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Condition based maintenance of rotating equipment (pumps and motors) in potentially hazardous locations can be fraught with difficulty. Firstly, there is the problem of deciding what instrumentation can be used. This can be tricky, particularly if the exact hazard is difficult to assess. For example, instruments used in hazardous locations such as flour mills, coal mines, petrochemical plants and fuel transfer facilities, need to be “intrinsically safe” and incapable of igniting an explosive atmosphere. However, some not so obvious hazardous locations include water treatment plants, tunnels and underground passageways or any location where a build-up of naturally occurring flammable material (such as methane or dust) could occur.

Secondly, a shut down in a hazardous location can be costly, particularly if a whole process must be stopped. Consequently, before stripping down a pump, you need to be sure you really do have a worn bearing and you are not picking up some other source of pump noise, such as cavitation.

This is where smart trend meters like the TPI 9085Ex come to our aid. The “go anywhere” 9085Ex is certified for Zone 0 IECEx/ATEX with North American approval. This means you simply don’t have to think what potentially explosive atmospheres you might encounter, as the 9085Ex is certified to be intrinsically safe for ANY atmosphere, anywhere in the world.

The 9085Ex measures “bearing noise” and displays it in bearing damage units (BDU), which is roughly equivalent to “percentage wear”. In other words, 100 BDU is indicative of a worn bearing. In addition, the 9085Ex uniquely incorporates a directly contacting temperature sensor within its vibration probe. This gives a highly accurate, virtually instantaneous, surface temperature reading for the bearing simultaneously as the vibration reading is being taken. With a high BDU reading and high temperature you can be reassured that what you are seeing really is a worn bearing!

Another difficulty is that a lot of machinery is remotely located (e.g. pumping stations), often in the “middle of nowhere”, requiring highly mobile teams of operatives to access them. The compact handheld TPI 9085Ex is extremely affordable and simple to use. It can, and indeed should, be included in every operative’s basic tool kit. Additionally, by using the FREE TPI Bridge App, “routes” and readings can be transferred to and from the 9085Ex anywhere in the world.

“Routes” are simply lists of machines showing exactly what readings need to be taken and where to take them. The readings are then automatically time and date stamped and saved in the route for transfer back to the included computer-based trending software.

Trending is the key to condition based maintenance (CBM). By looking at trends of bearing noise and temperature readings, you can determine well in advance when a bearing will likely need replacing. The TPI 9085Ex comes with powerful, yet simple to use, subscription free trending software, which includes automatic email notification of alarms and report generation, giving you everything you need for a full CBM strategy.

For more information please contact TPI Europe’s head office on +44 1293 530196 or take a look on the website at www.tpieurope.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A rapidly growing engineering and management services consultancy has strengthened its team with a new staff hire to support its expanding power operations business.

Stockton-on-Tees-based Encora Energy has appointed graduate controls engineer, Jack Watson, who will be instrumental in rolling out the company’s innovative control and data system to improve the performance of power sites across the country.

Encora’s CHIPCOB™ system is used to maximise operating performance of new and existing projects in the energy transition including grid scale battery storage, solar farms and gas peaking plants. CHIPCOB™ extracts data direct from the power plant and uses it to understand performance, quickly identify potential faults, and allows operations, maintenance and engineering teams to maximise performance, increase uptime and reduce costs.

Teesside-headquartered Encora Energy has won a string of contracts to manage operations and maintenance on power plants for customers in different UK regions – including the midlands, south west England, East Anglia and north east England – and has hired Jack Watson to manage the next phase of its expansion. 

A mechanical engineering graduate, Jack gained valuable experience as a design engineer at Middlesbrough-based electrical, control and Instrumentation (EC&I) specialist Process Group before joining Encora Energy, where he will help the company maintain and manage vital power projects across the country. 

He said: “I’m thrilled to be joining a forward-thinking, progressive company in Encora Energy. In my previous role I started out in design using computer-aided design (CAD) software, but I was able to expand into control and instrumentation work, where I was able to develop my site skills and apply different areas of engineering knowledge. I look forward to bringing my experience to my new role as Encora seeks to cement its position as a nationally recognised engineering and management services consultancy.” 

Andrew Normand, Business Development Director at Encora Energy, said: “Jack’s combination of multi-discipline engineering skills and site knowledge makes him a great addition to our growing team. His practical knowledge of control systems makes him the ideal person to oversee the roll-out of CHIPCOB™, which pulls data from equipment and sensors on site and consolidates them into a single monitoring and analytics platform, enabling site owners to increase the performance of their asset and maximise profits from it.”

Encora Energy provides independent project development, engineering, consultancy and operations management services to its customers, helping them deal with the practicalities of developing, installing, operating and maintaining new energy systems such as solar farms, battery storage systems, combined heat and power (CHP) plants, gas engines and gas turbines. On behalf of its clients, Encora manages the operations and maintenance of energy sites with more than 100MW of capacity.

For more information, visit https://www.encora.energy/ or Encora Energy’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/encora-energy-limited/

Hydrogen Safe, the training specialist delivering courses, qualifications and bespoke e-modules in hydrogen safety, has announced that it has been acquired by IACS, the leading inspection, engineering, and testing consultancy specialising in pipelines.

Since its launch in 2023, Hydrogen Safe has established its position within the market, working with education providers and private companies that are addressing the skills gap as businesses transition to clean energy.

With a shared ambition to support the UK infrastructure as the country moves towards achieving Net Zero, the acquisition provides Hydrogen Safe with access to the talent, network and credibility that comes with an organisation that has a strong reputation and more than 25 years within the industry.

Director of IACS, Laura Hewitt, comments: “We are very pleased to announce the acquisition of Hydrogen Safe. The company has established itself as a credible supplier of specialist training to both the public and private sector.

“Having worked alongside the business since its launch, it made sense for us to cement the relationship and build stronger alliances as we both work towards setting the infrastructure that will support businesses as we transition to clean energy.

“We very much see this as the next phase in Hydrogen Safe’s journey and look forward to building the relationships we have, while extending our network, allowing us to deliver the training companies need to equip their workforce for the future.”

Director of Partnerships at Hydrogen Safe, Elizabeth Simon, comments: “This is such an exciting time for Hydrogen Safe. Not only are we joining an established and successful business, but we also gain direct access into the hydrogen value chain, backed by a strong and respected industry player. This positions us as a dedicated skills and training provider, to play a leading role in the growing clean energy economy.

“With access to a much wider network, we’ll be able to deliver our specialist training to more businesses and educators than ever before - nationally and internationally. This marks the next phase in our journey, and we’re ready to scale up. We have ambitious plans for growth and innovation, and

we hope our customers, stakeholders, and the wider business community will join us in celebrating this important milestone.”

Members of Hydrogen UK; the Hydrogen Energy Association; Hydrogen South West; and the Net Zero Skills Advisory Board, as well as being a corporate partner of the Greater Manchester Mayors Charity, Hydrogen Safe works with businesses, education providers and individuals to develop and provide tailored solutions that align with their training needs. For more information, please visit: www.hydrogen-safe.org and for regular updates follow: @Hydrogen Safe on LinkedIn.

In hazardous industrial environments, the convergence of certified mobile devices with specialised software applications represents a paradigm shift in operational efficiency and safety protocols. i.safe MOBILE introduces a white paper series that demonstrates how intrinsically safe devices can be transformed into powerful, industry-specific solutions through strategic software partnerships.

The Integration Advantage

The traditional approach of deploying separate devices for different functions in Ex-zones creates unnecessary complexity and potential safety risks. By integrating proven software solutions with ATEX/IECEx certified mobile devices, organisations can achieve unprecedented operational streamlining whilst maintaining the highest safety standards.

The newly launched white paper collection of i.safe MOBILE addresses a fundamental question: "What is the best way to optimise processes in Ex-zones by combining the right software and hardware?" The answer lies in understanding how certified intrinsically safe devices can serve as comprehensive platforms for multiple industrial applications.

Two inaugural white papers demonstrate this integration approach in practice:

Push-to-Talk Communication: Mobile Tornado's PTX technology integration with the i.safe MOBILE 5G radio IS440.1 and the 5G smartphone IS540.1 via the i.safe MOBILE App World delivers sophisticated communication capabilities across hazardous environments. The solution provides instant group communication, emergency alert systems, lone worker protection, and real-time location tracking - all through a single, certified device. With 99.999% system availability and ultra-low latency, this integration serves critical communication needs in chemical manufacturing, offshore operations, and emergency response scenarios.

Barcode Scanning Excellence: The integration of mobXscan software with the i.safe MOBILE tablet IS940.1 eliminates the need for separate scanning devices in explosive atmospheres. This solution transforms a single device into a comprehensive barcode scanning and processing station, offering immediate data visualisation on the large 10.1-inch display with 5G connectivity. Industries from oil and gas to pharmaceutical production benefit from streamlined inventory management, quality control documentation, and real-time batch tracking.

Technical Excellence Meets Practical Implementation

Both solutions exemplify the principle that effective Ex-zone technology must balance sophisticated functionality with user-friendly operation. The mobXscan integration requires no coding expertise for implementation, whilst the PTX solution offers intuitive interfaces that minimise training requirements. These characteristics are essential for maintaining operational continuity in demanding industrial environments.

Strategic Partnership Approach

These white papers are more than technical documentation – they demonstrate i.safe MOBILE's commitment to collaborative innovation. By working with leading software developers, the company ensures that its intrinsically safe devices serve as the basis for industry-specific solutions and not just as communication tools.

As a specialist in explosion-proof mobile technology, i.safe MOBILE combines in-depth technical expertise with a comprehensive understanding of industrial requirements. The 

approach involves analysing specific operational challenges and recommending optimal combinations of certified devices and partner software solutions.

The white paper series is continuously being expanded, with further industry-specific integrations planned for publication. Each document contains detailed technical specifications, implementation notes and real-world case studies to support informed decisions.

For companies looking to optimise their Ex-zone operations, these white papers offer valuable insights into achieving greater safety, improved efficiency and reduced operational complexity through strategic technology integration.

https://www.isafe-mobile.com/de/loesungen/succses-stories/white-papers

Stop Electronic Control downtime due to heat, dirt and moisture with a low-cost, easy to install, maintenance free Cabinet Cooler. EXAIR Cabinet Coolers incorporate a vortex tube that produces cold air from ordinary compressed air – with no moving parts. The compact Cabinet Cooler can be installed in minutes through a drilled hole or standard electrical knockout. The cost is a fraction of Freon-type air conditioners or heat exchangers.

NEMA 12, 4 and 4X Cabinet Cooler® Systems are available in cooling capacities up to 5,600 Btu/hr. for small and large control panels. All Cabinet Coolers are UL Listed, UL Classified and/or CE Compliant. They also come in Non-Hazardous Purge, High Temperature, Type 316 Stainless Steel, ATEX and Hazardous Location styles. They also come with our 5 Year Built to Last Warranty.

Selecting the right model can be done easily by using the online sizing guide @ www.exair.com/sizing.htm or by talking with one of our Application Engineers @ 1-800-903-9247.

EXAIR is currently offering a special on all of our Cabinet Coolers. Learn more at https://exair.co/190-ccpromo

For more information contact: EXAIR 11510 Goldcoast Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45249-1621 Phone: (800) 903-9247 E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. https://exair.co/190-ccpromo

Vanzetti Engineering is taking part in Gastech 2025 (Fiera Milano, 9-12 September 2025), in Hall 14 - Stand M16, to showcase its range of high- and low-pressure cryogenic pumps for LNG and industrial gases, offering advanced pumping solutions to meet new energy challenges.
 

Vanzetti Engineering will be exhibiting at Gastech 2025, the international trade fair dedicated to natural gas, LNG, hydrogen, climate technologies and artificial intelligence in the energy sector, scheduled to take place in Milan from 9 to 12 September.

Vanzetti Engineering will exhibit its high- and low-pressure cryogenic pumps for liquefied natural gas (LNG) and industrial gases in Hall 14 - Stand M16.

The 53rd edition of Gastech in Milan will support the role of natural gas in providing affordable, reliable and low-carbon energy to meet growing global demand. Specifically, Gastech 2025 will welcome 50,000 attendees from over 150 countries, 1,000 exhibitors and 1,000 expert speakers, bringing together the world's leading energy professionals to fuel the sustainable energy ecosystem of tomorrow.

“Attending Gastech is a must for us, bearing in mind the fundamental role of LNG in the low emission energy transition,” explains Andrea Capuani, Chief Commercial Officer at Vanzetti Engineering. “This exhibition gives us the opportunity to share our technological vision on the future of cryogenic systems with advanced pumping solutions that are ready for the new energy challenges.”

Gastech 2025 is a valuable opportunity for Vanzetti Engineering to share its know-how in the field of cryogenic pumping with all its possible stakeholders visiting the fair: infrastructure operators and developers (depots, Small-Scale LNG Terminals, refuelling stations) that require reliable, scalable and high-performance cryogenic solutions; marine and bunkering system integrators interested in high- and low-pressure cryogenic pumps for the supply of dual-fuel ship engines and FGSS (fuel gas system supplier) plants; energy transition professionals involved in the development of technologies for the transport and distribution of cryogenic fluids.

Vanzetti Engineering confirms its presence in the marine market with both high- and low-pressure cryogenic pumps for Fuel Gas System Integrators, particularly the submerged cryogenic pumps of the ARTIKA Series – a brand that is now recognised worldwide – and the VT-3 duplex high-pressure reciprocating pumps. This success has enabled Vanzetti Engineering to achieve a significant market share, consolidating its leading position in the segment.

Gastech 2025 will, above all, be an opportunity to promote cryogenic pumps designed to meet the needs of liquefied natural gas transfer applications in Small / Medium Scale LNG Terminals with a capacity of <1 MTPA, million tonnes per year. These include the ARTIKA 300, in 1- or 2-stage configuration, which can reach 270 m3/h flow rate and the latest model ARTIKA 400, which is the result of Vanzetti Engineering's significant experience in off-shore applications, developed with the aim of offering the market a product that could meet the growing demand in terms of flow rate and pressure in the industrial LNG field. Vanzetti Engineering will also showcase the new ESK-IMO Series of retractable submerged pumps, which have been added to the product portfolio to complete the offering in the industrial small terminal market.



At the Gastech stand it will be possible to view a mock-up of the VT-3 Series, ARTIKA 160-2S and the new ESK-IMO 230 cryogenic pumps.

“A tour through our stand will allow visitors to discover in detail how our pumps work, their actual applications and the control solutions available,” promises Andrea Capuani.

The strategy for the future is based on a solid commitment to the present: optimising after-sales service efficiency, making it ever more capillary and closer to customer needs, strengthening technical support and shortening response times. All this without neglecting the development of bio-LNG, a concrete solution to reduce the environmental impact of transport and industrial activities, by actively contributing to the transition towards a more sustainable and decarbonised energy sector.

www.vanzettiengineering.com

One of the UK’s leading filtration experts has announced the launch of innovative new dust and fume extraction technology from sister company Absolent AB.

Filtermist Limited, which specialises in ensuring the air in workshops is clean and safe to breathe, is now offering the brand-new AD range that maximises ‘True Downflow’ technology to provide dust extraction units which are compact and easy to maintain, yet deliver optimised filtration density.

Designed utilising input from hundreds of real customer use cases, the new offer provides a truly modular, fully ‘customer centric’ product line that is now available to UK manufacturers that undertake abrasive metal processes including welding, laser cutting, grinding and many more, exclusively from Filtermist Limited.

“Several pain points were identified and addressed during the 3-year project,” explained Robert Wiktorén, Absolent Air Care Group’s Chief Product Officer.

“As an existing manufacturer of dust collectors under our Absolent, Dustcheck and Diversitech brands, we knew there was a need in the market for a brand-new way of thinking about dust and fume extraction.

“Traditionally, dust collectors have been sized using generic data to select suitable filter type, filter area and air speeds between filter elements, and resultant footprints have been comparatively large. Noise levels are frequently high due to external compressed air cleaning systems and integral fans, and the units can be difficult to maintain.”

He continued: “When filters need to be changed, even the best current designs require the filter retaining mechanism and moving parts to be in the ’dirty side’ of the unit, exposed to contamination. This is not a great environment for moving parts and requires a tool to reach the filter elements furthest away.

“Our True Downflow combines the verticality of the filter elements with a top to bottom air flow. This unique combination optimises the effect of gravity and ensures that the dust coming out of the filter elements during pulse jet cleaning is forced down to the disposal solution in the hopper.”

The roll-out of the first AD phase includes three models: the 0.5 (which holds two deep pleat cartridges) 1.0 (four filters) and the 1.5 (six deep pleat filter elements). Airflows currently range from 1,200-10,800m³/hr, but can be increased thanks to the modular construction.

The new range is being introduced in stages to customers throughout Europe and the UK, with phase one suitable for use in metal applications such as welding, laser cutting, plasma cutting and non-ATEX abrasive metals (grinding and linishing).

Additional models for use in a wide range of other applications, including explosive dusts requiring ATEX certified equipment and higher air volumes (>65,000m3/hr), will follow later, along with alternative dust disposal options.

Dust collectors suitable for pharmaceutical dust (requiring safe change features) will be added to the range during 2026.

Senior Group Product Manager and former Filtermist employee Andy Darby, who played a pivotal role in developing the new range, went on to add: “A baffle at the inlet evens out the airflow across the volume of the filter and makes sure we use each square metre to its maximum potential. True Downflow is the only solution that guarantees to eliminate any upflow or crossflow with the filter elements - traditionally leading to higher dust retainment and having to oversize the filtration surface.

“This enables us to offer ‘high filtration power density’, meaning we can increase the filter speed and reduce the filter media surface area. Because of this, the solution comes in a far smaller footprint than other filter units on the market.

“Another unique aspect of the new range is the ’CleanChange™’ filter change clamping mechanism. The filter elements are linked together and, as the operator pulls the first element out, the next one is pulled to the front. No tool is needed, and engineers do not have to enter the dust filled unit.

“Locating the fan and cleaning unit inside the body of the extraction unit decreases noise and we can reduce this even further if required by using additional noise attenuating measures. Finally, the standard units will be constructed from pre-treated Galfan steel, which offers a high level of corrosion protection.”

The AD range uses modular construction ensuring extremely competitive lead times, even for customised products.

Robert Wiktorén concluded: “We are confident that the AD range will revolutionise the way end-users, OEMs and systems integrators think about dust and fume extraction.”

Find out more by visiting www.filtermist.co.uk or call Filtermist’s dedicated dust and fume team on 01952 290500.

The Pepperl+Fuchs Group, a pioneer in the field of mobile devices for hazardous areas, focuses not only on explosion protection for its mobile devices, but also on security against cyberattacks. According to the Verizon Mobile Security Index, 53 percent of companies have already experienced a cyberattack in which a mobile device or IoT technologies were used as an attack vector. In its Data Breach Report, IBM pointed out that in 2024, the average cost of a data breach worldwide was US$4.88 million.

To provide the best possible protection against threats and minimize the risk of a data breach, Pepperl+Fuchs is increasingly relying on independent Common Criteria certification for its mobile devices, which is one of the world's most stringent cybersecurity certifications. It assesses and guarantees that a certified device meets strict security criteria, including secure data and communication management, protection against unauthorized access, integrity of the operating system and applications, and resilience against known cyberthreats.

Common Criteria certification is particularly recommended for products used in demanding industrial environments such as hazardous areas. That is why Pepperl+Fuchs has had its 5G smartphone Smart-Ex® 03 certified accordingly. The smartphone has been structurally tested and achieves security level EAL2, which is a high standard for a mobile device. Only highly secure official communication would require EAL3 and certification according to a correspondingly standardized protection profile. Customers can therefore rest assured that the Smart-Ex® 03 offers appropriate protection against cyberthreats.

In addition to the Smart-Ex® 03, the two Samsung powered 5G tablets Tab-Ex® 04 Pro and Tab-Ex® 05 also meet Common Criteria. Pepperl+Fuchs thus offers a comprehensive portfolio for mobile workers in industrial sectors that is not only certified for use in hazardous areas – depending on the device and variant, up to Division 1 and Zone 1/21 – but also meets the most stringent regulations for operational safety and digital security.

A particular advantage of Common Criteria certification is that it is recognized internationally by more than 30 countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and France. This ensures high, uniform standards, improves the acceptance of IT products, and increases confidence in security.

“Protection against cyberattacks is playing an increasingly important role, especially for mobile devices,” says Jörg Hartleb, Head of Product Management at Pepperl+Fuchs subsidiary ECOM Instruments. “This makes it all the more important for us to offer our customers appropriately secured devices for use in Ex zones. Pepperl+Fuchs is currently the only supplier to offer Common Criteria-certified, intrinsically safe mobile devices in its portfolio. This underscores the importance we place on our customers' security.”

“We are proud to have had the opportunity to accompany P&F through this highly complex security scheme. Thanks to our dedicated consulting and the tailored support we provided, we –  together with our trusted testing and certification partners – successfully enabled the achievement of a key industry milestone: the Common Criteria EAL2 certification. This certification not only underscores the technological sophistication of Pepperl+Fuchs’s products but also speaks volumes about the exceptional commitment and expertise of the development teams at ECOM, Avaa Mobile, and Pepperl+Fuchs. It reflects a shared commitment to cybersecurity, quality, and innovation that drives forward the entire sector. At Eurofins E&E, we believe that true progress in cybersecurity comes from collaboration, rigorous standards, and an unwavering focus on excellence,” added Dipl.-Ing. Thami Elidrissi, Head of Wireless Strategy and Cybersecurity at Eurofins E&E Europe.

AMBARtec and Rouge H2 Engineering are set to collaborate closely in the future to bring the chemical looping hydrogen process to market maturity. This process can be used to produce clean hydrogen and concentrated carbon dioxide from blast furnace gas and other steel mill gases. It is based on the steam-iron process, which can be used to produce high-purity hydrogen by reducing and oxidising iron oxide or iron nuggets. The highly concentrated CO₂ obtained can be effectively utilised in CCU or CCS processes.

The Chemical Looping Hydrogen process

This two-stage process uses iron oxide (FeOx) to convert carbon-containing gas mixtures into hydrogen (H₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). ‘Our collaboration aims to optimise the process for blast furnace gases and implement it in steelworks,’ reports Uwe Pahl, Chief Technology Officer at AMBARtec. Blast furnace gas, coke oven gas and converter gas can thus be processed to generate high-quality hydrogen. The high-purity carbon dioxide produced during this process can be utilised as a material (CCU) or stored (CCS). The precondition for this green transformation of the steel industry is that the CCS Act, which is currently being revised, must authorise the storage of CO2 from the steel industry. 'This gives the steel industry the chance to make its production more climate-friendly without having to invest heavily in converting the entire process chain. This will ensure that steel production in Europe remains competitive despite the stringent climate protection requirements,’ emphasises Uwe Pahl.

Partner from the steel industry

The EU project H2Loop  provides the framework for this cooperation. ‘We are combining our expertise in iron oxide nuggets and our experience in plant operation with the knowledge of our colleagues at Rouge H2 Engineering in the processing of residual gases,’ explains Matthias Rudloff, CEO of AMBARtec.

In addition to Rouge H2 Engineering, the project also involves two partners from the steel industry. “With their input, we will align the process and associated plant technology with real conditions in steelworks from the beginning and demonstrate this at our partner's premises,” emphasises Matthias Rudloff. ‘We look forward to receiving constructive support from other steel companies.’

The role of iron oxide nuggets

Blast furnace gases contain relevant quantities of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen. If these gases are added to iron oxide nuggets under the right conditions, the iron oxide is reduced and carbon dioxide and steam are released.

FeO_x + CO/H₂ à FeO + CO₂/H₂O

The carbon dioxide is separated and made available for utilisation or storage, for example via CCS.

In the second step, the reduced iron oxide nuggets are re-oxidised using steam.

This process produces high-purity hydrogen, which can be used as both a material and an energy source.

http://www.ambartec.de/