Process Automation Stories

Qinggang County is often referred to as the “Land of Chinese Corn”. It is also the place where Tianjin OMZ and GF Piping Systems realized a super project improving the production of L-lactic acid. This powerful compound serves as a key raw material for biodegradable products like polylactic acid (PLA), which is used in the production of biodegradable plastic bags, straws, and other eco-friendly products. The 5,000 m2 facility primarily engages in the production of L-lactic acid through corn starch fermentation, with an annual output of 50,000 tons.

Surface coating is an important step in the production of components for demanding industries such as aerospace, automotive, medical technology, or the manufacture of printed circuit boards (PCBs). During the electroless plating process, a surface layer of metal is applied to a non-conductive base material to Prevent corrosion, improve hardness and solderability, or reduce friction. GALVABAU AG, a Swiss OEM based near Lucerne, specializes in turnkey coating systems and offers services ranging from planning and engineering to construction and maintenance.

Swimming pools are crucial for public health and social engagement, demanding top-notch water quality maintenance. Operators rely on piping systems to regulate processes like temperature, tank levels, and chemical dosing. When Swimtec AB took on the renovation of Kaskad indoor swimming pool in Kinna, Sweden, they opted to upgrade the filtration system with 200 Butterfly Valve 565s from GF Piping Systems, a leading Swiss flow solutions provider.

Caramba Bremen GmbH, specializing in chemical solutions for industrial applications and vehicle cleaning, relies on thermoplastic piping systems, such as the Ball Valve 546 Pro and Smart Actuators from GF Piping Systems, to mix and dose 8 million kilograms of 18 raw materials annually for 800 different products.

The agricultural industry faces the challenge of feeding a growing population sustainably. Pure Life Carbon Inc. tackles this with carbon-based growing mediums for indoor farming, which are carbon-negative and require up to 50% less volume than traditional mediums. GF Piping Systems assists in their automated production solutions.

Rochem Separation Systems, adhering to its motto Recreate, rejuvenate, retrieve," develops mobile water treatment solutions. Processing up to 200,000 liters of water daily through processes like reverse osmosis or nanofiltration, Rochem has relied on GF Piping Systems' products for 20 years to ensure high and reliable water quality.

As part of a network consisting of 120 resorts and hotels around the world, the Sofitel in Quiberon offers visitors a luxurious experience of the picturesque peninsula located in Brittany, France. A particular highlight is Thalassotherapy – a treatment that focuses on the health benefits of seawater. In order to reliably manage the flow of seawater, Sofitel has implemented flow meters as well as the Butterfly Valve 565 by GF Piping Systems.

Swimming pools fulfill a number of different purposes, from family relaxation to athletic training. However, all visitors have one thing in common: They want an enjoyable and uninterrupted experience. Aquacenter Obwalden, a facility based in Kerns, Switzerland, therefore uses modern piping technology to reliably keep its swimming pools and attractions such as a water slide in continuous operation. During a renovation, the operators decided to improve the control loop by installing Process Automation solutions  by GF Piping Systems.

With its mild climate and mineral-rich soil, the Italian island of Sicily is ideally suited to produce high-quality and flavorful oranges. However, in order to ensure consistent results, farms need a reliable and effective irrigation system. When IDEA Srl, an Italian specialist for industrial plant design and installation, was tasked with an overhaul of an aging irrigation system, Ivano Midulla, the CEO of the company, made the decision to implement a complete solution for Process Automation by GF Piping Systems.

Feeding 10 billion people while simultaneously becoming more sustainable requires big changes to the current agricultural industry. This means that the entire sector must protect the environment by maximizing the yield on smaller fields. To meet these challenges, Norwegian company Kilter has created a solution: Their AX-1 weeding robot is the first fully autonomous robot to use a Deep Learning Neural Network to ensure healthy plants and enable a more sustainable food production. For optimal results, the AX-1 relies on ball valves by GF Piping Systems to operate the tank system.