News

JCE Group, a leader in engineered solutions for hazardous areas, is unveiling its new multi-functional Solar Power Pod at Offshore Europe 2025. Developed fully in-house, the new design marks a step forward in renewable energy solutions for remote, off-grid, and hazardous environments.

Engineered with adaptability and simplicity at its core, the Solar Power Pod moves away from previous iterations that required different frame designs for each configuration. The new version uses a single, standardised frame that can accommodate a range of batteries and multiple solar panels. This streamlines engineering and production, reduces costs, and allows faster delivery to clients. Adjustable mounting brackets also enable solar panels to be positioned at any angle by a single installer, making deployment easier and more efficient.

For operators, the result is a robust, low-maintenance, and cost-effective solution. The simplified design reduces components and fixings, improving durability and making installation straightforward. Once deployed, the pod requires minimal maintenance. Proven in the field with major energy service providers worldwide, it is certified for Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas, including hydrogen atmospheres. This certification reinforces JCE’s engineering credibility and ensures operators can deploy the pod confidently in the harshest and most regulated environments.

Designed to be multi-functional, the pod can power a wide range of critical devices and systems in remote locations. Current applications include downhole monitoring sensors, CCTV systems, communications networks, and pipeline corrosion monitoring, among others. By powering essential monitoring and digital infrastructure, it supports safe, unmanned, and data-driven operations in offshore and industrial environments. Its portability also makes it suitable for relocation to different sites.

At Offshore Europe, JCE anticipates strong attention for the new Solar Power Pod, given its direct relevance to offshore operations. The technology addresses a longstanding challenge of how to power critical systems in remote or unmanned locations without relying on long cabling runs or diesel generators, which are both costly and impractical in many offshore environments. By offering a clean, low-maintenance alternative that can be deployed quickly and with minimal infrastructure, the Solar Power Pod provides a practical solution that aligns with the industry’s transition to safer, lower-carbon, and digitally connected operations.

The new generation of the pod builds on successful deployments with energy service companies including Schlumberger, Weatherford, NOV, Baker Hughes and Solas Marine. These earlier versions demonstrated the value of solar-powered systems in hazardous and remote conditions. With its standardised design and multiple configuration options, the latest Solar Power Pod delivers far greater versatility, enabling one unit to address a wide range of functions from powering communications and monitoring systems to supporting safety, navigation, and corrosion protection.

Alongside its technical benefits, the Solar Power Pod is expected to play a key role in JCE’s commercial growth. Demand for renewable and modular power-enabling technology has 

doubled in the past two years, generating orders worth several million pounds. Building on this momentum, the Solar Power Pod is projected to become one of JCE’s flagship technologies. Within the company’s off-grid renewable power portfolio, it is expected to contribute around 20% of revenue going forward, reflecting strong market appetite for low-maintenance renewable solutions and the efficiencies of its new design.

“The Solar Power Pod demonstrates how JCE is building on decades of hazardous-area expertise to shape the future of renewable power in demanding environments,” said Jim Craig, Chairman of JCE Group. “It reflects our long-term commitment to delivering solutions that strengthen resilience, lower lifecycle costs, and support the industry’s transition to safer, more sustainable, and digitally connected operations.”

JCE is showcasing the Solar Power Pod at Stand 3H45 during Offshore Europe 2025, where live demonstrations will highlight its use in powering a variety of devices and systems. Technical experts will be available throughout the event to discuss applications and answer questions from operators across the energy sector.

AirBench BDS i

AirBench is pleased to announce the launch of the new BSD solvent mist blowdown cabinet.

BDS is developed based on customer requests for a unit comparable to the existing BD – but suitable for use with solvents. This range uses zone 1 ATEX fans and carbon filtration to ensure safe capture of mists when blowing solvent contaminants from parts.

The base unit works on the same principles as BD, with a contained cabinet and blowdown gun; this new model extends the range of applications available for parts blowdown outside coolants and swarf.

Running from a 3ph supply through a high efficiency motor, BDS is simple and effective; solving an issue that has been ignored in industry.

Contact AirBench Ltd for further details and demonstrations, or visit www.airbench.com/bds.

In communities across the globe, daily life creates waste that can be challenging to manage, including agriculture byproducts, livestock manure, and even leftover or discarded food all generate organic waste that produce methane during decomposition.

Left alone, this decomposing matter poses an environmental risk. But when managed properly, waste can be transformed into biogas—a form of renewable energy.

Biogas is produced when organic materials such as plant and animal waste are broken down using an anaerobic digestion process. Bacteria break down the byproducts to create energy in the form of gas and digestate materials such as fertilizer.

Biogas can be additionally refined to produce renewable natural gas (RNG), or biomethane, and be used in a variety of forms that include heat and electricity, fuel for vehicles, bioplastics and even conventional gas that is added to the pipeline to supplement the natural gas grid.

Digester pumps, like the one seen in this optical gas imaging video, move biomaterials to anaerobic digesters. Because the material is fermenting, the potential for a methane leak is high. Visualized using a FLIR Gx320 with its FLIR-patented High Sensitivity Mode activated. While both biogas and RNG are cleaner forms of methane compared to the other industries that produce the gas, they still have an environmental impact when emitted into the atmosphere. Some in the industry, like Frank Zahorszki of ITEMA GmbH in Germany, are working to remedy these emissions from biogas and RNG in the production process. “Biogas is a great way to utilize common waste in our world, but we want to ensure we are doing all we can to ensure a clean environment," Zahorszki explains. 1/3 According to the US EPA, the United States saw 760.8 million metric tons of CO2e methane emissions in 2022, with 36.4% and 18.8% of those coming from agriculture and waste1, respectively. Meanwhile in the EU, the Commission’s REPowerEU2 plan is set to produce 35 billion cubic meters of biogas and biomethane per day by 2030 as an affordable, sustainable power source.

Zahorszki, who has nearly 20 years of experience as a technology specialist in various industries, says keeping gas emissions in check won’t be easy. “Finding these leaks in the biogas industry can often be challenging and time consuming… unless you're using advanced technology,” he says.

The Advantage of OGI Enter optical gas imaging (OGI) technology: specialized infrared cameras that are filtered to match the wavelength of specific gases such as methane. Using OGI cameras such as the FLIR G-Series allows operators to see emissions that are completely invisible to the naked eye or most other technologies. These cameras work in real time to visualize gases for an immediate understanding of emission events.

Live streaming video of leaks, which look similar to smoke, make it easy for technicians to pinpoint the exact source of leaks and determine how to fix the problem. With unique features such as High Sensitivity Mode and patented ergonomics for optimal camera operating positions, FLIR G-Series cameras can make detecting methane leaks 10-times faster than using traditional leak detection and repair (LDAR) methods. Biogas facilities are often large with many potential leaking locations from pumps to roof seals.

Since OGI technology allows a user to quickly scan across wide target areas, companies can maximize efficiency of their LDAR operations. In the biogas industry, OGI technology is ideal for detecting and measuring methane emissions from a safe distance, keeping operators away from potential safety hazards while maximizing efficient operations. More recently, the OGI technology has advanced to the point of including emission quantification in the cameras. “For years, OGI cameras made finding leaks easy and efficient, but measuring them was often a challenge. Now with FLIR’s G-Series cameras I can immediately measure the emissions at the same time I detect them”, says Zahorszki.

Quantitative Optical Gas Imaging (QOGI) technology embeds specialized, onboard analytics in a cooled OGI camera such as the FLIR G620 so users can measure methane, hydrocarbon, and VOC emissions. Unlike other technologies that provide quantifiable details about leaks, QOGI allows users to achieve this at safe distances and with immediate results. With the addition of QOGI in the camera, operators can add a 2/3

level of emissions impact to their bottom line and better understand the financial risks to their organizations.

Methane leak quantified using a FLIR Gx320 camera.

Conclusion:

As the markets look to further invest in more sustainable substitutes for traditional methane gas, biogas and RNG applications will play a key role in these efforts by using historically wasted product to supplement the current supply chain for natural gas. While more efficient and a great use of commonly wasted materials, emissions from these applications can still play a negative role in our environment. Using advanced technologies like QOGI will allow those in the industry to not only detect these leaks but also have a new visibility into the severity of the emissions and better understanding on how to resolve the problem.

www.teledyneflir.com

Hart Door System’s wind-resistant, high-speed, industrial rolling door, Speedor Storm, is ready for business be it a factory, warehouse, storage facility or any kind of plant operation writes Chris Dobson.

With wind resistance available up to ‘wind class 5’, as defined by DIN EN 12424, in the closed position this high-speed door is ready for openings to a maximum 8 metres width or height subject to 48 square metres.

The ability to withstand substantial wind pressure means major entrances open/close automatically so avoiding a less than optimal working environment and the escape of heated air important with Winter on its way.

Speedor Storm helps industry specifically by;

·Aiding productivity – because entering and leaving a building can be done more rapidly.

·Helping to create a better working environment through its high-speed operation which means there are no unnecessary open periods.

· By saving on the substantial cost of heating.

· Made in the UK at Hart’s Newcastle headquarters from where its teams of engineers are available throughout the UK for installation of Speedor Storms and subsequent servicing and maintenance thereafter.

Speedor Storm’s strength and wind resistance comes from its multi-layer PVC and textile, both long-lasting and tear-resistant and its inbuilt horizontal curtain braces and no external cumbersome and noisy external wind bars.

There is a colour choice as well as ‘a with or without vision panel ’ which combine to deliver a good appearance, operational effectiveness and a performance product.

Safety features are of course paramount, and here they include a state of the art safety light curtain, anti-fall protection and sensors to activate the door. There is a range of operating methods that include hands free, floor loops, radar, photo beam, radio operation, movement sensors, handheld or vehicle-mounted radio transmitters,  or simple push button and pull cords.

The automatic operation can be set to include or exclude pedestrians as desired. If warning lights or klaxons are required, these can be incorporated in a complete door system and control panel which are designed for any conceivable need including integration into a Building Management System if necessary. This is delivered via its unique guide system in combination with other carefully designed features.

Visit Hart Doors for more information.

www.hartdoors.com

Process filter manufacturer Amazon Filters is set to feature at this year’s Oil & Gas Asia (OGA) industry conference and exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The UK firm is teaming up with regional distribution partner, a Bumiputera company and Petronas-registered vendor, Diamond Offshore SDN BHD.

Together the pair will share a stand and look to engage face to face with key decision makers in the oil, gas, energy and petrochemicals sectors.

Among the Amazon Filters exhibits on display will be a specially shipped 3D printed model of a mobile rental skid containing housing vessels and filter cartridges.

Mobile filter skids are versatile, integrated filtration units designed for rapid on-site deployment and emergency treatment across various applications.

In the oil and gas industries, skid usage includes reactor and catalyst protection, final product depollution, high-value process liquid recovery (amine), the maintenance of process water quality and proof of concept.

Specific filters under discussion on the stand will include SupaPleat, a high-flow, nylon-pleated cartridge product that supports fluid process applications at refineries including the filtration of solvents, acids, iron fines and hydrocarbons.

SupaPleat was the key product underpinning a solution implemented recently in a hydrotreating and hydrodesulphurisation process at a Malaysian petrochemical plant. Process engineers there had reported that their original filters had to be changed frequently.

Amazon Filters experts worked with them to test SupaPleat at production capacity and support their installation. Later analysis showed the solution had extended continuous onstream operational life by 600%.  

Also being highlighted is a liquid/gas coalescer, SupaSep, designed to enhance efficiency and drainage performance in high-flow filtration and separation processes. It is ideal for the removal of entrained liquid droplets such as water, condensate, oil, glycols and amines from natural gas. SupaSep is shown to be 99.99% efficient at removing aerosol particles, enabling liquid levels down to 1ppbw (parts per billion by weight).

Other products under discussion include newly launched sustainable polypropylene versions of Amazon Filters’ flagship meltblown filter ranges SupaSpun II, SupaGard, Contour and Contour Gas which are all used in critical filtration processes in oil and gas.

In harsh offshore conditions, SupaSpun II’s SRP-optimised grades provide essential pre-filtration for sulphate reduction membranes. The cartridge structure is designed for optimal seawater membrane protection through decades of development. This ensures longer operating life and higher levels of performance compared with cartridges not tailored against this specific application. 

And both SupaSpun II and the spun-bonded, nominal-rated SupaGard are supported by KilBac technology, featuring high-performance antimicrobial and antialgal additives. KilBac harnesses micron-sized particles containing active silver, zinc and copper which, combined with a base polymer, combat the growth of bacteria or algae. The resistance to biological growth extends the operational life of the filters by addressing the risk of ‘grow-through’ and subsequent downstream contamination.

Members of Amazon Filters’ Kuala Lumpur-based sales team, Mohamed Nizam Mohamed Hanifa and Muhamad Syakir Samsudin, will be at OGA along with senior representatives of Diamond Offshore.

Nizam said: “We look forward to speaking face to face with oil and gas operators, from upstream to downstream, including oilfield service companies who support FPSOs and deepwater drilling. It’s all about helping customers to maximise processing and refining performance, improve output purity and stay cost effective. By aligning with the imperatives of durability, energy savings, sustainability and local support, we aim to position Amazon Filters and Diamond Offshore as not only suppliers but long-term partners.”

Fazli Ibrahim, Diamond Offshore’s Malaysian-based Chief Executive, said: “Together we will demonstrate a suite of advanced filtration products designed to meet the demands of global oil and gas operations. We will highlight the benefits of innovative, energy-efficient filtration solutions for performance, productivity and sustainability in the most challenging operating environments and across upstream, midstream and downstream processes.”

Now in its 21^st year, OGA includes exhibitions, conferences and networking sessions with involvement from partners such as the Malaysian Petrochemicals Association and the Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Services Council. 

OGA takes place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia, on 2 to 4 September 2025.

For more information on how Amazon Filters benefits the oil and gas sector, visit www.amazonfilters.com/oil-and-gas-filtration.

With the arrival of new methane emissions standards and legal reporting dates, the detection and monitoring of environmentally damaging gases is the spotlight like never before. For residential, industrial and utility applications, Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection (Teledyne GFD) is offering vital assistance with its new MethaSense range of battery-powered methane detectors, which allows users to take advantage of cutting-edge NDIR (non-dispersive infrared) sensor technology. All three models in the versatile, autonomous new product family - MethaSense, MethaSense XP and MethaSense Trace - feature patented NDIR sensors for reliable and precise methane detection. To suit residential and commercial applications, MethaSense is a compact, wireless natural gas detector with a range of 0-5 % volume.

High methane selectivity and immunity to sensor poisoning ensure accurate detection without false alarms, making this state-of-the-art detector ideal for preventing gas-related incidents in homes and small businesses. Integrated audible and visual alarms provide immediate alerts to safeguard occupants and property, while its compatibility with advanced metering infrastructure supports smart home integration. Progressive signal processing algorithms ensure MethaSense detects, alarms and monitors methane at concentrations as low as 10% of the lower explosive limit (LEL) for enhanced safety.

Optional wireless (LoRaWAN) connectivity enables real-time gas detection visualisation, further boosting safety and efficiency with clear, actionable insights. Offering low cost of ownership, MethaSense delivers both affordable protection and peace of mind. In addition, 10+ years of battery life means MethaSense operates independently for continuous protection, even during power outages.

Also part of the product family is MethaSense XP, which is engineered for industrial environments where robust performance and reliability are essential. MethaSense XP’s rugged design and reliable detection capabilities ensure worker safety and operational continuity, especially in areas where maintenance access is limited. It combines the same advanced NDIR sensor technology with enhanced durability and wireless communication options, including LoRaWAN, NB-IoT and Bluetooth. MethaSense XP again features audible and visual alarms, while its 10+ year battery autonomy and immunity to corrosion and saturation make the detector ideal for continuous safety monitoring in demanding conditions. With ATEX and IECEx certifications, MethaSense XP operates reliably in hazardous zones.

Completing the family is MethaSense Trace, a high-performance methane detector for LDAR (leak detection and repair) and utility applications, where accurate and autonomous methane monitoring is essential for regulatory compliance and environmental protection. A rugged build with IP67 ingress protection rating for outdoor use ensure uninterrupted performance in harsh conditions, reducing operational risks and maintenance costs. Exceptional methane sensitivity provides 10× higher methane selectivity than previous-generation sensors, 1/2 with a detection range that extends from 50 ppm to 100% volume for both low-emission environmental monitoring and high-concentration safety thresholds.

A fast and comprehensive solution, the detector delivers 24/7 methane emission monitoring, detection and quantification across large-scale industrial sites. By combining real-time sensing, cloud-based analytics and automated reporting, MethaSense Trace enables operators to detect, localise and measure methane emissions with precision.

This not only helps reduce emissions but also ensures full compliance with new methane regulations. As of 5 August 2025, operators in the EU must submit detailed reports on their annual source-level methane emissions in accordance with the EU Methane Regulation (previously Regulation 2024/1787). The reports need to include comprehensive data on methane emissions from all relevant sources within the facility. Independent verification is also necessary. “NDIR technology, as utilised by all three detectors in our new MethaSense series, offers high selectivity, fast response times and long-term reliability,” explains Régis PREVOST, Product Line Manager, Teledyne GFD. “Users benefit from natural gas detectors that provide a low-maintenance, cost-effective, versatile solution for continuous methane monitoring, supported by key features that include up to 10+ years of battery life, zero recalibration requirements, wireless connectivity options, and suitability for smart infrastructure and safety critical environments.”

www.teledynegasandflamedetection.com

FLIR Si2x-Series enables reliable detection of pressurized gas leaks, mechanical faults, and partial discharge in explosive vapor and dust environments.
 

FLIR, a Teledyne Technologies company, has announced an IECEx certified version of the Si2x, an advanced industrial acoustic imaging camera purpose-built for professional inspectors who need fast, accurate compressed air and gas leak detection in hazardous environments. Now certified to both ATEX and IECEx standards, the FLIR Si2x is engineered for safe operation in explosive atmospheres while delivering industry-leading performance and usability.

Compressed air and pressurized gas leaks, mechanical faults and partial discharge are all common and costly issues in industrial sectors such as chemical processing, oil & gas, and pharmaceuticals, where safety and reliability are paramount. The FLIR Si2x empowers maintenance professionals to identify and quantify these issues with unmatched precision and speed, even in environments where traditional tools are not permitted.

Key features of the FLIR Si2x-Series include:
• ATEX and IECEx Certified: The Si2x is fully certified for use in hazardous locations, enabling safe and compliant inspections in explosive atmospheres.
• Best-Performing Acoustic Detection: A highly sensitive microphone array delivers pinpoint accuracy for fault detection up to 200 meters away, making it ideal for high ceilings, hard-to-reach assets, and noisy plant floors.
• On-Device Quantification: Instantly view leak size and estimated annual cost, as well as partial discharge severity, enabling prioritization of repairs and fast ROI. Data can be used to support ESG and sustainability reporting initiatives.
• Bandpass Filtering: Customizable bandpass filter allows users to target specific ultrasonic frequencies, cutting through noisy environments to detect the most subtle leaks with clarity.
• High-resolution visual documentation: Integrated 12 MP visual camera with 8× digital zoom and built-in LED lighting helps users capture detailed contextual images for reports and maintenance workflows.
• Safe and Easy to Use with Minimal Training: Built for demanding field conditions, the Si2x is lightweight, compact, and easily operated with one hand. A large touch-screen interface and intuitive UI reduce training time and increase inspection throughput.
• Seamless Data Transfer and Reporting: Use Wi-Fi, USB, or the new secure data transfer cable to move images and analytics to FLIR Thermal Studio or FLIR Acoustic Viewer. Support for Over-The-Air (OTA) firmware updates ensures continuous improvement and compatibility.

“The Si2x is a breakthrough for inspectors who need high-performance acoustic imaging in the most safety-critical environments,” said Darrell Taylor, Global Acoustic Business Development Manager at FLIR. “It empowers teams to work safely and efficiently, detect leaks faster, and reduce energy waste — all while meeting the industry’s most demanding standards. With its rugged design, precision performance, and intuitive operation, the Si2x is built to handle real-world challenges.”

Two versions of the Si2x are available: the Si2x-LD, designed for detecting pressurized gas leaks and mechanical faults, and the Si2x-Pro, which includes all the capabilities of the LD model plus the ability to identify partial discharge. All other features remain the same.

To learn more about the FLIR Si2x-Series, please visit: www.flir.com/Si2x-Pro

Counterfeit ATEX-certified equipment is flooding industrial supply chains, putting workers and businesses at serious risk of explosions, injuries — and even death.

ATEX certification is essential for explosive environments in Europe, but it is only valid if verified through official channels. Terry McDonald, Technical Sales Manager at Thorne & Derrick International says businesses should take steps to reduce the risk.

 “As businesses, it’s natural to seek the best price for a product, but this is where unscrupulous distributors and manufacturers are callously risking lives. There are a number of checks that procurement and purchasing departments can and should do to prevent purchasing a falsely ATEX certified product,” said Terry.

ATEX-certified equipment is specifically designed for use in explosive atmospheres — environments where flammable gases, vapours, mists or combustible dusts may be present. Genuine ATEX products undergo rigorous testing and certification processes to ensure they meet stringent European safety standards. However, counterfeit versions bypass these checks entirely, often masquerading as certified and flameproof equipment.

Fake equipment lacks proper design and safety controls, increasing the risk of sparks or overheating that could trigger explosions in hazardous environments.

Beyond the immediate threat to life and limb, such incidents can cause major disruptions to operations, legal liabilities, and reputational damage. Tragically, industrial explosions contribute to over 16 incidents per day globally and resulting in approximately 380,000 fatalities annually due to industrial accidents.

There are steps businesses can take to mitigate the risk:

• Verify Certification: Always cross-check product certifications with the relevant authorising body. For ATEX equipment, this involves confirming documentation through official EU notified bodies.
• Use Official Channels: Purchase equipment exclusively through reputable suppliers who can provide full traceability and certification documentation.
• Stay Informed: The EU Safety Gate system provides a public database of recalled products. Checking this portal regularly can help identify known counterfeit or unsafe items.
• Raise Awareness: Educate procurement teams and site managers about the risks associated with non-compliant equipment and the importance of due diligence.

The rise of fake ATEX equipment is more than just a supply chain issue, with lives and livelihoods at stake, companies must prioritise safety over savings and take proactive steps to ensure every piece of equipment entering hazardous environments is fully compliant and certified.

As Thorne & Derrick mark their 40th anniversary, its team are proud to keep delivering safe, fully certified equipment worldwide, where compromising on safety is never an option.

Thorne & Derrick | UK & Exports | Electrical Process Instrumentation Eqpt.

German world market leader for intrinsically safe mobile devices expands local presence in key UK market

Lauda-Koenigshofen, 05. August 2025. i.safe MOBILE GmbH announced the successful acquisition of 100% of shares in Exloc Instruments UK Ltd, effective 1st July 2025. This strategic acquisition reinforces the company's commitment to strengthening its presence in the UK market.

The acquisition of Exloc Instruments UK Ltd, an established distributor of ATEX certified equipment and hazardous area solutions, provides i.safe MOBILE with enhanced local market access and direct customer relationships in one of Europe's most important industrial markets. For customers, nothing changes: Exloc Instruments UK Ltd will continue to operate under the same name with all current team members remaining in their positions. An important priority for i.safe MOBILE is to maintain this seamless continuity, preserving the established operational structure of Exloc Instruments UK and the valuable customer base built up over the years.

"This acquisition represents a decisive moment in our international expansion strategy," said Martin Haaf, CEO of i.safe MOBILE GmbH. "The UK market is important for our growth plans, and Exloc Instruments UK brings us established customer relationships and deep local market expertise. We see tremendous potential for further market development through this enhanced local presence."

Andrew Tither, Managing Director of Exloc Instruments UK Ltd, commented: "Joining the i.safe MOBILE family represents an exciting new chapter for Exloc Instruments UK. Our customers can expect the same dedicated support they've always received, now backed by i.safe MOBILE's innovative technology solutions and global expertise."

By combining i.safe MOBILE's innovative device technology with Exloc's established UK market presence, the partnership is positioned to capture significant growth opportunities in the expanding market for intrinsically safe and rugged mobile communication.

The integration will focus on combining the strengths of both organisations whilst maintaining the personalised service approach that has made Exloc Instruments UK successful in the market. Customers can expect enhanced product offerings, improved technical support, and continued commitment to meeting the demanding requirements of hazardous area applications.

www.isafe-mobile.com