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Gas Detection Cameras for a Safer, Cleaner Future The pressure is on. With the EU Methane Regulation (2024/1787) now in effect, energy producers across Europe are under increased scrutiny to detect and repair methane leaks across their operations.

The goal? To ensure the prevention of the avoidable release of methane into the atmosphere and drive down emissions across the entire fossil fuel supply chain, both within the EU and globally.

At FLIR, we're here to help you meet these evolving standards safely, efficiently, and with confidence through our advanced G-Series Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) cameras: the FLIR Gx320, G620, and Gx620.

Next-Generation Gas Detection, Built for Compliance The FLIR G-Series is engineered to make gas leak detection faster, safer, and more accurate than ever before. Whether you're monitoring a refinery, offshore platform, or gas processing plant, these cooled OGI cameras deliver pinpoint precision when detecting methane, hydrocarbons, and over 400 volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Key Advantages of the G-Series: • Type 1 Leak Sensitivity: Detect leaks as small as 17 g/hr • In-Camera Quantification: Instantly measure leak size and type; no additional tools required. • Scan Smarter, Not Harder: Survey areas up to 9x faster than traditional gas sniffers • High-Resolution Thermal Imaging: Up to 640 × 480 IR resolution for clearer, more accurate visuals • Enhanced Thermal Contrast: Improve gas cloud visibility with precise temperature differentiation Engineered for Real-World Challenges Gas detection doesn't happen in perfect lab conditions; it takes place in rugged, potentially hazardous environments. That's why the G-Series is designed with durability and flexibility in mind: • Certified for Hazardous Locations:

Approved for Class 1, Division 2 or Zone 2 • ATEX-Compliant: Gx320 and Gx620 meet European standards for explosive atmospheres • Ergonomic Design: Lightweight body and rotating 4-inch LCD touchscreen for easy inspections in tight or high-up areas 1/2 Compliance Made Easy The new methane regulation mandates more than detection; it demands proof. FLIR G-Series cameras are built to streamline documentation and simplify compliance workflows. G-Series Compliance Features: • Multi-REC Mode:

Record both infrared and visible spectrum video at the same time • On-Camera Annotation: Highlight leak sources, record voice notes, and tag important data on the fly • Cloud Storage with FLIR Ignite: Automatically upload images and videos from the field • Smart Connectivity: Sync with tablets and mobile devices via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® for instant data transfer and reporting Be Ready. Stay Compliant. Protect What Matters. FLIR G-Series OGI cameras aren't just tools; they're a complete solution for tackling methane emissions while supporting your compliance goals, improving operational safety, and avoiding regulatory penalties. See how the FLIR Gx320, G620 or Gx620 can transform your gas detection programme. Book a Demonstration Today

www.flir.com

The newly released EEMUA 250 (Edition 1), ‘Guide to the Management of Pressure Equipment Defined-life Repairs’, supports users in managing defined-life repairs by offering guidance on when to shut down pressure equipment versus applying a temporary repair. It highlights risk-based decision-making, life cycle considerations, and strategies for maintenance and inspection, especially where existing industry guidance on repair duration, extension, or conversion is limited.

In the event of an actionable inspection finding, an in-service leak or in-service damage, users typically must decide on whether to install a defined life repair or shutdown and install a permanent repair. The purpose of EEMUA 250 is to provide an overview with respect to the life cycle management of defined-life repairs. It provides guidance for users to consider when deciding if it is safer to shutdown and perform a permanent repair as well as providing key points to consider when selecting a defined-life repair, assessing the risks and when developing their maintenance, inspection, and replacement strategies post installation.

The primary function of a defined-life repair is to allow the system to return to or remain in service with limited interruption to production until a planned permanent repair can be installed. Although there is industry guidance available on the selection of defined-life repairs (e.g. ASME PCC-2, ISO 24817 and EI composite repair guidance), at the time of publication there was limited known industry guidance covering the life cycle management of defined-life repairs, for example:

•             How long can a defined-life repair remain in service?

•             How to extend the life of a defined-life repair?

•             How to make a defined-life repair permanent?

Each company’s organisational structure will vary in terms of maintenance, engineering, and inspection departments. As such, it is the responsibility of the user or pressure equipment owner to determine the strategy for defined-life repairs within their organisation. The strategy should be endorsed by the relevant technical authority for the company. EEMUA 250 advises that a risk-based approach is adopted to allow flexibility in application of defined-life repairs to the relevant situations, to ensure correct prioritisation based on the overall repair life cycle, and to ensure that the selected defined-life repair does not adversely affect the safe operation of the system.

It is expected that the reader has a basic competency in static equipment design and as such the level of detail has been set appropriately.

EEMUA 250 was developed by engineers who work in the power generation, chemical production, and oil and gas sectors. Although originally targeted for static pressure equipment, it is recognised that the publication may be applicable to a range of other industries, such as shipping, mining, steel, nuclear, water and wastewater, and food and beverages. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure specific details relating to their industry are considered when applying the guidance from EEMUA 250.

EEMUA 250 is available to purchase directly from EEMUA.

Another Speedor Storm has been installed at the height of one more summer storm to hit the UK. The storm was a challenge given the size of the door and the power of the wind at the time of the installation of the Speedor Storm. 

The successful installation underlines the professionalism of the Hart team which performed superbly given the strength of the wind at the time.    

Hart Door System’s wind-resistant, high-speed Speedor Storm, is ready for business be it a factory, warehouse, storage facility or any kind of plant operation that has one or more large external openings which must be opened frequently for people and traffic.

With wind resistance available up to ‘wind class 5’, as defined by DIN EN 12424, in the closed position this high-speed door is ready for openings to a maximum 8 metres width or height subject to 48 square metres.

The ability to withstand substantial wind pressure means major entrances open/close automatically so avoiding a less than optimal working environment and the escape of heated air.

Speedor Storm is designed specifically to help with several areas of business notably productivity – because entering and leaving a building can be done rapidly  which creates a better environment in which to work. The  high-speed operation means there are no unnecessary open periods.

By delivering maintenance of temperature and environment and by door preventing penetration by wind born debris there can also be a saving on the substantial cost of heating – important as the cost of energy shows little sign of improving. 

Made in the UK at Hart’s Newcastle factory, from where its teams of engineers are available throughout the UK, not just for the installation of Speedor Storms but for reliable servicing and maintenance thereafter. 

Speedor Storm’s strength and wind resistance comes from its multi-layer PVC and textile, both long-lasting and tear-resistant and its inbuilt horizontal curtain braces and no external cumbersome and noisy external wind bars.

There is a colour choice as well as ‘a with or without vision panel ’ which combine to deliver a good appearance, operational effectiveness and a performance product.

Speedor Storm is in particular demand from waste processing plants and renewable energy facilities such as Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plants that produce energy from waste. The ability to limit the escape of odour and noise and prevent pests entering is highly valued by such companies. Speedor Storm’s have also proved to be a great asset for ports, notably for grain tipping bays.

Safety features are of course paramount, and here they include a state of the art safety light curtain, anti-fall protection and sensors to activate the door. There is a range of operating methods that include hands free, floor loops, radar, photo beam, radio operation, movement sensors, handheld or vehicle-mounted radio transmitters,  or simple push button and pull cords.

The automatic operation can be set to include or exclude pedestrians as desired. If warning lights or klaxons are required, these can be incorporated in a complete door system and control panel which are designed for any conceivable need including integration into a Building Management System if necessary. This is delivered via its unique guide system in combination with other carefully designed features.

Roll on the Autumn storms.

www.hartdoors.com

Replacing an explosion-proof size 1000 motor at short notice is an ambitious task. For the German family-run company Menzel Elektromotoren, it was a chance to prove once again its extensive expertise in the design, manufacture and certification of explosion-proof motors. A plastics producer had to replace an existing extruder motor with ignition protection type Ex d (flameproof encapsulation) very urgently. Menzel and the client found that a motor with the ignition protection type Ex ec (increased safety) would satisfy the current hazardous zone requirements. The motor manufacturer selected a suitable three-phase squirrel-cage motor from its extensive stock, individually adapting it for the drive task and the installation site. The project hinged on upgrading the motor for zone 2 hazardous areas with potentially explosive gas atmospheres and getting it the necessary ATEX certification. Menzel’s officially certified in-house experts labeled the motor II 3G Ex ec IIC T4 Gc. The new motor with a lower shaft height at 630 mm was brought up to the center height of the old motor by means of a welded base. Since the new motor has four winding systems instead of the two of the old one, Menzel also made electrical modifications for operation on the existing frequency converter.

Caption: Fasttrack customization and certification for hazardous areas – the extruder motor is now already in use and the customer is satisfied

The project exposes the existing supply gap for explosion-proof motors in large sizes: the few existing suppliers can only offer building a motor from scratch – with the corresponding months-long delivery times. Menzel stands out from the competition with its large stock inventory and ability to configure and adapt stock electric motors in-house for hazardous areas and certify them according to the latest ATEX directives. In this instance, only two weeks passed from order placement to installation at the customer’s site. The customer came to Berlin for testing and acceptance and praised Menzel’s flexibility.

More about motors with ignition protection type Ex ec (increased safety) for zone 2 or 22 hazardous areas with gas or dust atmospheres: https://www.menzel-motors.com/ex-na/

Condition based maintenance of rotating equipment (pumps and motors) in potentially hazardous locations can be fraught with difficulty. Firstly, there is the problem of deciding what instrumentation can be used. This can be tricky, 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. 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 9085Ex come to our aid. The “go anywhere” 9085Ex is certified for Zone 0 IECEx/ATEX with North American approval. This means you simply don’t have to think what potentially explosive atmospheres you might encounter, as the 9085Ex is certified to be intrinsically safe for ANY atmosphere, anywhere in the world.

The 9085Ex 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 9085Ex uniquely incorporates a directly contacting temperature sensor within its vibration probe. This gives a highly accurate, virtually instantaneous, surface temperature reading for the bearing simultaneously as the vibration reading is being taken. With a high BDU reading and high temperature you 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. The compact handheld TPI 9085Ex is extremely affordable and simple to use. It can, and indeed should, be included in every operative’s basic tool kit. Additionally, by using the FREE TPI Bridge App, “routes” and readings can be transferred to and from the 9085Ex anywhere in the world.

“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 transfer back to the included computer-based trending software.

Trending is the key to condition based maintenance (CBM). By looking at trends of bearing noise and temperature readings, you can determine well in advance when a bearing will likely need replacing. The TPI 9085Ex comes with powerful, yet simple to use, subscription free trending software, which includes automatic email notification of alarms and report generation, giving you everything you need for a full CBM strategy.

For more information please contact TPI Europe’s head office on +44 1293 530196 or take a look on the website at www.tpieurope.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A rapidly growing engineering and management services consultancy has strengthened its team with a new staff hire to support its expanding power operations business.

Stockton-on-Tees-based Encora Energy has appointed graduate controls engineer, Jack Watson, who will be instrumental in rolling out the company’s innovative control and data system to improve the performance of power sites across the country.

Encora’s CHIPCOB™ system is used to maximise operating performance of new and existing projects in the energy transition including grid scale battery storage, solar farms and gas peaking plants. CHIPCOB™ extracts data direct from the power plant and uses it to understand performance, quickly identify potential faults, and allows operations, maintenance and engineering teams to maximise performance, increase uptime and reduce costs.

Teesside-headquartered Encora Energy has won a string of contracts to manage operations and maintenance on power plants for customers in different UK regions – including the midlands, south west England, East Anglia and north east England – and has hired Jack Watson to manage the next phase of its expansion. 

A mechanical engineering graduate, Jack gained valuable experience as a design engineer at Middlesbrough-based electrical, control and Instrumentation (EC&I) specialist Process Group before joining Encora Energy, where he will help the company maintain and manage vital power projects across the country. 

He said: “I’m thrilled to be joining a forward-thinking, progressive company in Encora Energy. In my previous role I started out in design using computer-aided design (CAD) software, but I was able to expand into control and instrumentation work, where I was able to develop my site skills and apply different areas of engineering knowledge. I look forward to bringing my experience to my new role as Encora seeks to cement its position as a nationally recognised engineering and management services consultancy.” 

Andrew Normand, Business Development Director at Encora Energy, said: “Jack’s combination of multi-discipline engineering skills and site knowledge makes him a great addition to our growing team. His practical knowledge of control systems makes him the ideal person to oversee the roll-out of CHIPCOB™, which pulls data from equipment and sensors on site and consolidates them into a single monitoring and analytics platform, enabling site owners to increase the performance of their asset and maximise profits from it.”

Encora Energy provides independent project development, engineering, consultancy and operations management services to its customers, helping them deal with the practicalities of developing, installing, operating and maintaining new energy systems such as solar farms, battery storage systems, combined heat and power (CHP) plants, gas engines and gas turbines. On behalf of its clients, Encora manages the operations and maintenance of energy sites with more than 100MW of capacity.

For more information, visit https://www.encora.energy/ or Encora Energy’s LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/company/encora-energy-limited/

Hydrogen Safe, the training specialist delivering courses, qualifications and bespoke e-modules in hydrogen safety, has announced that it has been acquired by IACS, the leading inspection, engineering, and testing consultancy specialising in pipelines.

Since its launch in 2023, Hydrogen Safe has established its position within the market, working with education providers and private companies that are addressing the skills gap as businesses transition to clean energy.

With a shared ambition to support the UK infrastructure as the country moves towards achieving Net Zero, the acquisition provides Hydrogen Safe with access to the talent, network and credibility that comes with an organisation that has a strong reputation and more than 25 years within the industry.

Director of IACS, Laura Hewitt, comments: “We are very pleased to announce the acquisition of Hydrogen Safe. The company has established itself as a credible supplier of specialist training to both the public and private sector.

“Having worked alongside the business since its launch, it made sense for us to cement the relationship and build stronger alliances as we both work towards setting the infrastructure that will support businesses as we transition to clean energy.

“We very much see this as the next phase in Hydrogen Safe’s journey and look forward to building the relationships we have, while extending our network, allowing us to deliver the training companies need to equip their workforce for the future.”

Director of Partnerships at Hydrogen Safe, Elizabeth Simon, comments: “This is such an exciting time for Hydrogen Safe. Not only are we joining an established and successful business, but we also gain direct access into the hydrogen value chain, backed by a strong and respected industry player. This positions us as a dedicated skills and training provider, to play a leading role in the growing clean energy economy.

“With access to a much wider network, we’ll be able to deliver our specialist training to more businesses and educators than ever before - nationally and internationally. This marks the next phase in our journey, and we’re ready to scale up. We have ambitious plans for growth and innovation, and

we hope our customers, stakeholders, and the wider business community will join us in celebrating this important milestone.”

Members of Hydrogen UK; the Hydrogen Energy Association; Hydrogen South West; and the Net Zero Skills Advisory Board, as well as being a corporate partner of the Greater Manchester Mayors Charity, Hydrogen Safe works with businesses, education providers and individuals to develop and provide tailored solutions that align with their training needs. For more information, please visit: www.hydrogen-safe.org and for regular updates follow: @Hydrogen Safe on LinkedIn.

In hazardous industrial environments, the convergence of certified mobile devices with specialised software applications represents a paradigm shift in operational efficiency and safety protocols. i.safe MOBILE introduces a white paper series that demonstrates how intrinsically safe devices can be transformed into powerful, industry-specific solutions through strategic software partnerships.

The Integration Advantage

The traditional approach of deploying separate devices for different functions in Ex-zones creates unnecessary complexity and potential safety risks. By integrating proven software solutions with ATEX/IECEx certified mobile devices, organisations can achieve unprecedented operational streamlining whilst maintaining the highest safety standards.

The newly launched white paper collection of i.safe MOBILE addresses a fundamental question: "What is the best way to optimise processes in Ex-zones by combining the right software and hardware?" The answer lies in understanding how certified intrinsically safe devices can serve as comprehensive platforms for multiple industrial applications.

Two inaugural white papers demonstrate this integration approach in practice:

Push-to-Talk Communication: Mobile Tornado's PTX technology integration with the i.safe MOBILE 5G radio IS440.1 and the 5G smartphone IS540.1 via the i.safe MOBILE App World delivers sophisticated communication capabilities across hazardous environments. The solution provides instant group communication, emergency alert systems, lone worker protection, and real-time location tracking - all through a single, certified device. With 99.999% system availability and ultra-low latency, this integration serves critical communication needs in chemical manufacturing, offshore operations, and emergency response scenarios.

Barcode Scanning Excellence: The integration of mobXscan software with the i.safe MOBILE tablet IS940.1 eliminates the need for separate scanning devices in explosive atmospheres. This solution transforms a single device into a comprehensive barcode scanning and processing station, offering immediate data visualisation on the large 10.1-inch display with 5G connectivity. Industries from oil and gas to pharmaceutical production benefit from streamlined inventory management, quality control documentation, and real-time batch tracking.

Technical Excellence Meets Practical Implementation

Both solutions exemplify the principle that effective Ex-zone technology must balance sophisticated functionality with user-friendly operation. The mobXscan integration requires no coding expertise for implementation, whilst the PTX solution offers intuitive interfaces that minimise training requirements. These characteristics are essential for maintaining operational continuity in demanding industrial environments.

Strategic Partnership Approach

These white papers are more than technical documentation – they demonstrate i.safe MOBILE's commitment to collaborative innovation. By working with leading software developers, the company ensures that its intrinsically safe devices serve as the basis for industry-specific solutions and not just as communication tools.

As a specialist in explosion-proof mobile technology, i.safe MOBILE combines in-depth technical expertise with a comprehensive understanding of industrial requirements. The 

approach involves analysing specific operational challenges and recommending optimal combinations of certified devices and partner software solutions.

The white paper series is continuously being expanded, with further industry-specific integrations planned for publication. Each document contains detailed technical specifications, implementation notes and real-world case studies to support informed decisions.

For companies looking to optimise their Ex-zone operations, these white papers offer valuable insights into achieving greater safety, improved efficiency and reduced operational complexity through strategic technology integration.

https://www.isafe-mobile.com/de/loesungen/succses-stories/white-papers

Stop Electronic Control downtime due to heat, dirt and moisture with a low-cost, easy to install, maintenance free Cabinet Cooler. EXAIR Cabinet Coolers incorporate a vortex tube that produces cold air from ordinary compressed air – with no moving parts. The compact Cabinet Cooler can be installed in minutes through a drilled hole or standard electrical knockout. The cost is a fraction of Freon-type air conditioners or heat exchangers.

NEMA 12, 4 and 4X Cabinet Cooler® Systems are available in cooling capacities up to 5,600 Btu/hr. for small and large control panels. All Cabinet Coolers are UL Listed, UL Classified and/or CE Compliant. They also come in Non-Hazardous Purge, High Temperature, Type 316 Stainless Steel, ATEX and Hazardous Location styles. They also come with our 5 Year Built to Last Warranty.

Selecting the right model can be done easily by using the online sizing guide @ www.exair.com/sizing.htm or by talking with one of our Application Engineers @ 1-800-903-9247.

EXAIR is currently offering a special on all of our Cabinet Coolers. Learn more at https://exair.co/190-ccpromo

For more information contact: EXAIR 11510 Goldcoast Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45249-1621 Phone: (800) 903-9247 E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. https://exair.co/190-ccpromo