Legacy point-level

NORO is investing in the future: our butterfly valves and flap boxes are getting an Upgrade – now featuring high-quality ifm drive sensors and rotary drives from the manufacturer Air Torque. For you, this means more functions, greater stability, and easier installation – at the same price. Your advantages at a glance: - Robust & durable: The sensor replaces the previous microswitches – low maintenance and reliable. (The MVQ is a magnetic Hall sensor.) - Industry 4.0: The smart MVQ valve sensor with IO-Link enables data-based maintenance and analysis – take advantage of the potential or stick with the classic approach. More performance at the same price: State-of-the-art technology at no extra cost. Switch to the new generation of automation now – with proven NORO components and ifm technology for maximum efficiency.

Maximize shelf life and prevent fat oxidation with Poeth Solids Processing’s automated MAP technology. Our turnkey system uses vacuum and nitrogen flushing to ensure superior product stability for sensitive powders. The Science of Shelf-Life Extension In the food industry, Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) is increasingly essential for preserving product integrity. This technology is particularly vital in the dairy sector for milk powders containing unsaturated fats, where the primary objective is to arrest the oxidation process. By significantly reducing oxygen exposure, manufacturers can maintain flavor profiles and nutritional value over much longer periods than traditional packaging methods allow. Combating Oxidation with Precision Fat oxidation is a direct result of oxygen exposure; therefore, displacing oxygen is the most effective way to protect sensitive goods. Most modern applications replace ambient air with pure nitrogen or a specialized nitrogen-carbon dioxide blend. This substitution creates a stable internal environment that protects the product from the chemical degradation that typically occurs during storage and transport. Vacuum Technology and Inert Gas

80GHz FMCW 3D Radar Scanner for dust-heavy silos. Real-time volume/mass data, zero-climb safety, and total inventory control. In the era of Industry 4.0, digital material management is no longer a luxury—it is the baseline for reducing costs and staying competitive. Yet, for plant managers in cement, power, and mining, the ”inventory gap” remains a constant headache. You cannot manage what you cannot see, and in a 55-meter-deep silo filled with swirling dust, traditional sensors often leave you blind. The 3DPro2300 Radar Scanner moves beyond simple distance measurement to provide complete 3D surface topology, turning ”invisible” bulk solids into actionable data. The Reality of ”Blind” Material Management Traditional measurement methods frequently fail in heavy industrial settings characterized by high dust, large particle sizes, and extreme temperatures. For a typical large-scale cement silo, the operational ”pain points” are significant: Extreme Dust Interference: Visibility inside silos is often near zero. Laser-based equipment is effectively useless here, as it cannot

What requirements do users have for modern weighing controllers today—and what trends will shape weighing electronics in the coming years? In this interview, SysTec sales engineer Niko Donder provides insights into current developments. Interview with Niko Donder, International Sales Engineer at SysTec, in which he provides insights into current developments of weighing controllers. [INTERMEZZO**M95****What new demands do today’s users place on weighing electronics? What are your experiences in practice?**] Technological innovations are a major driving force behind the development of the weighing industry and shape the requirements of users. Modern dynamic weighing and filling processes require fast and precise signal processing. The hardware and software components must be designed for maximum throughput and the shortest cycle times for checkweighers or filling scales. For dynamic vehicle or railway scales, exceptionally high sampling rates are essential to accurately capture load changes and movements, and ensure correct evaluation. In addition to W&M approvals, a wide operating temperature range, high vibration resistance, strong EMC protection, and high housing tightness are further essential

Maximize Product Value Through Enhanced Screening Efficiency – 10 Science-Based Optimization Factors for Precise Separation Processes That Deliver Results. Professional screening is based on physical principles and economic reasoning: Optimized separation processes transform raw material into high-quality fractions, minimize losses, and measurably increase product quality. Yet many plant operators fail to fully exploit this potential. The consequences? Inefficient trajectories due to incorrectly dimensioned vibration parameters, lost separation sharpness due to mismatched frequency settings, blockages due to underestimated material properties. The following 10 aspects are based on scientific findings and demonstrate how to generate maximum value from every throughput: From particle-mesh interaction to staggered vibration concepts to the correct definition of performance metrics. No speculation. Just physics and three decades of practical experience: Error #1: Insufficient Material Characterization Successful screening processes require detailed product knowledge. Beyond particle size distribution, other properties

Through an optimized chain design, FB Ketten increased the service life of an RDF drag chain conveyor to over 19,000 hours. The result for the Swiss cement plant: €70,000 in savings and maximum process reliability. Endurance Test for Conveyor Tech in the Cement Industry Conveyor chains in cement plants and RDF processing facilities are high-load components that must function reliably under abrasive and moist operating conditions. Their service life directly influences plant availability and thus the cost-effectiveness of the entire process. This practical case shows how significant improvements can be achieved through an optimized chain design. Extreme Stress from Abrasive Refuse-Derived Fuels Conveyor systems for alternative fuels such as plastic granulate typically run in continuous operation. The chains are constantly exposed to mechanical stress, abrasive conveyed materials, moisture, contamination, temperature changes, and insufficient lubrication. For the operators, this means: * High sensitivity to unplanned downtime. * Rising maintenance and spare parts costs due to insufficient chain quality or design, materials, and heat treatment not adapted to conveyor parameters. *

Stable measured values for a resilient water industry. From 4 to 8 May 2026, at IFAT in Munich, booth C1.239, VEGA will be showing state-of-the-art level and pressure instrumentation. Extreme weather events, increasing demands on drinking water quality and ever more complex wastewater processes are putting operators under increasing pressure. A sustainable and resilient water and wastewater infrastructure therefore needs one thing above all else: reliable measurement data, even under difficult conditions. From 4 to 8 May 2026, at IFAT in Munich, booth C1.239, VEGA will be showing how state-of-the-art level and pressure instrumentation helps to keep processes stable and efficient over the long term. Interactive demonstrations at the exhibition stand illustrate the capabilities of the sensors under realistic operating conditions. One focus is on wastewater treatment. Precise and stable measured values are indispensable in all process stages: from inflow via pumping stations to sedimentation and aeration to sludge dewatering and effluent control. Even in the presence of foam, vapours, buildup or changing media conditions, VEGA sensors deliver

Following a comprehensive recalculation, numerous components will be offered at significantly lower prices, in some cases by up to 50 percent. Hardheim, March 2026: In March 2026, the expert in mixing and processing technology adjusted the prices for its original wear parts worldwide. Following a comprehensive recalculation, numerous components will be offered at significantly lower prices, in some cases by up to 50 percent. Responding to changing market conditions In recent years, spare and wear parts in many industrial sectors have continuously become more expensive. At the same time, competition has intensified. In addition to traditional competitors, providers of replica and counterfeit parts are increasingly appearing, arguing primarily on price. Eirich is now drawing consequences from this. With the new price structure, original parts are intended to be clearly competitive again. The company wants to prevent operators from switching to non-approved components for purely economic reasons. Investment protection for long-lasting systems Eirich mixers are in use worldwide in various industries. Many

Depaq R: a high-performance bag emptying robot designed for reliable handling of bagged raw materials such as plastic granulates. A key advantage of the Depaq R is its short lead time. For plastics processors, production uptime is critical. Unplanned downtime or long equipment lead times can quickly impact output and operational efficiency. To address this challenge, ATS Dutch Machinery introduces the Depaq R, a high-performance bag emptying robot designed for reliable handling of bagged raw materials such as plastic granulates. A key advantage of the Depaq R is its short lead time, allowing plastics manufacturers to quickly expand production capacity or replace existing bag emptying systems without long delivery times. Bag emptying automation for bulk solids handling The Depaq R is developed for automated bag emptying in bulk solids handling processes, particularly in demanding industries such as plastics processing. The system enables consistent and efficient discharge of bagged materials into downstream conveying or dosing systems. By automating manual bag emptying operations, the system helps improve production continuity and reduce labor

A Wallace & Tiernan paste slaking system installed in 1995 had become obsolete, with no spare parts available. Processing 210,000 tons of waste per year for ~720,000 people, the facility relies on an advanced flue gas treatment system where lime slurry neutralizes acid gases. The challenge: A Wallace & Tiernan paste slaking system installed in 1995 had become obsolete, with no spare parts available. Sodimate Deutschland GmbH designed a targeted retrofit, preserving existing tanks and pumps while upgrading key components: * silo discharge and dosing systems * lime slaking units * water dosing systems * Brother washers During installation, a mobile plant ensured continuous lime slurry supply, avoiding downtime. The result: * smooth operation of both lines * stable lime slurry production (~2,700 L/h) * improved reliability and long-term maintainability This project proves that aging installations can be modernized efficiently and sustainably.

UWT reinforces its social commitment through a 10,000 Euro donation toward a school kitchen and solar project in Rwanda, partnering with Dr. Johannes Huber to ensure long-term energy and food security for 2,000 students. Infrastructure development and local integration The bulk solids measurement specialist UWT is expanding its ”UWT cares” initiative by supporting a major social project in a suburb of Kigali, Rwanda. Initiated by surgeon Dr. Johannes Huber, the project focuses on providing sustainable infrastructure for a school serving 2,000 students, including inclusive classes. A newly completed 3,000 square meter facility featuring a school kitchen and dining hall was constructed using local labor, ensuring regional value creation and long-term operational stability. Core objectives of the infrastructure project * Reliable daily catering for all students * Integration of local workers in the construction process * Implementation of sustainable, pragmatic building solutions * Support for inclusive education through improved facilities Sustainable energy solutions for operational independence To address high wood and energy costs in the region, a comprehensive photovoltaic

The conditioning of aquaculture feed into bags is a critical step to ensure pellet stability. PAYPER’s integrated solutions enhance logistics and preserve nutritional value in post-extrusion production. Strategic Importance of Bagging in Aquaculture Aquaculture feed is a highly sensitive product that requires precise handling after the extrusion and drying stages. Modern bagging systems must protect pellets and microparticles from external factors while maintaining strict weight accuracy to prevent product loss and ensure consistency for the end producer. Overcoming Specific Material Challenges The industry faces diverse requirements, including fluctuating bulk densities and the need for various bag formats. * High-performance MSX weighing controllers ensure precision. * Adaptable lines handle multiple bag materials and sizes. * Robust construction withstands humid and dusty environments. * Integrated labeling systems facilitate full batch traceability. Automation and Digitalization of the Production Line Beyond filling, the transition to automated palletizing and digital monitoring is essential for operational efficiency. * Automated palletizers create

Join industry leaders in Essen this May to explore the next generation of conveyor technology. From AI-driven maintenance to sustainable quarrying, we bridge the gap between technical safety and economic efficiency. If bulk materials are to be conveyed reliably and energy-efficiently, belt conveyors are indispensable in many plants. This is exactly where our conference comes in. In five selected program highlights, the conference addresses key future topics related to the operation, safety, and design of belt conveyor systems: Enhancing Safety: Biomass Fire Prevention and Monitoring Yevhen Redka (Artur Küpper GmbH & Co. KG) explains why conveying biomass is particularly challenging due to fluctuating moisture levels and a heterogeneous material structure, and how this can increase the risk of fire—placing special emphasis on idler rollers as a potential heat source and on thermal monitoring systems (IR/sensor technology) that can detect critical temperature rises at an early stage. Smart Maintenance: Vibration-Based Diagnostic Systems Jan Wilke (REMA TIP TOP AG) focuses on maintenance and presents a vibration-based diagnostic system for idler roller wear detection, which

The free BradyScan app provides excellent DPM scanning and backend integration options, QR-code security checks and image-to-text OCR technology. Automated identification and data capture specialist Brady Corporation lets users read and generate barcodes professionally with a smartphone - at no extra cost. The free BradyScan app provides excellent DPM scanning and backend integration options, QR-code security checks and image-to-text OCR technology. BradyScan app is a versatile 3-in-1 mobile application designed to streamline scanning and printing tasks in light manufacturing, laboratories, and field services. Modern industrial environments require speed and precision. BradyScan addresses this by consolidating the entire barcode workflow into a single interface. Users can seamlessly scan over 46 types of barcodes, including Direct Part Marking (DPM), and instantly generate 33 different barcode types, such as GS1. The app’s technical capabilities extend beyond simple scanning. It features automated data entry via Image-to-Barcode and Speech-to-Barcode technology, allowing for hands-free productivity. For

Sustainable sample bags for retained samples and sample logistics with security closure, fill-in fields, barcode and tear-off tabs with control number Bürkle offers safety bags for samples that are made from 80% recycled material (PE-LD). The bags and tear-off field are marked with an eight-digit consecutive number. Fields for filling in the name, batch, customer, location, date and signature ensure that the sample can be assigned in a structured and traceable manner. Unauthorised opening of the sample bag is indicated by a void mark on the security seal. The security bags are available in three sizes (500 ml, 1000 ml, 2000 ml) – each in packs of 100.

Safety is top priority in environments where the risk of dust explosion is present. STIF addresses this challenge with VIGIFLAM VI, a revolutionary device designed for indoor flameless explosion venting. In industrial environments where the risk of dust explosion is present, ensuring the safety of equipment and operators is a top priority. The company STIF, leader on the market of passive explosion protection technology, addresses this challenge with VIGIFLAM VI, a revolutionary device designed for indoor flameless explosion venting. Risk of Dust Explosion A mixture of air and dust can be explosive under certain conditions. When flammable material is handled in large quantities, the dust level can become so high that there is a risk of explosion. When flammable dust is mixed with air and the dust concentration becomes sufficiently high, the fire in one particle can ignite the other - and then things go wrong. Flameless Explosion Venting Flameless explosion relief enables safe explosion relief in enclosed or indoor areas without the release of flames, sparks, and heat to the surroundings. The system can thus be used for machines and equipment located in areas

Two high-performance palletizers from SSB Wägetechnik GmbH impressively demonstrate how modern robotics optimizes end-of-line processes in the bulk materials industry. Requires little space, easy format changes, flexible setup options, fully integrated system automation, significantly lower maintenance and downtime costs, and sophisticated process visualization make this concept a pioneer in modern packaging solutions. This concept has been further developed in several projects. Thanks to AI-based process optimizations, we are already anticipating palletizing capacities of up to 3,000 bags per hour. Equipped with specially adapted gripping systems, the robots securely pick up each individual bag and position it precisely in the desired pallet pattern. This results in stable, neatly stacked pallets that are ready for onward transport. Flexible programming allows for the processing of different bag formats and pallet layouts without lengthy changeover times. The customer interface for connecting to their order systems also simplifies operation and process monitoring. Further advantages include: * High speed and availability:

Effective moisture management is essential for chemical producers to maintain product stability, ensure industrial safety, and reduce energy consumption through the use of real-time NIR sensing technology. Moisture levels in chemical production significantly influence reaction rates, crystallization, and the stability of finished products. For materials such as powders and granules, even minor fluctuations can lead to caking or segregation during conveying and mixing. Maintaining Quality and Process Consistency Strict moisture control ensures that active ingredient concentrations and coating uniformities meet rigorous industry standards. Consistent moisture levels prevent product deformation and clumping, ensuring predictable performance in downstream applications like plastics and agriculture. * Improved solubility and crystallization behavior * Enhanced shelf life for hygroscopic materials * Prevention of sticking during bulk solids handling Safety Risks and Equipment Protection Improper moisture levels can introduce significant hazards to a facility. Excessively dry powders increase the risk of dust explosions, while water-reactive substances may emit flammable

In construction, water-to-cement ratios dictate structural integrity. Our SONO sensors provide real-time, precise moisture measurements for aggregates, ensuring consistent concrete quality from the mixing plant to the job site. Robust Sensing for All Aggregates and Environments Our SONO sensors reliably measure the moisture content of gravel, sand, and grit up to 32 mm as well as other aggregates such as expanded clay. Calibration curves for all common aggregates are included as standard. Wear and abrasion have no influence on the measuring principle, meaning regular recalibration is not necessary. Specially hardened materials (available as an option) delay early wear on the sensor and significantly extend the service life, even in the most demanding industrial environments. Seamless Integration Across Your Entire Workflow The sensors are compatible with all common control systems and are characterized by simple commissioning and parameterization. We use the same technology with different sensor geometries for mobile measurements in sand and stones during delivery or storage as well as while dosing. This versatility ensures that whether you are managing inventory in the yard or precisely

The shape of calibration weights is not just iconic, it serves a purpose. Calibration weights play a vital role in ensuring accurate measurement. From heavy industrial scales measuring thousands of kilograms to precision laboratory balances measuring fractions of a gram, calibration weights are essential for maintaining reliability and consistency. But have you ever wondered why calibration weights have such a distinctive and recognizable shape? Designed for Accuracy and Stability The iconic cylindrical form with smooth surfaces and minimal sharp edges is not a coincidence. Every aspect of the design serves a purpose. The smooth shape reduces the surface area where contamination, corrosion, or physical damage could compromise the integrity of the weight. Sharp corners and edges are more vulnerable to wear and environmental impact, which could subtly alter mass over time. By minimizing these features, manufacturers help ensure long-term accuracy. Additionally, the low center of gravity and balanced geometry provide excellent stability

Compaction of Ultra-Lightweight Powders as a Logistics Efficiency Factor Ultra-lightweight powders such as pigments, carbon black, silica, cellulose fibres or specialty additives present a fundamental challenge: During filling, the material contains a high proportion of air. If this air is not specifically removed, it significantly reduces the effective product quantity per bag and per transport unit. The Influence of Bulk Density on Container Utilization A standard 20-foot container typically holds approximately: 10,080 kg per container when pigments are packed using conventional filling methods. By applying vacuum-assisted compaction during the filling process, container loads of up to 27,600 kg per container can be achieved. This corresponds to an increase of: +17,520 kg of product per container. The product, container size and mode of transport remain unchanged. The difference lies solely in the reduction of the air content within the bag. Economic Considerations Assuming a product value of €200 per kilogram, the calculation is as follows: 17,520 kg × €200/kg = €3,504,000 additional product value per container. This example illustrates the significant impact

On March 18 and 19, 2026, Dortmund becomes the meeting point for the bulk solids, process, and recycling industries. Expertise in Handling, Processing, and Recycling The trade fair duo SOLIDS & RECYCLING-TECHNIK Dortmund combines two days of comprehensive expertise in the processing, handling, and recycling of fine to coarse-grained materials and waste streams. Visitors receive practical solutions from industry experts and a high-caliber supporting program. With the new Process Automation exhibition area, the duo provides additional momentum for digitized, transparent, and energy-efficient production and recycling processes. SOLIDS Celebrates 20 Years of Innovation SOLIDS Dortmund, the trade fair for granule, powder, and bulk solids technologies, celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2026 under the motto ”Ideas that move. Solutions that stay.” Exhibiting companies showcase the entire spectrum of mechanical process engineering. Simultaneously, RECYCLING-TECHNIK Dortmund presents machinery, plants, and components for reprocessing and environmentally friendly disposal for the 9th

Built to Perform. Zippe is a global leader in the field of plant and system solutions for the bulk material industry – together with its subsidiary MMB. As a highly specialized company, we focus on the development and implementation of systems for the storage, conveying, dosing, and processing of bulk materials – including state-of-the-art automation solutions. Since our founding in 1920, we have built up in-depth expertise and a wealth of experience. Our portfolio includes weighing technology, feeding machines, conveyor belts, crushing plants, scraper conveyors, and many other components that are used in a wide variety of industries, such as building materials, chemicals, food, and metal processing.