News

A new team is heading up the organisation of SPE Offshore Europe (OE) at RX Global, in partnership with SPE, in the biennial event next being held at P&J Live, Aberdeen, UK from 2-5 September 2025.

David Ince has been appointed as SPE Offshore Europe Exhibition Director and Michael Enser as Marketing Manager, with both continuing to be responsible for the delivery of Oceanology International (Oi) in London, another RX Global event.

David has spent the last 11 years in event management at RX Global, working on several energy and marine events, including OE from 2013-2016 and the SPE Intelligent Energy and Arctic & Extreme Environment events.

Gareth Rapley is taking over from Jonathan Heastie as Energy & Marine Portfolio Director responsible for All-Energy and Oceanology International as well as OE. Jonathan is now overseeing RX Global’s recently acquired portfolio of worldwide hydrogen events.

Gareth brings more than 15 years of events leadership and energy experience having previously worked for RX Global on OE for nine years, latterly as Exhibition Director before spending three years in the Middle East with dmg events and Informa Markets. Most recently, he returned to London as Director of The London Book Fair.

Gareth Rapley, Portfolio Director – Energy & Marine at RX Global commented: “It is an exciting and challenging time to be rejoining the energy industry. SPE Offshore Europe, All-Energy and Oceanology International combine to represent many facets of the energy and marine industries. These are valuable national assets that need to be secured and developed to continue to deliver for the UK and our events provide very successful platforms to further these aims.” 

Approximately 30,000 people and 800 exhibitors attended the 50^th anniversary edition of SPE Offshore Europe in 2023.

Michael Enser  Marketing Manager 

Gareth Rapley-Portfolio Direcor for Energy and Marine 

David Ince Exhibition Director

Hi-line Industries, a UK-based leader in the design, manufacture and installation of energy-efficient compressed air purification equipment, is announcing its acquisition by US multinational Ingersoll Rand. Important to note is the assurance of complete customer continuity. Hi-line will continue to build and sell all of its products with no price increases. Steve Smith will also remain as Managing Director to maintain the next-day delivery expectations of customers.

The acquisition, effective from 1 July 2024, marks the start of a new and exciting chapter in the history of Hi-line as a progressive UK manufacturing business. It follows 12 months of intensive negotiations and due diligence. With Steve Smith as the sole owner of Hi-line, funding was always going to be the issue in reaching the next level. Now, with the backing of Ingersoll Rand’s financial might, the Burton-upon-Trent based company can grow quickly to become the market’s number one in compressed air treatment solutions.

To celebrate the bright future that the acquisition promises, Hi-line staged a launch day in July at nearby St George’s Park, home of the Football Association’s national football centre. The football analogy is quite pertinent.

“At the launch day I explained to our staff that the acquisition by Ingersoll Rand was akin to a wealthy investor buying a football club,” says Steve Smith. “The investor recognises potential in the team, invests in the purchase of the club, and provides funding to buy players and grow.”

Among the first results of the Ingersoll Rand investment will be the addition of Industry 4.1 IoT capabilities to all Hi-line controllers by the end of 2024. Another change will see Ingersoll Rand companies gain access to Hi-line’s highly popular range of alternative filter elements and its coveted series of Hi-PLEX dual technology dryer skids (fridge and desiccant on the same skid).

“What will not change is our outstanding level of customer service,” states Steve Smith. “Headed up by Craig Watson and Oliver Loewenbach, these guys work tirelessly to support our distributors. In fact, we are looking to grow our ACRIB-registered team of service technicians via a new recruitment drive that will deliver even more support for our broad product range.”

Energy-efficient compressed air equipment available from Hi-line includes desiccant and refrigeration air dryers, nitrogen/oxygen separators, filtration equipment, and condensate systems. A five-year warranty reflects Hi-line’s confidence in its high-quality workmanship and materials. Supplying both standard and bespoke solutions, the company serves customers in sectors that include food and beverage, medical, general manufacturing, automotive, breathing air, and laser cutting to list but a few. The company is a member of the British Compressed Air Society and carries accreditation to the ISO 9001:2015 quality management standard.

www.hilineindustries.com

Customer delight is rooted in front line experiences. So it is satisfying for an SME like Broanmain to see that their sustained efforts and investments in everything from equipment to DE&I initiatives and organisational culture is delivering more than lip service.

Having achieved a 100 percent score in meeting customer requirements in the last 12 months, a 10 percent improvement on 2022/23, Managing Director Jo Davis reviews how this disproves the July 2024 UK Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI), which in comparison fell to its lowest level since the report began.

Tracking and comparing customer service performance across the UK economy, the UKCSI twice-yearly report has become one of the strongest barometers for benchmarking satisfaction. Given than one third of UK customers say in the latest report that they will pay more for excellent service, getting it right clearly is good for business.  

Great expectations

Customer underpins the value of most organisations. Even in today’s automated, process driven society, delivering consistently great service is what keeps the cogs turning and business returning. Although some companies define client service their hallmark of success, living up to client expectations is a whole different ballgame. Mastering satisfaction extends way beyond talking a good talk.

In plastics processing, manufacturing especially, having a high level of technical competency, like good service, is table stakes, highlights Jo.   Key elements of good customer service in manufacturing include meeting deadlines reliably, communication and collaborations and delivering high-quality products. 

While the year-on-year UKCSI average rating fell to 76.0 out of 100, dropping 1.7 points compared to, Broanmain’s overall satisfaction result for the same time period rose 4 percent to reach 98 percent. Although there showed a slight decline in order processing satisfaction, the appointment of Sam Matthews, Office, Internal Project, Internal Sales Manager has addressed this with this score already showing improvements since Sam joined the company. Most importantly for the Dorking-based mass technical moulder, product quality satisfaction topped 100 percent.

Quality Assured

Resolutely focused on delivering long-term customer value and providing a more personal touch has long been part of Broanmain’s customer-centric DNA, states Jo. “The results we achieved in the latest customer satisfaction survey exemplify these combined team efforts. Our ability to work together, get stuck in and collaborate on projects is probably the most authentic example of excellence,” reports Jo.

Transparency is another key takeaway from Broanmain’s latest survey. “Communication is a critical part of certainty and filters across all aspects of the manufacturing process. One of the largest lessons we can learn in time-sensitive supply chains like ours is what drives trust. Including why it’s not necessarily mistakes that push customers away, but the speed in which you explain, handle and resolve a situation,” explains Jo.

Increasing communication satisfaction to 93 percent (a rise of 8 percent), was one of the biggest improvements reported in the 2024 Broanmain survey. Bettered only by the 100 percent score (10 percent rise) for meeting customer requirements. The company’s handling of complaints was unchanged at 100 percent, while delivery satisfaction rose from 90 percent in 2023 to 96 percent in 2024.

Ease of doing business was another important point flagged in the recent Make UK Executive Survey 2024, with accessibility listed as a core reason that customers stay or do business with UK manufacturers.

Compared to 30 percent a year ago, more than half of UK manufacturers participating in the Make UK survey now regard the UK as being competitive. Indicative of this, Broanmain has reported another 30 percent uplift in reshoring enquiries from OEMs. Many cite the cost and quality control benefits of having direct access to local polymer processors that can manage all aspects of prototyping, tooling development and mass manufacturing through one partner.

Broanmain’s investments, including relocating production to one site, introducing early and late shifts to increase manufacturing capacity, and allocating dedicated enclosed spaces for compression moulding and assembly, demonstrates the company’s commitment move with the times. “Our survey showed that over 96 percent are confident in our diversity and believe we have the competence, skills and capacity to fulfil their future needs. As the ultimate sign of satisfaction, 96 percent would also recommend Broanmain to others.”

www.broanmainplastics.co.uk

i.safe MOBILE unveils App World, its own digital platform for selected applications

For the first time, device-compatible PTT and MDM solutions will be presented in the i.safe MOBILE App World on the 5G radio IS440.1

Lauda-Koenigshofen, August 8, 2024. i.safe MOBILE is introducing the App World, its own digital platform for specific application software, to coincide with the current delivery of IS440.1. Customers can download selected applications that are compatible with the device directly from the pre-installed App World on the new 5G radio and update them regularly. The App World contains product-related, selected Push-To-Talk and MDM solutions that have proven themselves because of their ease of use and secure application on the IS440.1. This means that customers are free to choose their preferred software from the App World. With the future-proof concept of the platform, i.safe MOBILE rounds off the range of mobile devices for Ex areas, accessories, excellent services and suitable software solutions.

The idea of the i.safe MOBILE App World was born from i.safe MOBILE customers’ suggestions who wanted to have quick and easy access to device-compatible applications. 

i.safe MOBILE App World: secure and user-friendly
The App World was developed by the i.safe MOBILE software team to provide customers with tested and compatible applications from solution partners on devices such as the IS440.1 that have the ISM OS operating system and do not have a Google Play Store installed. The platform is part of the firmware and is already pre-installed on the device. The customer can select, install and regularly update compatible PTT and MDM solutions for the device in the App World. No separate account is needed to access the App World; users can install the selected application with the corresponding license. The App World is regularly updated with additional software solutions.

The App World is currently available on the IS440.1 device. Regarding other GMS devices in the i.safe MOBILE product portfolio, customers still have access to the Google Play Store.

How to install applications via the i.safe MOBILE App World
Installing applications via the i.safe MOBILE App World is as easy as on other digital platforms: The customer opens the App World, selects the desired application, starts the download and can then immediately open and use the software application (if the license is already available). Users can actively and regularly download the latest updates for individual applications in the App World.

Secure and independent: The App World is hosted on a dedicated i.safe MOBILE application server located in Germany. With every firmware update, it is upgraded with the latest security patches, bug fixes and updates. As usual, the user is informed about firmware updates via push notification.

Applications from i.safe MOBILE solution partners
i.safe MOBILE and its solution partners test the applications for compatibility, security and reliability before being included in the App World. This also ensures functionality after each update of applications and device firmware.

Use of the pre-installed App World is free of charge for i.safe MOBILE customers. In advance, it is necessary to purchase licenses for the applications contained in the App World.

The App World is located on the home screen and can be moved individually as usual.

www.isafe-mobile.com
i.safe MOBILE on LinkedIn
i.safe MOBILE on YouTube 

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 such as a collapse. 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

In the workplace spillages cause hazards; inadvertent release of materials in inappropriate places must be cleaned up as soon as possible. The potential hazard depends, of course, on the nature of the material. Even if the material itself is harmless, the risk of contamination or slip-risk to personnel must be contained. If the materials are potentially hazardous to health, then the risk is higher and prompt containment and clean-up is essential.

One method of cleaning up is to use a vacuum cleaner, but invariably this means finding an appropriate local power-source to plug in and potentially trailing cables across operational areas, thereby introducing additional hazards.

The new British Vacuum Cleaners BVC IV60 eGX Industrial Vacuum Cleaner can be an essential tool to assist in rapid clean-up of spilled product. The IV60 eGX uses the unique Honda eGX electric engine. The on-board battery may be swapped and charged just like any cordless tool, thereby totally eliminating trip hazards from trailing cables.

BVC IV60 eGX uses the powerful BVC YP3 industrial turbine, which when powered by the Honda eGX engine delivers 1.5kW of vacuuming power; more than enough for cleaning up spillages of most bulk materials. At full power the on-board battery provides about ½ hour of run-time. The variable speed control allows run-time to be increased by reducing the power; at half power, run time is around 1 hour.

BVC IV60 eGX is part of the configurable IV60 range of Industrial Vacuum Cleaners manufactured by Quirepace in the UK, and hence is available with a choice of collection tanks. For example, it can be supplied with an M-Class or H-Class dry-product tank for hazardous materials, or a wet tank with or without a strainer. A full range of hoses and tools is available.

Quirepace Ltd

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.bvc.co.uk

023 9260 3700

Diagnosing bearing faults on rotating equipment (pumps and motors) in hazardous locations can be fraught with difficulty. Firstly, there is the problem of deciding what instrumentation can be used. This can be difficult, particularly if the exact hazard is difficult to assess. For example, instruments used in hazardous locations such as flour mills, coal mines, petrochemical plants and fuel transfer facilities, need to be “intrinsically safe” and incapable of igniting an explosive atmosphere. However, some not so obvious hazardous locations include water treatment plants, tunnels and underground passageways or any location where a build-up of naturally occurring flammable material (such as methane or dust) could occur.

Secondly, a shut down in a hazardous location can be costly, particularly if a whole process must be stopped to allow the use of power tools for example. Consequently, before stripping down a pump, you need to be sure you really do have a worn bearing and you are not picking up some other source of pump noise, such as cavitation.

This is where smart trend meters like the TPI 9085-Ex come to our aid. The “go anywhere” 9085-Ex is certified for Zone 0 IECEx/ATEX with North American approval. This means you simply don’t have to think what potentially explosive gases you might encounter, as the 9085-Ex is certified to be intrinsically safe for ANY atmosphere worldwide.

The 9085-Ex measures “bearing noise” and displays it in bearing damage units (BDU), which is roughly equivalent to “percentage wear”. In other words, 100 BDU is indicative of a worn bearing. In addition, the 9085-Ex 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 can be reassured that what you are seeing really is a worn bearing!

Another difficulty is that 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 9085-Ex is extremely affordable and simple to use. It can, and indeed should, be included in every operative’s basic tool kit. Additionally, by using the FREE TPI Bridge App, “routes” and readings can be transferred to and from the 9085-Ex anywhere in the world. The TPI Bridge App transfers routes and readings between computer-based trending software and mobile devices (Android or iOS) and then via Bluetooth to and from the 9085-Ex.

“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 and saved in the route for later 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 9085-Ex 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.

Operating in environments with hazardous dust and gas poses significant risks, and these dangers are compounded when dealing with very high pressures. Industries such as oil and gas extraction, chemical processing, and pharmaceuticals often work under these extreme conditions, where even minor lapses can lead to catastrophic events. The key challenges in such settings include the risk of explosions, equipment failure, and maintaining accurate measurements under pressure fluctuations. The high pressure HP1000 transmitter from ESI Technology is designed to address these challenges, ensuring safe and reliable pressure measurement in hazardous environments.

1. Explosion Risk: High-pressure systems in environments with flammable gases or combustible dusts are particularly prone to explosions. A small leak or a failure in the pressure containment system can introduce high-pressure streams of gas or dust into the surrounding area, which can ignite upon contact with a spark or heat source.
2. Equipment Failure: High-pressure systems exert immense stress on equipment. Valves, seals, and pipes must withstand these pressures without deforming or failing. In hazardous environments, any failure can lead to the release of dangerous substances, creating a significant safety hazard.
3. Measurement Accuracy: Maintaining accurate pressure measurements at such high levels is challenging. Inaccurate readings can lead to improper handling of pressure systems, which may result in over-pressurization or under-pressurization, both of which pose safety risks.

Ensuring Safety with the 5000 bar HP1000 Pressure Transmitter

The HP1000 from ESI Technology is specifically designed to operate safely and reliably in these high-pressure hazardous environments. Several features make this device an ideal choice for such demanding applications:

1. Robust Construction: The HP1000 is built with high-strength materials that can withstand pressures up to 5000 bar. This robust construction ensures that the transmitter maintains its integrity even under extreme conditions, minimizing the risk of equipment failure.
2. ATEX and IECEx Certification: These certifications are critical for equipment used in hazardous environments. The HP1000's compliance with ATEX and IECEx standards means it has undergone rigorous testing to ensure it does not ignite explosive atmospheres, either through sparks or heat. This certification provides confidence that the device can be safely used in environments with explosive dust and gas.
3. Accurate and Reliable Measurements: The HP1000 offers precise pressure measurements, essential for maintaining safe operating conditions. Its advanced sensing technology ensures that even at extremely high pressures, the readings are accurate and reliable. This accuracy is crucial for operators to make informed decisions and maintain safe pressure levels.
4. Durability and Long Life: Designed for longevity, the HP1000 can endure the harsh conditions typical of hazardous environments. Its durability reduces the frequency of maintenance and replacements, which is particularly important in environments where equipment downtime can be dangerous and costly.
5. Integrated Safety Features: The HP1000 incorporates features that enhance its safety profile. These include overpressure protection, which prevents the transmitter from being damaged by unexpected pressure spikes.

The high-pressure HP1000 pressure transmitter from ESI Technology is an essential tool for industries operating in hazardous dust and gas environments. By combining robust construction, advanced safety certifications, precise measurement capabilities, and durable design, the HP1000 addresses the unique challenges posed by high-pressure operations in such settings. Its ability to provide reliable and accurate pressure readings while ensuring safety helps prevent accidents and maintain efficient and secure industrial processes.

www.esi-tec.com

Kerstar is excited to announce the launch of its new cutting-edge Continuous Duty vacuum cleaner range which have been engineered to meet the most demanding cleaning needs. This new range includes two models: the DGF Twin Venturi Wet or Dry and the ESS 5.2KW High Suction 400v 50l Type H.

The DGF Twin Venturi Wet or Dry is an air powered vacuum cleaner designed for both wet and dry applications, offering unmatched versatility and reliability. Complementing this, the ESS 5.2KW High Suction 400v 50l Type H is a three-phase electric vacuum cleaner that provides exceptional suction power, making it an ideal choice for heavy duty tasks. Both models are ATEX rated vacuum cleaners for continuous usage, designed to operate for extended periods, even 24/7 if necessary. There are options available for use in ATEX Gas Zones 1 & 2 and Dust Zones 21 & 22, ensuring safety and compliance in hazardous environments.

These vacuums are fully mobile, allowing them to be easily moved or used as static fixed units. Their design makes them perfect for extracting debris alongside production lines and cleaning hard-to-reach areas - significantly enhancing operational efficiency. Kerstar’s Continuous Duty vacuum cleaners boast three stages of filtration, achieving a filtration efficiency of 99.995%, which is made possible through the incorporation of an H14 HEPA filter.

“We are delighted to introduce these robust and versatile vacuum cleaners”, said Kerstar’s Industrial Vacuum Specialist, Brian Folland. “Our new range is specifically designed to meet the rigorous demands of continuous operation in challenging environments, offering our customers unparalleled performance and reliability.”

Find out more about Kerstar’s new Continuous Duty vacuum cleaners as well as the entire ATEX certified and Type H (suitable for use with hazardous dusts) vacuum cleaners’ range by visiting www.kerstar.com