Editorial

monitoring the engineered world

MHCHolroyd Instruments Ltd draw upon AE experience stretching all the way back to 1974 when Trevor Holroyd (the founder of the company) started his research in this field in the prestigious Advanced Research Labs of Rolls Royce. Both fundamental research and development of Airline and Shop-Floor applications continued until in 1991 he left Rolls-Royce and set up Holroyd Instruments.

This background formed an excellent starting point from which to develop the unique AE sensor and AE signal processing upon which the MHC series of products are based. The first of these, the MHC - Machine Health Checker, was launched in 1993 and immediately carved out a reputation for being able to pick up machine faults even when other CM instruments failed.

The story of the MHC is one of initial scepticism that anything so simple could really work in the industrial environment. The phenomenon of the MHC is its ability to time and again cause such scepticism to evaporate as soon as it is seen in use detecting the presence of faults and localising their position.

Predictive Maintenance

Flir MontageThermal imaging has evolved into one of the most valuable diagnostic tools for Predictive Maintenance. By detecting anomalies often invisible to the naked eye, thermography allows corrective action to be taken before costly system failures occur.
Infrared cameras have become compact systems that look just like a normal video camera, are easy to use and generate a real-time high-resolution image. Numerous industries worldwide have discovered the advantage of incorporating infrared cameras in their Predictive Maintenance programs.

Thermal imaging has evolved into one of the most valuable diagnostic tools for Predictive Maintenance. By detecting anomalies often invisible to the naked eye, thermography allows corrective action to be taken before costly system failures occur.
Infrared cameras have become compact systems that look just like a normal video camera, are easy to use and generate a real-time high-resolution image. Numerous industries worldwide have discovered the advantage of incorporating infrared cameras in their Predictive Maintenance programs.
 

The February 2010 edition now available to read online.

The February 2010 edition of Engineering Maintenance Solutions magazine is now available to read online. This edition contains articles on achieving best practice in condition monitoring and plant maintenance. As well as special focuses on value driven  maintenance, ATEX Equipment and more as well as the latest industry news and products.

VIBROTIP

Entry-level data collector

VIBROTIP is an extremely rugged and easy-to-use
hand-held data collector for five key indicators of machine condition. All sensors are built in, with no cumbersome cables or fragile plugs.

VIBCODE (optional) can be used to eliminate mixups of measurement location and type, and OMNITREND PC software automatically archives trend data, issues warnings and alarms and programs VIBROTIP with all desired measurements.

Leading the way with Testo Saveris Continuous data monitoring for temperature and humidity

Testo Saveris Testo Ltd is pleased to announce the launch of the Saveris data monitoring system. The Testo Saveris data logging system continuously monitors temperature and humidity accurately and reliably.  The easy-to-use system automatically measures, documents and issues alarms whenever limit values are exceeded.

Testo Saveris is ideal for:

Data acquisition modules for Palm Tungsten series and m500-series handhelds

ImageDatastick DAS-1254 and DAS-1294 data acquisition modules for Palm Tungsten series handhelds and m500-series handhelds provide four (DAS-1254) or eight (DAS-1294) analog input channels, one digital counter, one digital input line, and two digital output lines. When used with Datastick Connection, Datastick Connection Lite, or Datastick Connection Plus software, these devices provide a complete, real-time data acquisition system

Based on the latest innovative designs from Datastick Systems, the Datastick

Maintaining Industrial Door Safety

BID DoorUK businesses that fail to maintain their industrial doors, could not only be breaking the law but could also be at risk of lost production time, expensive breakdown costs, potentially serious accidents and even invalidating their insurance cover.  

Under the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992 employers are obliged to ensure that all machinery, including industrial doors, are fit for purpose, are in good repair and subject to a programme of regular maintenance carried out by a competent person with written records kept.  By neglecting the maintenance of industrial doors not only are employers, building owners and managers breaking the law, but they are also increasing the risk of a potentially serious accident. 

Kerstar Vacuums for ATEX Zone Cleaning

In Great Britain, the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) require employers to eliminate or control the risks from explosive atmospheres in the workplace. This includes adhering to two European Directives including Directive 2014/34/EU, also known as the ATEX Equipment Directive, which concerns equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. 

Production facilities that use combustible powders as part of their production process, or those which create a very fine waste which is classed as combustible dust, should all use ATEX rated equipment.

Kerstar’s UK manufactured ATEX certified industrial vacuum cleaners are suitable for use in Gas Zones 1 and Dust Zones 21 & 22 – as specified on the rating plate on every unit. All of Kerstar’s compressed air (KAV range) and electric (KEVA range) ATEX vacuums provide three-stage filtration which includes a specially designed microfibre bag with a cap which, when closed, cannot be re-opened, and a HEPA H14 filter – offering 99.995% efficiency for dusts and powders as fine as 0.3 micron.

All KAV and KEVA models offer stainless steel canisters mounted on a stainless steel caddy fitted with conductive braked castors and wheels - this ensures each vacuum is antistatic and conductive from top to bottom. Every machine is supplied with a fully conductive hose and accessory kit, and a full earth path continuity certificate.

Kerstar Business Development Manager, Brian Folland, comments, “It’s really important that employers ensure they are providing equipment which is fit for purpose – particularly in potentially explosive atmospheres. This is just as important for cleaning equipment as it is for production machinery. Everything used in an ATEX rated Zone must be certified to meet the ATEX Directives.”

Find out more about Kerstar’s ATEX certified and Type H (suitable for use with hazardous dusts) vacuum cleaners by visiting www.kerstar.com.

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How Ducting Can Help You Handle Hazardous Airborne Particulates

In industrial settings, laboratories, and workplaces where hazardous airborne particulates pose a significant threat, the importance of efficient air management cannot be overstated. Aerially transported contaminants, such as dust, fumes, and pollutants, can not only compromise the health and safety of workers but also have adverse effects on the environment. To address these challenges, ducting systems emerge as a critical solution, providing various benefits.

From containing contaminants at their source to facilitating proper ventilation and filtration, these systems are indispensable in safeguarding both workers and the environment. By adhering to industry regulations and promoting worker safety, ducting offers a proactive approach to tackling airborne hazards and fostering a healthier work environment.

What is ducting used for?

Ducting, or ductwork, is used for various purposes across different industries and settings. It is a system of channels or conduits designed to convey air, gases, liquids, or other substances from one location to another. Ducting serves several essential functions, including:

1. HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning): Ducting is a fundamental component of HVAC systems. It distributes heated or cooled air throughout buildings and helps maintain a comfortable indoor climate. Air is drawn from rooms, passed through ducts, conditioned (heated or cooled), and delivered back to different areas.

2. Ventilation: Ducting facilitates ventilation in enclosed spaces by extracting stale or polluted air and replacing it with fresh outdoor air. They improve indoor air quality and create a healthier environment for occupants.

3. Exhaust systems: It is used in exhaust systems that remove unwanted air, fumes, or pollutants from industrial processes, laboratories, kitchens, and other areas where airborne contaminants are produced.

4. Dust and particle collection: In industrial settings, ducting is utilised to collect and transport dust, particles, and debris away from workspaces. This helps maintain a cleaner and safer environment for workers and machinery.

5. Filtration: These systems often incorporate filters to trap and remove particulates, allergens, and pollutants from the air.

6. Process piping: In some applications, ducting functions as a tube for transporting gases or liquids during industrial processes.

7. Environmental control: Ducting helps regulate humidity levels in indoor spaces, which is particularly important for environments like data centres and certain manufacturing facilities.

8. Smoke extraction: In the event of fires, ducting can extract smoke and direct it outside, helping occupants evacuate safely and assisting firefighters in managing the situation.

9. Cleanrooms: Ducting is employed in cleanroom environments to maintain controlled and filtered air, ensuring minimal contamination during manufacturing processes or scientific research.

10. Air distribution: It distributes air evenly in large commercial or industrial buildings, ensuring consistent airflow and temperature throughout the space.

Ducting comes in various shapes, sizes, and materials, depending on the specific application and the substance being conveyed.

Examples of hazardous airborne particulates

Hazardous airborne particulates are tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air that can pose risks to our health and the environment. These particles can be produced naturally or by various human activities. Some examples include dust, mould, asbestos, lead particles, pollen grains, silica, diesel emissions and smoke particles.

Fine dust consists of tiny particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or smaller. These particles can originate from various sources, such as vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and wildfires.

Mould spores can be found in various indoor environments. Inhaling them can lead to respiratory issues, particularly for individuals with allergies or asthma.

Asbestos is a mineral that was widely used in building materials. Disturbance of asbestos can release microscopic fibres that, when breathed in, can cause severe lung diseases.

Lead particles are present in the air around industrial sites or from deteriorating lead-based paint in older buildings. Inhalation of lead particles can aggravate and contribute to neurological and developmental problems.

Pollen grains are released by various plants. They can become airborne and trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.

Silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in sand, rocks, and soil. Activities such as construction or mining can disturb silica, generating fine dust that can cause respiratory issues if inhaled.

Diesel exhaust particles are emitted by vehicle engines. They contribute to air pollution and potential respiratory problems.

Finally, smoke generated by wildfires or burning materials (including cigarettes) can release fine particulates that pose health risks when taken in.

Factors that may affect the ducting system's performance

iDuct, a provider of ducting solutions with over 40 years of experience, alerts that several key factors come into play when evaluating a ducting system's capabilities.

One crucial aspect is the choice of material, which should be carefully selected to withstand the corrosive or abrasive nature of different dangerous particulates.

The size and design of the ducts, along with the placement and design of extraction hoods, also play vital roles in ensuring efficient containment and extraction.

Proper sealing of duct joints and connections is essential to prevent leaks and maintain system efficiency. Additionally, airflow velocity, filtration system effectiveness, and precautions against static electricity hazards are critical considerations. Regular cleaning and maintenance, along with monitoring mechanisms, further enhance the system's performance. Understanding and accounting for environmental factors are also necessary for optimal effectiveness.

Addressing these elements creates a safer working environment and mitigates potential risks associated with hazardous particulates.