News

Mike Meen, Technical Director at Bureau Veritas, highlights the crucial role that safety and environmentally critical elements (SCE) play in energy, chemical and process industries, and how evolving digitalisation is improving the monitoring of this equipment.

Safety and environmentally critical elements (SCE) are a risk-management tool within equipment and software across several industries, used to prevent or limit the effects of a major accident.

A common example of this is a relief valve on a pressure-containing device. The relief valve (the SCE) is installed on the equipment to prevent a rupture, safeguarding the plant or local area from potential hazardous leaks or explosions. As a vital piece of equipment, it’s critical that the element is well-maintained and regularly monitored to ensure its value and reliability.

Condition monitoring forms part of the risk mitigation process and has been undertaken in the chemical and energy industries for decades. The concept and thinking behind condition-based maintenance dates back to World War II, where the RAF used the predecessor to ‘Nowland and Heaps’ reliability-centred maintenance (RCM) to look at particular components across its fleet of similar aircraft to assess the pass, fail and degradation of specific parts.

The science of maintenance has improved over time, as has the reliability of components. However, despite the ever-evolving development of products and technologies, condition monitoring has always been a process-heavy task, requiring hours of resource to analyse individual pieces of data.

Turning data into information

Digitalisation has significantly improved the ways in which we can undertake condition monitoring. Machine learning and artificial intelligence has enabled us to move away from simply interrogating those millions of data sets – i.e. counting how many times a certain piece of equipment has passed or failed, and instead move into trending the data – looking at performance analysis, product degradation and lifecycle predictions.

Factoring in the multiple SCEs in situ in plants across the UK, including offshore plants, we are able to collect terabytes of data, whereby we’re able to start recording things such as manufacturer’s details of the SCE, the type of equipment or SCE, faults and failures within the device; this is where data, turns into useable information.

With the advent of sophisticated interfaces, we can tap into multiple existing databases across numerous plants and industries, both for onshore and offshore installations, and crucially, predict failure before it’s too late.

Utilising the information that is already readily available, AI servers can connect the dots and reports can be instantly created to advise companies on the risks posed within their facility, based on the manufacturer's products used, regularity of maintenance and dormancy of the SCEs. This could not only prevent an accident occurring, but crucially save lives; all from a computer.

For operators of industrial facilities, this offers peace of mind that continuous reporting can be done to predict any potential outages, ensuring a consistent ‘state of play’ for the plant.

www.bureauveritas.com

As successor to the IS655.2, the intrinsically safe 5.5-inch smartphone offers Android™ 14 and a large equipment package

 i.safe MOBILE is launching the IS880.2, its latest smartphone for Zone 2/22, at the end of October 2024. The elegant and lightweight 4G LTE smartphone offer industrial customers a wide range of user-friendly features for use in ATEX zone 2/22. The robust and high-performance smartphone is equipped with a PTT/MCPTT-optimised chipset and comes with Android 14. As the successor to the popular IS655.2 smartphone, it has a convenient PTT side button and, as a new highlight, a red SOS button and a channel selection switch for individual or group PTT calls. Thanks to the innovative design of the powerful loudspeaker, users can also operate the device in noisy working environments. The 13-pin ISM interface provides a secure connection for suitable accessories. The smartphone has a clear 5.5-inch screen, is Android™ Enterprise-compliant, zero-touch capable, MDM-compatible and has a fingerprint sensor on the side. i.safe MOBILE attaches great importance to the longevity of the devices and enables a longer device life cycle thanks to the replaceable 4500 mAh battery. The target sectors for the IS880.2 are customers from the oil and gas, chemical, pharmaceutical and industrial production sectors who are looking for a robust, high-performance Zone 2/22 smartphone.

Powerful features combined with a clean industrial design
The IS880.2 is characterised by powerful components and a special industrial design conceived for use in Zone 2/22. The strong mobile platform supports the optimal transmission of voice, video and data information for PTT and maintenance applications. The device supplied with Android 14 is Android Enterprise-compliant and zero-touch capable. The powerful speaker has been developed by the design team to extend across the entire width of the device, making it particularly powerful - even in noisy environments.

Despite the intrinsically safe design for use in Zone 2/22 and the strong, replaceable 4500 mAh battery, the smartphone has an elegant appearance. The long battery life and replaceable battery make the device ideal for multi-shift operation and a long service life. The rubberised honeycomb structure stands out as a special design and safety feature that ensures a good grip when used in harsh environmental conditions. Using the fingerprint sensor on the side, the device can be quickly unlocked - ideal when face recognition is not possible due to helmets or face protection.

Users can capture images and videos in real time with the 50MP AF main camera including a powerful flash for night shots, which also functions as a torch - ideal for maintenance and control tasks.

The powerful mobile platform supports, among other things, the optimal transmission of real-time videos for maintenance use.
 

The PTT/MCPTT button on the side of the device and the talkgroup switch make it easy to change between individual and group calls within the range of mobile networks and WLAN. A headset and a universal leather case are available as approved accessories for Zone 2/22. The headphones are connected to the device via the secure 13-pin interface.

The display glove mode (operation with wet hands and gloves) and good display readability even in sunlight round off the smartphone's equipment package.

The IS880.2 will be available from the end of October 2024.
You can find the technical specifications here.
You can download a selection of press images here.

www.isafe-mobile.com

IEC 60079:2024 contains the specific requirements for the design of electrical systems, selection, installation and the required initial inspection of electrical installations of Ex Equipment in, or associated with, explosive atmospheres including requirements for documentation and personnel competency.

There are many small changes and clarifications, but the new major technical changes include:

The title is changed to "Electrical installation design, selection and installation of equipment, including initial inspection" to ensure that all areas, including initial inspection are now covered.

• The term "Installation of equipment" is replacing the word "Erection" in the title as more common wording.
• The requirements for simple apparatus have been aligned with IEC 60079-11.
• The flowchart is revised to include consideration of equipment groups, cable lengths and enclosures with a volume cutoff at 2 000 cm3
• The previously informative Annex C to improve details relevant to testing cables and alignment to the selection requirements is now normative.
• The previous normative tables in the section "Initial inspection" are included in the informative Annex O. This allows checklists to be customised for specific installations.

The new IEC 60079-14:2024 now ties in with the recently published IEC 60079-17:2023 which is the Standard for Electrical installations inspection and maintenance. IEC 60079-17:2023 applies to users and covers only those factors directly related to the inspection and maintenance of electrical installations specifically designed for hazardous areas, where the hazard is caused by explosive atmospheres. There were two major technical changes

• Further requirements added regarding Type of Protection "o".
• Modified reference in this standard to align all types of inspection with Continuous Supervision terms for example, Skilled Personnel and Technical Persons with Executive Function.

There are also many other small changes such as the change in terminology from previously used ‘Special Condition of Safe Use’ to current terminology ‘Specific Conditions of Use’

ExVeritas are a UK Government Appointed Body for UKCA ‘Ex’, an ATEX Notified Body and an IECEx Certification Body. ExVeritas offer CompEx and Specialized Courses for Designers, Installers and Inspectors at our multiple centers globally, in addition we have developed new and updated specialist courses covering diverse subjects from advanced intrinsically safe design to non-electrical risk assessment. More on ExVeritas Training here. 

Enerpac has appointed ATEC France as its 100th Authorised Service Centre in Europe. A specialist in bolting and controlled tightening tools, ATEC offers the full range of Enerpac hydraulic tools for rental and purchase, together with maintenance and calibration services, from its four offices across France. ATEC likewise is a strong and proven resource to provide on-site execution of controlled tightening and calibration services.

ATEC has over 25 years’ experience of working on controlled tightening projects in many industries, including petrochemicals, wind farms, offshore, construction, plastics production and processing. As well as suppling tools to engineering contractors, it offers consulting, maintenance and repair services for the equipment as well as engineers for specific bolting projects.

“We were looking for a premium brand that has an outstanding range of controlled tightening tools, together with the commitment and resources to work with us as we grow the business, Enerpac is the perfect fit,” said Guilhem de Nucé, MD and owner of ATEC. “Our tools are used in demanding environments where strong technical support is essential to ensure their continued smooth operation. Enerpac can provide this support, and more, when we are advising clients on the best solution.”

Commitment to Customer Service 
“We are delighted that ATEC has chosen to become our 100th Enerpac Authorized Service Centre in EMEA - a significant milestone in our commitment to providing tools users with the very best in high quality support services,” says Eric Joon, Manager Training & After Sales Enerpac EMEA.

ATEC joins a global network of Enerpac Authorised Service Centres that engineering contractors can rely on wherever and whenever they need new tools, maintenance and calibration services. 

Recently, the ATEC sales team completed a sales training course with Eric Joon. Guilhem de Nucé again. “Working with Enerpac gives us the opportunity to take our sales skills to the next level. The course with Eric Joon will allow us to build stronger relationships with our customers based on the know-how and objectivity we bring to their bolting projects.”

For more information on Enerpac hydraulic bolting tools, and on Enerpac training, visit www.enerpac.com.

For more information on ATEC, visit www.atecsarl.com.

There is a need to use condition monitoring equipment in many hazardous locations, to measure vibration levels and temperatures of rotating machinery to diagnose faults such as misalignment, unbalance or impending bearing failure. The instruments needed to do the monitoring must therefore be “intrinsically safe” and incapable of igniting an explosive atmosphere.

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) put the onus firmly on the plant operator to decide which “Zone” the equipment is in and therefore what level of certification is required for any instrumentation used there.

This is because the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere existing is dealt with by the definition of a series of “Zones”. These range from Zone 0, where an explosive atmosphere is likely to be present most of the time, to Zone 2, where it is not likely to occur in normal operation, with Zone 1 the “grey area” in between.

Deciding which parts of your plant are in which Zone is not easy and may require expensive surveys to determine. However, this is where the true benefit of Zone 0 certification comes in. Basically, you don’t have to think! Because Zone 0 certified devices can be used literally anywhere!

Zone 0 certified devices are typically more expensive due to increased manufacturing costs (e.g. additional safety components and higher levels of redundancy). However, Test Products International (TPI) has achieved a significant Zone 0 cost breakthrough with the very affordable TPI 9085Ex vibration analyser.

The “go anywhere” TPI 9085Ex is certified for Zone 0 IECEx/ATEX with North American approval. This means you simply don’t have to think what potentially explosive atmospheres you might encounter. The 9085Ex is certified to be intrinsically safe for ANY atmosphere WORLDWIDE.

The 9085Ex measures “bearing noise” and displays it in bearing damage units (BDU), which is roughly equivalent to “percentage wear”. In other words, readings above 100 BDU are indicative of a worn bearing. 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 being taken. With a high BDU reading and high temperature you know that what you are seeing really is a worn bearing!

Additionally, a lot of machinery is remotely located (e.g. pumping stations), often in the “middle of nowhere”, requiring highly mobile teams of operatives to access them. However, the compact handheld TPI 9085Ex is extremely affordable and simple to use. It can, and indeed should, be included in every operative’s basic tool kit. Also by 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 cornerstone of condition-based maintenance (CBM). By looking at trends 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.

Explosion isolation is essential for comprehensive explosion protection. Without isolation, an explosion safety concept is not only incomplete, but is also a waste of money for operators as.

Isolation systems prevent an explosion from propagating, thereby reducing the effects of the explosion to a minimum. Adjacent system components are optimally protected.

Explosion Isolation System Q-Bic

The explosion isolation system Q-Bic registers the emerging explosion and extinguishes the developing explosion flames within milliseconds by applying the extinguishing powder. The extinguishing powder is optimally distributed in the pipeline via a nozzle system and guarantees reliable isolation. The chemical barrier is particularly well-suited to applications in elevators and spray dryers. 

Fig. 1: Explosion isolation System Q-Bic

www.rembe.de

Introduction

In industries where flammable gases, vapours, and dusts are present, ensuring the safety of employees is of paramount importance. The European Union's ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, aim to regulate equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres, requiring companies to implement safety measures that mitigate the risk of ignition and protect personnel.

Background

All chemical manufacturing facilities that handle or specialise in the production of volatile chemicals should adhere to ATEX regulations to protect employees from potential hazards. One of the key aspects of ATEX compliance is the provision of safety equipment, including safety showers and eye wash stations.

The Challenge and Solution

Compliance with ATEX Regulations: The company needs to comply with ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU, which requires the implementation of safety measures to prevent explosions in areas with potentially explosive atmospheres. This includes providing ATEX-compliant safety showers.

Employee Safety: The safety of employees is a top priority. You need to ensure rapid and effective decontamination in case of chemical exposure.

Equipment Selection: Choosing the right ATEX-compliant equipment is essential.  You must evaluate the specific requirements of your facility, including location, potential hazard levels, and the number of showers needed.

The Solution

Get peace of mind knowing that safety showers from Aqua Safety Showers will be manufactured from corrosion resistant materials and come with a two-year warranty, further promoting a safety-conscious workplace culture.

 www.aqua-safety.com

Only torches and lights that are certified under the ATEX Directive can be used in hazardous areas; where special precautions are required when using electrical equipment due to the presence or chance of explosive atmospheres.

Peli Products (UK) Ltd offer a wide range of ATEX certified, robust safety torches and work area lighting.  Developed and evolved over 30 years, Peli™ professional lighting products are designed for rugged offshore use in the toughest operating conditions. 

 Peli Safety Torches

The first choice for professionals, Peli torches and headlights are bright, compact, lightweight and exceptionally hard-wearing.  These ATEX certified models are ideal for such hazardous areas as silos, tanks and chambers where an individual may be exposed to a range of potential hazards.

The Peli 3415 Zone 0 right angled torch can be clipped to clothing while the 2755 Zone 0 head torch is secured on a hard hat, using the rubber strap. Peli headtorches also come with hardhat mount and cloth strap. This enables the user to climb a ladder safely using both hands, while still having two light beams directed where required.

Peli™ 3335 Zone 0 R

Built tough to perform in the harshest environments, the 3335 Zone 0 is rechargeable and offers 58 hours run time.  There are 3 light modes: High, Low and flashing and a built-in battery level indicator to ensure you never get left in the dark.  A right-angle adaptor is available as an accessory for hands-free use, it allows the head to articulate, directing the light exactly where required.

Beyond its industrial benefits, this model champions environmental sustainability. The rechargeable feature eliminates the need for disposable batteries, minimizing waste and environmental impact. 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.

Work Area Lighting

Peli Area Lighting provides portable, powerful LED light where there is no mains power. Ideal for maintenance in both on and offshore industries, these rechargeable units deliver a safe, economic and convenient alternative to generator powered lighting.  There are no trailing cables to create a trip hazard, no fumes are emitted and no liquid fuel is required, thus improving worker safety and adding to the environmental benefits of this range. 

The Peli™ 9455 Zone 0 is a portable work light offering wide area illumination in high risk, hazardous areas.  This rechargeable unit is easily carried and can be set up in seconds. It has a retractable mast; the head can be rotated 360° and it also pivots to angle the light directly where required.

A ten-hour run time (economy mode) ensures light duration for a full shift.  Featuring a category leading light output of 1600 lumens and manufactured with a rugged, water resistant (IP54) body; it is ideal for heavy duty, industrial use.

Peli Products (UK) Ltd is an ISO registered company with a nationwide sales team.  Located throughout the UK, the sales team are hugely experienced and can advise on the most suitable lighting and protective packaging options. 

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

Hydraulic tools specialist, Enerpac, announces the new PPH-Series Hydraulic Pin Puller, providing an efficient, safe, and versatile method for removal of joint pins during the maintenance of heavy machinery. These complete kits use hydraulic power to remove joint pins on vehicles, excavators and heavy machinery used in construction, mining, wind turbine gearbox pins, bogie and truck pin removal for rail and in stationary equipment found in manufacturing facilities.

Until now, operators have relied on pin removal using unsafe methods, such as torching, lancing, or hammering, all of which risk irreparable damage to the joint pin, resulting in extra costs and leading to longer downtime. With a pulling capacity of 40 to 67 metric tonnes, the PPH-Series Pin Puller provides a safer and more efficient removal of joint pins up to 302mm long. It uses a powerful, Enerpac hydraulic cylinder to extract pins with precision and minimal damage, allowing a single operator to remove a multitude of joint pin sizes easily.

Safer Pin Pulling

Supplied in a portable, wheeled carry case, the PPH-Series Pin Puller Kits, PPH40 and PPH66, are ideal for mastering a diverse range of pin-pulling tasks. Each set includes three stacking and locking patented C-Sleeves, with the option of adding an extra two for longer pins up to 508mm long. The C-shape design creates a fitment around the flag of heavy machinery pins, providing a precise and safe pin removal. Improving operator safety, each kit contains a shackle for lifting via a crane or lifting system. The column sections have multiple hoist points, designed to give the user more control over the balance of the tool while it is suspended. The kit also contains a Quick Nut for fast attachment to threaded rods, with alternative thread sizes available to purchase separately.

‘Quick Nut’ for damaged nut threads

With existing solutions using regular threaded nuts, that require time to run down the rod and cannot be used on damaged treads, the PPH-Series kits are engineered to streamline even on the most demanding pin pulling projects. The innovative split Quick Nut makes it easier and faster to manipulate damaged threads. The easy one-handed closure is quick to assemble around a rod and avoids running the nut over damaged threads. 

“Safety on the job site is paramount, which is why these kits offer a safer alternative than old-school, traditional methods involving sparks, heat, hammering, and loose parts. We wanted to provide a safe and efficient way for a single operator to extract pins from construction vehicles that eliminated damage to parts, but also provided a lightweight and potable tool that was practical to move about on-site. The transport and assembly of the PPH-Series Pin Puller Kits is made easier by the robust aluminium construction of the Enerpac Hydraulic Cylinder,” said Ejnar Christensen, National Accounts Manager, Enerpac.

Each PPH-Series Kit includes three column sections that lock together. Multiple column sections can be stacked together depending on the length of the joint pin. Up to maximum 5 Column Sections can be locked together.

For more information on the Enerpac PPH-Series Hydraulic Pin Puller visit www.enerpac.com.

Company’s safety services experts have helped design and develop new own brand offering

Safety specialist Arco has launched its own range of working at height equipment, designed and developed with experts from its safety services division, along with its fall protection manufacturing partners.

The new range introduces an own brand offering to add to the wide selection of fall protection equipment Arco already offers from some of the biggest brands in the safety industry.

The range features 17 products, including safety harnesses; anchorage slings; arrest, restraint and positioning lanyards; and self-retracting blocks, all designed to keep workers safe when carrying out tasks at height and in confined spaces.

The harnesses and lanyard are used together to prevent accidents when there is a risk of a fall from any height. The self-retracting blocks are designed for lower-height applications, instantly locking on impact to prevent falls.  

Arco Professional Safety Services experts are already using the new equipment in the field and when delivering training courses at the company’s five safety centres across the UK.

Mike Clayton, technical lead for working at height at Arco Professional Safety Services, said: “The new Arco working at height equipment range has been designed, developed with help from our own experts to bring total assurance and quality to the safety products market.

“Arco leads the market in working at height expertise with our joined-up safety solutions tailoring the perfect combination of products and services.

“Bringing our own working at height product range to the market furthers this offering, with another avenue for our core purpose, keeping people at work safe.”

Falling from height is the most common cause of death in the workplace, accounting for 36% of fatal injuries in 2023/24, according to recent HSE statistics

As a trusted safety provider with 140 years of experience, Arco offers working at height equipment for sale and hire, as well as safety solutions such as consultancy, training and equipment maintenance services through its Arco Professional Safety Services division.

See the new Arco working at height equipment range

Find out more about Arco Professional Safety Services’ working at height solutions

 For more information, visit www.arco.co.uk