Recognising innovation, rewarding excellence
15 Jan 2000
Once every three years, the world of process and chemical engineering decamps to Frankfurt when that most modern of German cities plays host to Achema. Running from 9 to 14 June, Achema is not just an exhibition and conference - it's the recognised international meeting place for engineers and technologists keen to update themselves on the latest innovations in their own specialities. And, despite the gradual decline in the numbers employed in the German chemical industry (some 5 per cent a year since 1990), the locals too still flock to Frankfurt's fairground.
More than 200 000 visitors will throng the aisles of over a dozen exhibition halls to see the wares of the 3600 exhibitors from nearly 50 countries. When they are not `discussing next to the exhibit' (the original Achema concept laid down in 1920 by its founder Max Buchner), they can also sample from a daily conference programme that offers nearly 700 sessions during the week.
This year is the 25th Achema, an anniversary that finds the organiser, Dechema, not so much reflecting on past success - which it is more than entitled to do - but, more importantly, looking to the future. A special exhibition and symposium on sustainable development within this year's events, for example, is indicative of Dechema's intention to make Achema set the future trends in chemical engineering, biotechnology and environmental protection.
Another pointer to the future is Dechema's decision this year to open up its traditional `research and innovation' display area - previously the preserve of universities and other educational institutions - to companies involved in research themselves. The success of this initiative can be gauged from the fact that this area, now a third larger than in 1994, has grown faster than any other.
Although we attempt (on page 41 onwards) to give a brief insight into what can be seen in Frankfurt this month, there can be no substitute for actually attending an Achema. Hard work it may be; but thoroughly rewarding for anyone at all interested in process engineering and the industries which it serves so well.
The same might also be said of the Manufacturing Industry Achievement Awards (see page 9), except for the hard work part that is. In concert with a group of other Miller Freeman engineering titles, PE has been involved in the MIAAs since their inception four years ago. This year, we are gathering entries for two categories: the Chemical Industry Innovation Award, and the Process Product of the Year Award.
