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Are you ready to get even more connected? MSA Safety’s innovative gas detection systems can communicate and share alerts, helping you keep workers safer than ever before.

Innovation has driven rapid advances in gas detection over recent years, helping to significantly improve safety for workers operating in industries like oil and gas, steel manufacturing, waste water facilities and other utilities.

Take our ALTAIR io™ 4 Connected Gas Detector, for example. Combining built-in, cutting-edge, CAT-M LTE cellular connectivity and integration with the MSA Grid, it offers the real-time insights and actionable data you desire to give your workforce enhanced protection.

But now MSA innovation has taken workplace safety one step further with an addition to our Grid software – the Shared Alerts System.  With Shared Alerts, workers can be instantly notified when a team member or someone working nearby has triggered an alarm, so enabling swift responses to emergency situations. In contrast, traditional systems often rely on manual processes – such as where the health and safety manager is tasked with identifying the hazards and notifying nearby workers themselves.

How the MSA Shared Alerts System works

When you upgrade your non-connected gas detection system to ALTAIR io™ 4 connected gas detectors, your workers' gas detectors can communicate with each other and share alerts. You can configure the system so workers receive either proximity-based alerts, meaning that everyone within a specific distance can be notified, or label-based alerts where everyone within the same wing, floor, or department can receive an alert.

Workers can receive notification of the following three different alarms:

• Gas alarm – this alarm is triggered when a worker’s device detects dangerously high levels of gas such a H₂S or CO₂ or identifies that a worker has reached their exposure limit. A widespread notification sent in response to this alarm means that everyone in the vicinity can take prompt action to evacuate or assist.
• Motion alarm – this alarm activates when a worker remains motionless for an extended period, indicating a possible emergency. Nearby workers or colleagues receiving a notification sent if response to this alarm can respond rapidly, offering immediate assistance.
• Worker emergency alarm – this is manually triggered by a worker in distress. Again, all nearby workers or colleagues can be alerted, helping to ensure a rapid response.

Protect lives – upgrade your connected gas detection solution

The benefits of upgrading so your workers can receive shared alerts can be significant. You will enjoy:

• Enhanced safety – Anyone working in the vicinity of someone who has triggered an alarm can receive instant notification, allowing them to take immediate action to protect both themselves and others.
• Faster evacuation –Notified workers can evacuate smoothly and efficiently with minimum delay so everyone stays safe.

Connect your workers today

Shared Alerts helps to quickly notify a workforce when a hazard has been detected or a colleague is at risk. And this in turn helps you foster a safety-first culture where everyone can be more aware of risks and take greater responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe.

Find out how Shared Alerts could improve safety management at your organisation

Talk to an MSA expert today

The Peli range of tough safety torches features several rechargeable models, providing eco-friendly  lighting solutions.

The Peli 3335R Zone 0 hand torch is built tough to perform in the harshest environments, with an IP67 waterproof body, this torch is a testament to reliability and safety. Providing an impressive 246-lumen output and an extraordinary 58 hours of run time, prolonged usage is ensured without compromising performance. The ATEX Zone 0 certification allows it to be used in potentially explosive atmospheres, making it an indispensable tool for industries with stringent safety standards.

There are 3 light modes: High, Low and flashing, a built-in battery level indicator and a right-angle adaptor is available as an accessory to allow the user to attach it to a jacket for hands-free use.  This adaptor also allows the head to articulate, directing the light exactly where required.

The lithium-ion rechargeable battery offers a life expectancy of over 2000 cycles, 4 times more than the usual amount and the long battery life further contributes to resource conservation, promoting a more sustainable approach to lighting solutions.

The 9415 Zone 0 is a tough, rechargeable safety light, ideal for industrial and offshore use.  This rugged LED hand lamp will run for more than a full shift, up to 11 hours, from a single charge.  ATEX certified for use in Zone 0 hazardous areas, the 9415 LED has 3 light modes: High, Low & Flashing and a battery charge level indicator (Green, Amber, Red).

Designed to stand on end, the 9415 Zone 0 features a 120° pivoting head to angle the beam exactly where required.   A sure grip handle provides a comfortable and non- slip grip with an extra-large space to accommodate gloved hands.

Choosing a rechargeable Peli light eliminates the need for disposable batteries, minimizing waste and environmental impact.

Sales Director David Smith commented “These models are very impressive; high-quality rechargeable products that combine a compact design with a rugged yet lightweight body offering resilience, efficiency, and a commitment to environmental responsibility.”

The Peli Products range of tough safety torches is certified to ATEX Zone 0 and Zone 1 and includes head torches, right angled models hands-free and compact versions.  They are all designed for use in hazardous areas, Peli torches carry the legendary “You break it, we replace it” lifetime guarantee.

For more details go to www.peliproducts.co.uk or ring the Peli Products (UK) team: 01457 869999.

An Enerpac pump-powered door handling system is helping boosting production at the CSR Monier Roof Tile Plant, Darra, Brisbane. The system ensures all doors on the curing chambers are handled in a quick and efficient manner, ensuring production rates are maintained with no stoppages.

Roof tiles are manufactured in batches and then cured in a heated chamber. Declining factory productivity prompted CSR Monier to ask manufacturing and process improvement services company, Heltec Pty Ltd of Queensland, to review concrete roof tiles production from the factory’s 20 curing chambers. 

Following an analysis of the roof tile production process, Heltec refurbished the concrete curing chambers to improve insulation, hence providing a higher humidity and ensuring consistent temperature across the chamber. All chambers must be completely sealed and airtight, to ensure that the exothermic reaction produced by the fresh concrete tiles can be taken advantage of. 

Options for automated doors that could provide an airtight room on such an old structure were limited. A custom door was designed; however the site needed a way to handle them in a prompt manner to accommodate the fast-paced manufacturing environment. Heltec developed a frame-mounted, custom push bar locking system powered by an Enerpac XC2 pump and RC59 cylinder. Once the large steel door of the heat chamber is in the closed position, the frame is moved into place. The operator then turns on XC2 pump which in turn activates the Enerpac RC59 cylinder, pushing the bar to lock the chamber door. Once locked, the frame mounted, push bar locking system is released. Mounted on rail above the chamber doors, it can easily travel between the factory’s 20 chambers.  

In addition to its labour-saving benefits, the Enerpac pump-powered locking system also ensures a reduced manual handling risk to the operator. Heltec advised that they favoured the Enerpac XC2 over other brands due to its reliability and quality along with the technical support that Enerpac provided, which made designing the system easier.

Initial results from using the refurbished chambers have a 50% reduction in the variation of resultant tile strength across the room, enabling greater daily production volume. Coupled with this was a 47% reduction in the variation across the chamber for residual moisture in the tiles prior to packaging, meaning storage times in the yard for the final stages of the tile curing process can be reduced and the product dispatched to customers quicker.

“The Enerpac XC2 pump and RC59 cylinder has played an important role ensuring that all chamber doors are not only handled in an efficient manner, but also in a safer way,” said Peter Stephens of Heltec Pty Ltd. 

For more information on the Enerpac XC2 pump and Enerpac’s range of battery-powered, portable pumps, visit www.enerpac.com.

For over 16 years, the composite wrap system, Belzona SuperWrap II, has been applied throughout multiple industries to restore the strength of holed, weakened and corroded assets. Now, the R&D Department at Belzona Limited has honed the capabilities of this technology so that, with the new epoxy resin, Belzona 1984, this technology is now optimised to be applied in aqueous environments.  

Figure 1. Application of composite wrap system in submerged environment  

Surface-Tolerant Composite Repair System Optimised for Underwater Maintenance

One of the key individuals behind the development of the new surface-tolerant composite repair system, Ian Wade, Technical Services Manager at Belzona Limited, explained more: “The Belzona SuperWrap II compliant system already features three resins designed for different application and service temperatures. Belzona 1984 is the latest development in this system, engineered specifically with surface tolerance in mind. This resin can be applied directly to damp, wet and underwater surfaces without the need for abrasive blasting.”

Figure 2. Ian Wade, Technical Services Manager at Belzona Limited

Ian continued: “Once cured, Belzona 1984 resists temperatures of up to 50°C (122°F) and can be applied in temperatures ranging from 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F). The Belzona SuperWrap II system can be applied as a composite wrap, pad, plate or patch, depending on the application requirements.”

Figure 3. Application and service temperatures of Belzona SuperWrap II resins  

Full Compliance with ISO and ASME Standards

The Belzona 1984 system has undergone rigorous testing and is fully approved for compliance with ISO 24817 and ASME PCC-2 standards. These tests utilised samples which were applied and cured underwater in artificial seawater, representing the worst-case and most aggressive environments. Compliance with these standards demonstrates how Belzona SuperWrap II is optimised for use in a variety of challenging environments, making it a welcome addition to many a maintenance engineer’s repertoire of repair solutions.

Figure 4. Composite wrap system, Belzona SuperWrap II, incorporating Belzona 1984

Rigorous Training Programme Ensures Excellent Standard of Application

In order to apply Belzona SuperWrap II to ISO/ASME standards, applicators are required to complete a rigorous training programme at one of Belzona’s 16 training centres located worldwide. By thoroughly equipping applicators with the skills and expertise to successfully apply the composite wrap system, this ensures that an excellent standard of application is maintained.

To uphold this standard, every two years, Belzona’s Corporate Belzona SuperWrap II Trainer Committee conduct a mandatory audit of all Belzona SuperWrap II trainers, facilities as well as internal staff. Upon successful completion of the audit, Belzona SuperWrap II accreditations are then renewed. Again, this process is designed to ensure a consistently safe and successful application of the composite wrap system.  

Bypass Carbon- and Cost-Intensive Replacement Process

As industries continue to ratchet up their carbon mitigation measures in line with the net-zero by 2050 pathway, the use of polymeric repair and protection technology offers a real boon for maintenance engineers. The process of replacing damaged assets incurs a hefty carbon footprint, not to mention considerable financial expenditure. With polymeric technology, engineers can successfully bypass the carbon- and cost-intensive process of replacement, and instead rehabilitate their assets and protect them against future damage. Now, this can be achieved even in the most challenging application environments thanks to the surface-tolerant epoxy resin, Belzona 1984.

Figure 5. New surface-tolerant epoxy repair resin, Belzona 1984

This move substantially strengthens NMi's Market Access capabilities, particularly in the specialised field of product safety certification for hazardous environments. This mandatory certification needs to be obtained for products used in areas where gas, vapor or dust explosions can occur and applicable in various end markets where many of NMi’s clients operate, such as Energy & Utilities, Food & Agri and Industrial & Manufacturing. The acquisition aligns with NMi's commitment to enhancing safety worldwide.

Founded in 2005, ExVeritas plays an essential role in the certification landscape with subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, Denmark, and the United States. ExVeritas is a designated UKCA Approved Body (2585) and European Notified Body (2804), holding accreditations for UKCA (Ex) and ATEX in Europe. It is also recognised under the global IECEx scheme, and its US operations are accredited as an Associated Test Lab and accepted as an Independent Laboratory by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). These comprehensive certifications enable ExVeritas to facilitate global market access. Led by founders Sean Clarke and Stephen D'Henin, along with regional co-founders Luke Ricks in the US and Peter Lauritzen in Denmark—who will continue guiding ExVeritas post-acquisition—the company provides specialised services, including ATEX/IECEx type approval, management audits, training, and inspection.

This acquisition marks a significant advancement in NMi's strategy to enhance service offerings and expand its geographical footprint. Importantly, it simplifies the certification process for our shared client base. By uniting NMi and ExVeritas, we can offer clients a streamlined approach to securing essential product safety certifications, accredited and certified to UKCA, DANAK, ATEX, IECEx, and USCG standards, making market access more efficient and straightforward.

Yvo Jansen, CEO of NMi, stated, "Partnering with ExVeritas and their solid global expertise is a landmark development in our efforts to enlarge our reach and capabilities in our market access services. The expertise of ExVeritas directly enhances our portfolio, addressing a specific market need for rigorous safety certifications required by OEMs, Installers, and End-Users to access the global market and drive product safety. Following our earlier expansion into Cybersecurity with the acquisition of TrustCB, this new collaboration further broadens NMi's service offerings, now covering Metrology, Cybersecurity, and Product Safety."

Sean Clarke, co-founder of ExVeritas, commented, "Joining NMi Group opens significant avenues for ExVeritas to scale our operations more effectively. Powered by NMi means joining a team with a proven strategic vision and ambition, leveraging their international reputation and technical expertise, thereby allowing us to focus on ExVeritas' continued growth. This collaboration will enhance our ability to deliver expanded services and meet the complex safety standards our clients require in hazardous environments."

The acquisition is a key component of NMi's buy-and-build strategy and aligns seamlessly with our mission in 'Measuring Tomorrow.' This approach emphasises forward-thinking solutions to global market challenges, focusing on sectors that demand robust safety certifications. ExVeritas's strong market presence and its reputation as a trusted certification body are crucial for advancing NMi's objectives in both new and existing markets, enabling us to further expand our valued and flexible service offerings to meet our clients' evolving needs.

Industrial scales are indispensable in a variety of industries. Whether in production, retail or logistics, they ensure that processes run precisely and efficiently. However, to ensure that industrial scales deliver reliable and standardised results, they are subject to strict regulations. These regulations can vary greatly depending on the region and area of application, and ensure both accuracy and safety in the respective industries. Industrial scales such as Combics® and Signum® from Minebea Intec, a leading global manufacturer of weighing and inspection technologies, fulfil the highest international and local standards to meet the requirements of a wide range of markets.

 In modern production processes, precise measurement often determines success or failure. From dosing and filling to fill level control and simple weighing, there are specific guidelines for the use of industrial scales depending on the area of application and industry.

International guidelines: OIML and IECEx

The OIML (Organisation Internationale de Métrologie Légale) sets global standards for measuring instruments, including industrial scales. These guidelines determine how scales must be tested and certified in order to be used globally. "Internationally active companies often rely on OIML-certified scales," explains Eren Sagdas, Product Manager Industrial Scales at Minebea Intec. "Certification facilitates export and ensures that our devices can be used reliably worldwide."

IECEx certification is another global standard that applies specifically to devices in potentially explosive atmospheres. This certification guarantees the safe operation of devices in potentially explosive environments, such as those found in the chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries.

The industrial scales in the Combics^® and Signum^® series fulfil both the OIML guidelines and the IECEx specifications. This international conformity makes them the ideal choice for companies that operate globally and rely on uniform safety standards in different regions. In addition to their certifications, both scales are characterised by numerous other advantages.

Industrial scales Combics^® : Versatility and robustness

The bench and floor scale Combics^® from Minebea Intec impresses with its combination of robustness and precision, making it the ideal solution for a wide range of industrial applications.
The floor scale plays a particularly important role in the pharmaceutical industry, for example in the exact dosing of active ingredients. Thanks to its smooth surfaces and easy cleaning, the Combics^® floor scale fulfils the strict hygiene requirements that are essential in this industry. With its high measuring accuracy, it ensures that even the smallest deviations are avoided - crucial for pharmaceutical production and other highly sensitive processes.

The Combics^® floor scale is also widely used in logistics, for example for weighing heavy pallets and freight. These measurements are essential for the precise calculation of shipping costs or the optimisation of warehouse capacities. The high load capacity and durability make the scales particularly suitable for continuous use in warehouses or loading zones.  In the food industry, the Combics^® floor scale is used in production lines to precisely measure the weight of raw materials such as flour or sugar. Thanks to its robust stainless steel construction, it can withstand the harsh conditions in production halls, including high humidity and strong cleaning agents.

The versatile application options, coupled with the robust design and precise measurement technology, make the Combics^® floor scales an indispensable tool in a wide range of industries that depend on reliability and accuracy.

Signum precision scales^® : Maximum accuracy for demanding weighing applications

The Signum^® precision scale from Minebea Intec shows its strengths particularly in industries where maximum measuring accuracy and fast response times are essential. A good example is the pharmaceutical industry, where even the smallest differences in weight can have a major impact. In the manufacture of medicines, where precise dosing of active ingredients is crucial, the Signum^® industrial scale delivers precise measurement results down to the milligram or even microgram range. Its fast measuring time makes it possible to organise production processes efficiently without compromising the quality of the measurements. "We are happy to advise our customers on the selection of different material designs, load ranges and readabilities to fulfil specific requirements," says Eren Sagdas, Product Manager Industrial Scales at Minebea Intec.

The Signum^® industrial scale is also used in cosmetics production, where strict hygiene standards and precise formulations must be adhered to. In the production of creams or lotions, the scale can measure the exact quantities of ingredients such as oils and fragrances. Thanks to its robust design, the Signum^® is also ideally suited to the demanding cleaning processes in this industry, which emphasises its durability and reliability.

Ideal weighing and inspection solutions for strictly regulated markets

Industrial scales such as the Signum^® precision scale and the Combics^®  bench and floor scale offer companies worldwide reliable solutions that fulfil international, regional and industry-specific regulations. Thanks to their exceptional precision, flexibility and robustness, they are the preferred choice in industries that require the highest standards of accuracy and reliability while complying with strict legal regulations.

Thanks to comprehensive compliance with international directives such as OIML and IECEx, as well as regional standards such as MID, NAWID, NTEP, HACCP and ATEX, Minebea Intec's weighing and inspection technologies are among the leading solutions worldwide. However, the company offers far more than a broad portfolio of industrial scales, load cells, weighing electronics, metal detectors and X-ray and visual inspection systems.

Minebea Intec takes a holistic and personalised approach to service that goes beyond product quality. This combination of high-quality products and first-class service ultimately provides the exact measure that makes the difference between success and failure in strictly regulated markets. This commitment is reflected in the brand promise "the true measure".

The existing explosionproof signalling devices, such as illuminated pushbuttons, switches, pushbuttons, emergency stop buttons, potentiometers, have been supplemented by a buzzer.

The explosionproof buzzer combines a small design with low power consumption and a high volume (>90 dB(A)). A continuous tone or an optional rising and falling tone is used to draw attention to hazards and malfunctions in potentially explosive atmospheres. The acoustic signal cannot be overheard, even in noisy environments.

The buzzer made of stainless steel is encapsulated, the sound is generated piezoelectrically by an intrinsically safe circuit inside. The intrinsically safe circuit does not have to be considered during installation.

The signalling device has an EU-Type Examination Certificate and an IECEx Certificate of Conformity as an Ex Equipment and can be used in Zones 0 and 21, as well as in zone 21 without any further housing. The cable tail must be connected in a junction box or in a switchgear combination in a standardised Type of Protection.

www.thuba.com

Teledyne FLIR is all set to showcase their product portfolio at ADIPEC 2024, scheduled from 4th to 7th November in Abu Dhabi. Exhibiting at Stand 1005, Hall 1, Teledyne FLIR will showcase innovative sensing solutions such as SI-2 Series, including the new Si2x, PHH – T-series, Exx-series, and OGI cameras around SF6 detection.

The ground-breaking product on display is the FLIR Si2x-Pro™ Hazardous Location Acoustic Imaging Camera for Gas Leak, Mechanical Fault, and Partial Discharge Detection. The Si2x-Pro Acoustic Imaging Camera is specifically designed for use in hazardous gas and explosive dust environments, to easily reduce leaks of toxic or flammable gases to improve safety, or cut expenses associated with compressed air or gas leaks in your facilities. It offers best-in-class performance, decision support, and fleet management, along with enterprise data integration for optimal efficiency and safety.

In addition to the FLIR Si2x-Pro™, Teledyne FLIR will also showcase the following solutions:

FLIR SI2-Series
The Si2-Series of acoustic imagers offers industrial-grade solutions for the detection of air and gas leaks as well as mechanical faults such as bearing issues, addressing the top inspection requirements for industries such as manufacturing, electrical, and utilities.

The Si2 cameras apply an array of acoustic imaging advancements that work to detect and quantify air and gas leaks, mechanical faults, and partial discharge, making them the top-performing acoustic imaging cameras on the market for these types of detections.

• FLIR Si2-Pro: Industrial acoustic imaging camera for pressurized leak detection, mechanical fault detection, and partial discharge detection with on-camera severity assessments.
• FLIR Si2-LD: Industrial acoustic imaging camera for pressurized leak detection and mechanical fault detection in manufacturing and other industrial environments.
• FLIR Si2-PD: Industrial acoustic imaging camera for partial discharge detection with on-camera severity assessments for power infrastructure inspection.

FLIR T-Series
FLIR T-Series thermal imaging cameras offer outstanding resolution, and image clarity paired with the ergonomics professional thermographers need for a full day of inspections. From the 180° optical block rotation on the T500 models, to the T1k's OSX™ Precision HDIR optical system — designed exclusively for the T1K — the T-Series offers the next level in design and performance.

FLIR Exx-Series
For hardworking professionals in predictive maintenance, electrical, and building inspection, the most valuable tools are the ones that increase work efficiency and help them identify potential problems before they lead to expensive repairs. The FLIR E76, E86 and E96 offers a range of full-featured handheld thermal cameras fit for every budget, making all your inspections more convenient.

FLIR G-Series
FLIR optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras can help you perform infrared gas detection, spotting methane (CH4), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), hydrocarbons, and hundreds of other industrial gases quickly, accurately, and safely—without shutting down systems. These cameras allow you to scan broad sections of equipment rapidly and survey areas that are hard to reach with traditional contact measurement tools. OGI cameras can also detect leaks from a safe distance, displaying these invisible gases as clouds of smoke.

Kalundborg Refinery, Denmark’s largest energy park, is located in the northwest of the Zealand peninsula. Every year, it processes around 5.5 million tons of crude oil, condensate, and raw materials. This industrial environment places special demands on the communication devices used. For communication, maintenance, and inspection in the field, the energy park staff relies on intrinsically safe mobile devices from Pepperl+Fuchs. The previous stock of Ex-Handy 10 and Smart-Ex® 02 will now be gradually replaced by the 5G-capable Smart-Ex® 03 smartphone to drive digitalization.

For years, Kalundborg Refinery in Denmark, part of the Klesch Group, has been relying on the expertise of Pepperl+Fuchs and its subsidiary brand ECOM Instruments. Pepperl+Fuchs supports Kalundborg's digitalization initiatives with special mobile devices certified for use in hazardous areas. The refinery's mobile workers currently use over 100 Ex-Handy 10 and Smart-Ex® 02 devices. The tasks include various inspection tasks, machine data collection, adherence to safety and compliance regulations as well as evaluation of plant integrity and service life. For a long time, the associated processes were paper-based and therefore prone to errors.

From paper-based to digital processes

To further digitalize the processes at Kalundborg, the hardware was to be brought up to the state of the art. Right from the start of the project, it was clear that the solution should depend on other internal company databases and ERP systems as little as possible. The goal was to keep the entry barrier low and the implementation period ambitiously short, while at the same time meeting the requirements for the next digitalization stage and the needs of mobile workers. Therefore, one of the most important criteria for new end devices was that they had future-proof technology such as 5G and a high-quality, high-performance camera. When the Kalundborg team evaluated the first demo devices of the Smart-Ex® 03, it quickly became clear that the new solution should be built around the 5G-capable Android smartphone with all its advantages, including usability.

In search of the right platform for their digitalization project, Kalundborg evaluated various software solutions. It turned out that some solutions would have required a lot of time to implement the digitalization project. The Kalundborg team opted for a solution from the Danish provider Azenzus. It is quick and easy to implement within a manageable project timeframe, easy to use, optimizes the existing data handling, and takes asset management to a new level.

From planning to implementation

Originally, the project plan envisaged that all processes and data would also be available in paper form in case problems arose during the turnover. In February 2024, however, the team decided to take the plunge and go fully digital. Initially, 20 Smart-Ex® 03 smartphones were used to equip all involved personnel, including the external employees who were hired for the start-up phase. Later, 25 additional devices were added.

The devices were set up with the necessary software and access settings in advance. The onboarding of 17 inspectors took just five hours – a process that previously lasted around three to five days. With the Smart-Ex® 03, the employees finally had digital access to all the information they needed.

Pro: usability

A peculiarity at Kalundborg is that the future users were actively and deeply involved in the selection of the end devices and had a say in the process. If they had not been satisfied with the hardware or software, alternatives would have been sought. It was therefore important that the Smart-Ex® 03 met the requirements of the mobile workers to their full satisfaction. The camera's performance was the top priority to properly fulfill all documentation and scanning tasks. The camera's macro function proved particularly impressive during the implementation phase.

The camera's suitability for everyday use in the harsh refinery environment was also important. The smartphone impressed the team with its robustness, withstanding drops and bumps without any problems. With its size of six inches, the Smart-Ex® 03 can also be easily stowed in work clothing pockets and does not restrict mobile workers. The glove mode, pen, and speech-to-text functionality make the smartphone easy to use even in harsh conditions, which was well received by Kalundborg's employees right from the start. Kalundborg's IT department also confirmed this impression, as the Android operating system and Android Enterprise Recommended certification made it very easy to set up and manage the devices via a device management system.

Into the digital future with the Smart-Ex® 03

The Smart-Ex® 03 is the breakthrough for digitalization projects at Kalundborg Refinery. Its size and usability remove entry barriers for end users.

Other applications that benefit from the smartphone's powerful hardware are also already being evaluated at Kalundborg. Thanks to 5G support, access to additional applications is possible in the field. The use of augmented reality applications and AI functions, for example for the automatic identification of tools or parts, is also currently being examined.

A major focus is on applications for change identification. These allow inspectors to scan locations or objects with the camera and automatically detect differences to a previous scan. This means that any damage or other deviations from the normal condition of a system or object can be identified immediately and repair measures initiated.

The digitalization measures at the energy park were so successful that the solution will now serve as a prototype for further digitalization measures at other sites.

Strong partners for strong solutions

Pepperl+Fuchs offers its customers not just products, but a comprehensive package. Companies receive the hardware and matching accessories together with the desired pre-configuration. Continuous and close cooperation with partners ensures that the implementation runs smoothly. This not only saves customers time, but also nerves and, above all, costs.

Customers also benefit from the numerous certifications and local type approvals that Pepperl+Fuchs products offer. Especially in demanding environments such as a refinery, the devices used must be robust, resistant, and reliable. Pepperl+Fuchs, with many years of experience of its subsidiary ECOM Instruments in the field of explosion-protected devices, attaches particular importance to the development of products that meet these requirements. The Smart-Ex® 03, for example, is approved for use in Zones 1 and 2, as well as in mining. The use of the Smart-Ex® 03 at Kalundborg shows how smoothly digitalization can be implemented in the industry and at the same time offer tangible added value for employees.

"The switch to the Smart-Ex® 03 has opened up a whole new world for us," confirms Søren Gothil Hansen, Manager of Mechanical, Civil & Inspection (MCI) at Kalundborg Refinery. "The smartphone is so easy to use and manage that we decided very early on not only to use it as part of our solution, but to build the entire solution around it."

 www.pepperl-fuchs.com