News

Reuters Events has officially launched their latest webinar on digital strategy in oil & gas taking place on March 8^th, 10am CST: Leverage Data to Scale Digital Transformation. Lead by changemaking senior executives from Shell, ExxonMobil, Bain, Northeast Natural Energy and Dataiku the webinar will accelerate the discussion around upstream digital transformation, uncovering key learnings around data management and data-driven enterprise projects.

Sign up for free to access full details and speaker line-up here

Reuters Events: Leverage Data to Scale Digital Transformation will feature industry-disrupting insights by digital leaders from across the upstream landscape. Participants will gain access to strategic learnings from Shell’s Vice President Subsurface Data & Digital, Paul Zeppenfeldt, ExxonMobil’s Manager of Upstream Digital & Data, Patrick Dunn, Bain & Company’s Expert Partner - Digital Transformation, Jim Claunch, Northeast Natural Energy LLC’s VP Geoscience & Innovation, BJ Carney and Dataiku’s Principal Solutions Engineer, Catalina Herrera.

“The U.S. oil & gas industry generated record profits in 2022 so all eyes are on operators and their strategies for 2023. How will they maximize this opportunity to ensure short term supply while progressing within the energy transition in the long term? Investing in the right data-driven solutions and strategies is a vital part of that journey” said Lee Cibis, Global Project Director at Reuters Events.

“Reuters Events’ webinar Leverage Data to Scale Digital Transformation will address this industry challenge by providing participants with the opportunity to learn, ask pressing questions and contribute to the conversation shaping the future of their business and the industry”.

The webinar will explore:

• Why data management is the key to successful digital transformation and how to leverage it to improve your bottom line
• How to create and refine a data-driven digital strategy to lower OPEX and deliver long-term results
• Real-life examples from industry leaders to overcome common data challenges and get ahead of the digitalization curve

Reuters Events: Leverage Data to Scale Digital Transformation (March 8^th at 10am CST) is produced in conjunction with the in-person conference Data Driven Oil & Gas USA 2023 which will take place on June 20-21^st in Houston, Texas, uniting 400+ visionary upstream changemakers and cutting-edge digital experts sharing business-critical strategies to maximize production, unlock innovation and overcome key industry challenges. For more information visit: https://events.reutersevents.com/oilandgas/data-driven-usa

What’s in store for research and development around the world? From super-apps, through psychedelic medicines, to metaverse and sustainable technology, 2023 has something for everyone. Here, tax incentive and innovation management advisers, ABGi take a look…

Super-apps

Super-app is a mobile or web application that allows for integration of multiple online services within one digital ecosystem. The term super-app was first used to describe WeChat, the hugely popular Chinese all-encompassing mobile application. Think of it as a Swiss knife with a range of built in smaller tools (mini-apps) that you can use and customise for different tasks.

2023 will see an increased interest in super-app solutions among developers and end users. This is expected in particular in the ‘west’, where there’s still no equivalent to the Chinese pioneering app. Walmart is reportedly developing a super-app for its workforce in order to create a single, streamlined experience for its employees and managers by replacing multiple vendor-supplier applications. For better or worse, Elon Musk has recently announced plans for his own super-app. It is likely that “‘X’, the everything app”, will have something to do with his acquisition of Twitter.

Psychedelic Medicines

Mental health issues are increasingly prevalent in contemporary societies and conventional medicine appear to have reached its limits in addressing them. The coming year could see a revolution in pharmaceutical industry through engagement with drugs long associated with hippy and party cultures. MDMA, Ketamine and Magic Mushrooms are currently in final stages of testing trials to treat various mental health conditions.

It is hoped that MDMA could be used in treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. Ketamine is being tested to treat addiction related illnesses such as alcoholism. Finally, an active component of Magic Mushrooms – psilocybin – could be used for treatment-resistant cases of depression. Many researchers are hoping that 2023 will see first psychedelic-assisted therapies approved by regulatory bodies in the USA and the UK. It is likely that in the near future currently illegal substances might be prescribed to you by a doctor.

Metaverse

While it might have been recently popularised by Mark Zuckerberg, metaverse is much more than Facebook’s attempt to remain relevant. In a nutshell, metaverse allows people to replicate or even enhance their physical activities in a virtual reality world facilitated by headsets and smart glasses. The technology has been simmering under the global tech surface for a while but many industry specialists predict this year will be pivotal for both the users and developers. As the technology is increasingly becoming part of the public consciousness, we will be seeing more people joining in the fun with big brands hoping to start capitalising on their initial investments in various metaverses. 2023 will also see many smaller and mid-size businesses flocking to the virtual world to start new ventures and services.

Sustainable Technology

Driven by climate emergency and the war in Ukraine, the shift towards green and renewable solutions will only accelerate in 2023. Sustainable technology is a framework for digital solutions that can enable environmental, social and governance outcomes for businesses and customers. The framework adheres to circular economy principles by considering the environmental impacts throughout the entire life span of each product. It is expected that sustainable technology will not only incorporate well-established products but also create new avenues for tech development. In doing so the framework will also provide products and services that enable customers to meet their own sustainability goals.

6-inch smartphone with extensive feature set was developed for mission critical communications and industrial environments

Lauda-Koenigshofen, March 1, 2023 - RugGear, one of the leading developers and manufacturers of rugged mobile devices for professional use, is expanding its product portfolio with a 5G smartphone: equipped with the powerful 8-core Qualcomm® QCM6490 processor from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., the Android 12 device offers users the ideal basis for smooth mission-critical push-to-talk and -video communication. A clear 6-inch FHD display, 48 MP main camera, 103 dB amplified speaker, 4400 mAh removable battery, WIFI 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC and 16-pin interface for secure peripheral connection complete the feature set. The RG540 supports the new CBRS frequency spectrum for private LTE networks. Especially in the field of public safety and crisis management, process/manufacturing industry and in the logistics sector, the smartphone with 5G technology enables the highest transmission speeds for the most demanding applications.

5G technology and advanced hardware components guarantee secure and fast communication

RugGear's German R&D team designed the RG540 with the most important components for the target customer group in mind: Usability, security, compatibility, and extreme performance. A rugged and modern mobile device, the RG540 is designed to meet the most demanding requirements in the rescue, fire, police and military, public safety, industrial, maintenance and transport sectors. The RG540 fully complies with the 5G standard, which supports high-speed (near real-time) data transmission for networking and communication in industrial environments such as M2M, M2P and P2P, maintenance, remote monitoring and process optimisation. The 5G smartphone can also be used in company-internal campus networks (stand-alone networks) and constitutes the basis for highly digitalised applications in automation such as remote maintenance, IIOT and augmented reality, i.e., everywhere where voice or video communication and data exchange with minimal latency is required. Other application scenarios include control/monitoring of mobile robots, tracking of autonomous campus drives and platooning (automated convoy transport on factory sites), location and asset tracking.

The RG540 meets the highest demands for security and network coverage. Thanks to the powerful chipset and Android 12, data can be transmitted and processed quickly. WLAN network use is optimised by DUAL APN capability (2.4 GHz / 5 GHz) and seamless Wi-Fi roaming. The RG540 is compatible with 3GPP Release 15 and supports MCPTX. MCPTX stands for Mission Critical Push-to-Talk (MCPTT) and Mission Critical Push-to-Video (MCPTV), which provides secure, low-latency and uninterrupted team communications. Professional PTT accessories such as a PTT headset and RSM can be securely connected to the device via the 16-pin interface. A programmable red SOS button can be used for emergency call or lone worker protection through supported applications from RugGear partners. The powerful 103 dB front speaker is designed for loud scenarios. The RG540 is equipped with a replaceable 4000 mAh lithium battery, measures 180 x 84.5 x 19.5 mm, and weighs 420 g. A desktop charger and belt clip are available as additional accessories.

The RG540 will be available from the end of April 2023. 

For more information and technical details, click here.

Press images for download are available here.

TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS

• Qualcomm QCM6490 8-core processor, 2.7 GHz, 3GPP Release 15, QCI: 1-9, 65, 66, 67, 69, 70
• 6-inch Full HD 1080 x 2160 pixel display with Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3
• 48 MP rear camera PDAF, 5 MP front camera FF
• Android 12
• Dual-band WIFI 6 (2.4 / 5 GHz)
• Amplified speaker with 103 dB
• Wide frequency bands
• 4400 mAh battery (replaceable)
• 16-pin interface for PTT headset / RSM and other accessories
• Large, programmable side button (e.g. for PoC / PTT)
• Programmable red button (e.g. for lone worker protection / SOS via third-party app)

About RugGear®

RugGear® is a leading international developer and manufacturer of rugged mobile phones, smartphones and tablets designed for professional use in extreme safety and working conditions, especially in the Mission Critical area. The mobile devices are developed and designed by specialists in Germany (Lauda-Koenigshofen), where RugGear GmbH is also based. RugGear's high-end devices support all types of mobile voice and data communication, LTE/private LTE, Google Chrome Enterprise, eMBMS (evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service) and especially the Mission Critical application Push-to-Talk-over-Cellular (POC or PTToC), which is increasingly replacing traditional PTT solutions such as TETRA in Europe or iDEN in the USA and other regions of the world. RugGear's mobile devices are suitable for a wide range of industrial and outdoor applications and meet the most important standards (IP67/68/69, MIL-STD-810G/H, waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, etc.). RugGear was founded in 2006 by the president of the company Maverick Chen and is present in Europe, USA, Middle East, Australia and Asia. Since early 2020, Maverick Chen has further intensified the existing partnership with Martin Haaf, CEO of the German company i.safe MOBILE from Lauda-Koenigshofen. Together, the two manufacturers thus cover the three most important areas of application for the professional use of mobile devices in a leading global position: 

• Mobile device providers for PTT (push-to-talk)/POC (push-to-talk-over-cellular) and mission critical applications
• Provider of complete solutions, for example for MDM (Mobile Device Management), PTT, MCPTT and POC (in cooperation with software partners)
• Mobile device supplier for hazardous areas of zones 1/21 and 2/22 (intrinsically safe devices).

RugGear cooperates globally with leading mobile equipment suppliers and operators as well as solution and integration providers to provide industrial customers with tailor-made solutions from a single source.

For more information on RugGear®, please click here:

RugGear® on the net: www.ruggear.com
RugGear® on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ruggearglobal/

RugGear® on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RugGear

RugGear® on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/youtube-ruggear

SICK has launched an industry-first safety light curtain system for Smart Box Detection, designed to enable the continuous safe material flow of cartons or cuboid goods at the entry or exit points of protected areas, while safeguarding people from dangerous materials-handling, conveying or packaging machinery.

The SICK Smart Box Detection system is a plug-and-play automation solution for the SICK deTec4 Safety Light Curtain. It uses intelligent pattern recognition to detect cuboid objects, and even some cylindrical goods that produce a cuboid-shaped silhouette, and differentiate them from people. Unnecessary stoppages are therefore avoided, for example at the in- and outfeeds of packaging machinery, or close to loading and unloading machinery in intralogistics facilities. The protected area above the material remains safeguarded by the light curtain at all times.

No Muting Sensors or Tunnels

The SICK deTec4 Smart Box Detection is the first safety system of its kind to facilitate safe material flow without having to receive signals from an external machine controller. It removes the need to use muting sensors, which take up space, require maintenance and can be easily knocked or damaged.

The SICK deTEC4 Smart Box Detection system can also replace the tunnel guards that are frequently used to provide protection at the openings of machines. As a result, the maximum distance to the hazard can be reduced by more than half.

The SICK Smart Box Detection system is quick and easy to configure using dip switches integrated into the SP2 system plug, so there is no requirement to use a laptop or software. There’s also no need for any additional teach-in, programming, mounting or wiring. Each system can be configured to meet the needs of the application, and if objects of different heights and lengths are being detected, for example on a conveyor, there is no need to teach them in or to adjust the configuration of the safety solution.

Productivity Gains

Martin Kidman, SICK UK’s Market Product Manager for Safety Solutions, commented: “Installing a SICK Smart Box Detection system can improve productivity significantly. This will be welcomed both by machine builders and end users in a wide range of industrial and logistics facilities e.g. in goods inward areas where top- and sideloaders are in operation; or in secondary packaging lines, or on the outfeed of rejected boxes.

“There are also both cost- and space-saving benefits from installing Smart Box Detection. Machine designers can build new machinery in a smaller footprint, while production teams can remove tunnels, or eliminate the need to keep an inventory of muting sensors, for example.”

“Using SICK’s innovative deTec4 safety light curtain means boxes can also be measured, if needed, without additional sensors by transmitting beam data over IO-Link. The user could then combine with speed data to calculate volume. Diagnostic information accessed via either Near Field Communications or IO-Link makes it easier for operators to investigate machine stoppages in real time, as well as making informed service decisions for predictive machine maintenance.”

The SICK deTec4 Prime offers protective field heights in increments from 300mm to 2100mm and a choice of finger (14mm) or hand (30mm) resolution providing protection against operator intervention in accordance with ISO 13855 in applications covering up to 21 metres. It is a Type 4 device (IEC 61496), enabling compliance in applications with requirements up to PLe (ISO 13849) and SIL 3 (IEC 62061).

www.sick.co.uk

This article can alos be found in the issue below.

Figure 1: André van der Graaf, Product Manager, Perspect Benelux, outside the new SuperWrapII Training Centre

Belzona, global manufacturer of polymeric repair and protection materials, has opened its fifth SuperWrap II Training Centre on the European continent in partnership withits Dutch Distributor, Perspect Benelux.

Belzona SuperWrap II is a composite pipe and tank repair system, primarily used on damaged pipes and tank walls for a fast return-to-service. The system comprises of a fluid-grade epoxy resin, a reinforcement sheet based on fibre glass and carbon fibre, and a release film to consolidate repairs.

The pipe repair kit is available in three enhanced resins for application at different service temperatures, meaning that the solution can withstand temperatures between -60°C (-76 °F) and 150°C (302°F) once cured.

André van der Graaf, Product Manager at Perspect Benelux,responsible for training at the facility, said: “After an intensive course at Belzona’s training facility in Harrogate, I’m glad to share my knowledge on how to apply the Belzona SuperWrap II system as a fully certified trainer. We are working very hard to optimise our facility in Dordrecht, Netherlands, to receive interested parties on how to apply Belzona SuperWrap II incertified conditions.”

Perspect Benelux has obtained a wealth of experience inproviding for its customers in areas such as pipe repair and tank linings. The opening of the new certified Belzona SuperWrap II Training Centre will enable the Company to share its expertise with project leaders and maintenance colleagues.

In addition to the new centre in the Netherlands, SuperWrap II Supervisor and Installer Training is available in the European region at Beltech Solutions AS (Norway), Alliatech (France), Rodator (Spain) and B.S. Italia (Italy). An extensive range of courses is also offered at Belzona’s Corporate Headquarters in Harrogate (UK), Miami (USA), Ontario (Canada), Chonburi (Thailand) and Nanjing (China), ensuring consistently highapplication standards for Belzona solutions across the globe.

Meanwhile, Belzona recently opened its first training facility on African soil at AESSEAL, South Africa, ensuring that its Contractors can access a first class standard of training no matter where they are based.

Ian Wade, Belzona’s Technical Services Manager, said: “The opening of Belzona’s SuperWrap II Training Centres, which are an extension of Belzona Corporate training, will help ensure that Installer and Supervisor training is available in the region to ultimately grow the Belzona SuperWrap II systemwhile offering high end training and technical support.”

Since 2021, training standards are upheld by the Belzona Corporate SuperWrap II Trainer Committee which audits trainers and facilities, as well as internal staff, every two years to renew their SuperWrap accreditations.

All SuperWrap training is also carried out in line with ISO 24817 and ASME PCC-2, ensuring that applications are taught to industry recognised engineering standards, while the courses can be delivered in either English or the respective native language of each Centre to maximise accessibility.

Belzona’s Application and Training Programme promotes safe and successful applications of its products, building on over 70 years of experience by minimising failures and continuing to demonstrate innovation and expertise in industrial polymeric coatings.

For more information about Belzona’s Application and Training Programme, please click here: https://www.belzona.com/en/about/training.aspx

In the safety game, we all know too well that the safest equipment is the one your team is willing to wear.   Despite hard hats being a critical component of keeping your employees safe from harm, a recent survey we commissioned unveiled that nearly 50 per cent of workers “don’t ever” or “rarely” wore a hard hat.  Just 17 per cent of respondents said that the wear a hard hat most of the time.  

When asked what put people off from wearing a hard hat:

Taking the lead in changing behaviour

It should come as little surprise, given these issues cited, that many workers end up running the risk of not wearing a hard hat. 

Uncomfortable, bulky and ill-fitting helmets hinder a worker’s ability to do their job properly, and contributes to them spending more time worrying about their hard hat than the job at hand – which is dangerous in its own right.  

It’s the responsibility of the safety industry to change this behaviour.  While, of course, hard hats need to be safe, they also need to be comfortable and well-fitting so that people actually want to wear them.

Taking pride in your appearance

Providing workers with a helmet they can be proud of is so important.  When a manager provides a workforce with a quality hard hat, that has a low-profile and modern design, it represents a certain level of investment in them and their safety.  

Heads come in all shapes and sizes, and workers need the ability to re-size hard hats to a secure and comfortable fit.  While, customising hard hats with company logos and messaging can also help to foster a sense of pride and belonging to a team.  

Here at MSA, we understand that hard hat comfort and fit aren’t nice-to-haves, but essential to safe site operation.  That’s because we’ve been protecting lives for over 100 years. 

MSA Safety is the designer, manufacturer and supplier of industry-leading safety products – including its iconic V-Gard® head protection range, used by millions of workers in the toughest environments.  

Our team is here to help make purchasing high quality, customised hard hats, quick and hassle-free.  And, if you’re using a safety helmet from another brand, for a limited time we are offering a free front logo if you make the switch to us. 

Visitmsasafety.com/customhardhatsto experience the benefits of hard-hat customisation for yourself.

Network Rail Approval for Enerpac Lightweight Rail Stressing Kit

Easy modular construction and environmentally safer than existing stressing systems

The Enerpac RP70A lightweight rail stressing kit for railway maintenance crews that is easier to transport and assemble and up to three times lighter than similar tools, is now Network Rail approved. The RP-70A hydraulic rail stressor and Enerpac ZC3-Series battery powered stressing pump provide a cordless, zero emission, rail stressor kit for rail track thermite welding.

Traditional fully assembled rail pullers are too heavy for operators to comfortably transport and deploy safely and quickly. The RP70A stressor uses modular components that can be assembled and installed on site without the need for tools, making preparation for rail stressing easier and safer. Assembly typically takes less than 2 minutes.

National Rail Registration

Registered with UK National Rail under Certificate of Acceptance PA05/06958, the Enerpac rail stressing kit is designed for railway maintenance crews who assemble and install the rail puller directly on site when adjusting the gap between rail ends for rail stressing, rail welding, repairing rail failures and servicing insulators. The durable, easy-to-assemble components, where each component is either a one or two man lift, including ZC3-Series pump and hose set, are up to three times lighter than similar tools. The complete kit can be transported in an optional specially designed steel transport frame.

The Enerpac RP70A stressor has a 70-ton pulling and 35-ton pushing capacity while holding the rail in neutral length during the thermite welding process. It uses aluminium, double-acting hydraulic cylinders enclosed within steel sleeves to protect the cylinder rods from damage, particularly weld splatter. For ease of handling and lifting, the RP70A includes certified lifting eyes.

The stressor is interchangeable with a range of powerpacks and is compatible with the cordless Enerpac ZC3-Series battery powered pump for a complete clean energy solution. This is especially useful when conducting rail stressing in tunnels and other enclosed spaces.

“For rail maintenance engineers faced with track that’s inaccessible without the cost and delay of using a crane to install a fully assembled rail puller, the Enerpac RP70A is the perfect solution,” says Patrick Frencken, Key Account Manager North West Europe, Enerpac. “What’s more, when used in combination with an Enerpac ZC3-Series battery powered pump you have a far greener and safer operation compared with a gas/petro-powered hydraulic pump.”

To learn more about the latest Enerpac tools, visit the Enerpac Innovations page on www.enerpac.com.

JCE Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Rik Christie as Operations Director following years of dedicatedservice. 

Rik has progressed through the Company since he joined in 1999 and has dedicated his career to making sure JCE is at the forefront of technology today.

Rik said, “I am delighted to accept the opportunity to become a Director at JCE. During my time at JCE I have seen the company grow and diversify in new and exciting directions. We always challenge ourselves to be the best we can and pride ourselves on being able to provide bespoke solutions. I look forward to continuing to grow the company in the years ahead.”

JCE Group is an Aberdeen based organisation, with over 35 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of high quality, internationally approved Electrical Control Systemsfor global applications where both hazardous and non-hazardous conditions exist. JCE Energy is an innovative division established in 1998 to provide specialist solutions for all aspects of renewable energy projects. 

Managing Director, Martin Craig said “we are delighted that Rik has accepted the position of Operations Director as he has demonstrated his loyalty over the last 24 years and he is intent on growing the Company.”

Two promotions have also been announced by JCE to bolster the team, Ryan Wallace to Works Manager and Stuart Campbell to Engineering Manager. They have bothprogressed through the Company from trainee level, which demonstrates JCE’s commitment to their staff, providing them with opportunities to develop.

To cope with the increased workload, for the whole of 2023 and beyond, JCE has created new positions in its production department for Electrical Panel Wirers and Semi SkilledElectrical Fitters. The Company is also looking to grow itsengineering team, currently recruiting Electrical Engineers and several new roles.Visit www.jcegroup.com/careersfor full details.

The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) is warning those in charge of PPE and safety product procurement to be vigilant about substandard products, as their latest non-member product tests highlight the availability of high levels of non-compliant products.

Between December 2021 and December 2022, the BSIF completed tests on 127 non-member products which included checking their compliance with relevant standards and testing whether they perform as advertised. Only 18 (15%) of these products were fully compliant. This means 108 products (85%) failed to meet the regulatory criteria, many of which are still available and being sold to unsuspecting users.

Just a few examples of substandard products the BSIF came across for sale in 2022 include:

• An 'indestructible safety trainer' that failed the midsole penetration test. 
• 'Cut-resistant gloves' that didn't pass the relevant cut test  
• A 'safety harness & lanyard' provided without any user instructions or documentation

The findings around non-member products are in contrast with the results of tests carried out on products supplied by BSIF Registered Safety Suppliers who are committed to only selling certified PPE and trading honestly and ethically.

Registered Safety Supplier’s products are tested annually as part of the scheme’s audit process and if products fail to meet the test’s strict criteria any issues must be addressed and rectified immediately for members to remain part of the scheme. Of 387 tests completed on Registered Safety Supplier’s products between December 2021 and December 2022, 332 products (86%) passed immediately and of the 55 (14%) that initially didn’t meet the test criteria, all issues have now been resolved.

Buyers and end users can be assured that companies displaying the BSIF shield have signed a binding declaration that the PPE and safety equipment they offer meets the correct standards, fully complies with the regulations and is UKCA and or CE marked. This means that by using a Registered Safety Supplier you can be confident you will receive genuine products that are fit for purpose as well as genuine information and guidance.

BSIF CEO, Alan Murray comments: “Our latest findings are very concerning and reinforce the importance of only using a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier when procuring PPE and safety equipment.

“The reality is that selling PPE and safety equipment comes with complex responsibilities and it can be hard for even the most diligent suppliers to keep up with the rules and regulations. That’s why at the BSIF we maintain that even though anyone can sell safety, you shouldn’t buy safety from just anyone.    

"We urge all buyers and specifiers to review their current processes and consider what assurances they have that the PPE and safety equipment they are being supplied with is fit for purpose.

“Specifying a Registered Safety Supplier is the easiest way to ensure you are only dealing with compliant, competent and trustworthy suppliers."

For a full list of Registered Safety Suppliers, visit: https://www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk/