The scene has been repeated countless times at every carbonated beverage fountain: just as a line of thirsty customers appears, a CO2 tank goes empty. Serving is slowed or stopped as employees go through the cumbersome process of exchanging tanks and adjusting hoses. A carbonation system has been introduced in Europe to eliminate this situation by providing an uninterrupted bulk supply of pure carbon dioxide with no attention from fountain employees.

Successful implementation of turbo fan technology at two pulp plants in Scandinavia has demonstrated the potential of Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) designs in liquor recovery applications.

An ultra-stable silicon die and isolation diaphragm design from EG&G IC Sensors improves pressure sensor performance and lowers cost. The company reports that, compared to current products, the new Model 86 reduces linearity errors by 50% and substantially reduces temperature errors over the much wider compensated range of -20°C to +85°C

A series of chemical metering devices including controlled volume pumps with both air/gas and electrical drives has been introduced by Haskel International. The new Millennium Series also includes the Haskel-Palpro IRCD, a device designed for use in multi-point chemical injection systems where the same chemical is delivered to multiple locations.

When precise actuation is required in a limited space, pneumatic actuators are often the most effective solution. Space saving models from Bimba Manufacturing Company provide linear motion for applications with space restrictions as small as 14 x 28.5 mm. Reported to be one of the lowest profile actuators available, the Flat-I series features sturdy construction and a wide selection of models, mountings and options.

The rapid development of the Internet is creating entirely new business opportunities. "QWADIS.COM" is a current example developed in Sweden, where the first practical transactions have recently been completed. Using this service, interested companies can subscribe to receive specific requests for price quotes, with no need for technology investment or computer expertise. In return, the companies pay a modest base fee and low cost per referred customer contact. The service is provided free of charge to those seeking quotes and, for the first six months, to the subscribing companies themselves.

The motor industry has long lacked an efficient and environmentally friendly material for sound insulation inside cars. Now it exists. Mats made with the natural mineral magnetite (iron oxide) solve the problems of current technology with one stroke and can be used directly in existing production plant, according to the company Minelco.

Growth Plus Europe, the body that represents Europe's Entrepreneurs, is to hold its annual conference and award ceremony in Cannes next year between 23-25 March.

A new organisation, Growth Plus Europe, has been created to represent European entrepreneurs. It will bring together more than 300 entrepreneurs who run some of Europe's fastest growing companies.

For cost reasons, infrared (IR) temperature measurement has until now been mainly confined to industrial applications. The launch of Raytek's MiniTemp pocket-sized thermometer puts affordable, convenient, noncontact temperature measurement into the hands of home users, maintenance professionals and industrial technicians. Priced comparably to hand power tools, it measures temperature in less than a second by sensing IR energy, and has literally hundreds of uses.