News

In the dynamic world of cable gland manufacturing, where precision and efficiency are paramount, the significance of on-time delivery cannot be overstated. As an industry that plays a vital role in powering various sectors such as aerospace, energy and automation, timely delivery is not just a matter of convenience but a fundamental necessity for seamless operations and customer satisfaction.

In this demanding landscape, Peppers Cable Glands has established itself as a supply chain front-runner, consistently surpassing expectations with an impeccable on-time delivery record on the hundreds of orders going out every week. On-time delivery is crucial for maintaining project schedules, and when downtime translates into lost productivity and revenue, timely delivery of essential components like cable glands is essential to keep operations running smoothly.

Peppers' reputation for punctuality extends beyond just meeting deadlines; they often surpass expectations by delivering ahead of schedule and are renowned for their impressive ahead of time dispatch. This proactive approach not only minimises the risk of delays but also allows customers to accelerate their timelines, gaining a competitive edge in the market.

Beyond the immediate operational implications, on-time delivery also has broader implications for supply chain efficiency and competitiveness. In today's globalised marketplace, where companies operate within complex networks of suppliers and partners, the ability to deliver products reliably and punctually can be a significant differentiator.

In addition, on-time delivery is essential for meeting regulatory requirements and industry standards. In sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and energy, where safety and reliability are paramount, Peppers’ adheres to strict timelines to ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks and certification processes. Any delay in delivery could jeopardise the entire project or compromise the quality and safety of the end product.

On-time delivery is not just a logistical concern but a cornerstone of success in the cable gland manufacturing industry. By prioritising punctuality, Peppers enable their customers to maintain project schedules, build trust, optimise supply chain efficiency, and gain a competitive edge in the market.

As the world continues to evolve and demand for high-quality, reliable products grows, the importance of on-time delivery will only become more pronounced, with Peppers serving as the industry benchmark for service and delivery

www.peppers.co.uk

For many years emissions were an unavoidable consequence of industrial development. An increase in consciousness of environmental issues combined with subsequent legislation means that major Oil and Gas companies are under pressure to cut their greenhouse gas emissions and several have responded by setting reduction targets over the coming decades.

There are several ways in which operators can work towards emissions reductions and our focus is on the impact the use of various safety devices can have on this target.

The first point of consideration in this regard should be the safety valves in use. Valves are an obvious place to start as no valve is 100% leak-tight, and this decreases every time there is an activation and the valve re-seats. In the building of new plants, it is a fairly simple solution to specify within the design of the plant a valve with a lower leak rate. However, existing plants are looking at substantial investments to replace older designs with newer technologies. Not a viable economical solution in most cases.

While there have been significant increases in the capabilities of safety valves, they are still not the ideal product when considering future net zero targets. No safety valve is 100% leak-tight and they struggle to meet the exacting requirements of the legislators. An alternative solution is needed.

Although rupture discs have been around for many decades, they are often considered only as secondary relief. To be used where there is a possibility that the safety valve may fail. There is a lack of understanding amongst engineers in industry and a number of myths surrounding the use of rupture discs.

A rupture disc is a non-reclosing device and therefore must be completely replaced when there is an activation. Nuisance downtime leads many operators to associate rupture discs as being problematic whereas if a disc is rupturing frequently there is likely a problem with the process. It is still unrecognized by many operators that when the disc performs correctly it is not the problem, but the solution.

How can a rupture disc help to get improved performance from a safety valve? Rupture discs are 100% leak-tight. By installing a rupture disc in front of a safety valve you get double protection and a solution which can meet emission requirements. There is no more leakage through the safety valve in normal operation and where there is an over-pressure activation, the valve reseats to seal the process once the pressure is vented.

The belief that this arrangement adds more cost into a project has been proven to be false, in fact the opposite is the case. A correctly engineered rupture disc will help lower operating costs and increase the up-time for any plant.

In processes where there is a high concentration of corrosive media, increased temperatures and an operating pressure close to the safety valve set pressure, safety valves are pushed to their limits. Poor performance is common-place. High maintenance costs are needed to keep the valve as close to original specifications as possible, increased downtime to the production for routine valve servicing and/or repairs and higher manpower costs to cover the work scopes.

The solution of the safety valve manufacturers is a higher specification valve, more exotic materials with higher capex costs as well as increased cost of spares to maintain the valves. If you consider a typical petrochemical plant with several hundred safety valves the capital expenditure is significant.

Fig. 1: Rupture disc for isolating safety valves

A rupture disc fitted upstream of the safety valve completely isolates the valve from the process. This protects the safety valve from the process which in turn reduces maintenance requirements. There is also the possibility of reducing CAPAX costs by sourcing a rupture disc and holder in an exotic material and a standard safety valve. The costs of a discs and holder are usually significantly lower than having to source a high specification safety valve which is compatible with the process media.

The protection of safety valves with rupture discs has become increasingly more common in recent years across several industries. However, many operators miss the opportunity to fully protect the safety valve by also isolating the valve from potential corrosion issues on the outlet of the valve.

In many cases, the valve outlet is not a separate discharge line to but is connected to other parts of the plant via a manifold which allows process gases/vapor to enter the outlet of the valve. If there is a risk that the process media can damage the valve via the inlet, this is also the case downstream.

A rupture disc can also be used to isolate the safety valve outlet and prevent any contact with the process media. The rupture disc will also block any back pressure from entering the safety valve and remove those concerns during valve selection.

With burst sensors installed both upstream and downstream rupture discs can be monitored and connected back to the control room for system reporting across the plant, so operators know instantly which valves and discs are in a green or red state.

Another myth surrounding rupture discs is that they can leak. If the disc is to be installed as the primary safety device, that’s to say, without a safety valve behind it, this can be a concern for operators looking to reduce emissions. The majority of leakages via rupture discs are caused by corrosion or damage during installation by mishandling or incorrect torquing. Rupture Disc technology has improved significantly over the years to ensure that damages caused by corrosion or incorrect handling are all but eliminated.  Today’s modern rupture discs no longer use mechanical scoring techniques during manufacturing which can lead to works hardening and corrosion over time.  Advanced manufacturing technologies have resulted in robust rupture discs which are no longer sensitive to torque and virtually immune to damage during installation. Most spurious failures from rupture discs can be avoided by working together with the disc manufacturer to select the ideal rupture disc for the process conditions.

Overall, rupture discs can be used as a cost-effective and efficient way to create a leak-tight process and reduce emissions whether on their own or in combination with a safety valve.

Fig. 2: Ideal combination – safety valve and rupture disc

www.rembe.de

Combustible waste is a deadly hazard that impacts businesses across a wide range of verticals from bakeries to paper plants. Left unchecked; this waste material can cause combustible dust explosions, which can be devastating to both life and property. As such; the removal of this waste material is a must for building owners and cleaning teams.

Cleaning in these designated combustible zones - designated ATEX in the UK and Europe and Div.2 in the USA - requires specially certified cleaning equipment that has been approved for use in these areas.

SpaceVacs award winning ATEX high-level cleaning systems allow for the safe and cost-efficient removal of this waste material from the safety of the ground floor - removing all of the risks associated with cleaning at height. The systems utilise an interlocking pole system; accessorised with a range of cleaning accessories and brushes providing operators with options to easily remove dust and combustible waste across a range of areas - from walls and ceilings to vents, ducting and pipework.

By moving cleaning to the ground floor, these ‘high reach’ systems allow operators to clean up to 20m high without the need of additional access equipment; reducing the costs associated with these specialist cleans - as well as minimising the impact on the kind of high-volume production environments such as bakeries and woodsheds where this waste can often be found.

Manufactured in the UK, the ATEX cleaning system is made from 100% Carbon, making it completely conductive, and it was the first system of its kind anywhere in the world to be certified as safe for use in these specialist combustible environments.

In addition to these high-level cleaning systems, SpaceVac also offer a range of powerful industrial vacuums for the removal of combustible dusts - including the TITAN range of ATEX vacuums, the MERCURY line of ACD models (for removing combustible dust from non-combustible areas) and even specialist options for the removal of metal, pharmaceutical waste and other specialist materials. This family of new machines offer market leading filtration and suction as well as durable construction, to stand up to the rigours of cleaning in the industrial space.

In addition, the ATEX line can be further accessorised with a range of add-ons, including an ATEX certified wireless camera and monitoring system (the Explorer Extreme) which allows for real time monitoring of cleaning work, and even a set of brushes and tools specifically designed for use removing organic, combustible waste material from Food & Drink production environments.

After a decade at the forefront of cleaning innovation, SpaceVacs range of cleaning systems are trusted by some of the biggest companies in the world including Tesla, Nike, Facebook, Coca Cola, Harley Davidson and more…

To find out why, and to see the impact SpaceVac could have on your cleaning and facilities management regime - be sure to reach out to the team to book a free consultation today at spacevacinternational.com or call the team to discuss your requirements on +44 1604 968668

Isola, based in Notodden in the south of Norway, offers environmentally friendly products for the construction industry. The company manufactures insulation materials, roofing membranes, wind protection and sealing products. As the construction sector is responsible for around 40 percent of all CO2 emissions worldwide, there is great incentive to reduce harmful emissions with such building materials. However, efficient production is also an important lever in counteracting climate change.

Vacuum supply harbours potential for savings
At Isola the focus is on environmentally friendly production: for this goal, energy efficiency is an important factor that is prioritized in day-to-day production – for example in the vacuum supply. The Norwegians need a sustainable central vacuum system for processes such as extrusion, thermoforming and injection moulding. "And by choosing the right vacuum pumps, considerable savings potential can be realised in these processes," emphasises Ulf Strand, Factory Manager at Isola in Notodden.

Conversion to speed-controlled screw vacuum pumps
Until recently two Roots vacuum pumps formed the centrepiece of these rough vacuum applications. "However, the disadvantage of these roots pumps was their high energy consumption – up to 90 percent of the energy used was lost via the waste heat from the motor," reports Ulf Strand. This was reason enough for Isola to adapt the production process and switch the vacuum supply to two oil-sealed, speed-controlled screw vacuum pumps instead: The GHS 2002 VSD+ including HEX@TM control from Atlas Copco. A major advantage of the system for the applications mentioned is the energy recovery that the models have.

Controller enables intelligent resource management
"Since the changeover, the manufacturer has been able to recover three quarters of the heat loss via hot water by means of recuperation and utilise it productively in the process," summarises Roy Mikalsen, the responsible account manager at Atlas Copco. The pump's HEX@TM controller harbours further savings potential: this control system allows the speed to be precisely adjusted to the required vacuum level. And this is particularly useful in applications where the vacuum requirement varies greatly depending on the process and time of day. The bottom line is that there is no unnecessary vacuum performance and no more wasted energy, which significantly increases efficiency and effectiveness.

Smart functionalities via user interface
Other features are also advantageous for Isola: thanks to the Industry 4.0 capabilities of the GHS VSD+ series, the vacuum system status can be checked at any time via smartphones or PCs. In addition, users can start and stop the setup or adjust the setpoint as required via the configurable user interface. "This allows the vacuum pumps to be configured even more specifically and sustainably for the respective applications," summarises Roy Mikalsen. Other optional functions include intelligent scheduling, pump-down optimisation and leak detection.

Noise level 30 dB lower
The pioneering installation also fulfils modern ergonomic requirements and is 30 dB quieter than the old system. This effect is partly due to the absence of a fan. With the GHS VSD+ series, on the other hand, oil cooling ensures the optimum motor temperature across the entire speed range. "The noise level was a relevant criterion for us when making the decision because our production facility is located in a residential area," explains Factory Manager Ulf Strand. Overall, the new screw pump allows Isola to utilize important savings potential, ergonomic advantages and a variety of intelligent functions. Based on these vacuum solutions, the manufacturer can organize its operations sustainably in the future and thus contribute to environmentally friendly construction.

Atlas Copco GHS VSD+ vacuum pumps help Isola contribute to energy efficient building practices
YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDsQNey3sjw&t=5s

Novotech, the global full-service clinical Contract Research Organization (CRO) that partners with biotech companies to accelerate the development of advanced and novel therapeutics at every phase, has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with New Zealand Clinical Research (NZCR).

Novotech’s Senior Therapeutic Strategy Manager, Dr. Shawnna Barrett, and Senior Business Development Manager, Lainie Mulvanny, will announce the MOU at the 4th Annual Psychedelic Therapeutics and Drug Development Conference in Boston, MA, on May 23-24, 2024.

NZCR, which has 4 sites across New Zealand, is a leading early phase research center with a strong track-record conducting psychedelics studies.

Novotech has previously collaborated with NZCR on multiple psychedelic studies. This partnership further signals Novotech’s commitment to pioneering research in the field of psychedelic medicines.

For decades, Novotech has been establishing relationships with specialized clinical research sites worldwide, ensuring clients receive priority access to some of the most experienced sites and clinical teams.

The global market for psychedelic drugs, was estimated at US$5.50 Billion in 2023, and is projected to grow 13% from 2024 to 2030, with revenues anticipated to reach close to US$12.94 Billion.

Psychedelic drugs come in three main categories:

• dissociative pharmaceuticals like phencyclidine (PCP)
• empathogens like 3,4-Methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine (MDMA; ecstacy)
• serotonergic drugs such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)

The leading drugs being investigated in trials are psilocybin, LSD, ketamine hydrochloride, and mebufotenin.

A Novotech review of current research applications reveals that CNS disorders are the leading therapeutic area in global psychedelic drug trials, with primary indications including depression, anxiety disorders, pain, and substance abuse.

“This MOU signifies a further collaboration with NZCR to support Novotech’s psychedelic therapy biotech clients. With their extensive experience and expertise in conducting clinical trials, coupled with a passionate team of psychiatrists deeply invested in this area, NZCR is an ideal research partner for exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics. Together with NZCR, we aim to unlock new insights, drive meaningful progress, and ultimately, make a positive impact on patients' lives,” stated Dr. Barrett.

NZCR CEO, Dr. Christian Schwabe said, “NZCR has a close and long-standing relationship with Novotech, who we have successfully partnered with on previous psychedelic drug trials. We are excited about the opportunities this MOU brings as we continue to lead research in this therapeutic area.”

Novotech research has found that during the period from 2019 to 2023, nearly 75 psychedelic drug trials were initiated and remained ongoing. The trials are predominantly conducted in Europe and North America, accounting for 39% and 38% respectively. The Asia-Pacific region follows with 20%, while the Middle East, Africa, and South and Central America together hold 3% share.

The number of psychedelic drug trials had grown by more than fourfold from 2021 to 2023.

When analysing trials by phase the data shows Phase II dominates with 37 trials, followed by 11 trials each in Phase I and Phase III. Additionally, there were 4 trials in Phase I/II and 2 in Healthy Volunteers. The prominence of Phase II trials suggests a prime focus on assessing efficacy and dosing of psychedelic drugs in the period from 2019 to 2023.

NZCR was formed in 2020 through the merger of Auckland Clinical Studies (ACS) and Christchurch Clinical Studies Trust (CCST) and is New Zealand’s leading early phase clinical research provider. In 2023, NZCR acquired Optimal Clinical Trials, a late phase clinical trials operation, to form the NZCR Group. NZCR Group brings experience in over 850 trials involving over 20,000 participants.

With physician led, world class research sites and six units located in Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, and Hamilton, the NZCR Group conducts complex multi-phase clinical research in healthy participant and patient populations.

For more information or to speak to an expert team member visit www.Novotech-CRO.com

With over 20 employees, six offices, and 40 years of project execution experience, PES is the right partner for your most important investments. We are a privately-held, platform independent engineering, automation and information system provider poised to take on your challenges.  We’ve helped our partners execute some of their largest and most complex projects in their history, and we stand ready to help you as well.

People

While PES is a large organization with processes and procedures in place to ensure success, our customers count on us to be responsive and agile. We understand that projects can become high priority quickly and that priorities can change mid-stream. We strive to respond to your needs and be there to help you find the best possible solution to the challenges you face in each project.

Our people are what set us apart. We employ only the best and brightest in our industry, giving them the tools and techniques they need to apply their knowledge in the most efficient and effective way.

What can you expect? A consistent and reliable team to help you achieve your goals project after project. Our recruiting practices find and attract the best talent the industry has to offer, our core values and culture keep them engaged and empowered. You will always have a dedicated and knowledgeable team ready to put your needs in the forefront and meet your most demanding schedules.

Performance

When industrial manufacturers turn to PES for assistance, it’s because they need a trusted partner that brings the resources and knowledge to deliver a successful project. We have served a wide variety of industries (food and beverage, chemical, oil and gas, pharmaceutical, metals, glass, mining, automotive, and discrete manufacturing) for decades. Our industry teams will bring their knowledge and experience to your project to hit the ground running and ensure success.

Our customers also want to know that the time and money they are investing to build a relationship with us will be invested for the long run. PES has a 40 year history of providing top quality engineering services and more than 87% of our business is repeat engagements with satisfied customers. We focus on developing partnerships for the long term and look forward to adding you to the list of our partners.

Services 

• DSEAR Training
• DSEAR Risk Assessments
• Design and installation of electrical and mechanical services
• CompEx Inspections
• Testing
• Maintenance
• HAC Drawings
• Ventilation Systems
• Safety Shut Down Controls

www.pesme.co.uk

CHEMUK Expo records a 17% increase in visitors for the 2024 edition!

CHEMUK 2024 opened its doors on Wed 15^th & Thu 16^th May at the NEC in Birmingham to a record attendance of 4641 visitors (excluding exhibitor staff) over the two days, representing an increase of 17% from the 2023 edition. The total two-day attendance (visitors plus exhibitors) was 6677.

CHEMUK show founder, Ian Stone, sums up the positive response to this year's event: “Standing in the hall mid-morning on the first day was electric! So much volume and energy in the hall with our biggest concentrated audience ever, from literally every corner of the sector.”

“I think the seniority of attending technical, scientific, supply chain, and business visitors rocketed to a whole new level this year, one visitor badge after the next from the biggest names across the sector.”

Minister Alan Mak represents the UK Government at CHEMUK 2024

Visitors to CHEMUK were invited to an exclusive pre-recorded address by Minister Mak, Minister for Industry and Economic Security at the Department for Business and Trade, and Minister for the Investment Security Unit at the Cabinet Office.

The address was supported by a comprehensive UK Government footprint at the show, with several government departments exhibiting this year, including the Department for Business and Trade, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Health and Safety Executive, the Home Office, and the Department for Energy Security and NetZero.

CHEMUK Group of Events

CHEMUK redefined itself this year with the introduction of several sub-brands: the Chemical & Process Engineering Show, the Chemicals Supply Show, the Chemicals Management Show, and the Chemical Laboratory Show. The organising team was delighted to see not only an increase in the number of visitors but also an increase in the quality of visitors, which they largely attribute to the introduction of these more focused show zones.

Ian Stone commented on the new brands, “The introduction of individual sub-branded shows underneath the 'single destination’ CHEMUK24 brand has been a great success and allowed attendee groups to lock onto their primary focus area, whether as a process engineer, analytical chemist, hazardous transportation manager, and so on, whilst still benefiting from the serendipitous opportunities, intelligence, and connections drawn from the other branded show streams.”

The CHEMUK 2024 Conference covers the big issues

Reflecting on the enormous CHEMUK 2024 speaker programme, Ian Stone comments, “CHEMUK24 was our most comprehensive conference programme to date and certainly our best attended, with standing room only at so many of the keynotes and panel programmes.

The ‘drop-in’ nature of the CHEMUK conference stages carries so much appeal, giving instant access to senior figures, expertise, technology, innovation, and the most topical and lively debates around the BIG issues affecting and influencing the sector, whether Sustainability, UKREACH, Decarbonisation, Future Skills, Digitalisation, Bio-based Transition, Scale-Up and so much more.”

“It's pretty much a ‘freeze frame’ of where the industry is each year and is invaluable in intelligence gathering, empowering all important directional and investment decisions.”

CHEMUK 2024 Partner support continues to underpin CHEMUK's growth

The 2024 show welcomed several key new partners to the show this year who brought invaluable content and member groups to the show. The new partnering organisations included the British Plastics Federation, IMechE, ScotCHEM, CICA (Chemical & Industrial Consultants), and the CHCS (Chemical Hazards Communication Society).

The show’s success was underpinned by the continued support and input provided by their longstanding partner network, comprising the CBA, BCA, BASA, BVAA, BPMA, BioVale, BCMPA, BADGP, CPI, CCUK, IBioIC, GAMBICA, NEPIC, SIA, InnovateUK KTN, Chemicals Northwest, UKLA, and the UK & Ireland Spill Association, to name a few.

Stone commented on the importance of CHEMUK’s partner network, ‘The importance of our partnerships across the industry cannot be overstated, and from professional bodies such as RSC and IChemE through to the wealth of invaluable trade, technical, industry, and innovation bodies that support the event and, in most cases, are active on the show floor or contribute to the high-quality content and session development in the conference, I think all partnering bodies and institutions place great value on disseminating their key roles, priority agendas, and outputs to a truly sector-wide audience annually through the CHEMUK experience.

RSC as CHEMUK 2024

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) was again at the centre of CHEMUK, with a packed two-day programme including an RSC Team stand, an RSC Careers Clinic, an RSC Panel Discussion focusing on the importance of a positive science culture, an exclusive keynote from current RSC President, Professor Gill Reid, and a dedicated RSC member’s reception.

IChemE at CHEMUK 2024

The IChemE brought together a fantastic programme of content that included two keynote addresses by current President and CEO, Nigel Hirst, and Yvonne Baker OBE. In addition, visitors were invited to a feature panel discussion around sustainable production.

The Chemical Business Association’s ‘Chemical Supply Chain in Action’ feature zone is a massive hit

The Chemical Business Association team pulled out all the stops to present their 2024 feature zone, which represented some of the key support services and mechanics of the UK chemicals supply chain. The feature zone included DHL’s Box Stacker VR game, Road Haulage Association HGV Drive Simulator, Brenntag Fleet Stainless Steel Tanker Exhibit, CBA Live People & Skills Hub, Meet Your Industry Stakeholders: Dft and Police (CDGFP), CBA Sustainability Hub, and DGSA Discussion with Sukhpal Randeva, DFT.

This was all in addition to the CBA’s keynote address by CEO Tim Doggett and two panels entitled, ‘Transitioning into the Digitally-Enabled Age" How equipped is your Chemical Supply Chain?’, and ‘Achieving & Demonstrating Sustainability in the Chemical Supply Chain’.

CHEMUK 2025: Looking ahead

In 2025, CHEMUK will introduce ‘The Formulated Product Manufacturer Show’. Ian Stone talked through his vision for 2025, ‘CHEMUK is all about providing a single destination where all strands of the chemical industries converge through its individual show stream brands, and 2025 sees the introduction of a brand new ‘5th stream’ with the “Formulated Product Manufacturer” show. 

Aimed squarely at the downstream consumer and industrial formulated product industries, from cleaning and disinfecting products to car care, from personal care and cosmetics to adhesives and sealants, coatings and paints, lubricants, oils and fluids, plastic compounds, etc., the list goes on.

For brand owners, large and small, formulators, contract and toll manufacturers, packaging, dispensing, and aerosol solutions, and all businesses involved in the business of formulating, producing, fulfilling, and packaging formulated chemical products, this will provide an intensive supply chain showcase supported with dedicated panel discussions and expert insight into the BIG issues shaping and influencing these downstream ‘to the shelf’ sectors.’

• Dates for Diary: CHEMUK 2025 (NEC, Birmingham) Wed 21^st & Thu 22^nd May 2025.

www.chemicalukexpo.com

With the Pad-Ex® 01 P12, Pepperl+Fuchs is launching a new tablet for professional use in hazardous areas in Zone 2/22, Division 2. The tablet is equipped with the Windows 11 Pro 64-bit operating system, thus offering maximum efficiency for demanding tasks and impressing with numerous other advantages: it has an ultra-thin and lightweight housing with a widescreen display and is nevertheless exceptionally robust. Thanks to its compact and lightweight design, the device is ideal for outdoor use.

The Pad-Ex® 01 P12 is the first explosion-proof tablet to support powerful application due to the 12th generation Intel Core i5 processors based on the Intel Alder Lake platform, enabling a particularly high level of performance. The tablet works significantly faster than previous models with 8th generation processors. The model is also equipped with modern Intel Iris Xe graphics. This provides sufficient computing power to process large amounts of data, images, and video feeds in real time.

Capacitive 11.6-inch FHD display for crystal-clear, high-resolution images

The Pad-Ex® 01 P12 is certified to protection class IP64, thereby protected against the ingress of dust and splash water on all sides. It also offers a very long battery life of up to 14 hours, which ensures uninterrupted, parallel operation of multiple applications with minimal risk of failure. In addition, the tablet features a capacitive 11.6-inch FHD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and DynaVue technology. Thanks to a brightness of up to 1,000 cd/m², the display offers exceptional readability even in direct sunlight. In addition, the model offers four modern touch modes – glove, pen, water, and finger – so that it is optimized for both indoor and outdoor applications and allows maximum accuracy in any environment.

In addition, the Pad-Ex® 01 P12 is characterized by maximum flexibility: The tablet has an optional desktop docking interface, so it can be quickly and easily transformed into a PC and seamlessly integrated into office and corporate networks. State-of-the-art technologies such as Thunderbolt 4, Intel Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 transfer data at extremely high speeds. The Pad-Ex® 01 P12 can optionally be equipped with an extremely slim and powerful 2D barcode scanner from Honeywell. Another decisive advantage: with the Pad-Ex® 01 P12, customers receive an integrated complete solution from a single source. The Pepperl+Fuchs brand ECOM Instruments provides all hardware and software components, digital services and associated services in-house. In addition, thanks to an extensive network of local Pepperl+Fuchs contacts, user companies benefit from fast, direct and competent support at all times – worldwide.

Tablet for use in particularly harsh and hazardous environments

The Pad-Ex® 01 P12 meets the demanding requirements of mobile workers who rely on robust technologies that are ATEX/IECEx-certified and can therefore be used in explosion-protected areas. This allows to streamline workflows and improve productivity in even the harshest environments. The tablet uses the latest technologies so that users in potentially explosive atmospheres can easily master the constantly changing requirements of everyday work. The Pad-Ex® 01 P12 is ideal for use in highly demanding sectors such as warehousing, field service and logistics. The tablet is predestined for use in particularly hazardous areas and sectors such as hydrogen production, the chemical, oil and gas industries and for the mobile management of large-scale facilities, including inspection, maintenance and operation.

“With the Pad-Ex® 01 P12, we are providing the world's first fully ruggedized 11.6-inch ATEX/IECEx tablet with a 12th generation Intel processor. It is characterized by its slim and compact design for the modern mobile workforce. The combination of durability, outstanding performance and a large display makes the device an ideal complement to desktop PCs, laptops or wall-mounted displays and can even replace them completely. This makes the Pad-Ex® 01 P12 a solid, reliable, and indispensable companion for mobile, computer-supported work in hazardous areas,” explains Joerg Hartleb, Head of Product Management at Pepperl+Fuchs subsidiary ECOM Instruments. 

www.pepperl-fuchs.com

uvex, the leading manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE), is delighted to announce that the uvex Training Academy has been awarded the prestigious BSIF Safety Solution Award. The accolade, which was delivered at a gala awards ceremony held at the Vox in Resorts World, NEC Birmingham on 1 May 2024, recognises uvex's commitment to safety and education, exemplified through its innovative training programme.

Through comprehensive technical information and education, the uvex Training Academy equips users and distributors with the knowledge to make informed choices when selecting or supplying PPE. In a business climate marked by intense competition and constant change, well-trained employees and safe workplaces are paramount.

"At uvex, we believe that wearing the right PPE is not just a choice but a responsibility," says Carl Dwyer, uvex UK Director of Sales. "The PPE industry faces a critical challenge: misselling of low-quality products and a lack of awareness around proper PPE selection can leave workers inadequately protected, at risk of serious injuries. At uvex, we are committed to raising safety standards across the board. That's why we developed our award-winning uvex Training Academy. By equipping distribution partners and customers with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about PPE, we can work together to eliminate these issues.” 

The academy's certified modular training programme, developed in collaboration with external specialists, offers three stages of learning. Participants undergo self-assessment, engage in bespoke training courses tailored to their needs, and receive refresh sessions and assessments. The programme covers various PPE categories, including hand protection, safety eyewear, hearing protection, and safety footwear.

To date, the academy has delivered hand and eye protection modules to individuals within uvex's distributor network, with the roll-out its hearing and footwear modules in 2024. Initial feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants praising the programme's effectiveness and relevance.

"The uvex Training Academy fills a critical knowledge gap in the industry," says Carl Dwyer. "By providing objective information and promoting a culture of safety, we aim to empower users to choose the right equipment for the job through our in-depth training programs. This collaborative effort drives positive change within the industry, ensuring a safer work environment for everyone and creating a future where workers return home safe. It's only with a change of behaviour through increased awareness that today's workforce can achieve this, and the uvex Training Academy ensures everyone in the PPE supply chain takes full responsibility to make it happen."

Among the benefits of the academy are improved product selection, increased confidence in PPE, and enhanced compliance with safety standards. By educating stakeholders at every touchpoint in the supply chain, uvex endeavours to foster a safer working environment and reduce accidents.

Carl concludes: "As we celebrate this achievement, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting safety and well-being in the workplace and raising the culture of PPE from being provided as a tick-box exercise to being a valued part of staff wellbeing.”

uvex was also delighted to be recognised for its commitment to sustainability with a Commended award in the Sustainable Company of the Year category.

For more information about the uvex Training Academy, visit: https://www.uvex-safety.co.uk/en/knowledge/uvex-academy/about-us/ 

A standalone detector approved for Zone 1 & 2 (Gas) and Zone 21 & 22 (Dust) environments that offers dual gas detecting capabilities in one compact housing. When it comes to keeping you and your personnel safe, the TOC-903-X5 brings a variety of useful new tools to the table, none more important than its dual-gas detection capabilities.

When operating in a dangerous and potentially explosive environment there’s a good chance that you’ll encounter more than one hazardous gas. Our TOC-903-X5 provides you with the capacity to attach two of our Plug-and-Play smart sensors to monitor two different gases in the same space from one unit, simplifying the process and cutting costs.

Dual-gas detection is just one of the reasons that we’ve come to call the TOC-903-X5 “The World’s Most Versatile Gas Detector Transmitter”. Versatility is what sets the TOC-903-X5 apart from other ATEX gas detectors. It’s the best option for a vast range of use cases and the multitude of potential installation options enables it to shine in almost any role and environment. Each of our huge range of sensors presents the opportunity for a different bespoke setup but, broadly speaking, there are five ways that the TOC-903-X5 can fit into your system and provide the solutions you need:

1. If you only require accurate, reliable detection for a single gas and you already have a system installed, then the standalone TOC-903-X5 and any one of our compatible plug-and-play sensors is all you will need
2. Adding one more sensor allows you to take advantage of the dual sensor capabilities by testing for two different gases from one point.
3. You can directly attach a sensor to the unit whilst running a remote sensor at another point. This is the easiest way of testing for two different gases residing at different levels.
4. ATEX environments often require gas monitoring in places that would present serious dangers to personnel, like the inside of an electrolyser. When combined with any remote sensors from our TOC range, the TOC-903-X5 can be placed in a safe area and used as a transmitter for the additional TOC ATEX Gas Detectors. This enables you to remotely monitor two different gases at a distance of up to 1km from the source.
5. The addition of IGD’s Sentinel+^TM 2-Wire addressable system introduces a huge range of potential set-up options. It also equips you with comprehensive digital monitoring, At-a-Glance status readings, digital readings, and simple calibration through the onboard Wi-Fi. Integrating our 2-Wire Addressable solution is the best option if you require multiple points of gas detection.

When you add our magnetic wand-enabled, one-person, non-intrusive calibration to the mix, you’re left with one powerful, complete solution to almost any imaginable ATEX gas detection requirement.

Get in touch today to find out how our century of expertise and innovation and our 10-year electronics warranty can offer you and your personnel, ultimate protection against diverse gas risks.

www.internationalgasdetectors.com