Latest Case Studies & White Papers

An electronics manufacturer fully automated printed circuit board identification at the start of production on all SMT-lines with A8500 FlexCell Printer Applicators from Brady.

Challenge: Track from the start of production

A large electronics manufacturer wanted to bring printed circuit board traceability labelling to the start of its SMT production lines. This would enable the company to track every PCB in production by scanning labels at any location along the line.

Because of label variety and the number of labels required on each PCB, labels could not be printed in advance. Any equipment used to enable the solution had to be fast, and able to place labels on both sides of a PCB with 0,1 mm maximum tolerance.

Solution: Dedicated labels, automatically printed and applied

Brady proposed its A8500 FlexCell Printer Applicator and extremely thin B-7727 polyimide labels for auto-apply. The system recognises PCB’s and automatically prints and applies every label required on both sides of a PCB, in 3 seconds per label.

A8500 FlexCell Printer Applicator

The A8500 FlexCell Printer Applicator can print and place a label anywhere on a PCB in 3 seconds. Designed as a production line module with SMEMA-compliance, it can be plugged in anywhere along an SMT production line.

To further support the electronics manufacturer, Brady equipped the system with a software package that automatically recognises barcodes on PCB base plates. When passing through, the system auto-recognises the project the PCB belongs to. The FlexCell then prints and places all required labels in the right locations. Each label is placed with pressurised air, at 0,1 mm maximum accuracy tolerance, both on the top and bottom of PCB’s. Label data are sourced from the customer’s central ICT systems.

FlexCell liners were adapted to also enable automatic label placement at the edge of PCB’s, making full use of the system’s high label placement accuracy and precision.

In addition, a pause option was added for quality checks at discretion. The FlexCell simply resumes serialisation where it left off, without any further manual intervention.

Dedicated PCB traceability labels

After label sample testing, the electronics manufacturer selected Brady’s B-7727 polyimide label. Designed to withstand multiple cycles of harsh condition washes for printed circuit boards, the label stays attached and remains legible throughout printed circuit board production. 0.1 mm thick, it is able to resist temperatures up to 300°C for 80 seconds without any visible effect. This allows tiny label QR-codes to be read by scanners throughout production.

Results: Traceability at 3 seconds per label

With multiple A8500 FlexCell Printer Applicators in place, the large electronics manufacturer can quickly label printed circuit boards at the start of production. This enables real-time tracking of PCB’s in production and generates data for efficiency analysis. All without delays or production bottlenecks, and in full compliance with printed circuit board traceability requirements from customers.

Print and apply at production pace

Brady offers a range of systems that can print and apply labels automatically to support compliance and traceability for manufacturers worldwide. Our labels are researched, tested and adapted for automatic application to enable compliance and traceability at production pace. Learn more about automated Print & Apply Systems from Brady >>

Brady Corporation

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www.brady.co.uk

Axair are proud to have been awarded and delivered the entire polypropylene fans schedule for the prestigious National Oceanography Centre in Southampton (NCOS). 

This schedule of works is an exciting and significant project for Axair and showcases the quality and value of the polypropylene fume extraction fans that the company supply. The project which started over five years ago includes a specialist diagnostic hub for the study and diagnosis of disease and illnesses using the latest in medical technology to analyse anything from simple blood tests to more advanced genetic testing.

The retrofit, which had the objective of increasing energy efficiency with the introduction of EC components into the site, would be tackled in several phases due to budget restrictions and to ensure all components were integrated with the building management system seamlessly. Axair’s industrial and technical team worked collaboratively with the contractor, specifier and building management consultant to ensure accurate EC fume fan selections that would deliver the required operating duties required to provide supply and extract to multiple classified area categories across the building.

Our inhouse technical team worked to support all stakeholders with the integration of the EC fans and inverters into the building management system to deliver current monitoring solutions that could meet the objectives of the project:

To improve the energy efficiency and reduce fume extraction system energy consumption across the site.

During the lifetime of the project, the five-page fan schedules changed according to building updates, consultant amendments and legislation. Axair worked closely with the awarded contractor J&B Hopkins to deliver a suitable specification with required airflow and pressure duties of each plantroom application. Applications included ventilated specimen stores, down draught tables, ventilated cut up rooms, microbiological safety cabinets and autoclave in addition to multiple laboratories and processing rooms.  Duty and standby fans were chosen with inverters for additional control and to reduce overall fume extraction system energy consumption by slowing down fans when required allowing a more efficient start up on larger fans such as the S35.

The most impressive outcome of this project was that although Axair were awarded with the project, they were not originally named on the specification. Due to the tenacious, technical ability of our Industrial team, who are trained to fine tooth comb through specifications, they quickly identified any errors in the fan selections based on the given duties and made the necessary comments back to the consultants, showing a higher degree of precision, technical ability, and overall customer care to ensure the fume extraction systems would perform. Ultimately securing the order with the confidence of both the consultant and M&E contractors.

Energy efficient polypropylene fans featuring IE5, are designed to reduce fan energy consumption by up to 20% without affecting performance.  EC polypropylene fans come with inverters prewired with a 1m cable while the motor can be situated up to 25m away from the inverter. 1m cable was supplied as standard by Axair, therefore additional cable was provided by the contractor. The use of EC fans would assist with improving the BREEAM status with credit contributions in the Ene.07 category from increasing the operational efficiencies in the laboratories.

www.axair-fans.co.uk

At a major global blue-chip nickel Mine in Australia, authorised Belzona Distributor, Rezitech, provided a full turnkey solution to combat corrosion under insulation on an ammonium sulphate feed tank. Within the space of 24 hours, the 9.5 metre (31.2 ft) diameter tank (with a height of 2 metres (6.6 ft) from ground level) was repaired and protected against future corrosion with the industrial composite wrap system, Belzona SuperWrap II.

Figure 1. Composite wrap system curbs corrosion under insulation at nickel mine

Protective Coatings and Epoxy Repair Systems Support Transition to Net Zero

The Mine refines granulated nickel matte from their smelter into premium-grade nickel powder and briquettes containing 99.8% nickel. Nickel powder is further processed into nickel sulphate at a Refinery in Australia. Nickel sulphate is an essential ingredient in the lithium-ion batteries that drive electric vehicles (EVs). It could be argued that the increase in sales of EVs is one of the biggest climate wins of 2023. Indeed, according to the 2023 Report from Climate Action Tracker, of the 42 sectors which need

o achieve net zero status by 2050, the only sector which is on track is the share of EVs in lightduty vehicle sales. Considering how road transport currently accounts for 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions, EVs play a vital role in reducing these emissions.

As such, the polymeric technology required to repair and improve assets within the EV industry equally plays a vital role in supporting the transition to net zero. By repairing damaged assets instead of decommissioning and sending them to landfill, this significantly reduces the climate impact that would otherwise be incurred in this process.

Case Study: Feed Tank Suffering from Corrosion Under Insulation & SCC

The Customer’s stainless steel feed tank was suffering from corrosion under insulation and chloride induced stress corrosion cracking. They required a solution that would not only restore the integrity on the substrate, but also protect the asset against future corrosion damage. Not only this, but as the tank operates at elevated temperatures of approximately 70°C (158°F) and processes highly corrosive medium, the repair solution would need to be able to withstand these harsh conditions.

Figure 2. Tank Contents

Rezitech Specifies Belzona Composite Wrap Solution

Having worked with Rezitech over the course of five years, the Customer had complete confidence in the range of Belzona metal epoxy repair composites and industrial repair coatings the Distributorship offers. As such, they decided to contact them again for their advice and system recommendation

Following an inspection by Heath Westell, Sales Engineer at Rezitech, the composite wrap system, Belzona SuperWrap II, was specified.

Commenting on this specification, Heath said: “This composite wrap system is comprised of a fluid-grade resin system, a bespoke hybrid reinforcement sheet, based on fibre glass and carbon fibre, as well as a release film to compact and consolidate the application. The system is specially formulated to restore the strength of holed, weakened and corroded pipe and tank walls, making it the ideal solution for protecting the asset against corrosion under insulation for the long term. In addition, thanks to the cold-curing properties of the composite wrap system, this mitigates the need for hot work, making it a reliable alternative to welding.” 

Application Procedure:

Firstly, all traces of oil and grease contamination were removed using a suitable Rezitech Degreaser. Following this, the surfaces were grit-blasted to provide a surface cleanliness compliant with ISO 8501-1 SA 2½ (ASNZ 1627.4 class 2.5) with a minimum 75 µm (3 mil) rough angular profile.

Once the surface was prepared, the Belzona 9381 reinforcement sheet was measured out and then wetted out with the Belzona resin system. The resin was then systematically applied to the areas to be repaired. Following this, the Belzona reinforcement sheets were then applied to the tank in three layers. The compression film was then added to the top of the application area. Next, using a roller, the Belzona SuperWrap II composite wrap system was then spread, rolled and compressed to the surface of the tank. The system was then left to cure for approximately eight hours.

Figure 3. Stainless steel feed tank repaired and protected with Belzona SuperWrap II

Bypass the Need for Replacement with Polymeric Technology

By investing in the Belzona composite wrap solution, this enabled the Customer to successfully bypass the need to replace the corroded asset, and instead prolong the lifespan of the asset for years to come. Thus, this enabled the Customer to make significant savings in both time and money. In addition, given the important role EVs play in reducing global carbon emissions, it could be argued that polymeric technology also plays a fundamental role in supporting this transition by safeguarding the integrity of key assets within this industry.

Figure 4. Mitigate the need for replacement with polymeric technology

About Rezitech: Established in 1968, Rezitech is the sole Australian Distributor for Belzona. Rezitech offers a comprehensive range of industrial protective coatings and epoxy metal repair composites to many different industries including: oil and gas, mining, power and facilities maintenance, amongst others. For more information, please visit: www.rezitech.com.au/products/belzona

Figure 1. US’ first zero emissions, all-electric tugboat, the eWolf

In order to keep the planet on track for achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, at COP28, negotiators from 200 Parties agreed on the science from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) that: ‘[…] limiting warming to around 1.5°C (2.7°F) requires global greenhouse gas emissions to peak before 2025 at the latest, and be reduced by 43% by 2030.’

Figure 2. Image: IREANA

Prior to COP28, in July 2023, the UN agency, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), considerably vamped up its strategy on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ocean freight. The Organisation’s revised targets aim to reduce carbon emissions from international shipping by 40% by 2030, and to achieve net zero by 2050, based on 2008 levels.

The Maritime Industry’s ‘Most Important Mitigation Measure’

One of the fundamental ways in which this sector can achieve this is through ‘scalable zero emission fuels’. According to a 2023 Report from one of the world-leading authorities on climate science, Climate Action Tracker: ‘To achieve full decarbonisation, the shipping sector will need to adopt alternative fuels, otherwise known as scalable zero emission fuels, to power vessels.’ The Report goes on to describe how: ‘This is the most important mitigation measure.’ Scalable zero emission fuels typically refer to hydrogen, ammonia, e-methanol and electric battery.

Considering the seismic reduction in global greenhouse gas emissions required by the maritime industry by 2030, advances in technology, such as the US’ first zero emissions, all-electric tugboat, the eWolf, is a huge step forwards in terms of decarbonising this sector.

The US’ First Zero Emissions, All-Electric Tugboat

Launched in 2023, the 25 metre (82 ft) eWolf is leading the way in terms of mitigating the

climate impact of the maritime sector. Over the first 10 years of its use, the operation of the new ‘eTug' will reduce 178 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx), 2.5 tons of diesel particulate matter, and 3,100 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), versus a conventional tugboat.

The eWolf is capable of speeds of up to 12 knots, and will be powered by a 6.2 megawatt-hour main propulsion battery and two electric motors. The electricity comes from a charging station that is part of a microgrid facility, equipped with two energy storage containers. Battery modules in each container have a storage capacity of nearly 1.5 megawatt-hours.

Bonding Solution Required for Front Fender

The front fender for the eWolf needed to be bonded together using a strong adhesive that would withstand pushing and pulling forces during the process of adhering the fender to the eTug. Having established confidence in Belzona technology from using their polymeric systems in previous applications, the Customer chose Belzona once again for the application.

System Specification: Elastomeric Primer and Polyurethane Resin

Following an inspection by Micah Heath, Technical Consultant at Belzona Distributorship, Belzona Alabama Belzona Alabama, the fast curing, one-part elastomeric primer, Belzona 2911 (Elastomer QD Conditioner), was specified. This conditioner is optimised for adhesion to a variety of substrates including rubber, as required for this particular application. For the bonding, the polyurethane resin, Belzona 2211, was specified. This flexible rubber repair material is optimised for applications where high build, durability and elasticity are required.

Application Procedure

Commenting on the application procedure, Micah said: “Once the required surface preparation was completed using grinding wheels and MBX Bristle Blaster, the conditioner, Belzona 2911 (Elastomer QD Conditioner), was applied. As soon as the conditioner was touch dry, Belzona 2211 was used to attach the plugs into the fender, and then attach the 3-part fender together. The application team used a manual cable puller to apply the necessary pressure to ensure the various surfaces were sufficiently pressed together. Once completed, the application was left for 36 hours to cure, achieving an excellent mechanical bond.”

 Figure 3. Fender plugs prior to attachment

Figure 4. Polyurethane resin, Belzona 2211, applied to prepared surface

Figure 5. Come-alongs used to hold the sections together during curing process

Policy is Key Driver in Roll-Out of Zero Emissions Technology

Over the past few years, numerous policies have been launched worldwide which have provided huge cash injections for technologies and industries that support the net zero by 2050 pathway. One of the world-leading policies is the US’ Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) which includes $369 billion (US dollars) of investment.

According to the Climate Action Tracker, ‘[…] thanks to the passage of the IRA in the United States, companies are announcing hundreds of clean energy manufacturing facilities, turbocharging battery and electric vehicle production and creating tens of thousands of new jobs.’ A continued investment will continue to ‘[turbocharge]’ advancements in technologies such as the eWolf. In turn, technology like this will help the sector to achieve its decarbonisation targets.

Decarbonising the Marine Sector with Polymeric Technology

In addition to pioneering technology like the eTug, polymeric systems also play a key role in the decarbonisation of this sector. Belzona’s circular economic business model is grounded in the practice of repairing and improving damaged assets, rather than decommissioning and replacing them. Not only does this allow the asset owner to make considerable financial savings, but it also mitigates the carbon footprint incurred during the process of replacing damaged assets. In turn, this supports a net zero by 2050 pathway, in line with the Paris Agreement. Maritime Approvals In addition, Belzona systems are manufactured according to the ISO 9001 quality management systems and are approved by classification societies from all around the world including: Lloyd's Register, American Bureau of Shipping, Bureau Veritas, RINA Services, DNV, China Classification Society and the Korean Register of Shipping.

For more information, please visit: www.Belzona.com

Maritime transportation is a big deal accounting for approximately 80% of today’s international trade logistics with volumes of seaborne trade having almost doubled over the last 20 years with around 11 billion tons loaded. The upward trend correlates with the advent of containerised trade and the streamlining of supply chains between container ports globally. Despite the major challenges stemming from global crises, such as the war in Ukraine, maritime transportation has proven to be resilient with trade expected to grow by around 3% from 2024 to 2028.

Given the scale and importance of this global trade, ensuring the highest level of safety is paramount and is why Vibration Monitoring Systems have become an established tool in helping to achieve optimum safety on board oil tankers and other cargo ships.  SENSONICS are a leading supplier of turbine supervisory and high integrity protection equipment for maritime applications offering over 40 years of experience in developing a full range of sensors and API 670 compliant measuring and protection equipment.

So what exactly are Vibration Monitoring Systems, and how do they work?

Today’s vibration monitoring systems are designed to detect and analyse vibrations in various equipment, enabling the early identification of potential mechanical issues, helping to prevent breakdowns and accidents. For example, detecting abnormal vibration patterns in machinery such as; engines, pumps, compressors and generators. Also, identifying mechanical problems like misalignment, imbalance, bearing wear and other issues that can lead to equipment failure. They also provide operators and maintenance engineers with real-time data for timely decision-making and intervention.

What are the key components in Sensonics Vibration Monitoring Systems?

Vibration Sensor, these are strategically placed on machinery to measure vibrations, whilst  also detecting vibration intensity, frequency and direction.

Data Acquisition System, which collects data from the sensors and converts it to usable information. Signal Processing and Analysis Software, this collects data which is processed and analysed to determine vibration patterns and deviations from normal conditions. Finally, a Display and Notification Interface, which provides visual displays, alarms and notifications to alert operators and maintenance engineers about abnormal levels.

The Benefits?

Implementing vibration monitoring systems delivers several benefits. For example; early detection of vibration anomalies promotes proactive maintenance – before issues escalate. Reduced downtime, timely maintenance based on vibration data can prevent unexpected breakdowns, reducing downtime and associated costs. Preventative maintenance is often more cost-effective than reactive repairs. Safety Enhancement, detecting issues before they lead to catastrophic failures enhances crew safety and prevents accidents. Extending Equipment Life, regular monitoring and maintenance can extend the operational life of machinery. Data-Driven Decision-Making, data collected can inform equipment replacement, or overhaul decisions. Efficiency, machines that run to full capacity produce less emissions and pollution and are much smoother to operate.

Sensonics offers a wide range of proven monitoring systems, which can help to detect potential issues, before things get out-of-hand. By detecting and addressing mechanical issues early our vibration monitoring equipment can make a valuable contribution to efficient operations, helping to prevent accidents and downtime.

More at: https://www.sensonics.co.uk/vibration-position-monitoring

For over 72 years, Belzona polymeric technology has helped numerous asset owners across a myriad of industries to not only make seismic financial savings, but this technology has also enabled them to considerably mitigate their carbon footprints as well. This latter benefit is particularly paramount when considering the drive towards a net-zero by 2050 future for the planet, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.

At the COP28 Summit, negotiators from nearly 200 Parties came together in Dubai with a decision on the world’s first Global Stocktake. The Stocktake recognises the science that indicates global greenhouse gas emissions need to ‘be cut by 43% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels, in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C (2.7°F).’

However, the Stocktake notes that Parties are off track when it comes to meeting their Paris Agreement goals. As such, the Stocktake has called on Parties to take actions towards achieving, on a global scale, a ‘tripling of renewable energy capacity and doubling energy efficiency improvements by 2030.’

The Belzona Solution: a Circular Economic Business Model

Amongst the ever-growing arsenal of carbon mitigation technologies and initiatives, industrial coatings and repair composites can help numerous industries to significantly reduce their carbon footprints, in line with Paris Agreement targets.


Figure 1. Established in 1952, Belzona is a global leader in polymeric technology

With a comprehensive range of polymeric systems such as epoxy repair composites, high-temperature coatings, liquid waterproof membranes, flexible roof coatings and pipe wraps, amongst others, these systems have been proven to not only repair and protect damaged assets across many different industries, but to also intrinsically improve them for the long term as well.

The environmental implications of this circular economic business model are astronomical. By bypassing the need to replace damaged assets and instead actively improving them, industries can make great strides in minimising their environmental impact.

In addition, by investing in these systems, this mitigates the fees that can accumulate in the process of asset replacement. These fees include: the cost of the asset being replaced, the labor required during the removal, disposal and installation process and also the downtime that can be incurred during this procedure. 

For these reasons, an increase in investment into these technologies would help many different industries in the process of ratchetting up their 2030 emissions reduction plans, in line with the net-zero emissions by 2050 scenario, in a way that is also financially advantageous.

Figure 2. Corroded and eroded pump repaired and protected with Belzona 1111 (Super Metal) and Belzona 5821

Conventional Protective Coatings Won’t Survive

At the core of Belzona technology is polymer chemistry. In the Company’s laboratories located in Harrogate, UK and Miami, US, the Company designs, formulates, and manufactures a comprehensive range of polymeric solutions. These systems enable their industrial customers to repair and protect assets that would otherwise be damaged by aggressive service conditions.

For example, slurries and strong chemicals cause abrasion and corrosion as they pass down pipes and through production equipment. Factors such as these as well as elevated temperatures mean that conventional protective coatings won’t survive. As such, companies must turn to a high-performance polymer technology to protect their assets to an appropriate standard.


Figure 3. Pipes in Oil Refinery coated with Belzona 1593

The Evolution of Belzona

The Company was established in 1952. The Founder, Jorgan Svendsen, was fascinated with the mechanisms of corrosion, and how to repair, protect and improve assets against corrosion damage. Initially utilising a flame-spray method to protect fire extinguishers against corrosion, the Business moved away from hot work applications and developed a pioneering cold-applied, zinc-rich corrosion protection technology. This technology could be applied to a variety of steel structures. It worked by creating a polymer-zinc barrier that would resist aggressive corrosion and also protect the integrity of the steel beneath it.

Following on from this, Belzona then developed a range of polymer coatings and repair pastes. The original being Belzona 1111 (Super Metal), which has since been widely replicated over the years. This system was specifically designed for the repair and rebuilding of assets, before then coating and protecting them against any future damage. Applied onto damaged or worn surfaces in thick layers, these Belzona 1000 Series metallic pastes allow the substrate to be reshaped and reformed back to its original profile. The paste then sets, almost like the steel itself, and gives the original asset a new lease of life.


Figure 4. Damaged ship caisson repaired and protected with Belzona 1111 (Super Metal), Belzona 1331 and Belzona 5811 (Immersion Grade)

Since then, Belzona has gone on to develop a range of high temperature immersion linings. These are widely used in the oil and gas industry on structures that are subjected to water, steam, oil, sand, and aggressive chemicals throughout their processing life. Belzona has also developed composite repair systems made from densely woven structural fabrics made from glass fiber or carbon fiber, that can be used to return strength and fortify compromised pipes or other structures.

Figure 5. Desulfurisation unit rebuilt with Belzona 1511 (Super HT-Metal) and protected with high-temperature lining, Belzona 1593

The Company has found the composite repair method to be a rapidly growing market. For that niche, Belzona developed a brand called Belzona SuperWrap, now known as Belzona SuperWrap II. This system is comprised of a fluid-grade resin system and a bespoke hybrid reinforcement sheet, based on fibre glass and carbon fibre. The major benefit of the Belzona SuperWrap II system is its ability to re-instate/restore strength to the original substrate.

When a steel pipe is damaged or corroded, through chemical attack for example, then it will ultimately lose strength and can even leak. This can mean that entire plants or facilities will be shut down for lengthy periods of time. This is clearly a major issue as it could result in millions of dollars being lost every day. In addition, this system can be applied as a composite patch, pad or plate, bringing increased rigidity, corrosion resistance and chemical resistance to the asset.

Figure 6. Pipe strength restored using Belzona SuperWrap II

Design, Develop, Manufacture

Belzona’s Chemists are involved at all stages, through design, development and manufacture. The Chemists work at the metaphorical drawing board, all the way through to supervising the first batch of a new polymer solution being made. As part of the development and manufacturing process, the Company focuses on sourcing materials that are commercially available, can provide the requisite performance, are of the highest quality, and which are as safe and sustainable as possible. By working with different chemical manufacturers, who create the building blocks of these solutions, the Chemists are able to apply their scientific knowledge and expertise, creating an easily appliable, safe, high-performance polymer product.

Testing is another key step in the development process. Belzona has fully equipped testing laboratories at their UK and US sites. These facilities allow the Company to study and characterise the performance of its products, and thereby optimise the formulations. Every solution undergoes an extensive programme of testing, the majority of which is carried out in-house. The testing is defined by the intended end-use for the product; for example, weathering testing for an exterior anti-corrosion coating or abrasion resistance testing for a slurry pump lining. It is Belzona’s investment in this testing capability which sets the Company apart from most competitors.

While the UK and US serve as the two core bases for Belzona’s global operations, the Company also has a global Network of 159 Distributors in over 120 countries. It also has corporate presences in the form of training and support centers in Thailand, Canada and China. Increasingly, Belzona is turning its attention to expanding its portfolio of sustainable solutions.


Figure 7. CEO, Barry Nisill, presenting Belzona solutions at Belzona’s Asia Pacific Office

Polymeric Solutions for a Sustainable Future

Repairing damaged assets instead of replacing them has always been fundamental to Belzona’s philosophy. This is encapsulated in the Company’s strapline ‘Polymeric Solutions for a Sustainable Future’. Originally, though, that philosophy was primarily driven by cost: it’s considerably cheaper to repair an asset than to buy a new one, so the asset owner can make significant financial savings.  

For example, over the course of several years, a Steel Fabricator in the UK’s East Coast managed to save millions of pounds by deploying polymeric repair and protection systems onto more than 2,000 metres of its gas pipeline. This included epoxy repair mortars and stainless-steel protective coatings.


Figure 8. Steel Fabricator saved millions of pounds thanks to Belzona technology

To this day, this philosophy of repair instead of replace remains. However, the need for industries to reduce their environmental impacts is more pressing now than ever before. As such, Belzona polymeric repair materials and protective coatings have an important part to play in supporting this net-zero journey. They can help to reduce the carbon footprint across many different industries such as (amongst others):

Petrochemical, Oil and Gas:
Belzona has a wide range of epoxy-based metal repair composites and high temperature coatings and linings which have been used in the petrochemical and oil and gas industries since the late 1970s. These materials are specifically designed to provide outstanding erosion and corrosion protection, as well as chemical resistance for equipment operating offshore and onshore at various pressures and temperatures.

Belzona systems can be applied in the following areas within the petrochemical and oil and gas industries (amongst others): internal and external of process vessels, pipework, cold bonding, splash zones, storage tanks and secondary containment areas, carbon capture, decommissioning, fenders and hoses, heat exchangers, seawater filters and separator vessels.

Figure 9. Flange protected against corrosion with flange encapsulation system, Belzona 3412

Marine:
Belzona's comprehensive range of cold-curing marine coatings and metal repair composites has been used by the marine industry for over 60 years. These products have been specifically designed to withstand harsh offshore conditions as well as provide exceptional resistance against erosion and corrosion.

Providing metal repair composites to shipyards around the world, long-term protection is proven by years of successful experience with ships and offshore structures. Manufactured according to the ISO 9001 quality management systems, Belzona materials are approved by classification societies from all around the world including: Lloyd's Register, American Bureau of Shipping, Bureau Veritas, RINA Services, DNV, China Classification Society and the Korean Register of Shipping.

Belzona systems can be applied in the following areas within the marine industry (amongst others): rudders, shafts, engines, shimming and chocking applications, rubber components, at sea repairs, storage tanks, exhausts, turbo blowers, stern tubes, auxiliary diesel engines, alternators/generators, tank cleaning systems, oily water separators, steering gears, pumps, heat exchangers, pipework, deck winches, lifeboats and access ladders.


Figure 10. Voith Schneider propulsion unit built up with Belzona 1311 (Ceramic R-Metal) before being overcoated with Belzona 1321 (Ceramic S-Metal)

Mining and Quarrying:
Belzona's wide range of polymeric metal and rubber repair composites and durable protective coatings and linings have been used in the mining and quarrying industry for decades. These materials are specifically designed to provide outstanding erosion, corrosion and abrasion protection, as well as chemical resistance, for equipment operating in highly aggressive environments.

Belzona systems can be applied in the following areas within the mining and quarrying industry: solids handling equipment, fluid and gas handling equipment, mechanical equipment, chocking and shimming applications and facilities maintenance.


Figure 11. Expansion joint repair at Coal Mine using combination of Belzona systems

Steel:
From rolling mills to blast furnaces, critical equipment in the steel industry is susceptible to abrasion, erosion, corrosion and chemical attack. Belzona’s range of metal repair composites, erosion corrosion resistant coatings and durable linings have been engineered to meet the aggressive demands of this industry.

Belzona systems can be applied in the following areas within the steel industry (amongst others): fluid and gas handling equipment, solids handling equipment, storage tank and secondary containment areas, shimming of worn equipment and facilities maintenance.


Figure 12. Tank and concrete saddles fortified with Belzona technology at Steel Production Site

Supporting Renewable Energy Industries  

Not only can Belzona technology help to mitigate the carbon footprint across multiple industries, but these polymeric systems can also safeguard valuable assets within the renewables sector. For example:

Wind:
For both onshore and offshore environments, Belzona solutions for the wind power sector can help to repair and protect assets from these problems, whilst simultaneously making wind farm maintenance procedures more efficient and less time-consuming.

Belzona systems can be applied in the following areas within the wind industry (amongst others): blade restoration and leading edge protection (LEP), nacelle and generating components, rebuild solutions for mechanical components, turbine base and tower, damaged concrete, corrosion resistant encapsulation systems, corrosion and erosion protection for splash zones, surface-tolerant solutions for transformer leaks.


Figure 13. Emergency repair of leaking transformer at Wind Farm with Belzona 1212

Hydropower:
Within the hydropower industry, polymer technology can offer a plethora of benefits including resistance to cavitation, excellent resistance to erosion and corrosion and efficiency enhancement.

Belzona systems can be applied in the following areas within the hydropower industry (amongst others): Francis turbines, Kaplan turbines, wicket gates, inlet valves, switchgears and turbine casings, pipework, penstocks, dams/spillways and facilities maintenance.

Figure 14. Corroded Francis turbine repaired with efficiency-enhancing coating, Belzona 1341 (Supermetalglide)

Biomass and Waste-to-Energy:
Belzona offers a wide range of epoxy-based repair composites and protective coatings to repair and protect biomass and waste-to-energy processing facilities and equipment from common problems occurring in the industry, including: abrasion, erosion, corrosion and chemical attack.

Belzona systems can be applied in the following areas within the biomass and waste-to-energy industry (amongst others): facilities maintenance, pipework, FGD units, chimneys and roofs.    

Range of Systems to Repair, Protect and Improve

For each of these industries and application areas, Belzona has designed high-performance solutions spanning across five product ranges:

Belzona 1000 Series - for the repair and protection of machinery and equipment.
Belzona 2000 Series - for abrasion resistant linings and the repair and protection of flexible components.
Belzona 3000 Series - waterproofing systems for the repair and protection of buildings and structures.
Belzona 4000 Series - for the repair and protection of concrete subject to abrasion, impact, and chemical attack.
Belzona 5000 Series - for protection from physical, chemical, or bacterial attack in a diverse range of environments.
Belzona 6000 Series - Zinc rich epoxy materials for corrosion protection to steelwork.
Belzona 7000 Series – for structural bonding, shimming and chocking.  

Sustainable Solutions

The focus on sustainability and conservation of the planet’s resources is informing much of Belzona’s future endeavors. For example, the Company has been supporting a UK-based Power Distribution Company and their customers whose assets are subject to SF₆ leaks in their transformers. SF₆ is described as the world’s worst greenhouse gas and is 23,500 times more potent than CO2.
 

In early 2022, Belzona created a tailor-made solution to stop leaks on a transformer owned by an electrical distribution operator. After several stages of prequalification, a trial repair was completed and has now been in service for several months. With Belzona’s support, the organisation is now achieving a 90-95% leak reduction rate, with an ambition to reach 100% in the near future.

The SF₆ project reflects an increasingly important mission being adopted by Belzona: creating products that solve industrial problems in a safe and sustainable way.


Figure 15. Belzona created a tailor-made solution to stop leaks on a transformer

Development of Products with High Levels of Renewable Carbon Content

Another important part of Belzona’s sustainability drive is its investigation into the efficacy of bio-based polymer solutions. One of the negative aspects of working with polymers is that the chemical building blocks used throughout the performance coatings sector are derived from oil - this means that an environmental impact is incurred.

However, Belzona has set out to address this challenge through its exploration and development of high-performance polymer solutions that use feed stocks derived from a renewable carbon source: plants. While bio-based chemicals have been available for low-performance solutions such as decorative paints for some time, the use of these types of chemicals has not previously been possible in the heavy industry market.

However, it is increasingly becoming apparent that chemical manufacturers are recognising the need for plant-derived polymers, in order to meet sustainability targets.

It is now possible to achieve very similar performance to oil-derived equivalents. Belzona is passionate about this ongoing change within the chemical industry. As a down-stream producer, the Company intends to work closely with manufacturers to encourage the adoption of more renewable-carbon solutions that don’t compromise on performance or quality.

Polymeric Systems: A Welcome Addition to the Arsenal of Carbon Mitigation Strategies

An increase in investment into industrial protective coatings and repair composites would help countries in the process of ratchetting up their 2030 emissions reduction plans, in order to achieve the net-zero emissions by 2050 target. Not only this, as discussed, these technologies are also instrumental in helping asset-owners across many different industries to make significant financial savings as well.

Indeed, Belzona recognises the critical role polymeric systems play in helping to support a more sustainable future for the planet in a way that is also financially advantageous. As such, they are committed to making ongoing investments into the development of polymeric systems that meet the ever-growing and changing demands of industries as they evolve towards a net-zero future.

About Belzona: Mission and Values

In April 2023, Belzona announced its new values – ‘Investment, Innovation, and Integrity’. These values are encapsulated in all five sectors of the Belzona philosophy - Corporate, Distributors, Consultants, Contractors, and Customers. These sectors work in harmony to provide the best products and services.

‘Investment’, the first of the new values, represents Belzona’s commitment to investing in its people, technology, and infrastructure. This includes investing in its employees’ training and development, as well as in the research and development of new and innovative products. Belzona’s focus on ‘Investment’ ensures that it stays ahead of the competition and continues to provide its customers with the best possible solutions.


Figure 16. Belzona invests in the ongoing training and development of its staff members

‘Innovation’ is the second value that Belzona has adopted. This value represents the Company’s commitment to continuous improvement and finding new and innovative solutions to its customers’ problems. For example, Belzona’s focus on ‘Innovation’ has led to the development of cutting-edge products, such as our range of high temperature linings.

The third and final value that Belzona has adopted is ‘integrity’. This value represents the Company’s commitment to honesty, transparency, and ethical behaviour. Belzona’s focus on ‘integrity’ ensures that it operates with the highest standards of conduct and maintains the trust and respect of its customers and partners. Strong work ethic and education across all areas ensures that the Business gets it, as best they can, right the first time from products to marketing, to technical support.

For more information, please visit: www.belzona.com

Groupe Lactalis is the world’s largest dairy company. Safety is one of the top priorities in all factories of the group. In its production sites in the Netherlands, called Royal Lactalis Leerdammer B.V., where Leerdammer cheese is produced, Lockout/ Tagout procedures were implemented to improve safety during maintenance activities. Read the inspiring case study!

Royal Lactalis Leerdammer B.V. wanted to increase maintenance safety by reducing machine intervention risks in its production sites in the Netherlands. The company wanted to implement Lockout/Tagout, a proven safety procedure that enables the complete isolation of machines from their entire energy supply while maintenance is ongoing. The procedure can remove all safety risks related to moving machine parts, premature machine energisation, and residual machine energy. Royal Lactalis Leerdammer B.V. wanted to set up their very own Lockout/Tagout programme, and sought guidance from an established expert. Learn how Brady has helped them to answer this safety challenge.

Solution: Procedure consultancy and reliable tools

Brady Corporation offered to train the company safety experts in creating best-in-class machine-specific Lockout/Tagout procedures. A Brady Engineer created an example procedure on-site to enable a perfect lockout for a single machine. Using the procedure as a guide, safety experts expanded the Lockout/Tagout programme to a lot more machines, with Brady in standby to consult. Machines to prepare milk for cheese production, conveyor belts and also electrical cabinets were all in scope of the Lockout/Tagout project to maximise maintenance safety.

Every lockout procedure, managed in Brady’s LINK360 software, included step-bystep instructions to fully isolate a specific machine by blocking all of its energy control points in the off-position. Pictures were added to illustrate where to find each valve, button or fuse that controls the energy supply to a specific machine.

Brady supplied all of the Lockout/Tagout tools needed to block access to the energy control points used in the production sites of Royal Lactalis Leerdammer. Our customer’s maintenance specialists can lock these tools in place with their personal Brady SafeKey padlocks . From a wide range of available locks, our customer selected nylon body padlocks with 38mm, and with 25mm nylon shackles. Compact, and lightweight, the 25mm nylon padlock is ideal to lock out fuses in small electrical cabinets.

Brady delivered the padlocks and keys in red, blue, green, yellow, white, black, orange and purple, so Royal Lactalis Leerdammer can visualise specific padlock purposes. These include neutralising maintenance risks such as electricity, compressed air, process fluids, gas, steam, mechanical energy and machines, as well as highlighting padlocks for individual protection.

Brady also offered BBP12 Label Printers to enable on-site padlock personalisation. With the printers, our customer can easily print names, phone numbers and other data on self-adhesive labels that perfectly fit their SafeKey padlocks.

To complete the solution, Brady created large shadow boards to distribute all Lockout/Tagout tools in the workplace. The boards include a tool shadow for each Lockout/Tagout device in use and provide an easy tool return point, as well as a clear overview of available tools and lockouts in progress. Next to tools, the boards also offer space to attach work specific Lockout/Tagout/Tryout procedures.

Results: Safe machine interventions

With the ability to isolate any machine from its complete energy supply, maintenance specialists at Royal Lactalis Leerdammer can work safely, and efficiently. After a machine intervention, all maintenance specialists remove their personal padlocks and restore the flow of energy so production can resume as planned. Tools are returned to the shadow boards and immediately available for the next safe maintenance intervention. Brady was able to deliver and help implement the entire solution from A to Z.

Download the free Lockout/Tagout Guidebook and get visual inspiration!

Case study: Increase safety during machine interventions

Groupe Lactalis is the world’s largest dairy company. Safety is one of the top priorities in all factories of the group. In its production sites in the Netherlands, called Royal Lactalis Leerdammer B.V., where Leerdammer cheese is produced, Lockout/ Tagout procedures were implemented to improve safety during maintenance activities. Read the inspiring case study!

Royal Lactalis Leerdammer B.V. wanted to increase maintenance safety by reducing machine intervention risks in its production sites in the Netherlands. The company wanted to implement Lockout/Tagout, a proven safety procedure that enables the complete isolation of machines from their entire energy supply while maintenance is ongoing. The procedure can remove all safety risks related to moving machine parts, premature machine energisation, and residual machine energy. Royal Lactalis Leerdammer B.V. wanted to set up their very own Lockout/Tagout programme, and sought guidance from an established expert. Learn how Brady has helped them to answer this safety challenge.

Solution: Procedure consultancy and reliable tools

Brady Corporation offered to train the company safety experts in creating best-in-class machine-specific Lockout/Tagout procedures. A Brady Engineer created an example procedure on-site to enable a perfect lockout for a single machine. Using the procedure as a guide, safety experts expanded the Lockout/Tagout programme to a lot more machines, with Brady in standby to consult. Machines to prepare milk for cheese production, conveyor belts and also electrical cabinets were all in scope of the Lockout/Tagout project to maximise maintenance safety.

Every lockout procedure, managed in Brady’s LINK360 software, included step-bystep instructions to fully isolate a specific machine by blocking all of its energy control points in the off-position. Pictures were added to illustrate where to find each valve, button or fuse that controls the energy supply to a specific machine.

Brady supplied all of the Lockout/Tagout tools needed to block access to the energy control points used in the production sites of Royal Lactalis Leerdammer. Our customer’s maintenance specialists can lock these tools in place with their personal Brady SafeKey padlocks . From a wide range of available locks, our customer selected nylon body padlocks with 38mm, and with 25mm nylon shackles. Compact, and lightweight, the 25mm nylon padlock is ideal to lock out fuses in small electrical cabinets.

Brady delivered the padlocks and keys in red, blue, green, yellow, white, black, orange and purple, so Royal Lactalis Leerdammer can visualise specific padlock purposes. These include neutralising maintenance risks such as electricity, compressed air, process fluids, gas, steam, mechanical energy and machines, as well as highlighting padlocks for individual protection.

Brady also offered BBP12 Label Printers to enable on-site padlock personalisation. With the printers, our customer can easily print names, phone numbers and other data on self-adhesive labels that perfectly fit their SafeKey padlocks.

To complete the solution, Brady created large shadow boards to distribute all Lockout/Tagout tools in the workplace. The boards include a tool shadow for each Lockout/Tagout device in use and provide an easy tool return point, as well as a clear overview of available tools and lockouts in progress. Next to tools, the boards also offer space to attach work specific Lockout/Tagout/Tryout procedures.

Results: Safe machine interventions

With the ability to isolate any machine from its complete energy supply, maintenance specialists at Royal Lactalis Leerdammer can work safely, and efficiently. After a machine intervention, all maintenance specialists remove their personal padlocks and restore the flow of energy so production can resume as planned. Tools are returned to the shadow boards and immediately available for the next safe maintenance intervention. Brady was able to deliver and help implement the entire solution from A to Z.

Download the free Lockout/Tagout Guidebook and get visual inspiration!

Download the free Lockout/Tagout Guidebook and get visual inspiration!

Among many notable recent successes, Hoist & Winch Ltd has come to the assistance of a large UK plant rental company with a very specific request. The company wanted a bespoke electric-powered winch lifting system to raise and lower large vinyl-type sheets in a purpose-built ‘wet area’. With no challenge too demanding, Hoist & Winch stepped up to the task.

At the heart of the Hoist & Winch system are four floor-mounted Yale RPE 400V three-phase winches offering 150kg swl (safe working load) and 20 Pfaff roof-mounted diverter pulleys coupled to four 12m long tubular spreader beams. Each winch raises and lowers one of the 12 m long spreader beams which attach to the vinyl sheet via load-bearing karabiner clips. Each vinyl sheet weighs approximately 60kg.

The customer can operate all four winches individually via their own wall-mounted, low-voltage pendant controls, allowing the lifting of a single vinyl sheet as required at any time. The innovative winch system raises the vinyl sheets safely and in a level position. This capability permits easy drying of the vinyl sheets after pressure washing, a process that removes any unwanted residual substances from the most recent hire job.

Each winch sits in purpose-manufactured mounting frames secured to the floor using four Hilti expansion anchors. The frame design allows orientation of the winch rope pay out at 90° to the first diverter pulley.

The room in which the washing, lifting, drying and lowering of vinyl sheets takes place is a purpose-built and enclosed ‘wet area’ with a cambered floor and drainage around the perimeter to support the removal of excess water during cleaning. Hoist & Winch Ltd provided PVC weather covers for the winch control panels to ensure safety at all times.

Ultimately, the system designed by Hoist & Winch Ltd significantly improves the whole operation to facilitate a quicker and far less labour-intensive turnaround of the vinyl sheets during busy periods of hire.

The scope of supply for Hoist & Winch Ltd included all pre-installation survey work to ensure correct the alignment and positioning of each winch, diverter pulley and all associated equipment, including top and bottom hook geared limit switches. The company also provided installation (using electric scissor lifts for working at height) over a seven-day period and subsequent commissioning. Further responsibilities included all wiring and load testing of the whole system. Once complete, Hoist & Winch Ltd issued a LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) ‘Thorough Examination’ report.

To ensure smooth handover, Hoist & Winch Ltd undertook comprehensive operator training covering: overview of the winch units and main components; operating controls and features; periodic checks and lubrication; annual inspection, service and certification requirements; and practical operation by each operator.

Hoist & Winch Ltd Director Andy Allen says: “This project set out a number of important stipulations to which we had to respond comprehensively and efficiently. A successful outcome that meets with the project’s ambitions, delivered on-time and on-budget, is our primary aim. Once again our professional and experienced team of engineers here at Hoist & Winch Ltd came up with a safe, reliable, high-performance solution to the satisfaction of our valued customer.”

Visit www.hoistandwinch.co.uk for further information and to view recent case studies.

Some might consider the relentless maintenance regime at a treatment plant in Kansas to be almost too pro-active. But the longevity and reliability of this site’s equipment speaks volumes for the way this wastewater facility is run; not to mention the multiple awards it has won.

At Gardner, just south west of Kansas City, Site Superintendent Scott Millholland is a firm believer in keeping the Kill Creek Water Resource Plant clean, fully serviced and at optimum efficiency – at all times.  Protecting the environment, waterways and his team are paramount.

Scott recently completed 25 years’ service (the past 12 as Site Superintendent), seeing in the Kill Creek facility when it was built in 2002 by Kruger as a Bio-Denitro-phased oxidation ditch technology plant. Also there since the plant first opened are two mixers made by Landia, which help keep everything in suspension in the ‘racetrack’ nitrification/denitrification set-up.

“These Landia mixers continue to keep everything moving and do a very good job for us,” said Scott. “We pull them up every Spring and Fall to pull off any rags and make sure there’s nothing on the magnetic plug rings – and after checking them over, put them right back into service. They’re an integral part of what we do here.”

In the corrosive world of wastewater treatment that Scott knows very well, his view on all that pro-active maintenance is partly summed up with the statement that ‘oil is cheap!

“We didn’t have to carry out any type of rebuild on the first Landia mixer until it had completed 14 years of service,” he said.

“We look after them properly, but they’re a strong, solid design and very easy to maintain. Equipment should always be maintained properly, but clearly, the mixers made by Landia are truly built to last. After our rotors have been on for an hour and a half, we run the mixers for 45 minutes. At just 13 amps, they are super-low on energy usage, especially when compared to blowers. We’ve just replaced 130-amp (125HP) blowers with new units that are just 50 amps, so it has been a very quick payback.”

Keeping 21-year-old mixers in tip-top condition is just one of the many reasons that Gardner has rightly been recognized as an outstanding wastewater treatment facility. Each of the 23 lift stations in and around Gardner are also checked every day to ensure that all of the wastewater is getting through properly. Serving a population that has leapt from 6,900 people (in 1998) to a figure approaching 25,000 today, Kill Creek has won the Kansas Water Environment Association (KWEA) Wastewater Treatment Plant of the year seven times, and in 2020, Scott Millholland received the William D. Hatfield Award for Wastewater Operator of the Year. The coveted title honors operators who have contributed positively to preserving and enhancing the water environment through their leadership, example, enthusiasm and hard work. Scott not only oversees the entire facility, leading and mentoring his team, but also still works as an operator and mechanic/engineer.

‘Never Compromise On Treatment Quality’

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

“Building a better community today for future generations really inspires me,” added Scott, “and our team takes great pride in protecting the local environment and waterways. We haven’t had a permit violation for over two decades. The plant here was originally designed to serve a population of 25,000 with a processing capacity of 2.5 mgd. We’re currently running at about 2.3 mgd, with room to expand (because it is modularized) to 7.5 mgd without disrupting operations. Gardner is one of the fastest growing cities in the US; very much on the up with new jobs and an expanding economy, so it is very important that we keep at least one step ahead with our operations. We try to save money wherever we can, but never compromise on treatment quality.”

In addition to significant population growth, Kill Creek Water Resource Plant is also having to meet the new task of reducing phosphorous and nitrogen outputs to meet ever stricter discharge permits.

‘A Long Way On Its Journey’

“We’ve made some operational process adjustments to tackle this,” said Scott, “and will continue to keep on top of it. “Gardner has come a long way on its journey from lagoons, fixed film plant with trickling filter, rotating biological contactor, chlorine, package plant – and then full treatment plant. We used to do pretty much everything on an on-call basis, from checking the water and wastewater plants, water breaks, turning meters on and off, and anything and everything else that needed to be done. For new challenges such as reducing phosphorous and nitrogen, all of our equipment, no matter how new or old, including the mixers from Landia, will play their part.”

Hoist & Winch Ltd recently supplied a special tandem-lifting hoist system as part of improvements to Environment Agency flood defence assets at Taplow Weir on the Jubilee Relief Channel, an 11.6 km asset that reduces flood risk to 3,200 properties by diverting water from the River Thames when flows are high. The tandem hoist units lift 7 m long galvanised steel stop logs each weighing 2000 kg. These stop logs provide a temporary barrier to the Jubilee Relief Channel so that workers can perform maintenance on the hydraulically controlled sluice gates.

Working for a large water industry engineering contractor, Hoist & Winch designed the remote-controlled tandem-lifting system to bespoke Environment Agency requirements. In terms of operating concept, the tandem lifting hoist system raises and lowers the stop logs in a level position so they locate correctly in the guide rails without any misalignment.  At the heart of the system is a pair of Yale CPV 2500 kg swl (safe working load) single-fall, electric-powered chain hoists mounted in motor trolleys to provide fast and slow speed operation.

A Danfoss/Ikusi wireless remote control handset offers individual control of either hoist raise/lower motion for initial levelling of the load hooks prior to lifting operations. The wireless remote also provides dual tandem hoist control for the precise level positioning of the stop-log load during lifting and lowering.

In the event of power loss or activation of a raise/lower limit switch, special software ensures that the system fails safe and the load does not lift unevenly. As a point of note, mechanical linking of the hoist units ensures correct load-hook separation at all times, while both hoist units also feature audible and visual operating alarms.

From an electrical perspective, Hoist & Winch Ltd provided rugged, heavy-duty plug and socket connectors for ease of maintenance and installation. In addition, the company utilised a fully enclosed (outdoor specification) power-feed system to provide safe maximum hoist-hook coverage across the entire gantry. PVC covers provided added protection for the IP55 hoist enclosure and electrical control panels from outdoor weather conditions.

The criticality of the project and close proximity to water demanded closely monitored working practices, with very stringent planning of all activities and the provision of additional PPE, including life-preserver jackets. Site work was also subject to CDM regulations and required all site engineers to hold a valid CCNSG Safety Passport/CSCS competency certification.

Installation took place over a five-day period and involved a barge-mounted hydraulic crane. Testing of the complete system took place using a dynamic test load of 2.5t + 2.5t + 125% proof load. Additional repeated function tests involved the dynamic test load and actual stop-log load to prove system functionality and satisfy Environment Agency requirements. On completion, Hoist & Winch Ltd issued a LOLER Thorough Examination report and provided operator training for site personnel.

 “The project to install the special tandem-lifting hoist system supports the Environment Agency’s annual maintenance programme, which is essential to ensure its flood defence assets remain in good working order,” says Andy Allen, Director of Hoist & Winch Ltd. “This type of tandem-lifting system would prove ideal for many other applications, such as lifting steel blast doors used in explosive/hazardous environments or handling valuable or delicate long loads in the manufacturing sector. Essentially any task that demands very precise and failsafe level lifting.”

Visit www.hoistandwinch.co.uk for further information and to view recent case studies.