By Arun Rao
Forbes Marshall, a Pune-based multinational with an 80-year legacy, continues to lead in industrial automation. With a turnover of $200 million, the company produces a wide range of solutions, from steam engineering systems to process automation controls. Among its standout innovations is the Multiparameter Analyser for effluent treatment plants (ETPs), which automates chemical dosing and significantly enhances operational efficiency
Automating Effluent Treatment with the Multiparameter Analyser
The Multiparameter Analyser is a game-changer in effluent treatment. Equipped with sophisticated sensors, it continuously collects and transmits data to the ETP control system. This advanced automation enables real-time chemical dosing without the need for manual intervention.
Mr Mukesh Vyas, Group Head of the Instrumentation Business at Forbes Marshall, explains that traditional ETP systems rely on manual wastewater sampling and laboratory analysis to determine chemical dosage requirements. This approach is not only time-consuming but also demands operator presence. In contrast, the Multiparameter Analyser ensures precise, automated chemical dosing round the clock, adjusting in real-time whenever parameters exceed or fall below preset thresholds.
A Strong Local and Global Presence
Forbes Marshall operates globally, with manufacturing facilities in Pune, Hyderabad, Singapore, and UK. Its workforce of around 2,500 employees supports its vision of delivering innovation and quality. The company’s R&D team is integral to its success, ensuring that Forbes Marshall remains at the forefront of technology.
In India, Forbes Marshall has a network of 18 branch offices, employing 300 staff, including 100 after-sales service engineers. This robust infrastructure ensures seamless support for its extensive customer base of approximately 10,000 clients.
A Legacy of Innovation and Commitment to R&D
Founded 80 years ago, Forbes Marshall is one of India’s few multinational companies, offering cutting-edge technology solutions across diverse industrial sectors. With over 80 global patents and an R&D team of around 80 experts, the company’s commitment to innovation drives its continued success.
“Our business is rooted in R&D,” notes Mr Vyas. The Multiparameter Analyser, a patented product, exemplifies this focus. Collaborating with top universities, Forbes Marshall ensures its solutions are not only robust and reliable but also meet the highest international standards.
Tailored Solutions for the Textile Industry
Forbes Marshall addresses the needs of multiple industries, with a strong emphasis on textiles. Its offerings for textile manufacturers include steam boilers, condenser recovery systems, and pollution and emission monitoring solutions. These products help textile mills optimise energy use, reduce emissions, and improve sustainability.
“Textile mills depend heavily on steam boilers for their operations,” Mr Vyas explains. “Our solutions are designed to maximise efficiency, minimise energy consumption, and reduce maintenance costs.” Furthermore, Forbes Marshall’s condenser recovery systems, with remote monitoring capabilities, enhance sustainability and operational efficiency.
The company’s pollution and emission monitoring systems also enable textile mills to comply with stringent environmental regulations, helping manufacturers reduce their carbon footprint.
Environmental Stewardship: Stack Emission Monitoring and Audits
Forbes Marshall is deeply committed to environmental conservation. Its stack emission monitoring systems and energy and water audits are critical tools for industries striving to reduce their environmental impact. These audits often uncover significant energy and water wastage, sometimes exceeding 30%.
“With our solutions, companies have achieved initial wastage reductions of 15%, with further improvements over time,” says Mr Vyas. “In some cases, we’ve seen up to 95% recovery in condenser systems, dramatically boosting efficiency.”
The company guarantees measurable reductions in energy and water consumption ranging from 5% to 15%, making it a trusted partner in the sustainability efforts of its clients.
Leveraging IoT and Sensors for Optimal Efficiency
As industries increasingly adopt IoT and sensor-based technologies, Forbes Marshall remains at the forefront of this transformation. IoT-based monitoring systems prevent energy and water wastage, particularly in the textile industry, where large equipment such as blowers and motors account for significant costs.
“With maintenance costs in textile mills often reaching 33%, our IoT solutions reduce these to as low as 5-7%,” Mr Vyas explains. Time-based preventive maintenance strategies, supported by Forbes Marshall’s technologies, offer quick returns on investment, with payback periods typically ranging from six to nine months.
By providing solutions that optimise energy usage, minimise waste, and enhance operational performance, Forbes Marshall continues to empower industries, including textile mills, to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving and environmentally conscious world.
