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EEMUA Webinar – The other side of ageing assets: How to replace legacy monitoring solutions – FREE & Open to All ** This Wednesday 19 October ** –  – focus 1 hour Live online on: *monitoring ageing assets; *repowering plant; *antiquated monitoring hardware– Webinar runs 15:00-16:00 UK time; 16:00-17:00Amsterdam; 09:00-10:00 Houston– Please find more details and registration at .

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Global gas sensing manufacturer ION Science has been presented with one of the most prestigious business excellence awards in the UK, endorsing the commercial success of ION’s innovative Sensor technology.

ION Science formally received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, in the category of Innovation, at a corporate ceremony on Wednesday 5^th October involving local dignitaries at its global headquarters in Cambridgeshire.

The accolade was announced back in April before the recent passing of Her Majesty the Queen, recognising the quality, reliability, and success of the MiniPID Sensor and ION’s dedication to developing and producing new technologies that offer unparalleled VOC detection, helping to protect lives and preserve the environment.

VOC sensors are used extensively worldwide in applications where the rapid, accurate detection of hazardous gases is critical to safeguarding workers, the public and the environment. These include oil rigs, gas refineries, pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, semiconductor factories, laboratories, nuclear facilities, and air quality monitoring.

Capable of withstanding relative humidity up to 99% (non-condensing), temperatures of -40 to +65 °C, and with an anti-contamination design, the MiniPID sensor range offers 10,000 hours of reliable detection, making it ideal for long-term monitoring. They also have the widest detection range on the market, from as low as 0.5 ppb (parts per billion) right up to 10,000 ppm (parts per million), making them suitable for virtually any application. ION Science’s sensors can be used to detect over 950 different compounds, many of which can pose a serious threat to human health and life. 

Dignitaries at the event included HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence OBE QPM; the Deputy Lieutenant, Christopher Walkinshaw DL; the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, Jennifer Crompton; Lord-Lieutenant Cadet, Georgia Pescod; and South Cambridgeshire local MP, Anthony Browne.

The visitors took the opportunity to tour the eco-friendly, state-of-the-art facility including its in-progress works of the research & development centre to support company growth and employment where scientific work will continue to drive further innovation across the business. They then presented the Queen’s Award to ION Science managing director Duncan Johns and Steve Newcomb, the company’s operations director and deputy managing director.

Duncan Johns explained: “To receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise recognises the unrelenting efforts of our team in developing the now award-winning PID gas sensors, offering the market high quality and reliable results. We never stop innovating and our team continues to push the boundaries in sensing technology.

“Our guests were impressed by what they saw when they visited the growing headquarters in Cambridgeshire - as a business we continue to invest in our future and our people.”

To learn more about ION Science, visit https://ionscience.com/en/

Global designer and manufacturer of polymeric repair and protection systems, Belzona, has announced the appointments of Charli Yu Walton and Fred Lu as Corporate Development Director (China) and Technical Director (China), respectively. The appointments follow the establishment of Belzona Molecular Technology (Nanjing) Ltd in 2019, as a Wholly Foreign Owned Enterprise (WFOE), making the next significant step in the Company’s international expansion strategy.

Charli Yu Walton, Corporate Development 

Designers and manufacturers of polymer repair and protection systems, Belzona, has announced the promotion of long-serving employee, Phil Robinson, to its Board of Directors. Mr Robinson, who joined as a Trainee Project Manager in 2007, has now been appointed as Application and Training Director.

Mr Robinson will be responsible for identifying opportunities to expand the application of Belzona’s polymer solutions across a wider range of engineering industries such as wind power, hydropowerand waste-to-energy, amongst others. He will also continue to drive the Belzona application and training programme, which aims to provide its Distributor Network with technical and practical training on the use of Belzona systems.

“Belzona is a fantastic place to work,it has provided me with an incredible number of opportunities over the years,andI’mdelighted to be occupying this new role. Belzona is incredibly well placed to help resolve so many of the issues faced in industry worldwide and I’m looking forward to doing my part in ensuring that potential is realised.”

Mr Robinson’s new appointment as Application and Training Director is part of the Company’s ongoing investment in its staff members, as well as its commitment to ensuring that Distributors and Contractors have access to excellent training services. 

Indeed, in order to ensure that training courses are available globally, in addition to its headquarters in Harrogate, Belzona also provides courses at its state-of-the-art training centres in Miami (USA), Chonburi (Thailand), Jiangsu (China) and Ontario (Canada).

For more information about Belzona’s Training Programme, please visit: https://www.belzona.com/en/about/training.aspx

A Client who deals with environmental spills was faced with a unique problem when insulating its underslung oil dispersal vessel. The vessel would need to be carried underneath a helicopter over sub-zero temperature conditions todecontaminate the water after potential oil spills. Due to the vessel’s requirements, the insulation material needed to fit very particular specifications.

Belzona insulates and protects the oil dispersal vessel in extreme conditions

Specification of Belzona 5871 and Belzona 3211 (Lagseal)

The job specifications required the insulation material to withstand -25°C temperatures without allowing the dispersant within the vessel to freeze, as well as protecting the vessel against corrosion and damage. 

When the Client considered insulation methods, conventional means proved to be technically not suitable for the operating conditions due to weight restrictions and the potential effects of salt water ingress through standard insulation cladding joints and seams. Also, the proximity of the vessel to salt water in cold temperatures would expose the seams to sea water spray which could cause the insulation to become damp,resulting in CUI problems; a vessel not being adequately sealed leaves the system vulnerable tocorrosion.

Belzona and its licensed Contractor, Grade2, jointly recommended the use of corrosion protection system, Belzona 5871, applied in three layers for maximum insulation and corrosion protection, of a total of 9mm dry film thickness (DFT). This would provide an effective, solvent-free, thermal barrier, while also eliminating condensation, contact damage, anti-icing issues, waterlogging and corrosion. Belzona 5871 is a uniquely placed thermal barrier coating able to also provide long term corrosion protection having been thoroughly tested to ASTM B117 (Salt Spray) for 4500 hours, among other corrosion resistance tests.

The Client chose to overcoat the insulation with acrylic emulsion membrane, Belzona 3211 (Lagseal), for additional waterproofing, UV and fire protection. They also mixed in orange pigment at a ratio of ≤ 5% for high visibility in its working environment, as Belzona was able to adapt to the Customer’s needs.

Simple and Precise Application

The products were applied in a controlled factory environmentin the North of England, after careful surface preparation to ensure good adhesion to the stainless-steel vessel. The substrate was grit blasted to achieve the standard minimum specification of ≥ 75μm, Sa 2.5 cleanliness vacuumed and clean degreased.

Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the world’s most commonly reported physical diseases – particularly in the workplace. It’s an accumulated ailment that increases at every time of over-exposure to noise. The bad news is that hearing loss can be permanent.

That’s why Hellberg Safety’s new and improved noise protection technology has been developed to deliver the most advanced passive and active protection for a variety of risk environments.

The SECURE series features a choice of basic or multi-functional ear defenders and communication solutions, which are available in 3 protection levels.

The SECURE ACTIVE series with active listening systems, allow you to communicate with your colleagues, hear warning signals and other important information while protected from hazardous noise.

SECURE RELAX products protect your hearing while you enjoy listening to your favourite radio station, while SECURE REACT headsets allow you to listen to AM/FM radio and communicate with your colleagues while still being protected from harmful noise.

Hellberg Safety’s SECURE series are market-leading hearing protection products within a wider range of Eye, Face, Hearing and Communication solutions that have been developed to deliver optimum personal wellbeing and safety at work.

Getting information on the new Hellberg Safety product range is easy - call the Hultafors Group UK Helpline on 01484 854788, checkout the website www.hellbergsafety.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Triple Point appoints Ylem Energy to maximise trading opportunities

Triple Point, a UK-based Investment Manager which invests in businesses that are crucial for the transition to a low carbon economy, has appointed Ylem Energy to maximise trading opportunities for its investments in gas peaking businesses.

Ylem Energy has been appointed to provide operation and maintenance (O&M) services for six peaking power plants in various locations across England. Designed to balance the fluctuating power requirement in the electricity network and operate during periods of high demand as well as covering shortfalls in electricity supply, the plants play a critical role in preventing loss of supply for commercial and domestic energy users.

Ian Gadsby, Ylem Energy, Managing Director, said: “Ylem recently delivered a successful overhaul and rebuild for two of the engines within the overall portfolio, representing significant savings when compared to other competitive estimates.

“It’s therefore very satisfying to see the partnership grow and is testament to the operational capability Ylem Energy can offer its customers. As an owner and operator of peaking plant ourselves, Ylem Energy understands commercial requirements as well as technical aspects, drawing on more than 25 years’ experience of owning and operating smart generation systems.

“I look forward to further developing a mutually beneficial long-term partnership with Triple Point in the months and years ahead.”

In addition to delivering significant cost savings to complete the engine overhauls, Ylem Energy helped to ensure all engines achieved capacity market targets ahead of the July 2022 deadline.

Jonathan Parr, Partner and Head of Energy, Triple Point, said: “As we continue to invest in projects that are key to the transition to a low carbon economy while creating a sustainable return for investors, there is a clear synergy with Ylem Energy.

“Ylem Energy’s technical expertise has already proven invaluable, ensuring the fleet was fully operational at the earliest opportunity, enabling the companies to maximise trading opportunities. As peaking plant owners, Ylem Energy shares its valuable insight which is underpinned by a real world understanding of high-quality O&M services.

“A partnership with Ylem Energy is set to provide a long-term competitive advantage and will help us to maximise the value of our assets which are an essential component in securing the UK’s energy future, helping to balance the grid and supporting the drive towards net zero.”

As the demand for power rises, peaking plants which enable the delivery of fast-responding, flexible power will continue to play an essential role in the transition to renewables, balancing the national grid during times of peak demand, especially when the output from fluctuating renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power is low.

To find out more about Ylem Energy’s O&M services, go to: https://ylemenergy.com/services

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Highlights

• JXSN#4 exploration well completed in Blue Star's Galactica/Pegasus prospect.
• Analysis of gas obtained during drilling shows a calculated air-free gas composition of 6.5% helium in the Lyons formation.
• Both the upper and lower Lyons sands are gas charged with helium.
• JXSN#4 is the fourth consecutive well on the Galactica prospect to identify helium in the targeted Lyons formation.

Blue Star Helium Limited (ASX:BNL) (Blue Star or the Company) provides an update on the JXSN#4 exploration well drilled on its Galactica prospect in Las Animas County, Colorado.

The well was successfully drilled to a final total depth (TD) of 1,043 feet on 27 September encountering both the upper and lower Lyons sands, which both flowed gas to surface.

Preliminary gas composition analysis shows 6.5% helium (He). Additional gas samples collected during operations will also be delivered to a second laboratory for composition analysis, which is expected to be returned within the next two weeks.

The upper Lyons sand was encountered at a measured depth of 756 feet and appears to be gas filled down to the base of the sand at 859 feet. The lower Lyons sand was encountered at 898 feet and also flowed gas to surface. The well TD'ed at the base of the lower Lyons. Wireline log interpretation is expected by the end of next week to determine if any gas-water-contacts (GWCs) were encountered in the well.

Three exploration wells drilled earlier this year at Galactica/Pegasus – JXSN#1, JXSN#2 and JXSN#3 – discovered significant helium bearing gas columns of up to 230 feet containing up to 3.14% helium (refer Table 1). These wells also proved the Company's previous interpretations of gas on logs at historic wells, Denton B #1 and Colorado #B-1, also located on the Galactica/Pegasus structure.

Blue Star Managing Director and CEO, Trent Spry, commented:

"Our exploration program at Galactica/Pegasus prospect continues to deliver. We are delighted to have returned high-concentration helium from a fourth consecutive exploration well in this area.

"The result reconfirms Galactica/Pegasus as one of our high-priority development areas in Las Animas. This dynamic is reflected in our current development well scheduling activities for this field.

The results of this well will be integrated into current resource update process for Galactica/Pegasus which is expected to culminate in the declaration of contingent resources for this field." 

Table 1: Key results from recent Galactica/Pegasus wells

JXSN#4 is located approximately 1.7 miles to the northwest of the JXSN#1 helium discovery well. The JXSN#4 location was strategically selected to provide the structural and stratigraphic control and reservoir gas composition (6.5% He) for the planned offsetting development wells shown on the map below and announced on 15 September 2022.

This ASX Announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Blue Star Helium Limited.

 

 
Accurately Measure and Log Dew Point Data to Improve Manufacturing Quality and Performance
 

GOLETA, Calif. – Sept. 27, 2022 ― Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, today announced the Extech RH600 Dew Point Meter for accurate and fast dew point temperature measurement primarily positioned to prevent problems associated with water vapor in compressed air systems.
As part of a predictive maintenance program in manufacturing environments, the Extech RH600 provides measurement down to -50°C (-58°F) with an accuracy of ±2 °C (±3.6 °F) over the entire range pressure, up to 20 bar. The Extech RH600 is ideal for monitoring dew point across long periods of time, including for monitoring switch behavior within the drying process and better optimizing energy consumption.

“For inspectors who require the convenience and freedom to inspect multiple positions within a compressed air system, the Extech RH600 provides the ideal form factor at a competitive price to capture accurate readings and then data log that information as part of an integrated predictive maintenance program,” said Rob Milner, director of business development, Teledyne FLIR. “The Extech RH600 is also optimal for low-humidity measurement with high accuracy, but should the sensor get wet, it can withstand the condensation and fully recover for future use.”
The included RH601 dew point probe provides accuracy and long-term stability. Users can directly insert the probe sensor into the compressed air system through a G half-inch thread, ensuring reliable readings with increased peace of mind, knowing the probe will dry quickly after moisture contact. The highly sensitive probe provides inspectors the ability to measure relative humidity at less than 5 percent and with high accuracy (±0.025 percent).


Data Logging for Predictive Maintenance
Users can easily monitor dew point on the built-in color graphical display with a menu-based user interface. They can program high/low set points for temperature as well as relatively humidity and dew point with visual and audible alarms. The device also enables logging and transferring up to 32,000 datasets to a PC in CVS format via a USB cable connection. The easy data transfer provides inspectors all key datapoints to create inspection reports for colleagues and clients, as well as to integrate the data into broader predictive maintenance initiatives that consolidate and analyze data across multiple inspection types and equipment.

The Extech RH600 consists of the RH601 dew point probe, AC adapter, micro-USB-to-USB-A cable, a 3.7 V Li-ion battery, and a hard case for storage. For more information, including availability and pricing by region, visit www.flir.com/RH600.

The topic of “explosion safety” is omnipresent for plant operators and OEM´s when it comes to handling or transporting combustible dusts. Despite the widespread assumption that an increased risk of explosion only exists for gases, enormous forces can also be released by explosive dust- / air mixtures.

To help minimise the risk of explosions when handing combustible dusts, it is important to understand the requirements for an explosion and the respective dust safety characteristics, which are described below. The following picture shows the fire triangle and the explosion pentagon which must be taken into account.

The following conditions must exist for an explosion to occur within a production facility or machine:

Fig. 1: Explosion pentagon

If any one of the aforementioned prerequisites is eliminated, explosion prevention has intrinsically been practised. However, if this is not possible at all times and in all operating states, explosion hazards will still be present. In this case, it is necessary to divide any potentially explosive atmospheres into zones and systematically apply safety measures.

Drying processes in particular are used in many industries to produce material, for easier storage, more efficient transport and a longer shelf life. However, the combination of moisture extraction and high temperatures creates an increased risk of both, fires and explosions.

If fires and/or explosions occur in drying plants, which are usually very large, the situation is not only extremely dangerous for the machines and the business, but especially for the employees on site.

Operators of spray dryers must combat a particular type of ignition source – namely smouldering nests that can lead to spontaneous combustion if the material undergoes excessive caking. Caking occurs due to sub-optimal drying of the material and its initially high moisture content. The caked material is then insulated against the surrounding air by a build-up of moist material. The high temperatures ensure that the caked material is continuously heated until a biological reaction takes place involving protein, carbohydrate and water – known as the Maillard reaction. The Maillard reaction generates additional heat that cannot be dissipated due to the insulating layer of caked material. This process continues to accelerate until spontaneous combustion finally occurs.

Caking of this kind can build up both on the nozzles and the inner wall of the spray dryers. If the nozzle malfunctions, droplets may fall down into the fluid bed and cause further clumping. If a smouldering nest is able to form, this can ignite the explosive atmosphere inside the dryer or the downstream machinery.

How can such conditions, which are frequently encountered in practice, be prevented?

Everything starts with the human factor, i.e. properly trained personnel for the respective processes. Optimal process control is also required to avoid caking. But without precise and reliable information/measurements, this is virtually impossible, even for specialists. Nowadays, humidity and one of the by-products of spontaneous combustion at early stages – carbon monoxide (CO) – are used as indicators to ensure a smooth and thus safe process. However, the fact that combined measurement systems cannot clearly distinguish between these two indicators is problematic and can result in inaccurate measurements.

The REMBE CO.Pilot makes exactly this symbiosis possible!

Via a permanent comparison of recorded data with a database of stored reference gases that serve as "fingerprints" of the selected gases, it is possible to perform a one-time check in real time and thus permanently verify the measurement accuracy. At the same time, the real-time fingerprint analysis eliminates the cross-sensitivity to other gases in the measurement spectrum that is common in commercial gas analysers.

To ensure a reliable measurement of the operating status, samples are sucked in from all of the dryer's relevant supply and exhaust air ducts under very high vacuum. REMBE calculates the delta CO value on the basis of the absolute values measured at the individual measuring points. This value is the mathematical difference between the CO content of the extract air and the CO content of the supply air. Thus, only events that actually occur in the respective process are detected. External factors that may disturb the process can thus be ignored.

A proprietary evaluation algorithm (RFA REMBE Flow Algorithm) enables the measured supply and exhaust air values to be compared in real time. As a result, the REMBE CO.Pilot is the first system on the market that makes it possible to adjust the individual alarm limits and gas run times for the individual measuring points in the dryer's various air throughputs without any delays. The ratios of the different supply air channels and the flexible operating hours are balanced via the software and calculated accordingly in the PLC.

Thus, if an increased carbon monoxide concentration is detected due to spontaneous combustion during the process, countermeasures can be initiated immediately.

But what does this mean in detail?

This special sampling process eliminates the need for costly and error-prone gas treatment, thus ensuring that the CO.Pilot is less susceptible to faults and requires less maintenance. Furthermore, this measurement method can make recurring calibrations unnecessary. Due to the precise measurement technology and the reproducible results, false alarms and downtimes can also be avoided. And in combination with moisture measurements, the entire drying process can be optimally controlled, significantly increasing the energy efficiency of the system.

Fig. 2: REMBE CO.Pilot

About REMBE – the REMBE Alliance introduces itself

Most people associate REMBE with REMBE GmbH Safety+Control, the specialist for explosion safety and explosion venting worldwide. The company offers customers cross-industry safety concepts for plants and equipment. All products are manufactured in Germany and meet the requirements of national and international regulations. REMBE customers include market leaders in various industries, including the food, timber, chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

The company’s engineering expertise is based on almost 50 years of application and project experience. As an independent, owner-managed family business, REMBE combines expertise with the highest quality standards and is involved in various specialist committees worldwide. Short coordination paths allow for quick reactions and customer-specific solutions for all applications, from standard products to high-tech special designs.

In addition to REMBE GmbH Safety+Control (www.rembe.de) with approx. 300 employees worldwide, headquartered in Brilon (Hochsauerland, Germany), and numerous subsidiaries worldwide (Italy, Finland, Brazil, USA, China, Dubai, Singapore, South Africa, Japan), four other companies operate under the REMBE umbrella brand:

• REMBE Research+Technology Center GmbH (rembe-rtc.de)
• REMBE Advanced Services+Solutions GmbH (rembe-services.de)
• REMBE Kersting GmbH (rembe-kersting.de)
• REMBE FibreForce GmbH (argusline.de)