Recently I’ve had a number of people tell me how much they enjoy our work here at PTE. While it’s always nice to receive “attaboys,” these recent unsolicited compliments have been both thoughtful and specific, which is especially gratifying because they validate many of the choices we make as publishers. 

The increasing cost of food and beverage machinery makes running equipment to failure not just impractical, but potentially devastating to your bottom line. However, there are solutions that can lead to significant savings, and an often overlooked one is implementing an effective lubrication program. A well-structured program delivers a trifecta of benefits: reduced downtime, a cleaner and safer work environment, and easier compliance with the stringent regulations of the food processing industry. 

Clearing the world’s waterways of invasive vegetation, algae, refuse, and other pollutants is essential work with enormous impact. Healthy marine environments are a lifeline for so many things—from jobs such as farming, fishing, and shipping; to clean water and wildlife habitats; to property values, tourism, and recreational opportunities. Regular herbicide use, chemical runoff, and basic evolution have caused numerous plant species to develop resistance, leading to clogged waterways and other hazards. Removing the offensive materials mechanically is ideal, but that method poses different challenges. Fortunately, Weedoo Greenboat, Inc. found an environmentally friendly solution that is also cost effective from Renewable Lubricants. 

Organized by the Turbomachinery Laboratory at Texas A&M University, the annual Turbomachinery and Pump Symposia (TPS)—the 53rd Turbomachinery and 40th International Pump Users—event was held August 20–22, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston.

Closed Loop control systems can handle a wide range of motions with a wide range of loads if the control system and mechanics are properly designed for the task. A couple of the more difficult combinations to design for are high inertial mismatches and backlash with hard gearing. The question is not just how to make the system stable, but rather how to also get the desired performance.

I would like to briefly discuss some thoughts on ball bearing efficiency specifically in terms of applied load and resulting stress. I don’t want to trivialize this subject; there are textbooks written on the subjects of electrohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL), octahedral subsurface shear stress and friction losses due to elastic hysteresis. This is a just a high-level discussion on the importance of individual bearing stress on efficiency. 

The latest innovation by Parvalux is their ability to provide prototype motors at a rapid pace. The company has designed and manufactured a series of modular components that are easily mixed and matched so that users get a paired system from one manufacturer rather than piecing together components such as motors, gearheads, brakes, and encoders from various manufacturers. The ability to create a near optimal motor drive for your application just became faster and easier. In a three-step selection process, designers can purchase a motor that is built to order using the company’s online configurator. 

The development of the new cast-iron totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) severe duty motor marks the second phase of ABB’s SP4 technology launch. This model is uniquely designed for applications in hazardous environments with certifications for Division 2 and Class I Groups A, B, C, D, as well as Class II Groups F, and G, making it suitable for areas with explosive gases and combustible dust. The model also features an IP55 rating, ensuring protection against dust and water spray, making it reliable for harsh and dirty conditions. ABB previously introduced two different models with SP4 technology: rolled steel open drip proof and totally enclosed fan cooled motors.

To help railway engineers maintain their catenary system - the circulatory system that keeps everything moving - Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK) has created its Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) Pantograph Measurement System.

For different types of cranes and load ranges, Nord Drivesystems offers properly dimensioned drive solutions from a single source. For that, the company can rely on locations in more than 80 countries. In Poland, the specialist for hoisting equipment Protea relies on the crane & cargo competence of the complete supplier from North Germany.

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has made significant technological improvements to its seals for central tire inflation systems (CTIS) used by construction and agricultural machinery. These seals automatically adjust the tire pressure of off-highway vehicles to varying ground conditions and vehicle loads. Simply by pressing a button, drivers can now save time, reduce CO₂ emissions and simultaneously extend the service life of their tires.

Red Lion is pleased to announce the launch of two new programmable Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), VT-MIPM-138-D and VT-MIPM-248-D. Equipped with onboard I/O and designed for uncompromising performance in extreme environments, the industrial controllers are ideal for a wide range of rugged, process-oriented applications in water and wastewater processing, oil and gas production and other advanced automation settings.

Ringspann Corporation has unveiled its latest innovation – the Universal Joint Program. Designed to provide unparalleled efficiency and durability, the program offers a range of universal joints that promise seamless power transmission and flexibility across multiple industries.

Schneider Electric announces major enhancements to EcoStruxure Resource Advisor, a versatile enterprise software suite of solutions designed to empower global companies across efficiency, ESG, energy and risk, and renewables and carbon. This strategic evolution from a platform of stand-alone solutions to an integrated and multifaceted suite addresses the rapidly maturing market and the increasing complexity of corporate sustainability needs.

SKF has signed an agreement to acquire John Sample Group’s (JSG) Lubrication and Flow Management businesses. JSG is a well-established provider of lubrication management systems and services. The acquisition further strengthens SKF’s offering in an identified growth segment, as well as its business operations in the expansive India and South-East Asia (ISEA) region.

The Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA) honored John S. Allen, managing director, Sheppard Engineering Limited, with the 2024 EASA Exceptional Achievement Service Award.

Motion Industries, Inc., a distributor of maintenance, repair and operation replacement parts, and a premier provider of industrial technology solutions, signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire the operating assets of Canadian-based LSI Supply Inc. and its sister company 273 Ontario (which trades as LSI). The transaction is expected to close later this month, subject to customary closing conditions.

Mona Neubaur, deputy prime minister and minister of economic affairs of North Rhine-Westphalia, recently presented the NRW.Global Business Award 2024 to Flender CEO Andreas Evertz. Flender was one of four winners honored at the 20th anniversary of the Award at the K21 Ständehaus in Düsseldorf.

The Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) — the technical society for individuals in the field of tribology and lubrication engineering — is hosting the 2024 Tribology & Lubrication for E-Mobility Conference on October 22-25 at the Detroit Marriott at Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan. Registration is now open for the conference.

I recently discovered a 2016 exhibition hosted by the Guggenheim Museum that left an indelible mark on the contemporary art scene—Sun Yuan and Peng Yu’s installation titled “Can’t Help Myself.” This piece, a chilling convergence of technology, human emotion, and social commentary, showcased the artistic duo’s ability to transform complex concepts into visceral experiences. Through its profound simplicity, the installation raised questions about control, autonomy, and the human condition in an increasingly automated world.