News

Nortest Cyprus Ltd, an inspection, testing and certification body, has become the newest EEMUA Associate. Based in Cyprus, the company provides a wide range of services globally to clients operating in industries such as power generation and energy, oil and gas, civil engineering and marine. Nortest is also a Notified Body (CE 2338) for pressure equipment, and lifts and machinery, and holds numerous accreditations in the field of inspection and certification, such as ISO 17020, ISO 17025 and ISO 17065.

One of EEMUA’s main activities is helping its Members – the users of engineering equipment and materials – in the inspection and integrity management of their fixed industrial assets, to keep them operating safely, efficiently and in compliance. EEMUA Head of Membership Deovonne Ferreira commented: “The sharing of good practice provided by involvement in EEMUA will help support Nortest, and so its clients, in the continued safe operation of these assets”.

Further details on the benefits of joining EEMUA as an Associate Company or a Corporate Member can be found here.

To celebrate their anniversary, the latest release for T Cards Onlinewasshowcased at the Southern Manufacturing. This release included some exciting new features that T Cards have been working on for the last year.

Simple to customizeto your applicationitcan seriouslyhelp improve the efficiency of your operation.Benefits are seen immediately as you can start using thesoftwareas soon as you have registered for theNO-Obligation 21-day trial.This includes our UK based support team providing personal assistance to get you up and running with the minimum of fuss.

T Cards Online is designed to be used like the tried and tested manual system. Clients often need a clear and precise status ofwork, and this does exactly that but with all the benefitsand analysis tools available digitally.

Having a “Go to Board” at your fingertipscan help staff get on with the day-to-daybusiness and assist with customer service. Our clients have seen these benefits and lotsmore.

Over the past 10 years the development of T Cards Online has been driven by our clients. Suggestions and improvements have been woven into the basic premise of keeping it simple.Being at the Southern Manufacturing Show has given us a platform to discuss these improvements with clients and potential customers alike.

Phil Heine, Founder of T cards Online said “We have been a regular exhibitorfor the past 15 years, initiallypromotingwith the manualsystems and now demonstrating thepower of theOnline System. We have always found it a busy and productive show with a broadrange ofcompaniesinterestedin T Cards Online.This year was no different and has been a great opportunityfor clients to explore the benefitsof the system even more.

The new releaseis an exciting development for planning and the control of workflow. It includes anew “What IF” engine that cangenerate automated workflows.

Think of it as an“If This Then That”.Action thenconsequence. For example, if a card or job is moved to a pre-defined position aconsequence or alertis automatically triggered.That consequence could be a clear visual change in colour or an email alert or just a flashing card on the screen. You decide. 

One application alreadybeing used is to highlightdelayswhen a due date is passed. Showing automatically on the screen rather than waitingfor a report or trawling through pages of data.

Come and see how T Cards arethe proven management tool to help keep track, allocate and improve efficiency.

 World's first 5G smartphone for hazardous areas offers far-reaching innovation and value creation potential for industrial users

Lauda-Koenigshofen, 31 January 2023. i.safe MOBILE, innovation and global market leader for explosion-proof mobile devices and solutions announces the immediate availability of the world's first 5G smartphone for ATEX and IECEx zone 1/21. The intrinsically safe mobile device, which was also developed for use in 5G campus networks, offers companies great flexibility potential thanks to its wide range of possible applications, especially in the automation sector. The extensive deployment scenarios range from predictive maintenance, AR applications, control and cooperation of production robots and production lines, management of AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles, autonomous transport robots), remote monitoring and support to PTT video calls in the system area to prevent plant failures. The high-performance Qualcomm® QCM6490 chipset, a large 6-inch display, 48 MP main camera, and standards such as Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 and NFC complete the Android 12 smartphone's extensive feature package. 

5G as a convergent key technology to the enterprise of the future

Thanks to the ongoing development towards 5G technology and the use of compatible mobile devices such as the IS540.1, companies can digitalise their production facilities and processes even further and fully utilise applications such as remote maintenance, IIOT and augmented reality now also in the sensitive Ex zones. The 5G concept offers particular advantages where machines communicate with each other, large amounts of data are exchanged almost in real time and latencies must be minimal. This makes 5G a key technology for new automation applications. Fields of application for the new IS540.1 industrial smartphone from i.safe MOBILE are scenarios in hazardous areas involving autonomous driving on campus grounds, platooning (automated column transports e.g. on large company premises with 5G campus network), control and monitoring of mobile robots, near real-time monitoring in process automation, workflow in the control loop and in plant management, logistics management, asset tracking and site access tracking, 

When developing the IS540.1 smartphone, the i.safe MOBILE R&D team paid special attention to performance, safety, clarity and usability.  Thanks to the high-performance Qualcomm® QCM6490 chipset, the smartphone has powerful AI and computing functions, while the 48 MP main camera offers highest image quality. Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 (with 2.4 and 5 GHz support) connectivity enables additional efficiency gains, faster data transmission at higher data rates in industrial communications. 

Peripheral devices such as a wired RSM (IS-HS2.1) for secure PTT/PoC communication, a high-performance barcode scanner (IS-TH2xx.1) or a thermal camera (IS-TC1A.1) can be connected via the 16-pin ISM interface. 

Technical highlights of IS540.1

• Qualcomm QCM6490 8-core processor 
• 6-inch Full HD display (1080 x 2160 pixels) with Gorilla Glass® V3   
• 48 MP camera / 5 MP front camera 
• Android 12 
• Amplified speakers (103 dB)
• Extensive frequency bands
• 4400 mAh battery (replaceable)
• 16-pin ISM interface (e.g. for PoC/PTT)
• Programmable side button (e.g. for PoC/PTT)
• Programmable red button (e.g. for lone worker protection/SOS)

Detailed technical information on the product and the data sheet can be found here.

Further information on i.safe MOBILE can be found here: 

www.isafe-mobile.com

i.safe MOBILE on LinkedIn

i.safe MOBILE on YouTube

Considering the imminent exponential growth of the hydropower industry, it is essential that an arsenal of strategies is implemented in order to raise the sustainability standards within hydropower facilities - driving the industry towards a net zero future. 

Of these strategies, protective coatings and repair composites have an important part to play. By intrinsically improving the integrity of key hydropower assets, these products help to accelerate the drive towards more sustainable hydropower facilities and, therefore, the decarbonisation of the sector.

Industrial coatings support decarbonisation of hydropower industry (Photo by American Public Power Association on Unsplash)   

The Carbon Footprint of Hydropower

While the environmental benefits of hydropower far outweigh fossil fuel alternatives, like most alternative energy sources, hydropower is not without its carbon footprint. Indeed, all energy sources, even renewables, produce carbon emissions in their lifecycle, due to the emissions caused by their manufacture, construction and operation.

While there are some hydropower facilities, such as Iceland’s Landsvirkjun, which have pledged to become carbon neutral, on average, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) states that hydropower has a median greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity of 24 gCO₂-eq/kWh. This is the grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated allocated over its life-cycle. By comparison, the median figure for coal is 820 gCO₂-eq/kWh.

Average life-cycle CO2 equivalent emissions (source: IPCC)

Hydropower Capacity Needs to Double by 2050  

The need to mitigate this carbon footprint somewhat ratchets up when considering the huge role hydropower is set to play in supporting a net zero emissions by 2050 pathway (in line with The Paris Agreement). 

In the International Energy Association’s (IEA) ‘Net Zero by 2050’ Roadmap (revised version 2021), the required growth of hydropower is colossal. The Roadmap states that hydropower capacity needs to ‘double by 2050’, positioning the industry as ‘[…] the third-largest energy source in the electricity mix by 2050.’ 

Image source: International Energy Association’s (IEA) ‘Net Zero by 2050’ Roadmap 

A Call to Modernise Aging Plants 

While it is essential that hydropower capacity ‘doubles’ by 2050, one way of increasing this capacity is by, what the IEAdescribes as ‘modernising ageing plants’. In fact, their Roadmapdetails how between now and 2030, USD 127 billion – or almost one-quarter of global hydropower investment – will be spent on modernising ageing plants.  

In regards to these ‘ageing plants’, according to the IEA, in North America, the average hydropower plant is nearly 50 years old and in Europe, the average is 45 years old. 

The report goes on to say how: ‘These ageing fleets – which have provided affordable and reliable renewable electricity on demand for decades – are in need of modernisation to ensure they can contribute to electricity security in a sustainable manner for decades to come.’

Extend Lifespan of Hydropower Assets with Industrial Coatings and Composites

Industrial protective coatings and epoxy repair composites play a fundamental role in ‘modernising ageing plants’, which in turn, supports the decarbonisation of the hydropower industry. 

By investing in this polymeric technology, aged assets can be repaired, protected and improved for the long term. This process successfully helps to mitigate the carbon footprint of hydropower facilities as it breathes new life into assets that would otherwise be decommissioned, replaced or sent to landfill. 

Companies such as Belzona (established in 1952) have a portfolio of protective coatings and repair composites that have been used to improve the efficiency and performance of hydropower assets for decades. 

Based on the level of erosion resistance required, the epoxy paste, Belzona 1111 (Super Metal) and composite repair polymer, Belzona 1311 (Ceramic R-Metal), can be specified for rebuilding damage and restoring efficiency in areas such as turbines, wicket gates and turbine casings. 

The efficiency improving capabilities of these systems can be demonstrably identified in the two-part epoxy coating, Belzona 1341 (Supermetalglide). With this high-performance coating, the efficiency of fluid handling equipment, such as pumps, can be increased by up to 7% on new equipment and up to 20% on refurbished equipment. 

Francis turbine prior to application, visibly damaged

First coat of epoxy coating, Belzona 1341 (Supermetalglide), applied

As seen in the graph below, in a study carried out by Leeds University, it was found that when compared to polished stainless steel, Belzona 1341 (Supermetalglide) was 15 times smoother.

Roughness comparison between polished stainless steel and Belzona 1341 (Supermetalglide). Surface inspection: Leeds University

The two-part polyurethane resin, Belzona 2141 (ACR-Fluid Elastomer), can be deployed in areas that are particularly subjected to high levels of cavitation, such as Kaplan turbine blades. This system offers an outstanding level of protection against cavitation at ultra-high velocities (up to 115 knots with no damage). 

Application of  Belzona 2141 (ACR-Fluid Elastomer) on Pelton turbine nozzle head 

Belzona’srange of polymeric systems can be specified in the following application areas, amongst others: turbines, penstock gates, generators, spiral casings, draft tubes, transformers, powerhouses, control valves, dams, stilling basins and spillways.

Mitigating Hydropower’s Carbon Footprint 

By investing in industrial protective coatings and epoxy repair composites, the lifespan of hydropower assets can be considerably prolonged. In turn, this supports more sustainable operations within hydropower facilities and, therefore, helps to mitigate the carbon footprint of the industry.   

More information at: www.Belzona.com 

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Danati Fire and Safety is a leading investigator of fires and explosions covering Southern Africa. Their first professional fire investigation was performed in 2003, and they perform an average of 250 investigations a year covering vehicles, structures and shipping vessels. The growth of Danati Fire and Safety can be attributed to verbal recommendations between insurance companies and loss adjusters in South Africa. A small number of private individuals may contact Danati Fire and Safety for private investigations either to counter a negative insurance claim or to simply satisfy their own curiosity.

After firefighters extinguish a fire, an investigation is launched to determine the origin and cause of the incident.  Investigations are carried out using a systematic approach combined with knowledge of basic fire science. For a fire to occur, there must be fuel, oxygen and an ignition source, which must be in the specific proportions. There is a very definite science to investigating fires, and experience really counts here.The fire scene must be carefully evaluated and documented to locate the source of the fuel and possible ignition sources. Potential causes will be ruled in or out depending on the evidence presented by the fire scene, burn patterns, and physical remains. Frequently, samples are taken and sent away for evaluation, which can be a lengthy and costly process.

Danati was first introduced to the ION Science Tiger by Impact Instruments and chose the Tiger over other similar products due to its lower cost, portability and technological superiority, as well as the excellent customer service provided by Lynda and her team at Impact Instruments.

Danati’s Lead Fire Investigator, Danny Joubert, has said, “The instrument is extremely sensitive and will almost always give some level of reading when it is exposed to fire debris. Having done so on numerous occasions, I can honestly say that there are many positive aspects to the Tiger VOC detector.

“It must be understood that this instrument does not provide a definitive test for the presence of a specific accelerant or ignitable fluid. What it does do is indicate where higher than usual concentrations of VOCs may be present, and this will then prompt the investigator to take appropriate samples for laboratory testing, as per the NFPA 921 guidelines.Without the VOC detector, the average investigator can only rely on an interpretation of burn patterns and their sense of smell to detect the possible presence of a VOC.

“The Tiger adds a new dimension, and has allowed a far more thorough screening of

debris to take place whilst the investigator is moving through the scene.

“The unit is very sensitive, allowing the investigators to disregard debris that might otherwise have been collected and subjected to expensive laboratory testing. Certified for use in explosive atmospheres, with high levels of sensitivity and resistance to interference from humidity or contamination, the Tiger is the only handheld instrument of its kind in South Africa, so it has allowed Danati bragging rights, which is always a morale booster!”

The biggest success of the Tiger for Danati related to a supermarket fire that was initially believed to be caused by an electrical surge following a period where the electricity was shut down.

The instrument was started up, and the investigator entered the building. The Tiger immediately gave a reading, turning left, the readings dropped, and walking further into the premises caused the instrument to give an alarm. This was the first audible alarm that the instrument had given, and the readings were extremely high. Standard human olfactory sensing could not detect anything above the normal stench of a three-day-old fire scene in a supermarket. Using the Tiger, the source of the alarm was found, and samples were taken. The samples were sent to a laboratory, and the intentional nature of the fire was put beyond any question.

The instrument shortened the investigation time considerably, and it was also noted that two other investigation firms were in attendance; their reactionto the Tiger was a combination of awe and jealousy. 

www.ionscience.com

In a hazardous environment, portable lighting must be engineered to prevent a spark from occurring and igniting any flammable vapors or mists in the area. The ATEX and IECEx Zone systems were created to classify the different danger levels in these areas.

Portable lighting must be carefully selected based on the most hazardous environment it may encounter since the situation may quickly change due to an accident, equipment failure, or malfunction. Therefore, it is critical to identify the Zone in which you will be working and the Zone you might find yourself in during an emergency. Let's take a look at the specific characteristics of each Zone.

Zone 0

Explosive atmosphere is always present. 

Zone 1

Explosive atmosphere is likely to occur during regular operations. 

Zone 2

Explosive atmosphere does not occur during regular operation or for a short period only; this is usually the result of an accident or other unusual operating conditions.

The safest option is to use equipment rated for the Zone you might encounter instead of the one you will be working in. A great example of this is the Nightstick XPP-5422G torch. This ATEX safety-certified Dual-Light™ torch is engineered to not release enough electrical or thermal energy under normal or abnormal circumstances to cause ignition, even in a Zone 0 environment. The Dual-Light feature helps users to regain the lost peripheral vision from a traditional torch, allowing them to see the immediate area below and to their sides, significantly reducing the chances of a slip or trip. 

The final thought to consider when purchasing ATEX equipment is the product's manufacturer. A single-source manufacturer ensures consistent quality and safety across an entire product line. This is especially important when buying hazardous environment safety lighting. Nightstick, the original creator of the Dual-Light torch and a global manufacturer of over 50+ intrinsically safe professional, portable LED lighting products sold in 70+ countries, exceeds industry standards in performance, quality, value, and user safety. Focus on completing your job confidently, knowing your equipment was designed and rated for the highest safety levels. Find the certification level you need at www.nightstick.com.

This article can also be found in the Jan/Feb issue.

The Water Jetting Association, the member organisation for the water jetting industry, is to allow its courses to be delivered by training providers based outside the UK for the first time.

The decision will help meet growing demand for water jetting operatives based around the world to benefit from WJA training.

The WJA Training and Safety Committee approved the change, which was then ratified by the WJA Ruling Council at its meeting in November 2022.

A key ruling is that WJA-approved training providers and instructors based in other countries will not be permitted to deliver training in the UK.

WJA President John Jones said: “This is a significant and exciting decision for the WJA.Requests for our training to be delivered outside the UK have increased in recent years and we want to be able to meet that demand.

“Until now, our rules have required all WJA-approved training providers to be based in the UK. In most cases, this has required WJA-approved instructors to travel from the UK to other countries to deliver training.”

“Our decision means this no longer must be the case. If training providers and instructors meet our criteria and pass all our assessments, they can be approved by the WJA.

“That means WJA training can be delivered, for the first time, by both training providers and instructors based in any country around the world.”

The WJA is the UK member body for the water jetting industry. It represents water jetting contractors, hirers, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and training providers, and works closely with other stakeholders, including asset owners and organisations concerned about water jetting safety.

Demand for WJA water jetting training is growing in many countries, most notably in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, which have significant oil and gas industries.

WJA Training and Safety Committee Chairman Steve Williams regularly delivers training in other countries. He said: “This is a positive move. Without it, the WJA would be unlikely to keep up with demand for its training courses.

“In the Middle East, for example, WJA training is highly valued because it is based on the WJA’s codes of practice that are recognised and respected for setting a clear standard for water jetting.

“Training providers and instructors in the Middle East, and other regions, will now be able to apply for WJA-approved status, which includes a process of ongoing assessment.

“This means more water jetting operatives will benefit from WJA training which can only enhance the safety and effectiveness of water jetting operations in those countries, which is a positive step forward.”

To become a WJA-approved training provider, organisations must join the WJA. This requires them to sign the WJA Professional Charter and meet its stringent financial and governance criteria, as well as undergo a rigorous assessment process.

Training instructors musthave a minimum of three years’ experience in water jetting, related to the practical modules they plan to deliver.

They must hold a current PTTLS or Level 3 award in education or training, or their equivalent, and a health and safety qualification, at least equivalent to IOSH Managing Safely.

As stipulated by the WJA’s standard operating procedures for training, they must hold a current WJA safety awareness certificate and the certificates for all practical modules for which they are competent to deliver.

Their formal application must be approved by the WJA’s Ruling Council. They must agree to a process of formal assessment, including a WJA assessor attending training courses. 

www.waterjetting.org.uk

Ends

The global cable gland specialistPeppers celebrates 75 years in business.

Peppers Cable Glands is proud to have upheld its unrivalled reputation for delivering quality products teamed with the highest possible level of customer service and flexibility throughout its 75 years of trading.

Peppers is the globally trusted cable gland specialist renowned for an end-to-end service, providing customers with a total cable gland solution and unrivalled confidence in the quality of the product. Peppers solely manufacture cable glands and enclosure accessories. It is this streamlined expertise, teamed with unparalleled technical support and service delivery thathas contributed to its continued success over the last 75 years.  

Sales manager, Grayham Churchouse says, “We take great pride in providing our customers with a confidence and peace of mind when they buy from us.  From the design engineers who specify our products, to the fitters at point of installation, to the organisations all over the world that utilise them; ourservice and product quality is paramount to our success.  As a focused product manufacturer, we have gathered 75 years’ worth of expertise and resources into making the very best, fit for purpose cable gland and enclosure accessory range on the market.”

Peppers satellite manufacturing unit and expansive global distribution network gives them a superior control over the supply chain. Their clever “component manufacturing” process allows them to remain agile which means they can provide customers with an unbeatable level of service, end to end. From quotation, to order processing, to manufacture, to a fast and reliable delivery time.

Peppers is a trusted brand that not only prides itself on its product performance and response times, but the knowledge and expertise that 75 years has created.  This ultimately provides the customers with unfailing confidence that they are receiving the integrity that comes with the Peppers name, built up over the last three quarters of a century. 

Peppers maintains a quality management system approved by ISO 9001:2015 as well as an extensive range of global hazardous area protection concepts and marine approvals.

This artice can also be found in the Jan/Feb issue .

Do you have a need to lift or move drums, de-palletise or just generally move drums around a workshop or factory site in Hazardous Areas.

The St Clare Engineering range of Grab-O-MaticATEX fork attachment and pedestrian drum handlers will provide a safe and efficient solution for you.

The popular and versatileGrab-O-Matic DLR range of rim grip fork attachment drum handlers are suitable for all types of steeldrums, plastic ‘L’ ring drums and most fibre drums.

The extensivedrum handling range includes the SC10 for lifting and rotating drums to dispense the contents, scissorgrabs, base gripping units and waist grippers, the whole range can also be fitted to pedestrian stackers for use in confined spaces and places where fork trucks are banned. Bespoke units can be manufactured to suit customer specification.

We also have arangeof Drum Cages for off-shore use and fork attachment Whiskey/Wine Barrel Base Grippers for use in the drinks industry.

We have also developed a Quick Attach/Release drum handler fork attachment for use in ATEX hazardous areas. 

All Grab-O-Matic models can be Quick Attach/Release units and are securely attached to the forks and released without the need for the truck driver to dismount from his cab, saving time and increasing safety!

The drum handlers can be manufactured completely from stainless steel or part stainless steel to suit customer requirements and the spark proof area the units are operating in.

All Grab-O-Matic fork attachments are issued with Test Certificates, CE marked and manufactured entirely in the UK to ISO 9001:2015 and will be certified for use in ATEX spark proof areas.

For more information on our extensive range of drum and materials handling equipment please contact Andy Bow on 02380 643402 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

This article can also be found in the Jan/Feb issue.

Happy 2023! I thought as it was anew year I would take a break from updating everyone on the every changing UKCA Requirements and look at a few other scheme and Standards updates.

The IECEx Certified Equipment Scheme have published OD 290 - Harmonized procedures for IECEx certification of equipment, components and systems associated with the production, dispensing and use of gaseous hydrogen.