registration , which is now possible . At this year ’ s IFAT in Munich and ACHEMA in Frankfurt am Main , we will again be represented with an information stand of the Process Technology Forum .
Our manufacturers see the proposal submitted to the EU Commission to ban perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances ( PFAS ) as a major hurdle . A general ban would jeopardise the existence of many companies . It is not without reason that the European Chemicals Agency has received more than 6,000 comments on this . Many of our members have also expressed their concerns . We in the VDMA are clearly in favour of a risk-based approach , as we show in this issue .
Progress is being made with regard to digitalisation and sustainability , as you can read in the interview with Christoph Singrün : Together with its members , the VDMA trade association has created the so-called OPC UA Companion Specification , which enables manufacturer-independent data exchange . In addition , our members have access to a guide entitled “ Smart Service Compressed Air 4.0 / Vacuum 4.0 ”. This describes in detail how users can make the right choice for a solution for a predictive energy and maintenance strategy .
In this year ’ s magazine , you will find numerous examples of pioneering solutions from our members : for example , you will learn how wastewater lifting units protect homes , progressive cavity pumps handle battery sludge and large heat pumps ensure grid stability . These are just some of the solutions for the numerous possible applications of pumps and compressors . As is the case every year , the authors of the respective articles will be happy to answer any questions you may have if a topic has piqued your interest . The experts look forward to exchanging ideas with you . We wish you an exciting and insightful read .
Nicolaus Krämer Technical Managing Director HERMETIC-Pumpen GmbH Chairman of the VDMA trade association Pumps + Systems
Alexander Peters Managing Partner NEUMAN & ESSER GROUP Chairman of the VDMA association Compressors , Compressed Air and Vacuum Technology