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Carbon dioxide is a gas essential in the production of many everyday products, including food and beverages as well as being a key raw material in the fertilizer industry.

However, these days, carbon dioxide hits the news headlines for all the wrong reasons. According to a report issued by the Royal College of Physicians several years ago, in 2013 the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere had increased by about 42% over the levels before the industrial revolution, and the concentration continues to rise.

Carbon dioxide is one of the main gases causing the Earth to overheat. Much is spoken about the CO2 emitted by vehicles in the automotive sector; however the main culprit is energy and heat generation. In 2020 electricity and heat production accounted for over 15 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions, with transportation in second place at just over 7 billion tonnes. Ask most industrial companies why they have sought to reduce energy usage in recent years and fiscal reasoning would be top of the agenda for many firms.

We have seen huge increases in the cost of electricity in recent years, especially in Europe as geopolitical and economic pressures bear down heavily on the price of oil and gas. However, another reason, high on the agenda of many fortune 500 companies is the desire to reduce their carbon footprint, ensuring we leave this planet in good order for our children and future generations.

When it comes to reducing energy use on a large industrial complex, low hanging fruit such as low energy light bulbs and movement sensors have already been initiated. The more difficult areas are associated with the production itself, elements that require elevated temperatures can be better insulated, as indeed can refrigerated areas, but mechanical machines themselves can prove difficult to improve in terms of efficiency without affecting production. One element that is found on most manufacturing sites is the need for compressed air.

Pneumatics are a 1/2 common theme and used in all sorts of industrial applications. To deliver the compressed air, a compressor or number of compressors are employed, and the resulting air is delivered around a site by a system of air lines. These pipes are often above ground to improve logistics and ergonomics of production, however over time they can degrade and give rise to leaks. Elbow joints, reducers, condensers, and other fixtures all have the potential to leak air under pressure. With hundreds of metres of pipework, these leaks can often be difficult to detect. Teledyne FLIR are a global producer of high quality analytical handheld devices, including both thermal and acoustic imaging cameras.

Released earlier this year, the FLIR Si2-LD acoustic camera makes light work of identifying leaks in pipework, even those elevated air lines that are difficult to access. By simply pointing the camera at an airline it can detect leaks of 0.05 litres per minute at a distance of 10 metres. At 2.5 metres, leaks as little as 0.0032 litres per minute can be detected. These may not sound like very big volumes, but over the course of a year the loss can be considerable.

On the FLIR Si2-LD, air leaks are displayed on the high definition five-inch colour screen, by simply pointing the handheld device at the air line. Teledyne FLIR not only produce a wide range of high quality cameras but also provide the associated software to facilitate the collection and analysis of data. The FLIR Si2-LD camera is loaded with such software. Using a system termed Industrial Gas Quantification, the camera can calculate the monetary loss incurred for each leak identified. As well as air, the software can also calculate losses for a variety of other gaseous systems including ammonia, helium, hydrogen, argon and carbon dioxide. If your company is one of the many thousands, that are concerned about their carbon footprint then reducing electricity usage through eliminating air leaks might prove to be an example of low hanging fruit. The Si2-LD from FLIR is a vital tool is facilitating this move to protect our environment. To find out more about the SI2-LD acoustic camera and other instruments in the Teledyne FLIR range please contact your local agent or your FLIR distributor

EEMUA is pleased to announce that the winner of its Early Years Industry Award 2024 is Joseph Flynn, an electrical, control and instrumentation (EC&I) technician at Syngenta. The award recognises the efforts of new starters within the engineering field in EEMUA member companies, demonstrating their communication skills, engineering application and leadership in their specialism.

The EEMUA Awards Committee were impressed with Joseph’s entry where he demonstrated great achievement and innovation making good use of relevant guidance and available materials to propose and implement a company project that assists with preparing and training early entry engineers for working in potentially explosive atmospheres. The result is a thoroughly practical contribution to better in-house training.

On receiving the award, Joseph said: “Understanding and utilising the skillsets of employees inside our organisations allows for better collaboration, innovation, and teamwork to drive us closer to our goals. I’m very pleased with the outcome of this project and look forward to the following stages of its development and integration within the company.”

In recognition of the high quality of entries to the Early Years Industry Award, ‘runners-up’ prizes are presented to Kirsty Pratt, Graduate Wells Engineer at Harbour Energy and Taliya Mammadhasanzada, Process Engineer at BP. Also shortlisted for the award were Amanda Dixon, Developing Engineer at Sellafield Ltd and Promise Ahante, Associate Product Engineering Manager at BP.

EEMUA is also pleased to announce that the recipient of this year’s Stuart Turner Award is Katherine Asvegren, Senior Pressure Systems Engineer at SSE Thermal, and that Adam Potter, Managing Director of Axiom, receives the EEMUA Associate Contributor of the Year Award.

The Stuart Turner Award honours the memory of Stuart Turner, an enthusiastic advocate for all things EEMUA, by recognising an employee of a member organisation who has made a significant contribution to the work of EEMUA. Katherine impressed the Awards Committee with her continued involvement across a range of EEMUA activities and significant contributions over many years. This has included active involvement within committees, chairing the Piping Systems and Pressure Vessels Committee for the last three years, being actively involved in several working groups, speaking at EEMUA events, and representing EEMUA as a speaker at events, and her work for the EEMUA Mechanical Integrity Practitioner Certificate (MIPC) course both as an assessor and content developer.

The Associate Contributor of the Year Award mirrors the Stuart Turner Award by celebrating EEMUA Associate employees who give their expertise to play a part in the Association’s work. Since Axiom became an Associate in 2017, Adam has been committed in his support of EEMUA events and contributing to EEMUA activities, most recently as a member of the working group authoring new guidance (future release) on metallic storage tanks. 

The achievements of all the nominees and winners were celebrated at the EEMUA Annual Dinner held in Chester on 20 November.

www.eemua.org

Intrinsic safety (IS) is a critical design and operational principle in instrumentation used within the mining industry. Mines are often classified as hazardous areas due to the presence of flammable gases, combustible dust, or reactive substances. Intrinsically safe instrumentation is engineered to operate with energy levels below those capable of igniting such volatile environments, ensuring that safety and operational efficiency are not compromised.

One primary advantage of intrinsic safety is the reduction of explosion risks. In mining, where methane and coal dust explosions are a constant threat, IS-certified devices prevent sparks or overheating that could trigger catastrophic events. This protection extends to maintenance and diagnostics, allowing equipment to be safely inspected and serviced without de-energising systems or disrupting operations.

Another key benefit is compliance with international safety standards, such as IECEx and ATEX, which mandate IS compliance for hazardous locations. By employing IS-certified instrumentation, mining operators demonstrate adherence to these standards, minimising legal liabilities and enhancing worker safety.

The reliability of intrinsically safe instruments is also crucial. Pressure transmitters, for example, are pivotal for monitoring equipment performance and environmental conditions in mining. Malfunctioning devices could lead to system failures or unsafe conditions. IS technology ensures these instruments maintain accuracy and reliability, even under extreme conditions, without posing ignition risks.

Moreover, the use of IS instrumentation fosters cost savings over time. By eliminating the need for heavy explosion-proof enclosures or purging systems, IS solutions streamline equipment design and installation, reducing both capital and operational expenses.

For a comprehensive range of intrinsically safe, hazardous area pressure transmitters suitable for mining applications, visit ESI Technology Ltd. Their products are designed to deliver precision and safety in even the most challenging environments.

www.esi-tec.com

At Aqua, we understand the importance of keeping your on-site safety product in optimal condition to ensure the well-being of your workforce. That's why we're excited to offer our comprehensive 5-Point Maintenance Program, designed to maximise the longevity and effectiveness of your safety equipment. Let's take a closer look at the five key points of our maintenance program:

    Regular Inspections: Our team of trained technicians will conduct regular inspections of your on-site safety product, carefully examining each component for signs of wear, damage, or malfunction. By catching potential issues early on, we can address them protectively and prevent any major breakdowns or accidents.

    Cleaning and Lubrication: Proper cleaning and lubrication are essential for the smooth functioning of your safety equipment. We will thoroughly clean all parts, removing dirt, debris, and other contaminants that could compromise performance.

   Maintenance and inspection: Failsafe maintenance and inspection are crucial to guarantee safe and reliable operation. Our experts will calibrate your safety product according to industry standards, making necessary adjustments to maintain availability in times of need. This step is vital for equipment used in remote site locations with variable environmental temperatures. 

    Component Replacement: Over time, certain safety product components may wear out or become obsolete. As part of our maintenance program, we will identify any worn-out parts and promptly replace them with high-quality, manufacturer-approved replacements.

    Documentation and Reporting: Our maintenance program includes comprehensive documentation and reporting. We will keep detailed records of all inspections, repairs, and replacements performed on your safety product.

By enrolling in our 5-Point Maintenance Program, you can enjoy the following benefits:

    Enhanced safety: Regular maintenance ensures that your safety product is functioning optimally, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

    Improved equipment lifespan: Proper care and maintenance extend the life of your safety equipment, saving you money on premature replacements.

    Compliance assurance: Our program helps you stay in compliance with safety regulations and standards, giving you peace of mind during inspections.

    Minimised downtime: Proactive maintenance reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, keeping your operations running smoothly.

    Expert support: Our trained technicians possess the expertise to identify and address any issues, providing reliable and efficient service.

Invest in the longevity and reliability of your on-site safety product with our 5-Point Maintenance Program. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your maintenance sessions. Your workforce's safety is our top priority at Aqua!

www.aqua-safety.com

EN60079-14 8.3.2 states that “Cables shall be supported and routed straight from the cable entry device to avoid lateral tension that could compromise the seal around the cable” and that “if additional clamping is required to prevent pulling and twisting of the cable transmitting the forces to the conductor terminations inside the enclosure/connector, a clamp shall be provided, as close as practicable to the gland along the cable. Note 1: Cable clamps within 10 times the diameter of the cable or 300mm whichever is the shorter length of the cable entry device are commonly used and might be required by other codes, for example IEC 61892.”

In short, cables should be clamped, as close to the rear seal of the gland as practical, to help prevent cable movement which in turn can loosen conductors and cause water and dust ingress.

But it is not just here where the use of the Omni® Accessory is recommended. This requirement to ensure cables are correctly supported when exiting cable glands is further demonstrated in almost all Hazardous Area gland manufacturers certificates and instructions for safe use. The majority of compression, displacement or diaphragm type Ex glands, when used with unarmoured or braided cables, require that the cables are clamped to prevent pulling or twisting in order to maintain IP (ingress protection against water and solids) as well as the electrical continuity of the braid/shield.

Almost every hazardous area cable gland, irrespective of manufacturer, with an “X” at the end of their ATEX/IEXEC certificate number, requires that the cable, when used in a fixed installation with unarmoured or braided cable is clamped to prevent pulling or twisting. Most of the leading glands in the market today have a similar requirement, yet the majority of installations bypass this requirement completely.

This is not a “nice to have” rather a legal requirement to ensure the gland is installed in line with the certification – without this, your installation is non-compliant.

The Omni® Accessory from Blayds is the all-in-one solution that ensures your cable installation is correctly routed straight from the gland whilst also ensuring that the cable is clamped to prevent twisting and pulling. It also includes an integrated IP seal, earthing, and also provides a handy location for cable/circuit marker.  Available in Brass or Nickel Plated Brass with/or without integrated IP washer and in sizes M20 through to M40, the Omni® Accessory is a simple and cost effective way to ensure your cable gland installations are compliant with the latest standards. By installing the Omni® Accessory, you are helping to reduce the strain on the cable gland seal, improving its lifespan, its IP performance and its hazardous area protection.

Visit the Blayds website today at www.blayds.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request your free of charge Omni® Accessory sample pack.

At Peppers Cable Glands, they believe that success is intrinsically tied to the success of their customers. By continually improving their processes, technology, and customer support capabilities, they aim to ensure that their customers receive the highest quality products and services. Recent investments not only enhance their production capabilities but also improve how they serve their customers: the introduction of a new milling machine and the Quick Response Cell (QRC).

The Quick Response Cell (QRC) is designed to provide rapid, tailored solutions for customers who need high-priority or custom cable glands. By setting up a dedicated team with streamlined operations, Peppers can quickly pivot to meet urgent demands, minimising lead times while maintaining industry-leading quality standards. Whether it's delivering on custom specifications, unexpected large orders, or meeting time-sensitive project requirements, the QRC has become a valuable resource for clients who cannot afford delays.

With the QRC in place, they’ve helped numerous customers avoid costly project overruns and minimise downtime, enhancing their overall project efficiency. The QRC embodies Peppers’ commitment to offering fast, flexible, and responsive service, especially in today’s fast-moving industries.

In addition to the QRC, they’ve also invested in cutting-edge manufacturing technology by bringing a new milling machine into their production line. This advanced piece of equipment increases manufacturing precision and efficiency, allowing them to meet growing customer demand with even greater accuracy and reduced turnaround times. The new milling machine ensures that their cable glands meet the tightest tolerances, providing enhanced reliability in the most demanding environments.

“The Quick Response Cell and new Milling Machine allows us to respond more agilely to fluctuating customer needs and market conditions. By leveraging automation, we can quickly adapt to changing demand, ensuring we are always ready and able to meet our customers' requirements”. Grayham Churchouse, Sales Manager.

For their customers, these investments translate to greater confidence and peace of mind, knowing that Peppers is constantly enhancing its capacity to meet their needs. By upgrading their manufacturing capabilities and reinforcing the QRC, they can ensure that their customers’ businesses are never held back by delays or product shortages.

At Peppers Cable Glands, the priority remains supporting their customer’s businesses. These investments and initiatives are just part of an ongoing commitment to delivering the best products and service, so customers can continue to focus on driving their business forward.

www.cableglands.co.uk

Worldwide, Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations require employers to control the risks to safety from fire and explosions. This entails compliance with international standards, which in turn requires that any electrical equipment used in a hazardous area must be certified intrinsically safe. The likely existence of an explosive atmosphere is dealt with in the various standards by the definition of “Zones”. Importantly, it is the responsibility of the plant operator to decide which parts of their plant are in which Zones.

For the IECEx (Worldwide) & ATEX (European) standards the following Zones are defined:

Zone 0 - an area in which an explosive atmosphere is present constantly or for long periods or frequently.

Zone 1 - an area in which an explosive atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.

Zone 2 - an area in which an explosive atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.

However, in North America, a system of “Classes” and “Divisions” is used:

Class 1: Relates to gases and vapours.

Division 1: The hazard can exist under normal conditions, or could be caused by maintenance work, leakage, or breakdown.

Division 2: Gases or vapours are confined and only escape due to accidental rupture or breakdown.

This can lead to confusion when an instrument is likely to be used in different world regions. The simplest solution is to go for a Zone 0/Class 1, Div 1 dual certified instrument, which then covers all eventualities worldwide.

Typically, Zone 0 intrinsically safe instruments are expensive. However, Test Products International (TPI) believes it has achieved a significant cost breakthrough with its very affordable TPI 9085Ex vibration analyser.

Combining on-meter diagnostics with the all-important ability to TREND readings over time to simplify condition-based maintenance (CBM), the “go anywhere” TPI 9085Ex is certified for IECEx/ATEX Zone 0 with North American Class 1, Div 1 approval. This means the 9085Ex is certified intrinsically safe for ANY atmosphere WORLDWIDE.

The 9085Ex detects unbalance, misalignment and looseness. It also measures “bearing noise” and displays it in bearing damage units (BDU), which is roughly equivalent to “percentage bearing wear”. 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 taken. With a high BDU reading and high temperature, you know that what you are seeing really is a worn bearing and not some other source of vibration such as pump cavitation.

The compact handheld TPI 9085Ex is extremely affordable and simple to use. It can, and indeed should, be included in every maintenance tool kit. Using the FREE TPI Bridge App, “routes” and readings can be transferred to and from the 9085Ex anywhere in the world using mobile devices (e.g. smart phone or tablet PC) and then via Bluetooth to and from the 9085Ex.

“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 by the 9085Ex and saved in the route for automatic transfer to computer-based trending software.

“Trending” is the mainstay of condition-based maintenance. By looking at the trend 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.

Recent research from Copernicus said 2024 was on track to be the warmest year since data was first analysed in 1940 writes Chris Dobson.  

Indeed 2024 was on track to be the first year with increases above 1.5 degrees C .  This increase is at odds with the target set at the Glasgow Conference of the Parties (COP) in 2021 which concluded “a future with only 1.5 degrees of warming is possible”. Well the 1.5 C ceiling has just been broken.

On a winter’s day it is hard to think in terms of ‘warmth’ but just think of the recent severe flash flooding in some areas of Europe and Polar sea ice reached its lowest monthly extent “continuing a series of large negative anomalies observed throughout 2023 and 2024” all contributing to Climate Change. 

Walking passed a major supermarket the blast of escaping warm air  prompted me to call Doug Hart, chairman, Hart Industrial Doors and ask him about the ever open door in industry and escaping heat. 

“If it’s a heavy manual door or some sort of system that’s easier to leave open, then given the size of industrial doors the escape of expensively heated air will be huge. It’s a question of who notices this. If no one does, no one in the building be it a warehouse or a production facility, then the merry-go-round of the ever open door will continue.” 

Which leads to Mr Hart’s Speedor, the high speed automatic door which is now in daily action world-wide. “It was blatantly obvious to me that a frequently used manual roller-shutter industrial door is easier to leave open than to open/close every time access is needed.  

“It was also obvious that the gaping hole of the open door is costly in terms energy which inevitably leads to a Climate Change contribution however small,” says Mr Hart.

“We use world-class technology in the manufacturing of our doors and as a result. Our Speedor range and its many variants are in use on every Continent backed up fire and security shutters which like Speedor are in daily use in sectors such as energy, high security, logistics, leisure, manufacturing and transport.

“With over 75 years as the UK's leading door manufacturers, our industrial doors are used across many sectors, including manufacturing, energy, export, leisure, utilities and infrastructure.

“Whether you are looking for doors for high-traffic areas, energy-saving doors, or roller doors for clean rooms or warehouse/loading bays, during the manufacturing of our doors we design and custom-make them for durability and reliability, vermin and dust control, heat-sensitive production processes, safety and security.

“Speedor is not just a high-speed door in external use but also within a building essential to maintain the required working environment.”

Bravo Speedor.

www.hartdoors.com

There is no safe level of vibration exposure. Using powered hand tools over time will harm health and severely limit quality of life. Vibration exposure through the continual use of vibratory tools kills the nerve cells and blood vessels in fingers and hands, this irreversible damage results in consistent pain and prevents the sufferer from undertaking even the simplest of manual tasks.

Until now, those operatives working in potentially explosive atmospheres have been left without a suitable and sufficient solution to monitor and reduce Hand Arm Vibration risk.

Market leading HAV risk management specialists HAVi are the world’s only provider of an integrated solution to managing HAV risk in potentially explosive atmospheres. The solution is certified to ATEX, UKEX and IECEx standards for hardware up to and including Zone 0. 

Accurate and trusted explosion-proof vibration monitoring

HAVi’s robust solution has been trusted to manage risk in the harshest of environments since 2008. With numerous successful implementations in Construction, Rail, Automative, Facilities Management, Utilities and Oil & Gas infrastructure, you can be certain of a credible partner.

The core solution underwent rigorous design, testing and evaluation which resulted in the launch of a range of Trigger Timers and Wearables under the “HAVi ATEX” banner. The range utilises components and casings specifically selected to meet the requirements of the Intrinsically Safe protection concept.

The new range integrates seamlessly into the HAVi ecosystem meaning you can minimise your investment and only specify Ex rated equipment for areas that require it.

Compliance assured

The HAVi solution is designed to meet HSE and BS EN / ISO requirements in full. In another market first, HAVi will also document this compliance following implementation.

Collecting data does not equal compliance. Powered by ActivIQ, HAVi’s innovations in the field of insight management and analytics, help you make better decisions, faster to lower risk.

Added to that, experiential E-learning and in person courses designed to train and inform the operators about HAV risk and help ensure that they fully engage with their risk and take actions to help reduce personal exposure. 

Our experienced team can provide full turn-key or modular solutions ranging from Site Audits, the creation and evaluation of Risk Assessments, tool Vibration Magnitude measurements and working with you we can implement bespoke culture change projects to reinforce your key safety messages.

Continuous Improvement

The combination of HAVi’s intrinsically safe EX certified hardware and peerless HAV management solutions equip businesses operating in hazardous and explosive conditions with the safest and most accurate data and the actionable insights that protect the hand health of the tool operators by effectively managing and reducing vibration exposure.

HAVi’s Kate Louise Cole said: “For too long, those operating in Ex environments have been excluded from accurate assessments of Vibration Exposure. It is our privilege to be able to address this with our world first solution. Coupled with this, our decades of experience will help you remain compliant and most importantly protect your people, wherever they work”

For more information on HAVI visit thehavi.com or to speak to the team call 0115 932 7002

Ends

For more information please contact Gemma Sharpe at Tactic Communications | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 07807 152835.

As a safety professional, selecting flame detectors that align with your facility’s requirements is essential. Discover the key factors to consider when choosing a flame detection system.As a safety professional, you want to purchase flame detectors that meet your facility’s needs. Learn what to consider when choosing a flame detection system.

From traditional industrial environments to today’s increasingly complex hazardous processes, the risk of explosion and/or fire remains a critical concern. However, basic process controls typically do not warn of conditions outside normal system limits. Since industry vapors and gases (hydrocarbons) burn with very high flame temperatures, an external fire detection system that can rapidly sound an alarm in the event of a fire is essential to protect human lives and valuable equipment.

As a safety professional, you want to purchase flame detectors that best meet your facility’s particular needs. Here are a few things to consider when researching a fire and gas detection system.

For a comprehensive overview of flame detectors, such as operating principles and coverage best practices, download our Flame Detection Handbook.

Download the Handbook

The most popular systems use optical methods to detect flames; that is, they detect the absorption of light at specific wavelengths. Two common optical flame detector types are (1) combination ultraviolet/infrared (UV/IR) and (2) multi-spectrum infrared (MSIR). Unlike simple UV or IR detectors, UV/IR and MSIR devices are sensitive to more than one band on the energy spectrum and therefore are less likely to produce a false alarm. Both technologies function well either indoors or outdoors and provide a reasonably fast response time.

Should you choose UV/IR or MSIR detectors? That depends on several factors.

• What kind of fuels does your facility employ? Alcohols? Gasoline? LNG/LPG? Solvents? Something else? Understanding your fuel’s flammable properties will help you determine the optical flame-detecting technology you need.
• Do other types of radiant energy exist in your facility, such as arc welding, hot objects, or direct sunlight? Your flame detectors should be able to distinguish between these non-fire energy sources and real flames. Typically, MSIR detectors provide the best immunity to these types of false alarms.
• How high is the risk of air-borne particulates should a fire occur? Smoke, oil, grease, and some chemical vapors can reduce a UV/IR unit’s detection range, so if, for example, heavy smoke is a concern, you should consider MSIR technology.
• Can the detector be placed near the potential ignition source or must it be located relatively far away? How wide an area should the device monitor? Different UV/IR and MSIR units offer varying detection ranges and fields of view (FOV). Match your environment with the corresponding device specifications for the best coverage.
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This post has covered key factors to consider when choosing the right flame detection system for your needs. For further insights on these topics, including false alarm immunity and self-test diagnostics, download our Flame Detection Handbook

Learn more How to Safeguard Your Industrial Facility Against Fire Hazards

Discover Flame Detector Technologies