Welcome to the IMechE North Western Process Community The IMechE North Western Process Industries Division is delighted to welcome you to CHEMUK 2026. As the UK’s flagship event for the chemical, laboratory, and process industries, this expo is the perfect environment to discuss the engineering challenges of today and the innovations of tomorrow. Visit Us at Stand M2 Located in the heart of the expo, our team at Stand M2 is ready to connect with members, students, and industry professionals. Whether you are looking to discuss professional registration, technical standards, or the future of process engineering in the North West, we invite you to stop by for a conversation. Stay Connected Beyond the Expo Our involvement with the process industries continues year-round through our dedicated Community Hub. We invite all attendees to visit our official news page to stay informed about: Technical Lectures & Webinars: Deep dives into process safety, sustainability, and emerging technologies. Site Visits: Exclusive behind-the-scenes access to major industrial facilities across the North West. Networking Events: Opportunities to meet fellow engineers and industry leaders in a collaborative environment. Regional Updates: Key news impacting the engineering community in our local area. Access Our Community News Hub Don't wait until the next expo to get involved. You can access our full archive of news, upcoming event listings, and contact details for the committee by visiting our hub directly: 👉 View the IMechE North Western Community Hub News We look forward to meeting you at Stand M2 on 20–21 May 2026 and growing our engineering community together!

Essco recently supported a key customer by sourcing specialist valves for a demanding low-temperature cooling project. The system includes a series of 50 kW cold rooms operating at an extreme –30°C, to be supplied to Trane Rental Services for deployment on a site in France. For this application, the Essco team supplied 50 mm 3-way T-port ball valves with a stainless steel body and ball, flanged PN16, fitted with J4CS300 multi-voltage electric actuators. Each actuator is IP67 rated and equipped with a 0 to 10 V control signal DPS positioner, allowing precise control of the media to balance the system and maintain stable operation. At temperatures this low, every component must perform with absolute reliability. Correct valve specification supports equipment protection, accurate flow control and consistent cooling performance under sustained load. Essco provided careful selection and technical insight to help the customer meet these requirements with confidence. Projects operating at sub-zero conditions place unique demands on engineering design. Material compatibility, flow characteristics and long-term durability all influence system reliability. Essco are proud to support customers with products that meet these demands and with the expertise to guide specification throughout the process. Another example of how trusted engineering supply keeps specialist cooling projects moving smoothly.

Suurmond has expanded its portfolio by partnering with VTA (Verfahrenstechnische Anlagen GmbH) across the Benelux, UK, and Ireland. Known for their advanced thermal processing expertise, VTA brings a complementary range of products to Suurmond’s portfolio, including thin-film and short path evaporators, and fractional distillation systems. Through this collaboration, both companies can further contribute to process optimization and superior product quality, especially within demanding sectors such as the pharmaceutical, chemical and food industries. PARTNERSHIP Although VTA’s thermal processing technologies are already well known in these regions, this partnership with Suurmond underscores a shared focus on improving customer engagement and local support. For VTA customers this means benefiting from more streamlined communication, faster technical support and easier alignment of needs and requirements to better meet their unique requirements.

We are proud to announce that Transvac is now part of Ingersoll Rand Engineered Solutions This partnership marks an exciting evolution for Transvac. By joining forces with Ingersoll Rand, we gain access to a global platform, expanded resources, and a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability. Our customers can expect the same trusted expertise in ejector technology — now backed by the strength of a global leader. We’re thrilled about what the future holds and can’t wait to deliver even more value together. Thank you to our employees, partners, and customers for being part of this journey.

We are pleased to announce that on February 24, 2025, TAWD ball valves officially obtained certification under ISO 14067 Product Carbon Footprint (PCF), verified through an independent third-party audit conducted by AFNOR Certification. This milestone represents a significant advancement in TAWD’s efforts toward responsible manufacturing, transparency, and carbon data management — positioning TAWD as the first certified ball valve brand in Taiwan under ISO 14067 and setting a new sustainability benchmark in the valve industry. What Is ISO 14067? ISO 14067 is an internationally recognized standard for Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) assessment. Using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, it calculates emissions generated across the entire product lifecycle — from raw material extraction, processing, manufacturing, packaging, and transportation to product use. Through AFNOR’s rigorous verification process, TAWD’s carbon assessment methodology was confirmed to meet the required principles of: • Traceability • Transparency • Consistency • Compliance with international standards Certification confirms that TAWD can now provide reliable, science-based, and verifiable carbon footprint data — giving customers confidence in the information they rely on. Why Does This Certification Matter? With increasing ESG expectations and accelerating supply chain decarbonization requirements worldwide, product-level carbon disclosure has become a critical factor in engineering specifications and procurement frameworks. ISO 14067 certification enables TAWD to deliver: • Greater transparency of product information • Stronger credibility in sustainability commitments • Better alignment with international supply chain requirements For us, this certification represents more than compliance — it signifies: • A commitment to customer trust and accountability • A step forward in sustainable competitiveness • A long-term responsibility to environmental stewardship

World-leading laboratory technology developer Technobis introduces DoseALL™, an advanced, automated liquid dosing module designed to streamline chemical synthesis processes. With this new product launch, Technobis consolidates its reaction screening portfolio, further enhancing its commitment to innovation and automation in laboratory workflows. Fully automated, multi-syringe liquid dosing module Equipped with 5 in-parallel syringes operating independently (supporting both disposable and glass options, at 1 mL and 5 mL capacities), DoseALL™ ensures highly accurate dosing, from microliter to millilitre scale, making it ideal for precise and reliable reagent dispensing. DoseALL™ integrates seamlessly with the ReactALL™ instrument - the innovative benchtop multiple reactor system launched by Technobis in 2024 to address the needs of chemical reaction screening and optimization, route scouting, as well as process development and optimization. Using DoseALL™ and ReactALL™ together, chemists in various fields can initiate and maintain reactions autonomously, effectively utilizing evenings and weekends to run experiments. As a result, their research is significantly accelerated. Furthermore, the dosing process can be easily set up and fully controlled in the user-friendly ReactALL™ software. "DoseALL™ is an essential tool for laboratories seeking precision and efficiency in liquid handling for chemical synthesis experiments" says Dr Carmen Guguta, Global Head of Business Development and Marketing at Technobis. "Its advanced automation minimizes human error, improves reproducibility, and significantly accelerates product development. DoseALL™ is now available for purchase worldwide. For more details, visit the link below.

Many production processes require the precise, safe and consistently reproducible dosing of bulk materials. This task is often complex: technical concepts must account for the individual characteristics of powders ranging from fine to coarse, as well as the production environment and the quality requirements of the final product.

The Importance Of Viscosity Data In An Agitation Process Many companies design or modify their agitation processes based on a single viscosity figure. The result? Oversized agitators that consume too much energy, or worse, undersized ones that won't move the product. - Wasted time - Product out of specification - Wrong investments The solution lies in understanding what the correct viscosity value is for sizing an agitator. Having the tools to properly characterize it and design the agitation system you really need is the starting point. At Vak Kimsa, we have found that many agitation problems originate from poor characterization of this fundamental parameter. Viscosity is not a single value: a common mistake is to treat viscosity as a constant. In reality, except in Newtonian products (such as water or mineral oils), viscosity depends on two critical factors: temperature and applied shear. This means that the same product can present very different viscosities depending on working conditions. This variability is especially important in pseudoplastic or thixotropic fluids, where viscosity decreases with increasing shear rate. Therefore, measuring viscosity under static conditions or at incorrect speeds can lead to significant errors in agitator sizing. What is the correct viscosity data? Here lies the key to the problem: we need to know the product's viscosity at the actual working speed of the agitator. The solution is to perform viscosity curves that relate shear rate to the product's dynamic viscosity. At Vak Kimsa, we offer our customers the possibility of carrying out these rheological studies. Solutions to agitation problems: if your product is not moving correctly with the current agitator, don't give up. Now you know the importance of having reliable viscosity data. With this information, we can offer you the best solution. Read the full article!

The newly designed pump has been designed to meet the standards of today. The new injection-molded pump head, developed with a more sustainable approach, together with an upgraded oil cap featuring an integrated filter, completes an evolution focused on extending equipment lifetime. The new design improves serviceability, making handling simpler and spare parts replacement faster and more convenient. Mechanical components and the pump body structure have been reinforced to further increase strength and long-term durability.

Shimadzu have produced a handy guide to aid your LCMS troubleshooting. Download your FREE copy now! The topics include: Changes in Sensitivity Undesired Fragmentation Fronting and Tailing Peaks Carryover Retention Time Variability And many other topics!

Rising customer expectations, ecommerce growth and complex supply chains have pushed traditional warehousing to its limits. Smart warehousing offers a connected, data-led approach, combining storage, inventory and distribution for faster fulfilment, better visibility and lower costs. At Grace Overseas, we view warehousing as a critical link in the logistics chain, helping businesses stay agile and competitive. What is smart warehousing? It’s about linking every stage of the warehouse process—receiving, storing, picking, packing and dispatching—through technology and streamlined workflows. Key features include: Real-time stock visibility Efficient pick-and-pack systems 24/7 operations Comprehensive reporting Integrating these processes with transport planning enables faster decisions and a responsive, cost-effective supply chain. Why it matters Smart warehousing ensures accurate stock tracking, timely deliveries, and smooth coordination between storage, packing and shipping. It also supports multi-channel fulfilment from one hub, keeping operations flexible as markets shift. Benefits Faster turnaround: goods move quickly through the supply chain Fewer errors: reduced picking, labelling and stock mistakes Scalable: capacity can adjust for growth or seasonal peaks Cost control: efficiency reduces waste and unexpected costs Better customer satisfaction: accurate, on-time deliveries build trust How Grace Overseas helps We combine secure storage, co-packing, labelling, pick-and-pack, 24/7 operations and barcode tracking with full reporting, giving businesses a single, reliable point of contact for fulfilment and logistics. Smart warehousing isn’t just a trend—it’s a practical solution for efficient, responsive supply chains. Partner with Grace Overseas to simplify your operations and keep goods moving smoothly.

Freight forwarding is continuing to adjust to shifting trade flows, higher customer expectations and new working practices. At Grace Overseas, we follow these changes closely to provide practical, informed support. Here are five developments likely to influence the sector in 2026. 1. Sustainability as routine practice Environmental responsibility is now part of daily logistics planning. Customers expect clearer carbon data, and regulations are tightening. Carriers and forwarders are adopting cleaner fuels, refining route planning and improving emissions reporting. Lower-impact transport options are becoming standard in freight decisions. 2. Clearer supply chain visibility Stronger data sharing between forwarders, carriers, customs teams and warehouses gives businesses better oversight of shipments. Real-time updates and smoother customs processes help reduce disruption and improve planning. 3. Wider use of digital tools Predictive systems can identify potential delays early, while online freight platforms make it easier to compare routes, transit times and costs. This reduces administrative workload and allows teams to focus on customer support. 4. Evolving trade routes Trade is expanding beyond traditional corridors. Growth in parts of Africa, South America and Asia is creating fresh opportunities. Regional expertise helps businesses select reliable routes and adjust when political or economic shifts affect established lanes. 5. Increased attention to customs compliance Customs requirements continue to change, and mistakes can cause delays or penalties. Businesses rely on forwarders for guidance on documentation, tariffs and regulatory checks to keep goods moving smoothly. Freight forwarding in 2026 will be shaped by practical sustainability measures, improved information sharing and a broader view of global trade. At Grace Overseas, we remain committed to delivering dependable, straightforward logistics support.

Smooth Flow Pumps – A Milestone in Diaphragm Pump Innovation Our Smooth Flow series incorporates two advanced engineering approaches to achieve truly minimal pulsation. One design uses internal dampers integrated into the pump to absorb pressure fluctuations. The other relies on up to five diaphragms connected in parallel, each operating with a phase shift to smooth out the flow. Both configurations offer minimal vibration and noise and feature precise flow control via an integrated BLDC motor. Key Benefits Low Pulsation Smooth Flow pumps reduce pressure pulsation to a minimum, thereby reducing vibrations, noise, and stress on all system components, resulting in a longer lifetime. Gentle Liquid Handling Minimal pulsation leads to a steady and smooth flow preventing cavitation, minimizing foaming and bubble formation. Excellent Flow Controllability The digitally customizable BLDC motor ensures a predictable flow with absolute precision in flow control, even at high speeds.

UK sustainability reporting just got tougher and smart businesses are turning to PowTechnology to help them respond with better data! These new standards introduce significantly more demanding requirements for companies, particularly around data quality, scope and audit readiness. As UK businesses adapt to these sweeping changes in sustainability reporting, PowTechnology’s remote monitoring technologies are emerging as a critical enabler for organisations seeking to meet stricter compliance goals, whilst cutting energy costs and emissions. These changes place huge emphasis on accurate, granular, real‑time data, something many organisations previously lacked under the lighter SECR regime. Many organisations are just not ready and will need help to comply in time. Remote Monitoring Becomes Mission-Critical This is where PowTechnology, a leader in industrial IoT and telemetry, is seeing surging demand. Strengthening your data systems via remote monitoring provides a practical route to: · Reduce operational costs through smarter energy management. · Lower emissions proactively—rather than simply reporting them. · Build stakeholder trust through accurate, transparent disclosures. · Prepare for future mandatory audits on sustainability data. As the UK transitions from SECR’s simpler reporting model to the more rigorous UK SRS framework, the businesses best equipped to succeed will be those leveraging technologies capable of delivering reliable, continuous, actionable environmental data. PowTechnology can help you achieve that! We have designed, manufactured and supported remote monitoring & data driven solutions globally, for over 35 years, with an enviable track record for robust IIoT solutions, continuous innovation and successful customer outcomes. Talk to us about getting the data and insight you need to meet the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards. For a more detailed version of this article please see the link below.

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is one of the most effective ways to assess the condition of critical plant and machinery without taking equipment apart or disrupting operations. NDT helps reveal issues that can’t always be seen during a visual inspection, from early-stage cracks and weld defects to corrosion inside pressure systems. It allows our engineer surveyors to build a clearer understanding of equipment integrity, helping sites take action before problems become costly or unsafe. NDT is delivered through our Special Services team and is a key part of how we support customers with more complex or high-risk environments. It sits alongside services such as COMAH examinations, tank inspections, written schemes and consultancy support. In our latest article, we explore what NDT is, where it’s used and how it can help support safer, more resilient operations.