The compressor is at the heart of a wide range of applications; it is an integral part of fridges, cars and industrial processes from water treatment to cement and food processing.

Paul Kendall, Industry Sector Manager – Lifetech at Festo, explores the latest developments in piezo valve technology and how their application in medical devices can improve quality of life.

In a recent blog it was questioned whether UK manufacturers could be missing out on opportunities to save energy by overlooking the potential of their compressed air systems. One barrier is the perception that assessing the efficiency of an air compressor network is disruptive and time consuming. Stef Lievens, Business Line Manager for Industrial Air at Atlas Copco Compressors UK, argues that, when approached correctly, the process can be efficient, fast and hassle-free.

Cartridge mechanical seals, originally specified for petroleum, natural gas and chemical applications, are increasingly being specified for pumps across a much broader range of industries.

The automation of process control systems is very important for improving efficiency and reliability.

The control of emissions from combustion engines has made several headlines in the past, bringing the subject to the fore on several occasions.

Well designed and manufactured bearings will ensure that a pump works more efficiently, can tolerate higher temperature running and cope with varying load conditions. Perhaps more importantly, bearing selection will also have a marked effect upon the life expectancy of a pump, as Phil Burge, Marketing and Communications Manager at SKF explains.