Industrial smart motor that improves fluid process systems
VIDAR, an ITT Inc. company, has introduced VIDAR, a new type of motor that embeds variable-speed intelligence directly into the motor to achieve new levels of performance, reliability and simplicity in industrial applications involving pumps, fans and fluid process systems. VIDAR lowers energy usage and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, reduces costs, increases equipment lifespan and enhances process controls, resulting in decreased utility bills, maintenance expenses and downtime.
VIDAR’s benefits stem from its patented AC-Link technology, which replaces conventional AC-to-DC-to-AC variable frequency drive (VFD) technology with a streamlined AC-to-AC approach. By removing the DC stage, bulky capacitors are eliminated, shrinking the VFD by 60% and enabling the motor and VFD to be combined into a single, compact solution. This design enables VIDAR to fit seamlessly into the footprint of a conventional motor and eliminates the need for special wiring, additional enclosures or extra space required with traditional VFD and motor setups.
VIDAR is purpose built for industrial facilities. It uses a high-efficiency synchronous reluctance magnet-assisted motor designed using IEEE-841 specifications, meets CSA Class 1 Division 2 for hazardous areas, and meets IEEE-519 power quality standards for dependable performance even in the toughest environments.
By embedding variable-speed intelligence directly into the motor, VIDAR eliminates the need for inefficient and failure-prone mechanical controls, such as throttled valves or dampers. By using exactly the amount of energy required for the task, VIDAR reduces energy use and CO2 emissions by up to 50% as compared to a fixed-speed motor and mechanical control. Cutting energy waste and operating at optimal speeds prolongs the life of the equipment, lowering maintenance costs and reducing downtime.
VIDAR’s precise motor speed control also ensures consistent flowrates, improves product quality and seamlessly adapts to changing workloads for greater operational flexibility and cost-efficiency scalability.
VIDAR’s performance capabilities were evaluated and assessed through thousands of hours of rigorous testing in a variety of harsh industrial environments. In one example, replacing a single fixed-speed motor on an industrial pump with VIDAR enabled the control valve to open at 100%, up from 35%, slowing down the pump to about 75% of its maximum speed. This decreased power consumption by 52% and is equivalent to powering 30 average U.S. homes for an entire year—all while delivering the same flow as before.
For more information, visit www.vidarmotors.com.
Motor starters engineered for challenging Class 1, Div. 1 hazardous locations
Emerson has introduced the Appleton ACSE Series of across-the-line magnetic pushbutton motor starters specially engineered for highly challenging NEC Class 1, Div. 1 (C1D1) areas where ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, vapors or liquids are present. Designed to start single and polyphase Vac or Vdc motors, Appleton ACSE Series models (FIG. 1) are supplied with Square D or GE manual motor starters using three overloads, and arrive ready for immediate installation with bolt-on mounting feet.
C1D1 classification is crucial for workplace safety and compliance in industries that deal with flammable materials during normal operations, such as oil refineries, chemical plants and petrochemical processors, mining and aircraft hangers. Appleton ACSE motor starters are C1D1 rated, providing the most reliable, safe performance and operational efficiency in these locations, as well as in C1D2, C2D1, C2D2 and C3 hazardous areas.
In addition to being explosion-proof and dust-ignition-proof, Appleton ACSE motor starters are NEMA 3 and 3R waterproof rated, enabling them to endure exposure to rain, sleet, snow, windblown dust and ice formation. Cast aluminum enclosures feature mating surfaces that are precision milled to exceed explosion-proof specifications, combined with a stainless-steel shaft, bushing and cover bolts.
For more information, visit www.appletonelec.com.
Microalgal biofuel production shown to be net-negative in independent lifecycle assessment
HutanBio, a pioneering UK-based climate technology company, has announced that the production process for its proprietary HBx microalgal biofuel achieves net-negative carbon emissions, based on an independent cradle-to-gate lifecycle assessment (LCA) conducted by EcoAct, a leading international sustainability consultancy and a wholly owned subsidiary of Schneider Electric Sustainability Business (FIG. 2).
The assessment offers robust third-party validation of HBx’s carbon removal potential and adds new momentum to the development of credible low-carbon fuel solutions.
HutanBio’s proprietary microalgal system naturally captures and sequesters carbon, achieving a net uptake of –5.78 tonnes (t) of CO2e per t of HBx produced. The LCA found that HBx production removes up to 1.48 t of CO2e per t of biofuel produced across all three planned production sites: Morocco, the Middle East and Western Australia.
The LCA addressed all production stages—including raw material inputs, inbound transport, production and refinery processes, and waste handling—offering a transparent carbon accounting methodology rarely seen in the biofuels sector. While downstream use-phase emissions are not included in the system boundary, the results clearly show that the production process alone contributes a net-negative carbon impact. The assessment was conducted in alignment with ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044:2020, providing robust independent analysis of HutanBio’s technology and methodology.
HBx is derived from a newly discovered marine microalgae cultivated in seawater on non-arable land using HutanBio’s proprietary enclosed photobioreactor technology. It does not compete with food crops or freshwater resources and is designed to power hard-to-abate transport sectors.
One t of HBx produced helps to remove nearly 2 t of CO2 from the atmosphere.
Among the three regions assessed, Morocco delivered the lowest emissions due to favorable sourcing, energy availability and shorter logistics chains. The study also found that switching to renewable electricity in HBx production can reduce production emissions by up to 5.6 times compared to fossil-based energy.
HutanBio plans to begin construction of a commercial pilot facility in 1Q 2026 and is actively seeking strategic partnerships with transportation leaders and investors committed to climate action.
For more information, visit www.hutanbio.com.
Next-generation motion control system for basic automation applications
Siemens has launched its enhanced motion control portfolio, featuring SINAMICS servo-drive systems and the new SIMATIC S7-1200 G2 controller (FIG. 3), delivering exceptional performance and flexibility for basic automation applications including handling, moving, positioning and processing.
The new solution combines three key innovations:
Advanced SINAMICS S200 and S210 servo-drive systems
New SIMATIC S7-1200 G2 controller
Compatible SIMOTICS servomotors.
Key features and benefits include:
Enhanced processing power with dedicated communication performance and extended memory
Support for up to 31 PROFINET devices with synchronized program execution
Integrated motion control technology objects for simplified system configuration
Advanced safety features up to SIL3/PLe and Category 4 certification
Near field communication (NFC) capability for wireless access to diagnostic and device data.
The new portfolio offers scalable solutions with various power options:
SINAMICS S210 is available in voltage ranges from 200 V–400 V with power ratings up to 7 kW
Ultra-fast current controller response time of 62.5 µs
Flexible configuration options for single axes, coordinated axes and simple kinematics.
This cost-optimized solution includes comprehensive safety features, wireless diagnostics capabilities and seamless integration with the Siemens TIA Portal, making it ideal for manufacturers seeking to modernize their automation systems.
For more information, visit https://www.siemens.com/us/en/products/drives/sinamics-electric-drives/low-voltage-drives/servo-drives.html.
Novel dual-function nucleator and acid scavenger molecule for PP
Kisuma Chemicals, a global leader in magnesium-based additives, has launched several new additive solutions designed to expand the company’s diversified product portfolio and boost the performance, efficiency and sustainability of plastics. As part of this major initiative, Kisuma introduces SetogemRD, a dual-function nucleating agent and acid scavenging agent for polypropylenes (PP).
As a two-in-one product, SetogemRD combines a superior balance of properties in one single environmentally friendly and cost-efficient solution that minimizes the complexity of PP formulations, enables faster processing and maximizes final part quality.
The excellent nucleation performance of SetogemRD helps resin producers promote and control the formation of crystals within the polymer, which results in PP materials with outstanding stiffness, impact strength and isotropic shrinkage. Moreover, it provides excellent heat deflection temperature and low creep deformation. At the same time, acid scavenging is an integral property of the product’s composition, offering non-migratory performance even at low use levels.
This contributes to a substantial reduction in blooming and migration—critical for medical and food contact applications facing strict regulatory demands—while ensuring corrosion protection for processing equipment and preserving the function of additives essential to long-term polymer stability.
SetogemRD is zinc-free and reduces the need for tallow or palm oil derivatives. It also allows customers to reduce the loading levels compared to other, less sustainable additives, such as talc and sodium benzoate (NaBz), from several kilograms (kg) per ton of PP to only 200 ppm–300 ppm. In addition, the innovative new dual-function molecule has a very low Scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint.
For instance, a major customer has initiated the replacement of talc by SetogemRD for 1 MMt of PP produced per year at one site, eliminating the exposure of employees to talc in their process and resulting in a CO2 emissions reduction of > 2 kilotons per year.
Talc contains high amounts of hazardous substances which led the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in 2024 to classify it as a health hazard.
SetogemRD is globally available and has already received complete food contact approvals in the EU as well as in Switzerland, Brazil and Japan. FDA approval is expected towards the end of the year.
For more information, visit https://kisuma.us/setogem/.
Expanded product portfolio for the urea industry
The urea production industry faces significant challenges due to the highly corrosive nature of the process environment, particularly in the high-pressure section. Therefore, Alleima has expanded its advanced materials portfolio for urea with SAF™ 2906 (FIG. 4), a super duplex stainless steel designed to withstand the most corrosive environments.
Alleima, a global manufacturer of high value-added products in advanced stainless steels and special alloys as well as solutions for industrial heating, offers products for a variety of industries and applications.
SAF 2906 has been engineered to meet the stringent demands of the urea industry, requiring exceptional durability and reliability. Originally developed for the urea synthesis process, the grade can withstand extremely high pressures and temperatures. Its superior corrosion resistance against low-oxygen carbamate solutions ensures enhanced plant safety and productivity by preventing corrosion-related issues. Equipment failure resulting from corrosion can lead to costly downtime and maintenance. Selecting the most suitable material for the purpose is crucial for ensuring the longevity and efficiency of urea production plants.
Key advantages of SAF 2906 include:
Excellent corrosion resistance to carbamate solutions: SAF 2906 is optimized for superior corrosion resistance against carbamate solutions with low oxygen content, thereby enhancing both plant safety and productivity.
Very high strength: With a yield strength nearly three times that of conventional austenitic stainless steels, SAF 2906 provides design advantages and allows for lighter constructions.
Excellent pitting and stress corrosion cracking (SCC) resistance: SAF 2906 has a carefully balanced composition, which gives the material high resistance to chloride-rich environments, ensuring long-term reliability.
Enhanced fabrication and weldability.
For more information, visit https://www.alleima.com/en/products/tube-pipe/high-performance-materials/saf-2906-our-latest-addition-for-the-urea-industry/?mtm_campaign=fr_emea&mtm_source=press-release. HP