Q: Why redefine Electromagnetic Flowmeters for the future? What motivates evolving the portfolio?
A: The need to redefine electromagnetic flowmeters stems from the dynamic nature of the industry and the continuous drive for improvement. In today's fast-paced and technology-driven world, our customers face increasingly complex challenges, from managing higher volumes of data to ensuring precise control in demanding environments. By evolving our portfolio, we are not just keeping pace with these changes but anticipating future needs.
Continuous improvement is at the heart of ABB’s philosophy. We recognize that the demands on flow measurement technology are constantly evolving due to advancements in digitalization, the push for higher operational efficiency, and the need for sustainable practices. Our motivation is to provide solutions that not only meet current requirements but also offer the flexibility and intelligence to adapt to future developments.
This redefinition is about more than just enhancing product performance; it’s about transforming the user experience, improving serviceability, and enabling smarter, more connected operations. By integrating high performance, modularity, and IoT connectivity, we are setting new benchmarks in the industry, ensuring that our customers can achieve greater accuracy, reduce downtime, and maintain a competitive edge.
Q: How does the strategy help Sustainability in operations?
A: Incorporating modularity in every electromagnetic flowmeter enhances sustainability in customer operations. Modular design allows for the reuse of design elements, components, and best practices, reducing resource consumption and waste. Standardizing components streamlines production, minimizing energy use and lowering carbon footprint. In manufacturing, modularity results in lower inventory requirements and reduced waste. By producing only needed components, we cut down on excess production and material wastage, promoting a more sustainable process.
For customers, a modular portfolio simplifies managing complex applications with less waste. Instead of replacing entire systems, customers can upgrade specific modules, extending infrastructure lifespan and reducing electronic waste. This flexibility ensures continuous technological improvements without significant disruptions.
Overall, the strategy supports resource efficiency, reduces waste, and enhances the longevity of flow measurement systems. This strategy aligns with our commitment to environmentally responsible, future-proof solutions, helping customers achieve sustainability goals while maintaining high performance and adaptability.
Q: What does this mean to the EMF product portfolio from ABB?
A: This strategic shift means that ABB's Electromagnetic Flowmeter (EMF) product portfolio will be streamlined into two primary products: ProcessMaster and AquaMaster. Each is designed to meet specific application needs with unmatched precision and adaptability.
ProcessMaster, with its superior signal handling capability, will be the go-to product for all EMF applications within a plant, industry, or on a ship. Whether a wastewater plant with high suspended solids, or a chemical plant with tight process control, it is engineered to excel in demanding industrial environments, providing reliable performance and accuracy.
On the other hand, AquaMaster will be the preferred choice for external applications. Its unparalleled low-flow accuracy makes it ideal for water transportation, distribution, billing, and non-revenue water (NRW) reduction. AquaMaster ensures precise measurement and control in outdoor settings, contributing to efficient water management and conservation efforts.
As we transition to these next-generation products, our current-generation offerings will continue to remain available to support our customers. We will implement a suitable transition plan to ensure continuity and reliability for both current and future customers.
Each product, ProcessMaster or AquaMaster, will feature a range of sensors designed for specific applications. Customers will have the flexibility to modularly choose between different tiers of transmitters tailored to their needs. This modularity allows for easy upgrades and customization, ensuring that our EMF solutions are always aligned with the evolving requirements of our customers.
Q: Can you tell us about the first of the next-generation products, ProcessMaster Water, and how it aims to meet water management needs in utility and industrial plants?
A: Absolutely. The first of our next-generation products, ProcessMaster Water, is set to launch in 2024. It is specifically designed to address the diverse water management needs within both utility plants and industrial environments.
ProcessMaster Water comes in two tiers, each tailored to meet different operational requirements while ensuring high performance and flexibility. The first tier offers a robust and reliable solution for standard water management applications, providing essential functionality and dependable performance. The second tier is designed for more demanding applications, featuring advanced capabilities and higher accuracy to manage complex water management challenges.
One of the standout features of ProcessMaster Water is its modularity, which allows customers to upgrade communication options seamlessly as they transition to the next generation. Customers can start with the communication options that best fit their current needs and then easily upgrade to more advanced options like Hart, Modbus, Ethernet, Profinet, or other IoT connectivity features as their requirements evolve.
This modular approach ensures that our customers can scale their systems efficiently, adapting to new technological advancements without the need for extensive overhauls. It simplifies the migration process to next-generation solutions, providing a future-proof investment that evolves with their needs. ProcessMaster Water, with its tiered options and upgradable communication capabilities, exemplifies ABB's commitment to delivering flexible, high-performance, and sustainable solutions for water management.
Q: Can you provide insight into the rollout plan for the next-generation electromagnetic flowmeters, starting with ProcessMaster Water and what other variants?
A: Certainly. The rollout of our next-generation electromagnetic flowmeters will be conducted in a phased manner to ensure a smooth transition and optimal support for our customers. The first product in this new lineup, ProcessMaster Water, is set to be introduced in 2024. This product is specifically tailored to meet the comprehensive water management needs within utility and industrial plants, offering two tiers of functionality and upgradable communication options.
Following the launch of ProcessMaster Water, we will gradually introduce other specialized variants in both the standard and advanced tiers to cater to a broader range of applications. This includes industry variants ideal for applications in harsh chemical environments due to their exceptional chemical resistance and durability. We will also introduce 0D variants, designed for installations where space is at a premium, as these compact models require no upstream or downstream lengths, making them perfect for tight installations where traditional flowmeters might not fit. Additionally, fully welded designs will be introduced for applications requiring a high level of mechanical strength and integrity, offering enhanced robustness and reliability. We will also introduce heavy-duty variants on the modular platform to support exceptionally high degree of suspended solids, like specific applications in pulp & paper or mining.
On the AquaMaster front, we will introduce an additional tier called the ‘Enhanced Tier’, with functionality supporting current outputs while retaining the unique value propositions that have come to be synonymous with the AquaMaster family in water transportation, distribution, and billing.
Each of these variants will be built on a modular platform allowing customers to benefit from flexible, upgradable designs that can adapt to their evolving needs. This phased approach ensures that we can deliver tailored solutions to meet specific application requirements while also providing a clear roadmap for customers as they transition to our next-generation products. Our goal is to provide high-performance, reliable, and sustainable flow measurement solutions that keep pace with the dynamic needs of the industry.
Q: How does ABB’s Next Generation of Electromagnetic Flowmeters set the stage for the future?
A: ABB’s Next Generation of Electromagnetic Flowmeters is not just an incremental improvement; it is a transformative step forward in flow measurement technology. By seamlessly integrating high performance, modularity, and IoT connectivity, we are providing our customers with tools that are not only advanced but also adaptable to the evolving landscape of industrial automation. This integration ensures that our flowmeters are ready to meet the most demanding applications while providing the flexibility to grow and change with our customers’ needs.
Our approach focuses on enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and reliability, which directly translates to improved operational performance and reduced total cost of ownership. As we continue to innovate, our commitment to sustainability and future-proof solutions will help our customers navigate the complexities of modern utility management, achieve their sustainability goals, and maintain a competitive edge. The future of flow measurement technology is bright, and we at ABB are excited to be participating in the transformation with innovative solutions designed to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.