2025 Breakthrough Products Awards winners

Processing serves professionals who are focused on the development, management, maintenance and improvement of industrial processing operations to maximize product quality, output and profitability. With this mission, our annual Breakthrough Products Awards honor innovative technology solutions that made significant contributions to improvements in the process industries within the past year. 

Processing is proud to present the 10 winners of the 2025 Breakthrough Products Awards. The manufacturers recognized this year introduced solutions that help end users effectively manage tough processing environments, meet stringent safety requirements, reduce unplanned downtime and drive overall profitability.

These awards celebrate major innovations as well as incremental improvements in technology that increase efficiency, productivity, safety and, ultimately, the bottom line.  

Congratulations to the 2025 winners!

Aspen APC Remote Monitoring

Aspen Technology

AspenTech’s Advanced Process Control (APC) solution has long been recognized for its ability to significantly boost profitability and sustainability across the process industries. Aspen APC Remote Monitoring, introduced in AspenTech Version 15 (May 2025), extends the power of APC beyond the plant network. It enables real-time, read-only visualization of control and inferential applications via an intuitive web interface, providing users outside the plant network with the same interactive experience used onsite, without requiring retraining or additional integration. Designed with robust cybersecurity architecture, it ensures unidirectional data flow from the process control network (Level 3) to the business network (Level 4), secured by mandatory Transport Layer Security (TLS) encryption and strict acknowledgement protocols to eliminate backflow risk.

The solution supports diverse deployment architectures and scales across multi-site environments. By unlocking secure, enterprise-wide access to APC data, it empowers stakeholders to monitor controller performance, benchmark deployments and drive sustainability metrics, transforming how organizations analyze, act and optimize operations.

Aspen APC Remote Monitoring democratizes access to APC applications across organizational boundaries, enabling real-time visibility from anywhere in the business network. This capability transforms how process industries maintain control performance, optimize operations and realize value across distributed assets. By bridging cybersecurity and operational needs, it supports enterprise digitization strategies and empowers stakeholders, from plant engineers to corporate leadership, to act on APC insights. Its backward compatibility and flexible deployment make it a game-changer for both mature and emerging APC users.

Rosemount 3144S Temperature Transmitter

Emerson

Emerson’s Rosemount 3144S Temperature Transmitter is a high-performance solution designed to meet the most demanding temperature measurement challenges with exceptional reliability, application flexibility and ease of use. It delivers industry-leading ±0.05°C accuracy and long-term performance backed by a 20-year stability specification and a 20-year warranty.

The Rosemount 3144S features ReadyConnect Technology, which enables plug-and-play sensor configuration, saving users significant time while eliminating manual input errors. The transmitter offers an intuitive interface with Bluetooth Wireless Connectivity, a task-based menu structure, and a customizable backlit LCD display for enhanced readability and consistent user experience across communication tools. It supports Rosemount X-well Technology for non-intrusive temperature measurement up to 650°C, eliminating the need for thermowells. The Rosemount 3144S also provides full diagnostic coverage from sensor to control room, helping users maintain accurate, uninterrupted process data.

These diagnostic capabilities include Loop Integrity, which continuously monitors for hidden electrical issues which may impact the process reading, and RTD Measurement Protection, which automatically switches from 4-wire to 3-wire RTD input configuration if a wire becomes compromised anywhere from the sensor element to the transmitter terminal connections.

VIDAR

VIDAR, an ITT company

VIDAR, a revolutionary compact motor that is 60% smaller than current offerings, utilizes embedded variable speed intelligence to advance energy efficiency and reliability for industrial pumps and fans. VIDAR lowers energy usage and CO₂ emissions, reduces costs, increases equipment lifespan and enhances process controls.

By embedding variable-speed intelligence directly into the motor, VIDAR eliminates the need for inefficient and failure-prone mechanical controls, such as throttling valves or dampers. By operating at optimal speeds wasted energy is eliminated, equipment life is prolonged, maintenance costs are slashed and downtime is reduced.

VIDAR’s precise motor speed control ensures consistent flow rates, improves product quality and seamlessly adapts to changing workloads for greater operational flexibility and cost-efficient scalability.  VIDAR is purpose-built for industrial facilities. It uses a high-efficiency synchronous reluctance magnet-assisted motor designed using IEEE-841 specifications, meets CSA Class 1 Division 2 for hazardous areas and meets IEEE-519 power quality standards for dependable performance even in the toughest environments.

Micropilot FMR43

Endress+Hauser

The Micropilot FMR43 is a compact, hygienic radar level sensor designed for continuous, contactless measurement in hygienic processes. It features 80 GHz and 180 GHz radar technology and industry-leading update rates, enabling precise level detection even in small tanks and under turbulent or rapidly changing process conditions. Its gap-free touch display, IP69 ingress protection and fully welded stainless-steel housing ensure hygienic compliance and easy cleaning. The FMR43 supports digital communication via HART or IO-Link, and includes Heartbeat Technology for traceable, on-demand verification and diagnostics. With a one-half-inch process connection, it is ideal for small vessels and challenging hygienic applications.

The FMR43 addresses critical needs in hygienic process industries by offering reliable level measurement in compact and dynamic environments. Its robust radar performance ensures accuracy in tanks with changing media density or low conductivity fluids. The sensor enhances product and process safety through certified hygienic design (EHEDG, 3-A, ASME BPE) and configuration integrity. With Heartbeat Technology, operators gain real-time insights into device health and process anomalies, reducing downtime and optimizing calibration intervals. Its ease of integration and intuitive operation streamline workflows, making it a valuable asset for improving productivity and maintaining compliance in regulated industries.

Bredel CIP Pump

Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions

The Bredel CIP pump is engineered for hygienic, simplified and energy-efficient clean-in-place (CIP). It is designed with a new rotor to enable companies to achieve the required CIP velocities in various applications in food and beverage, pharmaceutical and industrial production.

The Bredel CIP pump features automatic retractable compressing shoes that fully open the hose, allowing CIP fluid to flow at the optimal velocity for effective cleaning. By retracting the shoes during cleaning, hose compressions at high temperatures are eliminated, thereby extending hose life and reducing costs of replacement hoses.

Benefits of the Bredel CIP pump:

• Reduces maintenance downtime
• Reduces power consumption as there is no need to run the pump during CIP cycles
• Compliance with food-safety standards (FDA, EC1935, and 3A)
• Extended hose life by avoiding hose compressions within the CIP cycle at high temperatures
• Hygienic design, the only point of contact with the fluid is the inside of the hose
• High-accuracy dosing with flow independent of suction or discharge conditions
• Reliably pumps abrasive products

Companies no longer must compromise on a CIP pump which does not meet the required velocity or need to be manually put into CIP mode. The Bredel CIP, which can be put into CIP mode automatically, not only maximizes hygiene and saves on energy consumption, it also meets the required CIP velocity and brings extended hose life. These are advantages the Bredel CIP pump can bring to breweries, beverage producers, dairies and industrial companies which require several changeovers per day.

PrecisionGuard X8 Metal Detector

Eriez

The PrecisionGuard X8 Metal Detector pairs unmatched contaminant detection with operator-friendly controls to improve purity and productivity across demanding processing environments. Combining advanced sensing technology, auto-learning capabilities and the industry’s largest intuitive touchscreen interface, the X8 sets a new standard in inspection efficiency. It is engineered to deliver accurate and reliable detection of ferrous, nonferrous and stainless-steel contaminants across food, packaging, plastics and other light industrial applications. 

The Tiltable AFC SPIRALFEEDER makes it possible to move a tall flexible screw conveyor from one area in the plant to another area quickly, safely and easily. At the press of a button, the entire unit automatically tilts down to lower the height enough to fit through standard-height doorways.

Because it is set on a mobile platform, the conveyor can then be rolled to another processing line or area, and automatically raised at the press of a button for return to service — without requiring any tools or disassembly. When lowered, it automatically locks in place for secure transport.

The Tiltable AFC SPIRALFEEDER offers the versatility and labor savings processors are demanding by allowing a single conveying unit to serve multiple processes with ease. Until now, these economical conveyors would often need to be dismantled and moved by forklift to fit through doorways and/or within ceiling constraints to permit movement around the plant — and then reassembled for operation. Now, one operator can press a button, roll it into place and press a button to restart production.

Gold Series III Dust Collector

Camfil Air Pollution Control

The Gold Series III dust collector is the latest evolution of Camfil Air Pollution Control's flagship Gold Series line. Building on more than two decades of proven performance, the Gold Series III incorporates design enhancements that deliver superior performance, reduced energy consumption and easier maintenance.

The new collector features OptiCone filter cartridges with OmniPleat filter media, engineered to maximize filtration performance. OptiCone cartridges utilize open-bottom inner cones to expand usable surface area, ensuring pulsed air is evenly distributed from top to bottom for more efficient filter cleaning. OmniPleat media packs use synthetic, custom-shaped glue beads on both sides of the filter media to hold the pleats open and evenly spaced. This design ensures full media exposure to the airstream, resulting in improved airborne pollutant capture, more effective pulse cleaning, fewer filter changeouts and a safer, cleaner work environment.

An advanced baffle configuration distributes particles evenly across the unit after separating the largest ones toward the hopper before they reach the filters, extending filter life and minimizing change-outs.

Featuring a modular design with vertical filter orientation, the Gold Series III dust collector is built from individual units rather than a single welded structure, making it easier to install, upgrade and adapt to specific site requirements. Each module houses four filters and handles airflows up to 6,000 cfm, enabling near-limitless configurations to fit a wide range of applications and air volume needs.

VortiFox Series Flowmeters

Fox Thermal

VortiFox Series Inline Vortex Shedding Flowmeters are ideal for serving the oil and gas and industrial process markets. The high-end vortex flowmeters feature a robust design with FM, FMc, ATEX and IECEx approvals.

The VortiFox Series offers an advanced multivariable transmitter. In one instrument and one process connection, the VortiFox measures multiple process parameters simultaneously: mass flow rate, volumetric flow rate, temperature, pressure, fluid density and energy (BTU). This provides a lower cost per measurement — all in one high-performance device. Highlights of the VortiFox series include:

• Measurement of gas, liquids and steam.
• Insertion configurations for pipe sizes greater than 2-inch with hot-tap options.
• Inline configurations for ½-inch to 12-inch pipe sizes.
• Field-configurable ranges, alarms, outputs and displays. 
• Rangeability up to 100:1.
• Temperature up to 750°F (400°C).
• Pressure up to 1,500 psia (100 bara).
• HART, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP/IP, BACnet/IP, BACnet MS/TP protocols and PoE (Power over Ethernet).

The VortiFox is ideal for high-pressure gas, steam and liquid flow measurement in oil and gas and industrial applications. Typical applications include:

• Produced or injection steam.
• District heat distribution.
• Process heating or heat tracing.
• Produced water.
• Liquefied natural gas (LNG).
• BTU energy measurement for thermal oils.

CablePro tubular drag conveyor

Hapman

The CablePro Tubular Drag Conveyor combines gentle handling, efficiency, and compliance with the most demanding food industry standards. The CablePro tubular drag conveyor is a culmination of extensive research and development, building on Hapman’s 80 years of innovation in tubular drag conveying technology. The system is designed specifically for gentle, clean and efficient transport of products, such as cereals, grains, nuts, frozen foods, pet food and other delicate items. 

The CablePro system features FDA-approved components, including food-grade coatings and polished stainless-steel tubing. It is equipped with self-lubricating UHMW disks, which are injection-molded directly onto a pre-stretched, food-grade oil-lubricated stainless-steel braided cable with a nylon coating. This unique construction helps maintain product integrity and meets the stringent sanitation standards required by the food and beverage industry. 

CablePro incorporates an auto-tensioner to maintain the optimal cable tension, extending the cable and disc life while reducing maintenance. Its sealed design with integral drains also supports clean-in-place protocols, allowing for easier and faster cleaning through various cleaning options, such as mechanical scrapers, fluid rinse and foam cleaners.