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It is well known that more explosions are traced to non-electrical sources of ignition than electrical sources. Despite this, for Zone 1 (CAT2) Certification under ATEX non-electrical equipment could be ‘self-certified’ (with the resulting file lodged with a Notified Body but not checked) Since the introduction of IECEx non-electrical assessment this has changed, and all IECEx Certification is conducted by qualified and IECEx accredited Certification Bodies.

Non-electrical equipment can cause explosion by friction, impact, static, hot surfaces and many other methods; all equipment designed to be used in Explosive Atmospheres should have been risk assessed to assure that this cannot happen, but in Europe it is the law that this must be done (under the ATEX Directive) and the methodology for doing the assessment and protecting ignition capable parts has been well defined in the form of ‘Standards’.

Typical Information required to conduct an Ex non-electrical assessment.

A document would be required to confirm the global specification & environment for where the equipment will be used and in what environments (E.g. Zone, Gas Group, T Class, and Ambient Temperature).

The COVID19 virus has had an unprecedented impact on our world. Since its establishment within the human population a year ago, it been recorded in more than 74 million people and led to more than 1.6 million deaths. Governments around the world have responded in different ways to limit the suffering, including fast tracking the search for vaccines, mandating virus spread limiting measures and providing financial support for their economically worst affected citizens. These actions have, in turn, had tangential impacts for safeguarding activities which happen not to be in the COVID front line.

A huge number of national and international events have been cancelled or postponed, disrupting lives and livelihoods worldwide. Indeed, the Wikipedia page dedicated to covering this states that ‘this is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness’. Furthermore, a British Medical Journal (BMJ) investigation on ‘Mortality due to cancer treatment delay: systematic review and meta-analysis.’ from November 2020 found that delay and cancellation of cancer treatment due to COVID prioritising and spread limiting measures, significantly increased death rates in sufferers (Each 4 week delay in breast cancer surgery leads to an 8% increase in patient mortality. Accordingly, a 12 week treatment delay for all patients would translate into 1400 annual excess deaths in the UK alone).

In my own sphere, Process Hazard Assessments (PHAs), I sense there has also been a tangential COVID impact – the cancellation of limited duration reviews. As anecdotal evidence I can cite the fact that pre-COVID (up to Feb 2020), 34 out of 101 PHAs I had led were of 1 or 2 day duration. Post COVID (March 2020 onwards) 1 out of 7, a reduction of ~60%. Is this indicative of a wider industry trend and if so, what might be driving it?

My theory is that major project designs and site periodic reviews for high hazard processing (HHP) facilities have the financial resources and momentum to have transformed the planning and execution of PHAs to be 2020 COVID compliant. I suspect that those responsible for managing these smaller scopes, especially site based revamps, may have found that the perceived transformation threshold too daunting and convinced themselves that a less rigorous Management of Change (MOC) process was, in the circumstances, acceptable.

The problem is, of course, that hazards are present whatever your project size. In fact, again based on anecdotal evidence from a HAZOP / LOPA I led a few years ago, this risk can be quantified. The PHA lasted 9 days and, by my calculation, identified the following Process Safety Gaps:

• PS Gaps identified in LOPA – fatality likelihood 0.0046/yr; serious injury 0.049/yr
• Fatality frequency reduction per day of HAZOP/LOPA 0.00050/yr; Serious injury 0.0054/yr
• 1 future life lost during scope operation (say 15 years) = £1.8m cost (HSE estimate) = 1/0.00050/15 days of HAZOP / LOPA not executed = ~130 days
• 1 future serious injury = 1/0.0054/15 days of HAZOP / LOPA not executed = ~12 days

If the 1 or 2 day reviews which I managed had not been sanctioned, around 4 serious injuries would have resulted; perhaps people I know. If this continued for another 15 years, it is likely that one future life would have been lost; maybe someone you know.
The good news is that help is at hand. You can encourage, enable and empower those responsible for initiating and managing smaller HHP PHAs to do just that. In other words, help them to see that the barrier to small PHA execution is smaller than they envisage and can be pushed even further down. And here is one way you can do it:

• Identify and limit your core (Process, Ops, C&I, Independent Chair?) and contributory team (Vendor, Engineering Expert, Scribe?) members
• View a Virtual HAZOP webinar 

• Develop / Adopt a Remote Review Etiquette (email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for an example)
• Set Up and Test a Video Conferencing Amenity (MS Teams, Zoom)
• Prepare Robustly – Mark Up Nodes, Populate Flow Causes. Distribute to participants ahead of HAZOP
• Take the plunge…..

According to Britannica.com. the Bermuda Triangle is a section of the North Atlantic Ocean off North America in which more than 50 ships and 20 airplanes are said to have mysteriously disappeared. Wikipedia goes on to note that in 1952 Fate magazine published "Sea Mystery at Our Back Door", where the author recounted the loss of several planes and ships since World War II. A geography not to be messed with, it seems.

Similarly, in the realm high hazard processing facilities, another challenging geography is the Green Ammonia triangle.

Green Ammonia production is likely to far outweighs the more polluting black, grey or blue production methods, as we transition to a fossil free future. As materials develop, advances in Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) technology for electrolysers yields greater efficiencies year on year. The route to produce ammonia as a Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) brings significant transportation benefits when comparing transportation of liquid H2 in its virgin state.

However, a triangle of significant hazards exists during the ammonia production process, namely:

1. Nitrogen manufactured from an Air Separation Unit, consists of asphyxiant & cryogenic hazards.
2. Hydrogen possesses very low minimum ignition energies (0.017mJ) & has a significant explosive fuel range (4-75% v/v) & will generate a deflagration producing a significant pressure wave (550 bar m/s).
3. The resultant ammonia (produced by the Haber Bosch process) is highly toxic.

At each stage of process design, especially at conceptual, it is imperative to make wise choices of plant/equipment layout. A HAZID study (HS 2) will tease out the safeguard requirements, for example:

• Blast Walls - however an inherently safe design (ISD) may be favoured negating this.
• Spacing of equipment / minimise congestion will help to reduce pressure wave magnitude & assist for equipment inspections or routines. Plant layout is a critical factor not only for constructability but will assist a Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM) approach and process release of units.

HAZOP (HS 3) must consider an ISD, versus Safety Instrumented Functions which not only need to be appropriately designed (IEC 61511) but maintained for the life of the plant. Any upgrades or changes must be covered by appropriate Functional Safety Audits (FSA’s). DSEAR will need to be followed and adopted prior to final confirmed locations.

Finally, consideration of plant hazards for startup/shutdown must be allowed for, as this is when the plant is at its greatest change of flux. Level-headed decisions need to be made for credible unplanned scenarios, with the appropriate safeguards in place to mitigate any potential loss of containment for any of the plants fluids. Add the hazards of high voltage electrical supply required for the electrolysers into an aqueous rich environment.

In conclusion, the new geography of green ammonia is likely to be a high reward one for those who choose to enter. Just take care to identify the hazards so that your residual risks can be rendered known and low.

Blog by Paul Gornall from Process Safety Matters 

www.processsafetymatters.com

MSA Grid software recently received an Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) magazine Industrial Hygiene Award in the “Auditing and Compliance Software” category.

 The awards feature winners across 28 categories, honoring the outstanding product development achievements of health and safety manufacturers whose products are considered particularly noteworthy in their ability to improve industrial hygiene.

 This year’s awards enjoyed a broad range of compelling entries with some hot competition in some of the categories,” said David Kopf, executive editor and publisher of Occupational Health & Safety. “This was particularly noticeable in categories such as Internet of Things—Connected Devices and Hearing Conservation & Noise Reduction. It just goes to show that the companies providing industrial hygiene products and services are continually working to innovate and improve.”

 MSA Grid is a cloud-based software solution that automatically integrates with the ALTAIR io™ 4 Connected Gas Detector to help enhance safety and productivity across workers, worksites, and workflows, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection via desktop or mobile.

Capabilities include:

Grid Compliance Service: Features over-the-air updates, digital device assignment, and lifetime data logs

Grid Fleet Manager: Enables safety managers to proactively address detector maintenance, streamline recordkeeping and compliance, and drive worker accountability

Grid Live Monitor: Offers real-time visibility of workers and worksites, including gas readings, individual or group evacuation alerts, and location awareness

New features recently released to Grid include Mobile Notifications, providing immediate in-app notifications when an alarm exposure or SOS event occurs along with live worker location and gas readings, and Shared Alerts, which notifies those on-site if a nearby worker or another worker in their group has gone into alarm.

Learn more about Grid software for ALTAIR io 4 devices here.

Aqua Safety Showers International Ltd is a UK manufacturer and supplier of emergency safety showers and eyewashes and has over 30years experience in this industry.  Based in the Northwest of England, they have strived to build up a brand well known in the marketplace.  Janet Waine, Managing Director of Aqua Safety showers explains how important a safety shower is and what is required to meet legal requirements.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states all employees have a safe place to work.  In industries and workplaces where employees handle hazardous materials, the importance of having an emergency safety shower cannot be overstated.  Accidents can happen, and exposure to chemicals or other dangerous substances can occur unexpectedly, putting workers' health and well-being at risk.

By installing a safety shower unit, you are meeting your duty of care to your employees as well as promoting a culture of safety within your workplace.

The latest specifications for safety showers state that the shower should deliver tepid water to avoid thermal shock and further injury.  The unit should be easily accessible and visible.

The best option to achieve this is to install a TS1500L self-contained safety shower.  This unit holds 1500L of water which is warmed to 18-20°C and will deliver the required 15minutes of tepid water both from the shower and eyewash (if fitted).

This unit is manufactured from stainless steel and GRP which are all corrosive resistant materials and comes with photo luminous signage as standard.  Many optional extras are available to suit site requirements and specifications.

A washdown hose reel is a piece of equipment that should be installed at the side of the safety shower so the area can be hosed down after any spillage.

Aqua safety showers offer a range of retractable wash down hosereels which are built into a heavy-duty GRP heated cabinet.  The cabinet is mounted on a stainless-steel pedestal.

A safety shower is an asset and should last for approximately 20 years.  To ensure this long service life of this piece of equipment the unit should be tested weekly to ensure correct operation and serviced ideally every 3-6 months.  At Aqua, we understand the importance of keeping your safety shower in optimal condition to ensure the well-being of your workforce. 

By ensuring a service contract is in place you are investing in the longevity and reliability of your asset.  Aqua Safety showers offer a complete maintenance package for any model of safety showers and offers site surveys should this be required.

Conclusion:

Having an emergency safety shower in the workplace is not just a legal requirement; it is a vital investment in employee safety. By providing immediate access to decontamination, safety showers play a crucial role in preventing and reducing injuries resulting from exposure to hazardous materials. Moreover, they ensure compliance with regulations, enhance emergency preparedness, reduce costs, and promote a culture of safety within the organization. Employers should prioritize the installation, maintenance, and regular training on the usage of safety showers to create a safer and more secure work environment for their employees.

For more information or advice on please call us on +44(0)1942 318096 or visit www.aqua-safety.com

Aqua Safety Showers International Ltd, Redgate Rd, South Lancs Industrial Estate, Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wigan WN4 8DT.

Equipment breakdowns (e.g. pumps, motors, fans etc.) can be many times more bothersome if they occur in hazardous locations, e.g. potentially explosive atmospheres. This is because the entire process usually needs to be shut down to avoid the possibility of an ATEX (explosive atmosphere) existing during the repair/replacement. Particularly if power tools are likely to be required. This is why it is often essential to use a system of condition-based maintenance (CBM) to avoid unplanned shutdowns.

Given the obvious benefits, the adoption of CBM should be something of a no-brainer. Historically though, the high cost and complexity of Ex certified CBM equipment was often seen as something of a hurdle, with it typically costing over £20,000 for a complex Ex vibration analyser.

But not anymore! These days, as little as £4,250 gets you a simple-to-use instrument, such as the TPI 9085Ex, capable of simultaneous vibration and temperature analysis and certified worldwide for Zone 0 usage with any gas type.

The significant benefit of Zone 0 certification is that you simply don’t have to think! That’s because Zone 0 devices can literally be used in any hazardous location. Usually there is a price to pay for this flexibility however, as Zone 0 devices are typically more expensive due to increased manufacturing costs (e.g. additional safety components and higher levels of redundancy). However, building on its reputation for high quality but affordable instruments, Test Products International (TPI) has achieved a significant Zone 0 cost breakthrough with the very affordable TPI 9085Ex vibration analyser.

The TPI 9085Ex combines on-meter diagnostics with the all-important ability to TREND readings over time to simplify condition-based maintenance (CBM). Certified for Zone 0 with IECEx, ATEX and North American approval, the TPI 9085Ex can be used in ANY hazardous location anywhere in the world.

The TPI 9085Ex offers on-meter analysis for the detection of machine faults such as unbalance, misalignment, looseness and bearing wear. With full colour OLED display and Bluetooth communications, the TPI 9085Ex features colour coded (e.g. traffic light) alarms and zoomable on-screen vibration frequency plots with cursor readout. It can store lists (routes) of up to 1000 machines, each with up to 10 measurement points, with full waveform and frequency spectrum (FFT) capture and transfer to the included PC-based software.

Additionally, the TPI 9085Ex with its uniquely designed sensor, SIMULTANEOUSLY and virtually INSTANTANEOUSLY captures both VIBRATION and TEMPERATURE readings. So, if the indicated level of bearing wear is high and it’s hot, then you can be sure that what you have is a worn bearing and not for example something like pump cavitation.

The TPI 9085Ex comes complete with the included C-Trend II PC-based trending and reporting software featuring all the high-end benefits to implement a full CBM strategy, including automatic email notification of alarms and report generation.  Routes and readings can also be transferred to/from the TPI 9085Ex via Bluetooth using a smart phone or tablet running the free TPI Cloud Bridge App. This allows service personnel to be sent routes and return readings over the Internet, no matter where they are in the world. 

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.

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