commModule APL, a new hardware module from Softing Industrial Automation, is designed to support device manufacturers in implementing Ethernet-APL field devices for the process industry quickly and reliably.

Ethernet Advanced Physical Layer (Ethernet-APL) is the new standard for end-to-end digital communication in the process industry and is also suitable for use in hazardous areas. Device manufacturers will have to prepare themselves for growing demand from end-users for this modern data transmission technology. They now face the challenge of developing and certifying new Ethernet-APL-capable devices within the shortest possible time-to-market - ideally without having to build up extensive specialist knowledge of Ethernet-APL. As a ready-to-use and pre-certified hardware for the implementation of Ethernet-APL field devices, commModule APL supports manufacturers in exactly this challenge.

Fast and reliable implementation of Ethernet-APL field devices

The hardware module provides connectivity to Ethernet-APL as well as an application software that can be easily configured to implement the required behavior of the respective field device. commModule-APL is delivered with a pre-installed PROFINET stack. It provides a configurable application data model and commands mapping to migrate existing HART and Modbus devices to Ethernet-APL. This does not require writing a single line of code. The assignment to HART or Modbus commands is done with the accompanying commScripter tool. commModule APL has already passed comprehensive EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) and environmental testing, as well as conformance testing for the Ethernet-APL Physical Layer and for the PROFINET protocol with PA Profile 4.02. It is also pre-certified in accordance with ATEX and IECEx. These features drastically reduce the effort, risk and time required to develop device hardware.

More information is available on the Softing website.

At the Hannover Messe (May 30 to June 02, 22), Softing will present the commModule APL at the partner booth of PROFIBUS & PROFINET International, Hall 9 / Booth D68.

Softing at Hannover Messe, May 30 to June 2nd, 2022:
• Partner Stand of OPC Foundation, hall 8 / booth F07,
• Partner Stand of PROFIBUS & PROFINET International, hall 9 / booth D68,
• Siemens Ecosystem Booth, hall 9 / booth D49, June 2nd, 9 am to 12 pm

About Softing Industrial
Softing connects disparate automation components to feed data from the shop floor to the cloud for control and analytics. The company’s products enable the monitoring and diagnosis of communication networks and thus ensure a reliable data flow. In this way, they create the basis for the optimization of production processes. For more information, please visit https://industrial.softing.com

Solenis, a leading global producer of specialty chemicals used in water-intensive industries, has released its 2021 Sustainability Report summarizing the company’s environmental stewardship, social responsibility and governance (ESG) initiatives for the previous fiscal year. The report is available for download at www.solenis.com/en/sustainabilityreport. It’s considered a progress update on company initiatives and baseline data that were first reported from 2020. 

The comprehensive Solenis sustainability report highlights the company’s progress toward environmental stewardship, social responsibility and governance (ESG) goals. “Our goal with the Solenis Sustainability Report is to continue providing transparency about our organization while setting targets and tracking the initiatives that keep us accountable along our sustainability journey,” said CEO John Panichella. 

The 2021 report is based on Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards and has been externally validated by an independent certification agency. Important highlights include: 

• Revisions and prioritization of U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address gender equality, clean water and sanitation, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, climate action and partnerships for the goals, such as working with employees to address community needs where Solenis operates. 

• Recognition as a Platinum-rated company by EcoVadis, a leading rating agency in corporate social responsibility and sustainable procurement. The Platinum status indicates that Solenis scored in the Top 1% of chemical companies that were evaluated for sustainability management.  
• Key measures in the category of Well-being, Health and Safety of Our People showed 820 new hires. Globally, female employees make up 24% of the 5,300-employee workforce and 21% of executive leadership positions are held by women. In the U.S., racial/ethnic diversity makes up 37%. These measures are positive indicators that Solenis is focused on diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and is empowering employees to participate in change and growth.   
• Health and safety metrics showed 30 work sites having lasted at least one year without a recordable injury, 11 sites were injury free for at least 5 years and 4 sites for at least 10 years. 
• Solenis launched several key Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives in the past year, including a diverse pipeline and scholarship program and a women’s leadership sponsorship program. Others included an expansion of employee network groups and a celebration of International Women’s Day, Juneteenth and an International PRIDE event. An Allyship program was also introduced to support an inclusive work environment.  
• Solenis reported on targets and key performance indicators of its sustainability goals that include customer relationships, R&D innovation and digitalization. Each of these goals works as part of a broader initiative to address global issues such as water scarcity, deforestation and climate change.  

“We’re proud to continue showing progress across all of our sustainability efforts and also grateful to learn where we need further emphasis,” said Panichella. “With some of our strongest gains in the area of social performance, along with 820 new hires and a more diverse and more engaged workforce, we are confident we will make further strides toward our goals.” 

To read the 2021 Solenis Sustainability Report and to learn more about the company’s roadmap for sustainability, visit www.solenis.com/en/sustainability/sustainability-roadmap. 

About Solenis 
Solenis is a leading global producer of specialty chemicals, focused on delivering sustainable solutions for water-intensive industries, including the pulp, packaging paper and board, tissue and towel, oil and gas, petroleum refining, chemical processing, mining, biorefining, power, municipal, and pool and spa markets. The company’s product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids and functional additives, as well as state-of-the-art monitoring and control systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets, minimize environmental impact and maintain healthy water. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 47 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of over 6,000 professionals in 120 countries across five continents. Solenis is a 2022 US Best Managed Company. 

For additional information about Solenis, please visit solenis.com

Datalogic, a global leader in the automatic data capture and factory automation markets, is excited to announce the new PowerScan™ 9600 series of industrial handheld scanners. This flagship model brings much needed powerful new benefits to manufacturing, warehousing, and retail applications. The tough, rugged design, combined with wireless charging, interchangeable communications modules, and long-range STAR radio capability provides unmatched performance and reduced total cost of ownership that will guarantee many years of unparalleled performance.

The PowerScan 9600 will be available in corded and cordless versions, both of which offer a choice of interchangeable connectivity options. Whether for industrial or retail operations, Datalogic has you covered, with an interchangeable interface module. Regardless of whether you are connecting to an Industrial PC, tablet or PLC, the modules can be installed in just a few minutes right out of the box. Any network changes are also future proofed as the modules can quickly be swapped to adapt to a new communication protocol. The modules work perfectly with either the charging cradle or directly when used with corded scanners.

The cradle now offers wireless charging, thus eliminating the risks commonly associated with traditional contact-based charging cradles. Dirty or damaged contacts in the charging base can lead to unscheduled downtime when battery performance is affected due to partial or no charge. This technology ensures maximum productivity and massively improves Total Cost of Ownership for the enterprise. Remaining battery life is clearly indicated on the PowerScan 9600, as is the overall health of the device, alerting the user to carry out any predictive maintenance ahead of potential failure.

Powerscan 9600 family

The rugged design of the PowerScan 9600 features an IP67 rated housing that withstands water and dust ingress in industrial environments, and even drops of up to 2.5m onto concrete floors, resisting the harshest usage in factories and warehouses. Such environments often impede wireless performance associated with so many Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi devices trying to work simultaneously in the same area. The PowerScan 9600 is equipped with a narrow-band STAR radio system, designed for long-range use, and unaffected by network interference and guarantees reliable, secure long-range communication.

The PowerScan 9600 really does exceed all expectations when it comes to reliability, flexibility, and unbeatable Total Cost of Ownership.

Learn more at www.datalogic.com

Datalogic Group

Global leader in the automatic data capture and factory automation markets since 1972, Datalogic empowers the efficiency and quality of processes in the Retail, Manufacturing, Transportation & Logistics and Healthcare industries.

Datalogic S.p.A. is listed in the STAR segment of the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001 as DAL.MI. Visit www.datalogic.com.

Datalogic and the Datalogic logo are registered trademarks of Datalogic S.p.A. in many countries, including the U.S.A. and the E.U. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

ABB announces the launch of ABB Ability™ NGX Hoist Control, a global control system enabling mining companies to achieve maximum performance and safety of hoist operations. Building on ABB’s reliable and proven past generations of hoist control systems, it brings new levels of reliability, flexibility and ease of use to smaller companies on greenfield projects or upgrades. It can also help larger companies reduce costs and improve efficiencies through standardization of control systems.

• Global technology company ABB is introducing a new standardized hoist control system for use by mining companies worldwide
• New ABB Ability™ NGX Hoist Control can adapt to any hoist and replace older and third-party systems, offering more flexibility than ever
• The launch comes 130 years after ABB’s first electrical motor for a mine hoist was commissioned in Sweden in 1891

ABB Ability NGX Hoist Control, which is set to be unveiled at Euro Mine Expo 2022 in Sweden next month, is adaptable to any type of hoist and can be used in upgrade projects replacing third-party control systems. The NGX Hoist Operating Station was designed with the latest ergonomic and human factors engineering guidelines and is based on the latest human machine interface (HMI) insights, offering the most modern and intuitive operator interface.

It can be easily integrated with other market leading ABB technologies including ABB Ability™ Safety Plus for hoists – the first fully SIL 3 certified hoist solutions which ensure the highest level of safety – which was first commissioned in 2019 on the world’s largest friction hoists. It is also compatible with advanced digital monitoring service ABB Ability™ Performance Optimization for hoists which continuously tracks the status of a mine hoist and improves uptime, availability, performance and productivity by providing actionable information on key performance indicators (KPIs) and provides remote access to ABB experts at all times.

“This exciting new launch follows the recent introduction of ABB Ability Safety Plus and is another milestone for greater levels of reliability, optimization and protection for mine hoists,” said Oswald Deuchar, Global Product Line Manager for Hoisting, ABB. “With ABB Ability™ NGX Hoist Control mine operators benefit from more flexibility and an improved user experience, including round-the-clock support and the ability to manage hoists for greater optimization. By implementing the same control system across plants OPEX can be further improved.”

“The health and safety of people working in mines, from our people to our customers’ employees, is of paramount importance at ABB,” said Max Luedtke, Head of Global Product Group, Mining Aluminium Cement and Vice President at ABB. “ABB Ability NGX Hoist Control is the latest example of this and follows the development of ABB Ability Safety Plus for hoists and of autonomous solutions including ventilation on demand and digital services. Together these improve the quality of the working environment, and enable remote supervision and autonomous operation, removing operators from hazardous areas.”

ABB will exhibit on Booth 188 in the Zink Hall at Euro Mine Expo 2022. The trade fair and conference is being held in Skellefteå Kraft Arena, Skellefteå, Sweden from Tuesday, June 14 to Thursday, June 16.

ABB draws on more than 130 years of experience in the mining industry and is a pioneer in the integration of electrification, automation and digitalization in mining. ABB is the sole supplier of complete mine hoist systems. ABB mine hoist solutions provide low life cycle cost, high reliability and system availability, short project execution time, and a single source of supply for complete systems, including service and spare parts.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future. By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. www.abb.com

ABB’s Process Automation business is a leader in automation, electrification and digitalization for the process and hybrid industries. We serve our customers with a broad portfolio of products, systems, and end-to-end solutions, including our # 1 distributed control system, software, and lifecycle services, industry-specific products as well as measurement and analytics, marine and turbocharging offerings. As the global #2 in the market, we build on our deep domain expertise, diverse team and global footprint, and are dedicated to helping our customers increase competitiveness, improve their return on investment and run safe, smart, and sustainable operations. go.abb/processautomation 

Sulzer’s pumps are helping to optimize oil recovery while reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a pioneering project in the Middle East. As part of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques, captured CO₂ emissions that have been converted into supercritical CO₂ are pumped into depleted oil reservoirs to push the remaining oil to the riser, allowing much higher recovery rates. The pumped CO₂ is then stored in the underground oil field, providing a perfect storage medium for the greenhouse gas. This groundbreaking circular process has the power to transform the oil and gas industry by reducing CO₂ emissions while simultaneously maximizing recovery from existing oil fields – reducing the need for further oil exploration.

It is widely acknowledged that the traditional primary and secondary recovery methods for oil can leave up to 75% of the oil in the ground. Oil production from mature fields has therefore been declining and discoveries of new reservoirs will be insufficient to match growing energy demands. To reduce the need for further oil exploration, enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques are now coming to the fore, with this method using captured CO₂ emissions that have been converted into supercritical CO_2, showing particular promise.

Sulzer’s highly specialized pumps allow the CO₂ to be pumped like a liquid, sweeping through a reservoir to push the oil to the riser with much higher efficiency than traditional methods using water. At the same time, the depleted oil fields then provide a perfect storage medium for the CO₂, ensuring that it is not released into the atmosphere.

This pioneering process could therefore be a major benefit for the oil industry, providing new technology to help maximize recovery from existing oil fields, thereby reducing the need for further oil exploration, while also cutting CO₂ emissions. Sulzer’s expertise is critical to the process, as the lightness and extremely high pressure of supercritical CO₂ have a significant impact on the design of the pump, with most manufacturers steering clear of such applications.

Frederic Lalanne, CEO and President of Sulzer’s Flow Equipment Division commented: “As global demand for energy and materials continues to rise, it’s becoming ever more important to optimize the use of existing resources and work towards increasing renewables while also expanding the circular economy. Sulzer is committed to accelerating this transition using its engineering expertise, and this innovative process is one more example of how our technology can help to sustainably transform CO₂-emitting industries”.

Sulzer is a global leader in fluid engineering. We specialize in pumping, agitation, mixing, separation and purification technologies for fluids of all types. Our customers benefit from our commitment to innovation, performance and quality and from our responsive network of 180 world-class manufacturing facilities and service centers across the globe. Sulzer has been headquartered in Winterthur, Switzerland, since 1834. In 2021, our 13’800 employees delivered revenues of CHF 3.2 billion. Our shares are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: SUN). www.sulzer.com

Camilla Nevstad Bruzeluis will drive global sustainability strategies at the metal cutting firm

To bolster its Sustainable Business Program, Sandvik Coromant has appointed Camilla Nevstad Bruzelius as its Head of Sustainable Business. Joining in March 2022, Nevstad Bruzelius will be tasked with driving Sandvik Coromant’s sustainability initiatives forward, as the company aims to make metal cutting more environmentally friendly for people, the planet and business profit.

Camilla Nevstad BruzeluisWith 20 years of experience at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, most recently as deputy head of the Global Agenda Department, sustainable business has long been at the core of Nevstad Bruzelius’s career. She has vast experience aligning with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, supporting international environmental and climate initiatives and further issues related to energy, circular economy and multilateral cooperation. Camilla has also served as head of the Sustainability Group at the Swedish Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York and as chief of staff to the Minister for International Development Cooperation and Climate.

Now, as she takes on a new challenge at Sandvik Coromant, Nevstad Bruzelius will use her wealth of experience to drive and develop the company’s own sustainability initiatives. Sustainable development forms an important part of Sandvik Coromant’s business strategy. The company’s mission is to develop metal cutting solutions and services that use fewer natural resources and consume less energy, while making their customers’ applications more economically efficient. In fact, Sandvik Coromant has already developed its own sustainability goals for 2025, which include becoming more than 90% circular and halving the carbon impact of its production processes.

As head of sustainable business, a new role for Sandvik Coromant, Nevstad Bruzelius will champion these sustainability goals and communicate their progress with internal and external stakeholders, while also focusing on areas such as Sandvik Coromant’s cemented carbide circularity program, which allows customers to sell their used cutting tools back to Sandvik Coromant, who recycle the solid carbide to make new tools.

“Appointing a Head of Sustainable Business is the next step in our journey towards making lasting, sustainable change,” said Magnus Ekbäck, Vice President for Strategy and Business at Sandvik Coromant. “We’ve implemented many activities over the years, having started recycling initiatives for our carbide scrap as early as 1970. But we know there is always more we can do. With Camilla’s guidance, we hope to reach our ambitious sustainability goals and help our customers being more sustainable in their own operations.”

To learn more about how Sandvik Coromant is championing sustainable manufacturing in metal cutting, visit the website.

Sandvik Coromant

Part of global industrial engineering group Sandvik, Sandvik Coromant is at the forefront of manufacturing tools, machining solutions and knowledge that drive industry standards and innovations demanded by the metalworking industry now and into the next industrial era. Educational support, extensive R&D investment and strong customer partnerships ensure the development of machining technologies that change, lead and drive the future of manufacturing. Sandvik Coromant owns over 1700 patents worldwide, employs over 7,700 staff, and is represented in 150 countries.

For more information visit www.sandvik.coromant.com

Hydrogen – whether applied in shipping, steel production, refineries or power-to-x application – it has become the energy source of the future, yet already used in many sectors. Due to its special properties, the hydrogen gas poses several technical challenges for the respective components with which it comes into contact, so that the use of corrosion-resistant stainless steel is essential. This in turn is susceptible to wear and galling and this is exactly where the technology of the Danish pioneer for surface hardening of stainless steel and titanium comes into play.

Hydrogen - the element that comes first in the periodic table and is therefore the smallest and lightest atom among all elements - has been traded for some time as the greatest hope for future energy supply. With a mass fraction of about 70%, hydrogen is the most common chemical element in the universe. On Earth, however, its mass fraction is only 0.87% and is largely bound in water.

Starting with production, over to transport ending with the actual usage, wherever hydrogen is involved, stainless steel components are also used, some of which are subject to extreme wear depending on the application and naturally subject to galling. In the past, this problem was countered with traditional wear protection methods and the respective components were protected with a coating (e.g. hard chrome plating, DLC or chrome carbide) or classic plasma nitriding or salt bath diffusion layers. However, these processes are generally known to affect the corrosion resistance of the stainless steel parts negatively.

The solution to this dilemma - a surface hardening that protects against wear and galling while at the same time maintains or even improves the corrosion resistance of the materials - was developed by the founders of the Danish company Expanite and is increasingly being used in the hydrogen sector. For example, components of high pressure and control valves or clutch systems used in the hydrogen infrastructure up to components for fuel cells are hardened.

Sustainably prevent hydrogen embrittlement
"Our customers often ask whether the Expanite technology increases the risk of hydrogen embrittlement, which is not the case," explains Dr. Holger Selg, application expert and Expanite Sales Director DACH, who going further into detail: "The cause of the hydrogen embrittlement can be traced back to the diffusion of the hydrogen into the material, and in theory the Expanite layer acts as a diffusion brake to a certain extent. Charged with nitrogen and carbon, the Expanite surface is harder for the hydrogen to penetrate than an untreated surface."

he gas-based diffusion process from Expanite is significantly more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than comparable wear protection processes, and thanks to the treatment in a vacuum, no time-consuming cleaning of the parts, e.g. with aggressive chemicals, is necessary after hardening

he Expanite technology, specially developed for corrosion-resistant materials, offers a solution for austenitic, martensitic, ferritic and duplex stainless steels as well as for expensive nickel-based alloys such as Inconel and Hastelloy. The new special process ExpaniteHard-Ti, which the Expanite team of experts in Denmark has developed to market maturity in recent years, is used for titanium materials.

About Expanite:
Expanite was founded in 2010 by leading experts in material and surface hardening whose research dates back to 2000. The company is headquartered in Hillerød near Copenhagen and has treatment centers in the USA, Germany, Korea and China. Expanite's solutions are flexible and can be tailored to the customer's own product line within the framework of a license agreement.

ACI Group, a leading distributor working with some of the largest global food, pharma, industrial and road businesses, has become the UK’s first distributor to achieve the esteemed Social Value Quality Mark (SVQM) – an award that aims to cultivate and recognise the highest known standards in values-led business.

To mark its journey towards a sustainable business model, the Berkshire-based company has just announced that it will redefine what sustainability means under its distributor as a service model.

As part of a series of pledges for the SVQM, ACI Group aims to positively disrupt the market by taking pivotal steps to demonstrate its commitment to both people and the planet.

“We are passionate about service and sustainability in the supply chain – and we want to start making a difference in our customer supply chain today,” comments Karsten Smet, Director at ACI Group. “Consumers want demonstrable proof of sustainability claims from the brands they purchase from, they want to understand where their products have originated and how they are made. At ACI Group, we want to help our customers and suppliers ensure that any sustainability claim is measured from the outset.”

The SVQM was created to assist organisations to legitimately demonstrate social impact and value claims. For ACI Group, this includes a promise to reduce impact on the planet by cutting carbon footprint, investing in local businesses to support regional growth, and investing in the health and wellbeing of employees.

“For ACI Group, the Social Value Quality Mark accreditation is a major step towards becoming a truly sustainable business,” continues Smet. “With level one achieved, level two is firmly in sight, and we are actively drawing up a 12-month forecast on how we can reduce environmental impact, such as understanding where we can minimise emissions in our supply chain, and how we can create a better work-life balance for our people.”

In support of the accreditation, Richard Dickins, MD of Social Value Quality Mark, said: “Today’s consumers increasingly make their decisions based on how companies treat their staff, the environment and society. Through the Quality Mark, we cultivate and recognise the highest known standards in values-led business.

“This award recognises ACI Group’s outstanding commitment to create, report and embed social value. We are delighted to remain their social value partner as they move up through the levels.”

The SVQM was launched in 2015 and is supported by a team of independent practitioners who uphold the highest levels of rigour, quality and trust. There are four levels of accreditation, with each acknowledging an increasing level of commitment. The award helps organisations align themselves to the latest public sector procurement standards.

For further information about the Social Value Quality Mark, please visit: socialvaluequalitymark.com/.

To find out more about ACI Group and its activities, visit: acigroup.biz/

Since 1988, ACI Group has been on a mission to become the “complete distribution service” for the food, pharma, industrial and road industries. With over 200 customers and over 50 suppliers working across every continent, we are passionate about service and sustainability within the supply chain.

We have a history of removing our customer and supplier headaches from source to point of delivery through to their finished product whilst focusing on minimising any negative environmental, social and economical impact. Our business focuses on joining both the needs of our customers and our suppliers, whilst ensuring we play our part on making the world a better place to be through an innovative approach to distribution.

For more information, please visit: https://www.acigroup.biz/

Valmet has signed a Heads of Agreement with Circa to industrialize the production of sustainable biochemicals at Circa’s small-scale ReSolute plant in France and future large-scale production plants. Valmet will offer the main machinery and equipment and actively contribute to the development of Circa’s production processes of bio-based renewable solvents. The bio-based solvents will replace harmful petroleum-based solvents used in a wide variety of industries.

“We are very pleased to join forces with Valmet. Cooperation will provide great support for Circa’s growth ambitions and leverage Valmet’s strong focus on driving the green shift. Valmet’s experience with fluidized bed boilers and biomass-to-energy solutions will be a significant resource in successfully realizing and optimizing our production process at scale,” says Tony Duncan, CEO of Circa Group.

“Sustainability is at the core of Valmet’s business strategy and operations. By providing experience and expertise to companies like Circa, Valmet will achieve its goal of converting renewable resources into sustainable results. We have been highly impressed by Circa’s team and ambition and look forward to working closely with them to realize their objectives,” says Bertel Karlstedt, President, Pulp and Energy business line, Valmet.

The ReSolute plant will produce 1,100 tons of bio-based solvent called Cyrene^TM. The agreed long-term objective is to develop deployable modules with a capacity of 10-15 thousand tons per annum. The modules can operate separately or in multiples, depending on local feedstock and supporting infrastructure availability. In the second half of 2022, Valmet and Circa will initiate conceptual engineering for a large-scale plant. Circa’s plan is to reach an annual production capacity of 80,000 tons by 2030.

Valmet will offer equipment for biomass handling, a pyrolysis system and a Valmet CFB Boiler for energy production as well as a Valmet DNA Automation System, first for the ReSolute plant project and later on for the future plants.

Valmet has developed its pyrolysis technology since the 1990s at its pilot plant in Tampere, Finland. In 2013, Valmet supplied the world's largest industrial-scale biomass fast pyrolysis plant to Fortum in Joensuu, Finland.

Information about Circa

Established in 2006, Circa Group converts waste, non-food biomass into advanced bio-based chemicals with its proprietary Furacell™ process. Its developing product portfolio includes flavors, biopolymers, and bio-solvents including Cyrene™, an alternative to traditional polar aprotic solvents. By creating renewable chemicals from cellulose, Circa is extracting value from non-food, surplus biomass and contributing to industry as it transitions to a more circular economy. In March 2021, Circa Group listed on the Euronext Growth Market in Oslo, Norway.

Valmet is a leading global developer and supplier of process technologies, automation and services for the pulp, paper and energy industries. With our automation systems and flow control solutions we serve an even wider base of process industries.

We aim to become the global champion in serving our customers. Our 17,000 professionals work close to our customers and are committed to improving our customers’ performance – every day.

The company has over 220 years of industrial history and a strong track record in continuous improvement and renewal. In 2022, a major milestone was achieved when the flow control company Neles was merged into Valmet. The combined company’s net sales in 2021 was approximately EUR 4.5 billion based on the respective company figures.

Valmet’s shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki and the head office is in Espoo, Finland.    

Follow us on valmet.com

Anritsu Corporation is pleased to announce that the Global Certification forum's (GFC) Certification Agreement Group (CAG) has approved the industry first Dual Connectivity Protocol Conformance test for Standalone (SA) 5G New Radio (NR) on the ME7834NR Protocol Test Platform at their CAG#70 meeting held in April 2022.

NR Dual Connectivity (NR DC) allows a device to connect to two 5G NR serving nodes concurrently enabling higher throughput, better coverage, and improved latency and reliability.

This is the first test where NR SA is operated over millimeter Wave (mmWave), and sub-6GHz frequencies simultaneously. 5G devices can now take advantage of the wider reach of mid-band sub-6 GHz frequencies along with the high data rates supported by mmWave.

The conformance tests are defined by 3GPP in TS 38.523-1 and have earlier been verified by Anritsu at 3GPP RAN WG5 (Radio Access Network Working Group 5). These tests have also been submitted to PTCRB (PCS Type Certification Review Board) PVG (PTCRB Validation group) for approval in the upcoming PVG#97 meeting.

The ME7834NR Protocol Conformance test Platform is registered with both the GCF and PTCRB as Test Platform (TP) 251.

The ME7834NR is a test platform for 3GPP-based Protocol Conformance Test (PCT) and Carrier Acceptance Testing (CAT) of mobile devices incorporating Multiple Radio Access Technologies (RAT). It supports 5G NR in both Standalone (SA) and Non-Standalone (NSA) mode in addition to LTE, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), LTE-A Pro, and W-CDMA. When combined with Anritsu’s new OTA chamber MA8171A and RF converters, the ME7834NR covers the sub-6 GHz and millimeter wave (mmWave) 5G frequency bands.

About Anritsu

Anritsu Corporation (www.anritsu.com), a global provider of innovative communications test and measurement solutions for 125 years. Anritsu’s philosophy engages customers as true partners to help develop wireless, optical, microwave/RF, and digital solutions for R&D, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance applications, as well as multidimensional service assurance solutions for network monitoring and optimization. Anritsu also provides precision microwave/RF components, optical devices, and high-speed electrical devices for communication products and systems. The company develops advanced solutions for 5G, M2M, IoT, as well as other emerging and legacy wireline and wireless communication markets. With offices throughout the world, Anritsu has approximately 4,000 employees in over 90 countries.