Emerson, a global leader in industrial automation, has introduced a sophisticated dust collector monitoring and control solution aimed at improving operational efficiency, cutting maintenance costs, and ensuring environmental compliance across multiple industries.

By integrating proven mechanical and automation technologies, this intelligent system delivers real-time diagnostics and seamless compatibility with existing plant systems, enabling operators to optimise performance and prolong equipment life.

Industries including cement, mining, chemicals, food production, and power generation manage materials that generate substantial dust and particulate emissions. These airborne particles threaten worker safety, equipment reliability, and environmental standards, making effective dust collection systems essential.

Conventional dust collectors use filters that require periodic cleaning with compressed air and eventual replacement, which can lead to expensive maintenance and unexpected downtime if not properly monitored.

Emerson’s innovative solution addresses these issues through automation. By employing advanced algorithms and predictive diagnostics, it optimises filter cleaning, identifies faults early, and reduces energy consumption. Extending filter life by up to a year can save businesses as much as US$18,000, while avoiding downtime that may cost thousands per hour.

A robust automation suite

The solution combines a range of Emerson’s trusted products, such as ASCO™ pulse valves, AVENTICS™ air flow sensors, Rosemount™ pressure sensors, and PACSystems™ programmable logic controllers (PLCs). These components enable precise control of pulse valve operations and automated cleaning cycles across multiple filter lines.

Additional features include Movicon.NExT SCADA for remote monitoring, alerts, and reporting, and QuickPanel+ human-machine interfaces (HMIs) that provide real-time diagnostics and early fault detection. The system also incorporates ASCO P152 particle concentration sensors to detect low dust levels and filter issues, alongside differential pressure monitoring with optional 4-20 mA compatibility.

“With this world-class and easily implemented solution, we aim to help our end users achieve greater operational efficiencies and gain valuable insights that reduce reactive maintenance, lower the risk of downtime, minimize energy consumption, and extend equipment life while addressing the knowledge gap by providing easily accessed information for operations personnel,” said Samuele Oliva, product marketing manager for dust collectors and alternative energy with Emerson’s discrete automation business.

Delivering operator benefits

Emerson’s solution provides several key advantages. Optimised pulse valve usage extends the lifespan of valves and filter bags, reducing compressed air waste and safeguarding equipment. Predictive maintenance capabilities monitor compressed air, pressure, temperature, dust levels, and energy usage, allowing early intervention to prevent costly failures.

The system’s scalability, with licensing based on pulse valve count (up to 500), makes it adaptable to facilities of varying sizes. Its Floor-to-Cloud connectivity ensures seamless integration with existing automation systems, offering a comprehensive operational overview and supporting compliance with environmental regulations.

In addition to cost savings, the solution advances sustainability by lowering energy and compressed air consumption. Smart filter cleaning reduces waste, while early detection of failed filters helps avoid regulatory penalties. These features align with increasing industry demands for environmentally responsible practices.

In celebration of World Water Day 2025, the Saudi Water Authority (SWA) launched 'Magic of Water', a documentary showcasing the Kingdom’s transformation from one of the most water-scarce nations to the world’s largest producer of desalinated water.

The film celebrated the visionaries, scientists, and communities who contributed to overcoming the country’s water challenges, demonstrating how determination and ingenuity could drive global solutions.

Saudi Arabia’s journey in water security and sustainability has marked a significant shift from its arid landscape to becoming a global leader in desalination and environmental stewardship. Through strategic investments, cutting-edge technology, and bold policymaking, the Kingdom has secured its water supply while setting new international benchmarks in water management and conservation.

SWA oversees the production of over 15 million cubic metres of water daily, managed through both public and private sector partnerships.

A state-of-the-art transmission network spanning more than 14,000 km delivers water across diverse terrains in collaboration with the Water Transmission Company (WTCO) and private sector partners.

Further distribution extends through a 135,000 km network, reaching cities and rural communities nationwide. Wastewater collection and treatment, managed by the National Water Company (NWC), ensures sustainable reuse in agriculture, industry, and mining.

The role of advanced technology

Technological advancements also played a crucial role in this transformation.

Saudi Arabia has integrated AI-powered desalination plants to enhance operational efficiency, developed eco-friendly water transport systems to reduce environmental impact, and pioneered anti-corrosion solutions derived from palm trees to extend infrastructure longevity.

These innovations position the Kingdom as a hub for global water technology while reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and climate resilience.

Aligned with the Saudi Green Initiative, SWA’s efforts led to a reduction of 37 million tons of carbon emissions annually since 2019, demonstrating its leadership in green technologies. With a 65% local content ratio in desalination projects, the Kingdom stimulated economic growth, created high-skilled jobs, and reinforced its status as a global water technology hub.

“Securing water is securing the future,” said H.E. Eng. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim, president of the Saudi Water Authority (SWA). “At SWA, we are not only building the world’s most advanced water infrastructure but also redefining how nations approach water security. Our accomplishments in desalination, sustainability, and efficiency are not just for Saudi Arabia—they serve as a model for the world.”

Saudi Arabia also expanded its leadership beyond its borders by fostering international cooperation in water security. The Kingdom is prepared to host the World Water Forum in 2027, establishing the Global Water Organisation to drive international collaboration, and launched a US$10mn Global Prize for Innovation in Water to inspire breakthroughs in water technology.

Also read: ENGIE divests power and desalination assets in Kuwait and Bahrain to ACWA Power

Diriyah Company has awarded a US$1.13bn (SAR 4.225 billion) construction contract to relocate King Saud University’s (KSU) existing utilities and administration offices, as part of the ongoing development of the Diriyah masterplan.

The contract has been granted to a joint venture between China Railway Construction Corporation Limited Saudi Branch and China Railway Construction Group Central Plain Construction Co. Ltd (CRCCSA & CRCGCPC).

“We are delighted to announce this major contract to support King Saud University, whose campus adjoins the Diriyah development area,” said Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company. “This agreement marks yet another important step in aligning our efforts to advance educational and infrastructural excellence in the Kingdom. We are proud to support one of the Kingdom’s leading academic institutions in delivering enhanced infrastructure services that will benefit both its students and the broader university community.”

Li ChongYang, chairman of China Railway Construction International Group Co., commented, “We are honoured to collaborate with Diriyah Company on this significant and unique development. This contract reflects our commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure with the highest standards of quality and efficiency. We look forward to contributing to the success of this iconic project and supporting the continued growth of King Saud University.”

The contract covers the design, construction and relocation of the university’s utilities and administration facilities.

Expectations for the future

This includes a new district cooling plant, water storage systems, a sewage treatment plant, LPG/SNG plant, diesel transfer pumping station, utility tunnels, irrigation water storage, office buildings, warehouses, and maintenance workshops.

Diriyah Company is also planning additional assets within the same area in future development phases.

The deal adds to a growing list of major contracts awarded by Diriyah Company, as the 14 sq km "City of Earth" continues to progress.

With this latest award, total contracts signed in 2025 now exceed US$2.9bn.

A flagship project supported by the Public Investment Fund, Diriyah is set to transform into a mixed-use urban hub, offering housing for nearly 100,000 residents, significant office space for professionals in technology, media, arts, and education, and is expected to generate approximately 178,000 jobs.

The development aims to attract close to 50 million visitors annually and contribute around US$18.6bn (SAR 70 billion) directly to Saudi Arabia’s GDP.

Using genuine parts for crushers and screens is crucial for ensuring operational efficiency and long-term sustainability. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Metso provide high-quality, reliable equipment designed to keep customers’ projects profitable

However, using counterfeit, non-genuine, or fake parts presents significant risks to operations, undermining the very principles that OEMs stand for.

Francois Marais, sales and marketing director at local Metso distributor pilot crushtec, said, “OEMs like Metso spend decades developing and supporting technologies that provide customers with reliable and high performance solutions for crushing and screening. However, this work is quickly undone when non-OEM parts are installed in our equipment, supposedly to save a few rand in maintenance costs.”

Marais goes on to explain that Metso’s equipment’s performance and reliability stem from its proven design and precision engineering. The various components and wear parts that need replacing over time are an integral part of this. Non-genuine parts, however, do not benefit from this technical heritage, leading to compromised performance and reliability.

Merja Tyyni, vice-president of aftermarket distribution management at Metso, added, “Our customer relationships focus on the whole process of delivering value to their operations. We pay attention to the end-product value, where we can supply not only the appropriate capital equipment, but also the follow-up trouble-shooting, repairs and overall technical advice.”

Karima Dargaud, head of aftermarket for Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia at Metso, emphasises the in-depth knowledge OEMs have of their equipment, which enables them to help customers achieve optimal, predictable results.

“Our OEM spares are an essential aspect of the support we provide, so that customers can reliably meet their production targets and avoid costly penalties. Customers build their reputations on this consistent performance, by producing the right results safely, on time and within budget. Using non-OEM spares only puts this reputation at risk, as machines then become unreliable,” remarked Dargaud. 

Marais also underscores the critical safety concerns associated with using non-genuine parts. Crushing equipment, in particular, involves extreme forces and speeds, and Metso’s wear parts are designed with specialised materials and hardening techniques to ensure both safety and performance.

“Fake parts will compromise worker safety, as there are normally a number of people in close proximity to this equipment who could be affected by a failure. A business that buys and fits pirate parts runs the risk of sending a negative message to its operators – that saving money is more important than the safety of crews on site,” concluded Marasis. 

Emerson is set to release a new ultrasonic welding system this summer that aims to help manufacturers streamline operations and adapt quickly to changing production needs.

The Branson Polaris Integrated Welder (IW) is the first model in Emerson’s next-generation Polaris ultrasonic welding platform, designed as an entry-level but highly capable machine that brings greater flexibility, precision and data control to the shop floor.

The Polaris IW comes with a compact, all-in-one structure combining the actuator, power supply, and process controls in a single unit, which allows it to be integrated easily into automated production environments.

Targeted at industries ranging from automotive and textiles to food packaging and consumer electronics, the system is expected to appeal to manufacturers looking to optimise footprint, reduce complexity, and improve productivity.

Cybersecurity measures

The welder features a 7-inch LCD touchscreen with a user-friendly interface that gives operators access to weld history, system diagnostics, alarm logs and recipe settings.

Among other highlights are a load cell for accurate trigger setting, built-in amplitude control, horn diagnostics, and pre-trigger functions. The machine also includes advanced cybersecurity measures to ensure operational integrity.

“Flexibility and control are key to gaining a competitive edge in today’s dynamic market, and manufacturers need solutions as advanced as their challenges,” said Kerryn Harrington, global product manager at Emerson. “The new Branson Polaris IW ultrasonic welder is an exciting first step in our latest initiative to bring welding innovation, scalability and efficiency to the plant floor. As the line expands, the next-generation Polaris ultrasonic welding platform will give manufacturers an innovative, fully configurable system designed to adapt to new demands, so they can continually optimise operations and achieve peak performance now and in the future.”

Emerson said the Polaris IW is the first in a broader line of modular, automation-ready welding systems that will follow. These future systems will offer manufacturers configurable options for controls, software, and power supplies—allowing for a tailored approach to production and real-time performance monitoring.

The new platform underlines Emerson’s strategy of supporting a diverse range of manufacturing environments with scalable tools and technologies, while helping companies maintain safety and compliance as their production evolves.

For more information visit:  https://www.emerson.com/en-us/automation/branson

IVECO and EDRI, one of the official dealers in Libya, just started the delivery of 20 units IVECO T-Way, to Libya Oil company at their facility in Misurata

Libya’s Oil is a leading national energy company committed to harnessing the natural energy resources of the country in a responsible way, driving long-term progress and improving lives in Libya and beyond.

The 20 units are all IVECO T-Way tractors, model AT720T47TH 6x4 tractor head with Hi-Tronix 16 speeds robotised gearbox and will join the Libya Oil fleet for transport of petrol with the IVECO tractor head tank equipped.

Libya Oil, as part of Libya National Organisation Company, has consistently upheld its role as the guardian of Libya’s precious energy resources, weathered numerous challenges and disruptions, standing as a steadfast and trusted institution, dedicated to Libyan people and their prosperity.

EDRI is one of the oldest dealers in the African territory, more than 20 years of collaboration with IVECO, able to guarantee a very high level on sales and after-sales service for the final customer.

Elmahjoub Abdulatif, EDRI’s general manager, commented, "We are delighted to become a partner of Libya Oil, one of the biggest Oil Company in the country. This is a proud achievement for us, expanding our offer with robotised gearbox conquering an important customer. IVECO has a strong presence in Libya and we are together with them, since more than 20 years offering the maximum effort to improving the sales and the service in the territory and always guaranteeing the final customer the best service ever. We are committed to deliver the best aftersales support for all IVECO customers in Libya through our existing nationwide branch network.”

Roberto Fresia, IVECO business manager for Libya, added, “Hi-Tronix gearbox is a big innovation in our business in Libya. We are very proud to cooperate with Libya Oil, thanks to our strong partnership with our local dealer EDRI. We trust on our product and support the switch to the new gearbox Hi-Tronix 16 speeds in a market where the manual transmission represents 100% of the sales.”

IVECO T-Way: The most reliable and productive heavy-duty truck to face the toughest challenges

The IVECO T-Way builds on the heritage of robustness and reliability of the brand’s long lineage of champion off-roaders. It introduces state-of-the art technological solutions to exceed all expectations in productivity, payload capacity, safety and driver comfort.

The IVECO T-Way has been designed to offer best-in-class performance in every off-road mission, robustness and torsional rigidity. It carries over from its predecessors the legendary robustness of the high-resistance steel chassis with a 10mm thick frame, with a Rail Bending Moment at the top of the segment at 177 kNm. The front axle has a maximum capacity of up to 9 tons.

Hub reduction on the rear axle is standard to maximise strength and performance.

The new heavy-duty rear suspension system for Tandem axles optimises vehicle weight and improves off-road performance with greater ground clearance and a better departure angle.

The IVECO T-Way delivers all the power needed for traction and PTO with IVECO’s reliable and efficient Cursor 13 engine (13 litres) that develops up to 470 horsepower.

The engines are coupled with the proven 16-speed Hi-Tronix automated gearbox, which now also features new functions specifically intended for off-road mobility including a Hill Holder function to help departure on steep slopes, Rocking Mode to help recover traction in slippery conditions and Creep Mode for ultra-low speed when idling; for the on-road sections of the mission, the Ecoroll, function that uses the vehicle’s inertia when travelling downhill enhances the transmission’s efficiency.

Hi-Tronix represents the state-of-art in the automated transmission sector and delivers the perfect gearshift strategy for every application.