Going with (and accurately measuring) the flow: Part 1 of 2

Modern infrastructure relies on accurate flow measurement to ensure the safe and efficient transport of water, chemicals and fuels across countless industries. Malema plays a vital role in this process by providing advanced Coriolis flow meters that deliver unmatched accuracy, reliability and performance in even the most demanding fluid-handling applications.

Our modern way of life, punctuated by everyday conveniences like taking a shower or fueling a car, is underpinned by a silent army of technologies often taken for granted. Without these innovations, simple tasks and essential functions would revert to cumbersome and inefficient methods. Fortunately, a sophisticated infrastructure of pumps, pipes and processing equipment diligently transports vital fluids—water, chemicals and fuels—across the globe.

Within this network of technological marvels lies a crucial component ensuring the safe and accurate movement of these fluids: flow meters. These devices are specifically designed to quantify the flow rate of fluids—whether liquids, gases, or vapors—as they traverse pipelines, providing operators with essential, real-time data.

However, while flow meters perform this indispensable function, traditional technologies often present limitations. Some flow meters struggle to maintain accuracy when faced with fluctuations in a fluid’s handling characteristics, such as temperature, density and viscosity. These variations can lead to unreliable flow measurements, potentially compromising the integrity of the entire fluid-handling operation. Furthermore, the necessity for frequent calibration in other flow meter designs can result in significant and costly periods of operational downtime.

Addressing these inherent challenges is the Coriolis flow meter. This advanced technology delivers all the fundamental benefits of flow measurement while effectively mitigating the limitations of conventional designs. Its unique design and operational principle enable it to accurately measure a diverse range of fluids across numerous applications without compromising performance or requiring frequent recalibration.

This two-part series will delve into the intricacies of Coriolis flow meter technology, offering a comprehensive understanding of its functionality and an explanation of why it is exceptionally well-suited for demanding process and manufacturing environments within industries such as chemical, pharmaceutical, semiconductor, and oil and gas, among others.

HOW CORIOLIS FLOW METERS WORK

Coriolis flow meters use vibrating flow tubes to directly measure mass flow rate, unaffected by changes in fluid properties.

The name of the Coriolis flow meter originates from French engineer and mathematician Gaspard-Gustave de Coriolis, who discovered the concept of Coriolis force, the effect of motion on a rotating body. An example is the Coriolis effect, which states that any moving body on or above the earth’s surface, such as an ocean or air current, will tend to drift sideways from its course because of the earth’s rotation. This discovery played a key role in oceanography, meteorology and ballistics, and was later used as a primary element in measuring a substance’s mass flow rate.

The Coriolis flow meter directly measures mass flow rate by harnessing the principles of physics within its intricate design. Typically, a magnetic exciter induces oscillations in one or more flow tubes. In the absence of flow, these tubes vibrate uniformly, with the inlet and outlet oscillating in perfect synchronization (in phase). However, as fluid begins to flow, the Coriolis force comes into play. This force acts on the fluid, causing it to accelerate as it moves toward the point of maximum vibration and decelerate as it moves away, resulting in a subtle twisting of the flow tube(s). Highly sensitive sensors strategically positioned at the inlet and outlet precisely track this minute motion and quantify the phase difference between the oscillations at these two points. Crucially, the magnitude of this phase shift exhibits a direct and linear relationship with the mass flow rate of the fluid; a greater phase difference unequivocally signifies a higher mass flow rate. This elegant measurement directly yields the mass flow rate, a fundamental parameter in many industrial processes. 

Other Coriolis flow meters follow a similar configuration. Fluid flows into the sensor, consisting of two flow-sensitive elements that are vibrated relative to one another, like the tines of a tuning fork. Fluid interacts with the sensor dynamically in such a way that the sensor’s response is immune to the fluid’s chemical and physical properties, flow regime, or variations in the flow-velocity profile. Fluid mass flow rate is determined by measuring the relative motion and frequency of the flow-sensitive elements.

BENEFITS OF CORIOLIS FLOW METERS

Coriolis flow meters offer several benefits compared to other types of flow meters thanks to its operating framework. One key advantage is accuracy. Coriolis flow meters provide the highest available measurement and control accuracy (±1 percent), thus ensuring the integrity and quality of a product batch, uptime and yield throughput. 

Additionally, the accuracy of Coriolis flow meters is unaffected by changes in fluid characteristics, such as density, viscosity and temperature. Other flow meters can often struggle with fluctuations, leading to inaccurate measurements and, ultimately, batch inconsistency.

Another problem with non-Coriolis flow meters is calibration requirements. With Coriolis flow meters, frequent calibration is not necessary because fluid dynamics do not impact their accuracy. However, non-Coriolis flow meters are susceptible to accuracy drops depending on fluid conditions. To counteract this, operators must calibrate their flow meters when handling different fluids. If a variety of fluids are to be measured at different times, frequent calibration will take the flow meter offline constantly, leading to costly, compounding downtime.

A LOOK AHEAD

In next month’s conclusion to this series, we’ll take a closer look at the versatility of Coriolis flow meters. Then we’ll explore a number of real-world examples illustrating their benefits in the field, including Malema’s own CPFM-8800 Flow Meter family and the CMFC-5000 and CMFC-6000 Series of flow controllers. 



Jay Rajagopalan is the senior director of engineering and product management for Malema, Boca Raton, Florida, and can be reached at jay.rajagopalan@psgdover.com. Malema is a product brand of PSG, a Dover company. PSG is the global pump, metering and dispensing-solution expert, enabling the safe and efficient transfer of critical and valuable fluids that require optimal performance and reliability in applications where it matters most. Additionally, PSG is a leading provider of flow meters designed to reduce waste and downtime while accurately measuring, monitoring and controlling the distribution of fluids. Headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois, PSG is comprised of several world-class brands, including Abaque, All-Flo, Almatec, Blackmer, Cryo-Mach, Ebsray, em-tec, Griswold, Hydro, ipp, Malema, Mouvex, Neptune, PSG Biotech, Quantex, Quattroflow and Wilden. PSG products are manufactured on three continents—North America, Europe and Asia—in state-of-the-art facilities that practice lean manufacturing and are ISO-certified. PSG is part of the Pumps & Process Solutions segment of Dover Corporation. For more information, visit www.psgdover.com

Inside vertical turbine pumps: Part 1 of 2

Vertical turbine pumps (VTPs) are an essential element of modern fluid systems, offering strong, reliable, and efficient pumping across many applications. They’re used everywhere, from the irrigation of farms and golf courses to supporting gold mines, municipal water supplies, cooling towers, mine dewatering, desalination plants, as well as a wide array of applications within the petroleum industry. 

Recent implementations of these pump systems have included large aquifer projects, which can be designed to both extract and reinject water, thus supporting sustainable water management for drought-prone regions. Another example of unusual applications is the advanced turbine pumps used in a pumped storage hydropower (PSH) project in Australia, leveraging renewable energy for both water handling and power generation efficiencies. 

KEY ADVANTAGES OF VERTICAL TURBINE PUMPS 

Several key features make VTPs an optimal choice across a broad range of applications and industries. 

  • Compact and Space-Efficient Design: Vertical pumps install directly on tanks, minimizing footprint and infrastructure costs while enabling high flow volumes. 
  • Elimination of Priming Issues: With impellers submerged in the fluid, priming problems are avoided. Horizontal pumps often require additional construction or infrastructure cost to assure a flooded suction. 
  • Modular and Adaptable Construction: The modular design offers unmatched flexibility, allowing additional stages to be stacked for higher pressures. Hydraulic components, such as impellers and bowls, can be tailored to optimize hydraulic performance for diverse operating conditions. 
  • Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings: The multi-stage capability along with interior bowl coatings boosts efficiency, making VTP’s particularly well suited for high-head applications. This translates to reduced energy consumption and lower operational costs, making VTPs a cost-effective solution for long-term use. 
  • Longevity and Reliability: Constructed with advanced materials and protective coatings, VTPs are engineered for extended service life and operational reliability, even when handling corrosive fluids. 
  • Serviceability: The above-ground positioning of drive components facilitates maintenance and inspection compared to fully submerged options. 

SOLVING GROUND WATER EXTRACTION PROBLEMS WAS JUST THE BEGINNING 

Vertical turbine pumps were originally developed for use in groundwater wells due to their simplicity of design, efficiency, and ability to lift water from significant depths without requiring priming. 

To address the increasing demand for high-performance systems and the challenges of deep wells (exceeding 50 feet), engineers designed enclosed shaft systems. These designs encase the shaft and bearings in a protective, lubricant-filled tube (enclosing tube), keeping them isolated from the pumped fluid. Drip lines are also often used to lubricate bearings on deep well pumps. The use of enclosing tubes significantly improved durability and reliability, enabling pumps to perform effectively at significantly greater depths. 

Groundwater applications are generally more standardized, as these systems are commonly designed to operate under relatively predictable conditions involving clean water extraction from wells or aquifers, in large volume and high-pressure applications. These applications typically follow established specifications and require less customization. 

Municipal and industrial applications demanded larger pumps designed to handle a variety of liquids. The petroleum industry and industrial process applications often involve greater complexity, requiring custom engineering, specialized designs to meet detailed specifications, advanced materials, and rigorous testing to meet specific operational demands.  

Modern VTPs, such as those offered by National Pump Company, a recognized market leader in vertical turbine pumps, can handle heads up to 2,500 feet, flow rates up to 20,000 gallons per minute, and power capacities as high as 2,000 horsepower. 

ABILITY TO SOLVE NPSH PROBLEMS LEADS THE WAY TO INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS 

Vertical turbine pumps originally gained popularity as a solution to NPSH (Net Positive Suction Head) challenges, a critical issue in pump design and operation. 

NPSH is a measure of the energy available at the eye of the pump impeller. NPSHA (Available NPSH) is the energy pushing liquid into the impeller, while NPSHR (Required NPSH) is determined through testing by the pump manufacturer and represents the minimum energy needed to prevent cavitation. 

If NPSHA is not greater than NPSHR, the liquid can separate, creating “vapor bubbles,” which is a boiling of the fluid, known as cavitation. This will occur at the impeller eye, which can severely impact pump performance and pump lifespan. In most systems, the only controllable factor influencing NPSHA is the vertical elevation, or suction head of the pumped fluid, above the pump’s suction centerline. 

For horizontal pumps, system designers have only two options to address NPSH issues: raising the liquid source level or placing the pump and motor in a pit. However, these solutions can be costly, pose safety risks, and introduce maintenance challenges, such as flooding or confined space hazards. 

The advent of vertical turbine canned pumps provided system designers with a cost-effective, reliable option by allowing the pumping components to be mounted at a level below grade that meets the pump’s NPSH requirement, while placing the motor and stuffing box above floor level. The use of an impeller specifically designed for low NPSH allows the length of the can and pump to be minimized while only marginally impacting overall pump efficiency, especially in multistage bowl assemblies. 

The result is a very low life-cycle cost solution for difficult applications, such as condensate in power plants or propane and butane applications in midstream energy transfer. Vertical turbine pumps continue to be integrated into diverse and increasingly demanding applications. Advanced and highly specialized engineering solutions ensuring reliable, long-term performance are also attained by use of VTP’s. 

The main components of VTPs include: a motor that powers the pump, a discharge head that redirects fluid flow, a vertical column pipe that transmits water and houses the pump shaft, and one or more impellers located within the pump bowl assembly at the base. These impellers generate the required force to efficiently push the fluid, eliminating the need for priming, as would be required for horizontal pumps. 

VTPS EXPAND FROM GROUNDWATER TO INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS 

This proven capability made them a cost-effective solution that spurred their adoption in other sectors, particularly within the power and petroleum industries. 

A key innovation was the development of the “can-style” VTP. By housing the pump within an outer casing, this design provided an economical solution for handling low-vapor-pressure liquids. It eliminated the need for expensive civil engineering work, such as elevating liquid sources or constructing flood-prone pits that were often necessary for horizontal pump installations. 

As a result, VTPs have achieved widespread acceptance across numerous industries. They are now essential in municipal water supply, petroleum, desalination, snowmaking, cooling towers, and various other industrial processes. 

A LOOK AHEAD: OTHER KEY FACTORS 

When selecting a vertical turbine pump, it’s essential to evaluate several critical factors in addition to NPSH that impact performance and reliability. These pumps require the expertise of manufacturers skilled in advanced engineering and precision quality manufacturing to ensure optimal functionality and long-term durability. In next month’s conclusion, we’ll take a close look at these considerations and how they can influence pump selection and performance. 



Alan Hummer, national sales manager, joined NPC in 2021 as a regional manager. Hummer, like so many people in the pump industry, came into the industry after attending one of the country’s many maritime academies: Maine Maritime Class of ’85. Working in pump sales in the New England area for over thirty years, Hummer brings with him a wealth of experience, not just in pumps, but also in other aspects of technical sales and engineering. Lucas Jones is a mechanical engineer with fourteen years of experience specializing in the design, analysis, and testing of complex mechanical systems for rotating machinery, automotive, and defense applications. He is currently director of engineering at National Pump Company. Jones holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Washington State University, maintains ISO 9001:2015 internal auditor certification and Department of Defense security clearance, and enjoys hands-on troubleshooting and rebuilding machinery in his spare time. For more information, visit www.nationalpumpcompany.com.

Operational efficiency in its DNA

Valmet has received its first order from Papertech Industries Co., Ltd. for a comprehensive automation package to improve production quality and operational efficiency at their production site in Bangladesh.

The order was included in Valmet’s orders received of the second quarter 2025 and the delivery concluded in the fourth quarter of 2025. The value of the order will not be disclosed.

Valmet has received its first order from Papertech Industries Co., Ltd. for a comprehensive automation package to improve production quality and operational efficiency at their production site in Bangladesh.

TAKING THE LEAP FORWARD

The order marks a significant step for Papertech Industries as they invest in state-of-the-art automation technologies to elevate its production quality and operational efficiency. The delivery will support the company in reducing quality variability, optimizing raw material usage, and enhancing operational ease through a secure and user-friendly automation environment.

The delivery includes Bangladesh’s first DCS with a modern Valmet DNAe User Interface, providing intuitive workflows that simplify operations and enable users to manage larger process areas with less effort.

FINDING THE RIGHT PARTNER

“We have taken the decision to partner with Valmet due to the latest technology and Valmet’s process knowhow, presence and approach. We believe that this partnership will provide us with the best technology and quality systems from Europe to help us achieve our quality goals in producing world-class paper,” says Amer Yusuf, managing director, Papertech Industries Ltd.

“This marks a significant milestone for Papertech as we continue our journey to become a regional leader in high-performance and sustainable paper production. Valmet’s automation technology aligns with our long-term strategy for smart, resource-efficient manufacturing. We are proud to be the first in Bangladesh to deploy such cutting-edge systems,” says Saad Ahmed Suman, CEO, Papertech Industries Co., Ltd.

MEETING GOALS

Valmet is also glad to work with Papertech. They have shared their vision to be a top-quality paper producer, and we have aligned our solutions accordingly. Our delivery will help them to achieve their quality and cost goals and make them a more sustainable paper products producer in the market. 


PARTNER PROFILE: PAPERTECH INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.

Papertech Industries Co., Ltd. is a paper manufacturing company based in Bangladesh, specializing in packaging and industrial-grade paper. Since beginning commercial operations in 2018, the company has served both domestic and regional markets with a strong focus on sustainable practices. In its first full production year (2019), Papertech reported annual revenue of approximately $5.8 million


TECHNICAL SNAPSHOT

The delivery will comprise 

  • Valmet DNA Distributed Control System (DCS)
  • Valmet IQ Quality Control System
  • Machine and cross-directional controls 
  • Valmet Retention Measurement (Valmet RM5)


Pravin Tripathi is a solution sales manager and Ramesh Chandra is sales manager for Valmet’s Automation Solutions in the Asia-Pacific region. Valmet is a global technology leader serving process industries. They work together with customers throughout the entire life-cycle, delivering cutting-edge technologies and services as well as mission-critical automation and flow control solutions. Backed by more than 225 years of industrial experience and a global team of over 19,000 professionals close to customers, Valmet is uniquely positioned to transform industries toward a regenerative tomorrow. For more information, visit www.valmet.com.

Real-time monitoring solutions for commercial power plants

At the heart of any large power plant are its generators. Ensuring that these massive applications run safely and reliably requires a monitoring system that operators trust. Brüel & Kjær Vibro (B&K Vibro) has confirmed the successful commercial operation of two steam turbine generator units at a coal-fired thermal power station in China. The units are 1,000 MW ultra-supercritical steam turbine generators.

The steam turbine generator units are equipped with a vibration and condition monitoring system from B&K Vibro, providing continuous asset healthcare and protection for the steam turbine generator, steam-driven feedwater pumps and critical auxiliary equipment. The system ensures safe, stable, and reliable operation of key rotating machinery.

HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE, WORKING TOGETHER

The monitoring solution is based on B&K Vibro’s technologically advanced VC-8000 monitoring system and integrates reliable vibration sensors with the Setpoint CMS condition monitoring software. The system enables real-time monitoring, trend evaluation and condition-based maintenance, supporting long-term operational reliability and efficiency.

A power station service engineer says, “The successful first-time completion of the 168-hour full-load trial confirms the stability and reliability of the VC-8000 vibration and condition monitoring system under full operating conditions. The system fully meets the protection and condition monitoring requirements of 1000 MW class steam turbine generator units and provides a solid foundation for long-term, reliable operation of critical rotating machinery.”

FROM TRIAL TO PRACTICE

During commissioning, the monitoring system received positive evaluations from various industry experts. The successful trial further demonstrated that the VC-8000 system meets the operational requirements of large-capacity ultra-supercritical steam turbine generator units in China.

The commercial operation of the steam turbine generator unit represents an important milestone for this thermal power plant and underscores B&K Vibro’s role in supporting high-efficiency, large-scale power generation projects.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the operators of thermal power plant were pleased with the VC-8000 system’s and the Setpoint CMS condition monitoring software’s performance. The steam turbine generator units equipped with B&K Vibro’s vibration and condition monitoring system continue to perform reliably and safely. 



Chang Xin is chief representative for B&K Vibro China. Brüel & Kjær Vibro (B&K Vibro) is the leading worldwide independent supplier of condition monitoring solutions for rotating machinery. The comprehensive product range comprises vibration sensors (acceleration, velocity and displacement), vibration monitors, handhelds and rack-based plant-wide integrated monitoring solutions. These products plus a suite of comprehensive services fulfil the most demanding applications for safety, condition and performance monitoring of rotating machinery. Based on more than eighty years of experience and a world-wide sales and support network, B&K Vibro’s monitoring solutions have successfully reduced downtime and maintenance costs and increased machine reliability for our customers worldwide. For more information, visit www.bkvibro.com.

Downstream USA 2026

DOWNSTREAM USA 2026 AT A GLANCE

When: July 15-16 

Where: George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Texas


Now in its fourteenth year, Downstream USA, held this year July 15 and 16 in Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center, brings together over 3,000 decision‑makers from refining, chemicals, petrochemicals, EPCs, technology providers, and more—all dedicated to connecting professionals to critical solutions.

Attendees can join the industry’s largest and most influential downstream gathering, blending a vibrant exposition with nearly 200 booths with interactive formats and stage discussions. The domestic downstream industry enters 2026 with cautious stability ahead, amidst continued pressure on margins and performance. Leaders across reliability and maintenance, turnarounds and capital projects must prioritize operational excellence, perfect capital discipline, and embrace digital and AI-powered tools to deliver optimal return on investment.

FOUR PILLARS OF DOWNSTREAM USA 

Operational Excellence and Reliability 

Strengthen margin defense and unlock efficiencies by advancing from reactive to predictive maintenance, optimizing TAR planning, integrating capital projects and tightening cost performance.

At Downstream USA, attendees can be part of the only end-to-end downstream experience that will define their operations in 2026 and beyond.

Workforce and Culture Transformation 

Equip teams with the skills, safety training, and digital adaptability needed for modern plants while breaking down internal silos through effective change management. Prioritize attraction and retention strategies to secure a strong, future-ready workforce.

Digitalization and AI Excellence 

Move beyond isolated digital pilots to fully embed tools that deliver measurable value. Integrate and scale digital and AI solutions seamlessly across sites for organization-wide transformation.

Project Resilience to Supply Chain Volatility 

Enhance resilience to supply chain disruptions and rising costs by improving planning, collaboration, and sourcing strategies. Keep major projects on time and on budget despite persistent macro headwinds.

UNMATCHED EXPERIENCE

Downstream USA will unite over 3,000 industry leaders to share practical insights and cutting-edge solutions to empower the sector to thrive amid growing resource restraints. Attendees can meet with peers and mentors alike in three different learning environments:

  • Collaborate and compete in hackathons: Work in teams under time constraints and vote for the most effective roadmaps in tackling real-world industry challenges.
  • Personalized, hands-on guidance in workshops: Participate in intimate, expert-led sessions to develop a personalized action plan for your biggest challenges and achieve industry best practices.
  • Benchmark and exchange insights at roundtables: Join candid discussions to troubleshoot common challenges and innovative approaches to push the industry forward.

THE SHOWCASE FOR PROVEN SOLUTIONS

As the largest U.S. downstream event, with an established industry legacy now in its fourteenth year, this event is dedicated to solving the most pressing challenges facing refining, petrochemical, specialty chemical, and chemical producers. 

Downstream USA is attended by every major A.S. asset owner and their full-site teams—with representation spanning frontline personnel, department leads, and corporate decision makers across reliability, maintenance, turnarounds, capital projects, digitalization, and procurement. This event features proven solutions deployed by industry majors, backed by use case-driven studies and demonstrable ROIs.

UNPARALLELED EXPOSURE TO MAJOR ASSET OWNERS

Downstream USA 2026 will unite the industry’s most influential leaders as they share practical insights at a time when the pressure to digitalize and deliver more with fewer resources has never been greater. Attendees can seize this moment to position their brand as a trusted provider of ROI driven solutions.

Each aspect of this two-day event emphasizes interactive engagement, though leadership, and branding. Here, attendees have the opportunity to deep dive with their customers over problem-solving roundtables, workshops, and intimate networking opportunities. Whether the goal is to deliver thought-leadership and challenge downstream to go beyond business as usual or cut through the noise and gain maximum exposure with popular onsite physical and digital branding, Downstream USA is the place to be.

CURRENT/OS NAMES SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC VETERAN NEW PRESIDENT

Vincenzo Salmeri, an international senior executive with nearly thirty years of experience within Schneider Electric, has been appointed as the new president of Current/OS, the independent global nonprofit foundation bringing together manufacturers, technology leaders, and electrical experts to enable the safe and large-scale deployment of direct current (DC) in electrical distribution systems. His appointment marks Current/OS’ transition into a new phase of international development to accelerate the safe, scalable and interoperable adoption of Direct Current.

Salmeri’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the energy transition. As electrification accelerates, driven by renewable energy, storage, electric mobility, digital infrastructure and the rapid growth of data centers, DC is emerging as a key enabler of more efficient, flexible and resilient electrical architectures. Current/OS aims to provide the shared rules, reference architectures and interoperability framework needed to make DC systems safe, repeatable and scalable across the market.

Salmeri has held several global and regional leadership roles across Europe and Asia. His career has spanned product management, business development, digital transformation, commercial strategy and the development of international teams and ecosystems.

ENVERUS ACQUIRES PRODUCTION DATA EXCHANGE ASSETS

Enverus announces the acquisition of four exchange platforms from PDS Energy Information: The Frac Interference Exchange, Well Data Exchange, Production Data Exchange and AquaTrade.

Enverus already operates two of the energy industry’s largest commercial exchange networks. EnergyLink and OpenInvoice collectively support more than 500 operators, 40,000 suppliers and 250,000 receivers, representing more than $500 billion in annual transaction activity across revenue, joint interest billing and procurement. With this transaction, Enverus expands from commercial workflows into the operational data flows that drive completions, well data, production and water logistics.

The acquired platforms are operating infrastructure for the U.S. upstream industry. An estimated 80 percent of U.S. completions, production and drilling data is exchanged through the PDS network, connecting nearly 800 participants. The Frac Interference Exchange alone has more than 400 operators.

“PDS built exchange infrastructure that sits inside real work the industry executes every day,” says Manuj Nikhanj, CEO of Enverus. “Adding these platforms to the networks Enverus already operates is a natural step, and it opens up possibilities for customers.”

YASKAWA AMERICA EARNS OUTSTANDING CX AWARD

Yaskawa America, Inc. has earned Interaction Metrics’ Outstanding CX Award for its 2025 customer experience, based on a third-party survey of their distributors, OEMs, and end users in the United States and Canada.

The survey, conducted by customer experience research firm Interaction Metrics, evaluated Yaskawa across 112 distinct performance dimensions, resulting in an overall score of 90 out of 100. Yaskawa’s Net Promoter Score (NPS), the standard measure of customer likelihood to recommend, created by Bain & Company, came in at 66, climbing over four points from the prior year and well into the “excellent” tier on Bain’s benchmark scale.

Several areas stood out not only for scoring well, but for being the dimensions most strongly correlated with overall satisfaction: Product Quality, Product Performance, Tech Support Problem Resolution, Application Engineering Technical Skills, and Training Instructors. In other words, Yaskawa scored highest on the things customers cared most about.

“I am delighted with the progress we’ve made, and clearly our customers are pleased as well,” says Dennis Fitzgerald, vice president of customer satisfaction at Yaskawa America.

AI adoption in manufacturing

Matt Wise

Taking place June 17, E Tech Group, a leading provider of industrial automation and systems integration, will be hosting an online live session, “AI-Ready or Not: The Hidden IT/OT Risks Blocking AI in Manufacturing.” The session will explore the often-overlooked infrastructure and data challenges manufacturers must address to successfully deploy artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives at scale. Below, E Tech CEO Matt Wise explains what manufacturers may be missing when assessing AI’s usefulness.

MPT: What are some of the challenges manufacturers are facing while we’re still in the early stages of AI adoption?

Matt Wise: As manufacturers accelerate investments in AI and advanced analytics, many encounter unexpected barriers rooted in their existing IT and operational technology (OT) environments. Challenges related to data quality, system integration, and infrastructure readiness remain key obstacles. Issues such as unstable network architecture, fragmented systems, inconsistent data, and gaps in historian strategy can significantly limit the effectiveness of AI-driven solutions.

MPT: Could you tell me a bit about your live session, “AI-Ready or Not: The Hidden IT/OT Risks Blocking AI in Manufacturing”?

Matt Wise: This live session is designed to help manufacturing leaders identify and address these foundational challenges before they derail AI initiatives.

Manufacturers are under pressure to adopt AI, but many are trying to build on a foundation that isn’t ready. Without a secure, well-architected IT/OT environment, organizations risk stalled initiatives and missed ROI. This session will help leaders better understand the risks and take a more strategic approach to AI readiness.

The session will be led by E Tech Group subject matter experts Eric Medecke, director of IT/OT solutions, and Kevin Romer, industrial IT specialist, who bring deep experience in industrial cybersecurity, network architecture, and IT/OT convergence. Together, they will guide attendees through real-world challenges and practical solutions for strengthening the infrastructure required to support AI.

MPT: What goals have you set for attendees of the live session?

Matt Wise: During the session, attendees will identify common IT/OT risks that hinder AI deployment in manufacturing environments, evaluate the readiness of their infrastructure, data architecture, and systems integration, participate in an interactive “AI-Ready or Not?” diagnostic to benchmark their current state, and learn practical strategies to improve data reliability, system connectivity, and scalability 

One of the presenters, Eric Medecke, stated he wants to give manufacturers a clear picture of how their systems, networks, and data environments are performing and where vulnerabilities exist. 

MPT: How does this live session fit within E Tech Group’s overall mission?

Matt Wise: With deep expertise in industrial automation, digital transformation, and systems integration, E Tech Group helps manufacturers bridge the gap between IT and OT ensuring data flows securely and reliably from the plant floor to enterprise systems. This integrated approach enables organizations to move beyond pilot programs and successfully scale AI initiatives across operations.

The session is intended for professionals across manufacturing organizations, including leaders in IT, operations, engineering, and maintenance who are responsible for driving digital transformation and operational performance.



E Tech Group is a global automation engineering and system integration firm with locations spanning eight countries across three continents. Backed by a team of over 800 professionals, the company delivers cutting-edge automation, control, and information solutions to clients in the life sciences, data centers, consumer products, food and beverage, and industrial sectors. For more information, and to register for the live session, visit www.etechgroup.com.

Product Releases June 2026


INDCO 

HSM-03V benchtop lift mixer

INDCO’s HSM-03V benchtop lift mixer features the speed and torque characteristics to complete challenging mixing and dispersion applications which normally require more than one mixer.  Torque priority mode allows the mixing of high- or low-viscosity materials, or high-speed dispersions, so that a wide range of products and applications can be accomplished with a single mixer. A constant torque, 3-horsepower DC motor, two-pully belt-drive transmission, and electronic control mixes formulations exceeding 100,000 CPS at low speed with supplied bowtie style impeller. For more information, visit www.indco.com.


BOBCAT

PA375V Air Compressor with FlexAir

Engineered for productivity, the PA375v delivers 350 to 375 cfm at 125 to 150 psi, offering the flexible pressure and air flow needed for a wide range of operations. With FlexAir, the compressor automatically adapts output based on real-time workload demands, ensuring optimal performance and fuel efficiency. A clear 4.3-inch water resistant display provides intuitive operation with easy-to-read graphics for a user-friendly experience. Eco Mode further enhances efficiency and fuel savings during lighter workloads. Powered by a Bobcat engine paired with a robust fuel system, the PA375v delivers long-term reliability. For more information, visit www.bobcat.com.


DINKLE INTERNATIONAL

iO-GRID X Fieldbus Coupler

The iO-GRID X fieldbus coupler modules support major industrial Ethernet communications protocols at up to 100Mbps, including EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP, and CC-Link IE Field Basic. Each interface module includes two RJ45 interface plugs and an integrated two-port Ethernet switch for convenient station expansion using daisy-chain cabling. LED indicators provide clear operational status information, and the module accepts firmware upgrades using a standard USB Type C connection. Over twenty types of I/O modules are available, accommodating varying I/O counts and signal types, with integrated indicator lights for easy identification of channel status. For more information, visit www.dinkle.com.


CIRCOR INTERNATIONAL 

Allweiler AE‑RD/RE Hopper Pump

The new Allweiler AE‑RD/RE Hopper Pump is a progressing cavity pump engineered to handle highly viscous, non-flowable and solids-laden media in demanding industrial applications. The pump combines a two-part, large-scale casing design, optimized screw conveyor and vertical wall surfaces in the inlet hopper to enable trouble-free operation without separate bridge breakers, reducing equipment complexity and investment costs. Its flow-optimized stuffing box between the inlet hopper and rotor/stator helps ensure the best possible filling of the conveyor elements, prevents partial dry running and reduces wear, downtime and spare-parts consumption. For more information, visit our website www.pumps.circor.com/allweiler.