One Platform. Four Models. More Features at Every Level.

Fluidwell proudly introduces the Next Level F1-Series:
The next generation of level indicators, monitors and controllers.

These four powerful new products not only build upon the proven functionality of the previous F1-Level Series, they also introduce a broad range of enhanced capabilities designed to meet the growing demands of modern industrial applications. From advanced level monitoring and control to sophisticated pump management and open channel flow measurement, these new F1-Level Series takes performance, functionality and reliability to the next level.

What makes the new series so powerful is its platform architecture. Each higher model contains the complete functionality of the lower model and adds new features on top. This allows users to select exactly the functionality they need while maintaining a familiar operating structure across the entire range.

Start with Monitoring. Grow to Complete Control.

• The series begins with the F170 Level Monitor, providing accurate level indication, alarm monitoring, analog retransmission and communication capabilities in a robust field mount enclosure.
• Stepping up to the F173 Level Monitor / Controller, users gain advanced control functionality, configurable hysteresis, remote control inputs and 48-point strapping table / linearization for accurate volume calculations and tank shape compensation.
• The F174 Pump / Level Controller adds powerful pump management features including pump groups, alternating pump operation, running-hour balancing, fill and drain cycles, pump diagnostics and advanced level control functions.
• At the top of the range, the F175 Pump / Level Controller & Open Channel Flow Monitor combines all F174 functionality with dual open channel flow monitoring, flow totalizing, (sampling) pulse output and flow calculations according linear relationship, table-based and with standard weir/flume calculation factors.

More information

Ready for the Next Level?
https://www.fluidwell.com/next-level

Navigating the confusion between refrigerant monitoring and leak detection

By Bryan Redmond, MSA Safety

The terms ‘refrigerant monitor’ and ‘refrigerant leak detector’ are frequently used interchangeably across the industry - yet they serve fundamentally different purposes. Bryan Redmond, a technical specialist at MSA Safety, unpacks the regulatory requirements and practical applications of each, offering guidance for operators navigating both safety compliance and sustainability goals.

In the modern HVAC-R landscape, ‘refrigerant monitor’ and ‘refrigerant leak detector’ are often used interchangeably - yet from a regulatory and operational standpoint, they serve fundamentally different purposes. Understanding this distinction is more than semantic precision; it's the difference between meeting life-safety compliance and achieving meaningful refrigerant emissions reduction.

Let's examine the why, when, and how of these two important systems.

Refrigerant monitors: the life-safety sentinel

Refrigerant monitors are often installed to achieve compliance with EN 378 and Regulation 573/2024 (F-Gas), which govern refrigeration systems and heat pumps. The core philosophy of EN 378 is straightforward: safeguard individuals from the harmful effects of refrigerant exposure, whether from toxicity or asphyxiation.

When and why are they required?

A refrigerant monitor - typically a diffusion-based point detector - is a mandated safety device for most HVAC/R applications in Europe. Monitoring is generally required under EN 378 when the volume of refrigerant that could potentially escape into a space is sufficient to pose a danger to occupants.

These devices are engineered for speed and reliability. Where applicable, EN 378 requires monitors to activate an audible and visual alarm within 30 seconds of detecting refrigerant gas at a concentration above a particular pre-set value. Other mitigation actions may also be activated by the alarm, such as mechanical ventilation or shutdown.  Units are typically pre-set to trigger at concentrations well below the occupational exposure limit of the particular refrigerant used (or for flammable refrigerants, well below 25% of the lower explosive limit (LEL)). For most refrigerants, alarm set points between 100 and 150 ppm fall well below harmful levels, providing crucial early warning to evacuate.

The maths of safety: is your room at risk?

Determining whether a specific room requires a monitor isn't guesswork, it's a calculation based on the "Practical Limit" of the refrigerant in use. For every individual room in a facility, the following assessment is performed:

If the resulting figure equals or exceeds the Practical Limit defined in EN 378, a refrigerant monitor is required under EN 378. Different refrigerants have different practical limits – R-410A, for example, has a Practical Limit of 0.44 kg/m³. If your system charge divided by the room volume exceeds this threshold, installation of a refrigerant monitor is mandatory.

Refrigerant leak detectors: high-sensitivity system oversight

If the refrigerant monitor exists to help keep occupants safe, an aspirated refrigerant leak detector is designed for high-sensitivity, ongoing system oversight.

Aspirated systems typically use a centralised Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) sensor to actively draw air samples from various locations. Unlike diffusion-based monitors which typically alarm at 100ppm or more, these systems are engineered with a Minimum Detection Level (MDL) of 1 ppm.

Why low-level detection matters

Why detect at 1 ppm when the safety alarm doesn't trigger until 100 ppm? The answer lies in cumulative refrigerant loss.

Standard refrigerant monitors cannot always detect small leaks- that's not their purpose. However, a system can sustain a persistent, minor leak that loses hundreds of kilograms of refrigerant annually without ever reaching the 100–150 ppm threshold at the monitor's location. This is particularly true in large rooms or spaces with high air-change rates.

By the time a refrigerant monitor alarms, the leak is already significant. When an aspirated leak detector alarms, the issue remains a manageable maintenance task. Detecting these small leaks enables prompt repairs, drastically reducing refrigerant replacement costs and helping facilities meet their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets.

It's worth noting that the majority of refrigerant loss occurs through undetected small leaks - not catastrophic blowouts that would trigger safety alarms.

The critical difference: why not use one system for both?

This is the question I encounter most frequently: If an aspirated detector is so sensitive, why can't I use it for my EN 378 safety compliance?

The answer comes down to cycle time.

The 30-second rule under EN 378

Because aspirated systems must sequentially sample each zone - drawing air through tubing, analysing it, and purging the sensor before moving to the next location- a cycle time is introduced. Depending on the number of zones and total tubing length, it could take up to 90 minutes for a 16-zone unit with maximum line lengths of 300 metres to return to any given location.

While this timeline is appropriate for identifying slow-developing leaks and reducing long-term emissions, it is unsuitable for life safety. If a sudden, large-scale leak fills a room with refrigerant, you cannot wait for an aspirated detector to cycle back to that location.

Under EN 378, refrigerant monitors must be installed in any space where the practical limit could be reached or exceeded. These devices must alarm within 30 seconds of detecting a pre-set concentration of refrigerant. Aspirated systems - regardless of their sensitivity - cannot fulfil this mandatory rapid-response role.

Conclusion - a multi-layered approach

The choice between a refrigerant monitor and an aspirated leak detector is not an either/or proposition - it's a both/and strategy for effective facility management.

Refrigerant monitors are non-negotiable where EN 378’s “Practical Limit” is reached. They are the silent sentinels helping to prevent mechanical failure from becoming a human tragedy. However, relying solely on refrigerant monitors means accepting the hidden cost of slow, undetected leaks that drain budgets and may harm the environment.

By implementing aspirated refrigerant leak detection alongside required refrigerant monitors, operators can achieve both objectives: a compliant, safe environment for occupants and a higher-efficiency, lower-emission refrigeration system that delivers measurable returns through reduced refrigerant costs.

In a market increasingly defined by stringent environmental regulations and rising refrigerant costs, understanding this distinction has become a business imperative.

with appropriately specified refrigerant monitors, then consider where aspirated leak detection can deliver additional value through early identification of minor leaks.

The investment in both technologies pays dividends - not only in regulatory peace of mind, but in reduced refrigerant costs, lower emissions, a stronger position as sustainability reporting requirements continue to evolve, and perhaps most important, in improving safety.

Discover how MSA Safety can help you combine life-safety monitoring with high-sensitivity leak detection to support safer, more efficient and lower-emission operations.

Maintaining critical equipment across a large industrial processing facility requires lifting systems tailored to the specific demands of each application area. For a UK dockside seed-crush and refinery plant, Hoist & Winch Ltd delivered a turnkey package of eight high-quality electric chain and wire rope hoists to support vital site-wide maintenance operations. Installed as part of a multi-year plant improvement programme, the high-performance hoists serve a variety of maintenance functions across indoor and outdoor process areas, including a quayside pump station, an ATEX-rated mineral oil extraction zone and several general production locations.

Following close customer consultation, Hoist & Winch specified and supplied equipment from three renowned European manufacturers, selecting individual hoist designs according to each location’s operational requirements.

One of the most demanding applications involved the maintenance of process water pumps situated below sea level at the dockside. To support lifting operations, Hoist & Winch supplied two GIS electric chain hoists, each offering 6-ton safe working load (Swl). Capacity, reliability, travel performance and hook coverage were all key considerations during equipment selection.

The GIS hoists feature two-speed motion, cross-travel limit switches and remote radio control. Given their exposed quayside location, the hoists were also supplied with weather-resistant canvas covers and galvanised steel parking enclosures for protection when not in use.

                                                                                                                                                            Continued ……

Elsewhere on site, maintenance activities within the mineral oil extraction area required a lifting solution suitable for operation in a potentially explosive atmosphere. Hoist & Winch specified an Italkrane YY series 2-ton Swl electric chain hoist certified for ATEX applications up to Zone 1 II B T4.

The hoist incorporates flameproof electrical protection, anti-corrosion finishes and anti-sparking components, including brass trolley wheels, load hook and anti-tip devices. A low-headroom design, two-speed operation, cross-travel limit switches and radio control functionality further enhance its suitability for lifting vessel hoods and other equipment during maintenance procedures. A Hoist & Winch CompEx-certified engineer undertook the installation of all ATEX electrical connections.

For the indoor and outdoor process plant locations, Hoist & Winch supplied Stahl ST series electric chain hoists with 3.2-ton Swl. These units provide maintenance teams with a reliable means of lifting equipment between ground level and elevated work areas.

A separate maintenance location required significantly higher lifting capacity, leading Hoist & Winch to specify a Stahl SH series wire rope hoist with 9-ton Swl. Here, low-headroom configuration was essential to maximise available lifting height while accommodating larger process plant components. Across locations, the hoists were again supplied with two-speed operation, cross-travel limit switches and radio control systems to improve operational control and positioning accuracy.

Electrical power distribution was tailored to suit the constraints of each installation area. In general process locations, festoon cable C-track systems were mounted alongside runway beams. For the dockside and ATEX installations, however, specialised festoon trolley arrangements running along the bottom flange of the hoist runway beams were employed to accommodate beam configurations and site clearance/access requirements.

                                                                                                                                                            Continued ……

Following installation, Hoist & Winch conducted comprehensive testing and certification of every lifting system. All hoist and runway beam installations underwent LOLER inspection, dynamic load testing and 125% proof-load testing before entering service. The company issued LOLER Thorough Examination reports for all installed systems.

“Every area of this facility presented its own technical challenges, from dockside lifting operations and ATEX requirements to low-headroom maintenance applications,” says Hoist & Winch Director Andy Allen. “By selecting the most appropriate hoist technology for each location, we were able to provide the customer with a safe, reliable and long-term lifting solution that supports efficient maintenance across the entire plant.”

Hoist & Winch completed its work on site by delivering operator training, covering safe use of the equipment, operating controls, limit switches, emergency stop functions, routine inspections, lubrication requirements and annual certification obligations.

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

The recent European Norm 17975 addresses ‘grey zone’ energy-related risks during machine and pipeline interventions and proposes a task based framework for safe and efficient work. The norm can further increase the safety and efficiency of Lockout/Tagout programmes in a wide range of industries.

A task based safety framework

10%-15% of fatal workplace accidents in Europe’s industries are related to maintenance operations according to data from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. Many of these result from underestimating risks involved in specific tasks such as machine greasing, sensor adjustment or a quick cleaning that are not always seen as ‘maintenance activities’. They are kept outside the scope of Lockout/Tagout programmes even though workers are exposed to similar risks. European Norm (EN) 17975 addresses these grey zone risks by using task based risk analyses as a starting point.

“EN 17975 does not require an energy zero state for every machine or pipeline during every intervention”, said Mustafa Ekseri, EMEA Safety Engineer at Brady Corporation, a supplier of quality Lockout/Tagout solutions. “Not having to halt an entire production line for every intervention can save valuable time - if it is possible in a safe way. To achieve this, EN 17975 proposes a layered approach based on risks related to specific tasks on specific machines and pipes. These risks are to be highlighted in a risk analysis. In absence of a risk analysis, machine zero energy states remain the safety standard. In that sense, EN 17975 builds on ISO 14118 by providing more options for compliance with European workplace safety legislation. Impacted activities can be defined using EN 17007 and EN 13306 and are also listed in EN 17975.”

Risk analysis guidance

With machine and pipe intervention safety hinging on identified risks, industries will need thorough task-based risk analyses. Guidance can be found in other standards. “ISO 12100, primarily intended for machinebuilders to take into account their customers’ workplace safety, can be used as a basis for machine intervention risk analyses. ISO 31000 provides guidelines for managing risk in general, including 8 core principles, a framework and a process.”

“EN 17975 proposes 6 steps to analyse the risk in any machine intervention task, starting with the identification of the task, all the way to a feedback loop for continuous improvement. That includes a thorough energy source inventory and identification. The standard also requires a risk analysis update before applying Standard Operating Procedures, and during maintenance activities. In addition, EN 17975 advocates clearly identified degraded situations that may deviate from the standard risk assessment.”

Task-based isolation

EN 17975 uses a task based risk approach that was captured earlier in the French norm X60-400. Based on a task risk analysis, the European Norm proposes 4 types of risk control processes:

• Neutralisation: a process that, through design of the control systems, shuts down an item of equipment so that a list of predetermined tasks can be conducted in safety.
• Standard isolation: a process that results in the removal – by locking in position a single or double isolating device – of all energies & fluids where the presence, accidental retention, unexpected appearance does not have hazardous consequences for workers, the environment, and items.
• Reinforced isolation: a process that results in the removal – by separation or by a combination of isolating and opening devices (e.g. valve, tap, etc.) – of all energies & fluids where the presence, accidental retention, unintended appearance does not have hazardous consequences for workers, the environment, and items.
• Specific provisions: a process that results in the implementation of organisational or technical measures enabling observation, diagnostics, testing activities and work on settings for the item in service to be carried out safely, with energies & fluids present.

“All 4 risk control processes require an inventory of energies and fluids per machine with their effects on people, property and the environment, a mapping of the isolating devices and an identification sheet of energies, fluids, components and lockout

devices. It also requires a shared risk assessment grid and process. EN 17975 describes the aim, application conditions, type of activities and other relevant factors for each of the 4 risk control processes.”

Lockout/Tagout guidance

Complying with EN 17975 requires a human, organisational and technical approach, all of which are outlined in the norm.

EN 17975 identifies 9 steps to carry out reinforced and standard isolations by Lockout/Tagout of energies and fluids. Steps involve separation of energies and fluids, isolation, lock out, tagout, identification, dispersion of energies, check, contain and inspect. “The ‘check’ step in EN17975 is already widely known in the industry as the ‘Tryout’ in Lockout/Tagout/Tryout or LoToTo. It is a vital step to help make sure that measures are implemented correctly and that they are still effective.”

“Brady safety engineers can help industries implement isolations by writing machine- and task specific lockout procedures. These can include all 9 steps from EN 17975, and they must be based on company task risk assessments. In addition, we can offer the right Lockout/Tagout tools for procedure compliance, set up a hands-on demo by locking out a specific machine, and provide training to relevant employees. Alternatively, a gap analysis can be made that identifies steps to be taken from the current state to arrive at compliant, best practice Lockout/Tagout.”

Impact on existing safety programmes

EN 17975 is not a legal requirement. “The standard however considerably facilitates compliance with EU workplace safety legislation. It sets a clear expectation for any machine intervention: if no risk analysis for the task is available, a machine zero energy state is required.”

“Because many safety programmes already involve complete machine isolation from every energy source, for every task, it is likely that the new norm will impact existing Lockout/Tagout-programmes. Based on the risk analysis, machine zero energy states may not be needed for every type of intervention.”

“Adversely, some tasks that were considered ‘small and safe’ may unveil more risk after a thorough risk analysis. This means a single machine could have several Lockout/Tagout procedures. The right procedure can be included with, or communicated via a QR-code on a work permit for example.”

“Some forms of automated safety may not be sufficient for every task without an underlying risk analysis. Take a safety cage for example, equipped with sensors that deactivate moving machine parts the moment someone enters the cage. Do these nullify any residual energy that may pose a risk? Is gravitational, and other potential energy taken into account? The goal of EN 17975 is to prevent accidents, and to avoid a false sense of safety that does not provide any real protection.”

With the European Norm 17975, industries in Europe can now rely on a common standard for compliance with EU and national safety legislation that involve risk control processes of energies and fluids in maintenance activities. The norm is or will be implemented by the national standards organisations of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

Get the Brady EN 17975 Lockout/Tagout webinar recording

Go from zero machine energy to zero intervention risk with task based Lockout/Tagout, driven by the European Norm 17975. Get your copy of the EN 17975 webinar from an experienced, worldwide Lockout/Tagout solution provider.

Discover more about:

• the unique European framework EN 17975 provides to achieve safety and efficiency
• how EN 17975 focuses on task-based safety, rather than machine zero energy states
• how EN 17975 can be used to address ‘Grey zone’ risks
• 4 risk-based energy isolation levels presented by EN 17975
• 6 steps to control risks
• Lockout/Tagout procedure writing
• Lockout/Tagout device and padlock types

Get the webinar recording now >

Draw inspiration from our free guidebook on how to best implement Lockout/Tagout. Download the free guide >

Mustafa Ekseri works as a Safety Engineer for Brady Europe, Middle East and Africa. He is involved in planning, writing procedures and rolling out Lockout/Tagout programmes at manufacturing and logistics workplaces throughout Europe. He is a Prevention Advisor Level 2, a Belgian legally regulated curriculum that equips professionals to handle safety and health risks in businesses.

New platform builds on years of successful field deployment to deliver enhanced access, digital verification and improved fired heater performance

Integrated Global Services (IGS), a provider of asset integrity and energy efficiency solutions for the energy, power and heavy industry sectors, today introduced Rovex™, the latest evolution of its proven robotic cleaning technology for fired heater convection sections.

Building on the TubeTech robotic cleaning system, which has been successfully deployed across industrial facilities worldwide for many years, Rovex combines proven cleaning performance with advances in robotic mobility, access capability and digital performance verification. The introduction of Rovex brings together years of operational learning under a single technology platform, reflecting IGS' continued investment in robotics, digitalization and performance-driven maintenance solutions.

Designed to navigate complex tube geometries, the compact remotely operated vehicle (ROV) uses patented cleaning lance technology and integrated inspection capabilities to remove stubborn fouling while eliminating the need for confined-space entry.

Fired heater fouling remains one of the largest contributors to lost thermal efficiency across refining and petrochemical operations. Even a 1% loss in steam cracker efficiency can cost operators several million dollars annually, making effective convection section cleaning critical to plant performance.

Unlike conventional manual cleaning or water jetting, Rovex is designed to clean more than 90% of accessible tube surface area, helping operators recover efficiency while reducing the risk of damage associated with traditional methods.

Each deployment is supported by thermal performance analysis before and after cleaning, enabling IGS engineers to target fouled areas and verify operational improvements. Recent projects have demonstrated fuel efficiency improvements of up to 2.9%, stack temperature reductions of up to 60°C (108°F), annual CO₂ emissions reductions exceeding 1,600 tonnes, and payback periods of less than three months, depending on furnace design and operating conditions.

Recent field applications further demonstrate the platform's impact. At Oman Methanol Company, Rovex restored convection section performance, reducing stack temperature by 34°C (93.2°F) and improving fuel efficiency by 1.8%, enabling a return to full production capacity while lowering fuel consumption and associated emissions.

"Rovex represents the next stage in the evolution of our robotic cleaning technology," said Eric Duvekot, Vice President of Engineering at IGS. "We've built on years of successful field deployment with the TubeTech platform, incorporating customer

feedback and continued engineering development to create a more capable system. Rovex helps operators recover lost efficiency more safely, access more of the convection section, and verify performance improvements with greater confidence."

As industries seek safer, more efficient and lower-emission maintenance solutions, Rovex combines a proven operational track record with the latest advances in robotics and digital performance analysis to help operators improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions and make more informed maintenance decisions.

www.integratedglobal.com

Precision Measurement. Intelligent Performance

The introduction of HIKMICRO’s flagship LRG10 series radar level meter is accelerating the company’s expansion within the global instrumentation market. This high-performance instrument delivers accurate, stable level measurements, benefiting demanding sectors that include water management, food and beverage, petrochemical, life sciences, chemical, and medical.

Following HIKMICRO’s entry into instrumentation in 2025 with its high-precision Coriolis and Ultrasonic flow meters, the company has rapidly gained international recognition by addressing real-world challenges. The new LRG10 series builds on this success, reinforcing the company’s emergence as a proven and trusted provider of industrial-grade measurement instruments.

At the core of the LRG10 is advanced 80 GHz FMCW radar technology, delivering high-resolution level measurements with a small 3° beam angle and accuracy up to ±2 mm. Compared with conventional radar systems, the LRG10 series provides more focused detection and significantly improved signal clarity, ensuring consistent measurement.

With a maximum range of 120 m, the device supports the continuous level monitoring of liquids, slurries, and granular (bulk solid) materials across applications that extend from individual storage tanks to large-scale warehouses and reservoirs. Importantly, HIKMICRO has engineered the instrument for reliability in complex scenarios. A combination of AI-based false echo suppression and intelligent interference shielding enables stable performance in environments featuring dust, steam, agitation, or volatile gases.

Engineered for practical performance

 The device can adapt to diverse operational requirements. Multiple antenna configurations and mounting options enable deployment across a broad range of vessels and process conditions, including high-temperature and high-pressure environments. A self-learning algorithm continuously optimizes performance based on real-time data, improving adaptability without manual recalibration.

Response times of under a second make the LRG10 series ideal for fast-moving processes like reaction vessels, while low power consumption ensures easy integration into existing infrastructure. Bluetooth-enabled configuration and remote set-up capabilities reduce the time and effort required during installation and commissioning.

Building momentum in instrumentation

 The arrival of the LRG10 helps maintain strong early momentum for HIKMICRO’s instrumentation portfolio. In a matter of months, the company has successfully deployed its other instrumentation in many demanding applications, from precision flow measurement in food production to air and steam pressure monitoring in power generation. Customers consistently report stable operation, high accuracy, and reliable performance.

This track record matters. It reflects an approach that utilizes in-house chip design, core algorithm development, and manufacturing at scale, yielding advanced, high-quality technology at a more accessible price point.

“Our strategy is to make high-performance instrumentation more accessible without any compromise in quality,” says Stefan Li, Overseas Market Director at HIKMICRO. “By leveraging our expertise, HIKMICRO measurement instruments solves real-world industrial problems while supporting the wider industry shift toward digitalized, data-driven operations.”

A unified industrial platform

 The LRG10 series forms part of a comprehensive HIKMICRO industrial platform that unites production control, predictive maintenance, and safety within a single, affordable solution. Combining instrumentation with established capabilities in thermal imaging and acoustic sensing enables customers to monitor processes, detect faults early, and optimize performance through a fully integrated ecosystem.

With the LRG10, HIKMICRO continues to build credibility in the instrumentation sector, demonstrating both technical capability and a clear commitment to overcoming customer challenges. For more information visit www.hikmicrotech.com

About HIKMICRO

HIKMICRO is the world's leading smart thermal imaging brand, celebrating a decade of innovation in temperature measurement and detection. Built on thermal imaging expertise, the company has expanded into visible light, ultrasonic, and radar technologies—delivering comprehensive sensing solutions to customers in over 100 countries.

From handheld thermal cameras and acoustic imagers to firefighting cameras and instrumentation products spanning temperature, flow, and pressure, HIKMICRO serves industries including industrial, security, safety, and consumer electronics. Trusted by professionals and homeowners alike, HIKMICRO devices are widely used in building inspections, HVAC, predictive maintenance, water leakage detection, and DIY applications.

Expert Knowledge, AI-Enabled

HIKMICRO is celebrating 10 years of global leadership in smart thermal imaging by introducing SuperScene™ Mode. This AI-powered breakthrough facilitates faster, simpler, and more accessible thermal inspections for trade professionals and DIY enthusiasts of any skill level.

Far more than just a new feature, SuperScene™ Mode represents a transition from simple image capture to instant actionable insight. By embedding a decade of field expertise into AI-driven analysis, HIKMICRO is removing the complexity that has traditionally limited thermal imaging while setting a new benchmark in usability and performance.

“Our vision from day one was to take thermal imaging solutions from niche applications to the mass market, adding more intelligence and accessibility,” says Stefan Li, Overseas General Manager at HIKMICRO. “SuperScene™ Mode marks a new chapter in that vision. This advanced technology embeds the knowledge of experienced trade professionals directly into our products, enabling any user to work like an expert.”

From Detection to Decision

 Thermal imaging can reveal hidden issues, but correct device configuration and image interpretation have long-proved barriers. Adjusting parameters, understanding thermal patterns, and making accurate diagnoses typically require training and experience. SuperScene™ Mode eliminates these obstacles through its two-layer architecture.

First, Expert Presets, See like an Expert, automatically optimize camera settings for common inspection scenes that include Water Leak, Insulation, Floor Heating, Electrical, Macro, Solar Panel, and more. This saves time and eliminates guesswork, so every inspection starts with the right settings. For professionals, advanced scenes like Insulation Pro and Condensation deliver enhanced visual alerts and environmental data integration for deeper diagnostic insights.

Second, Smart SuperScene™, Think like an Expert, applies AI to analyze thermal images. In key scenes like Water leak, Insulation, and Floor Heating, the system detects and flags anomalies on screen, turning raw data into clear, actionable information. The result is an instant step change in ease of use. What once depended on specialist expertise can now be completed with greater speed, consistency, and confidence.

Positive Feedback

 Using the technology to see and think like an expert is already delivering gains in the real world.

“The visual indicators, such as anomaly markers, are clear and highly effective,” states Aleksandar Stojanović, a Level 2 certified thermographer. “They streamline the inspection process and make it much easier to communicate findings, as issues are immediately visible and easy to explain.”

Get an AI-Enabled Advantage

 Since its foundation in 2016, HIKMICRO has engaged closely with trade professionals that include electricians, plumbers, HVAC service personnel, and energy auditors to understand thermal imaging in practice.

SuperScene™ Mode reflects this collaboration. HIKMICRO AI learns from thousands of real-world examples, adapting to different environments without rigid rules. By combining thermal imaging with visible light, the camera understands what it sees: a wall, a floor, or a pipe. A leak is only flagged when both temperature and scene context make sense. The result? A reduction in false alarms from 90% to near zero, with detection accuracy up by 61%.

Everything runs on-device. There is no cloud, no delay, and no privacy worries, providing real-time answers right in the hand of the user.

Looking ahead, HIKMICRO will continue to extend its product AI capabilities, further reduce false positives, and expand into applications such as solar inspection and automotive diagnostics.

Update to v5.5.112 and unlock SuperScene Mode. With this upgrade, HIKMICRO is setting a new industry benchmark by making smart thermal imaging accessible to all, a fitting way to celebrate a decade of industry-leading innovation. SuperScene Mode is available now on Eco Series, B Series, and Pocket Series (select models only - contact HIKMICRO for specific compatibility) thermal camera devices. For more information visit www.hikmicrotech.com or the official Amazon Store.

About HIKMICRO

HIKMICRO is the world's leading smart thermal imaging brand, celebrating a decade of innovation in temperature measurement and detection. Built on thermal imaging expertise, the company has expanded into visible light, ultrasonic, and radar technologies—delivering comprehensive sensing solutions to customers in over 100 countries.

From handheld thermal cameras and acoustic imagers to firefighting cameras and instrumentation products spanning temperature, flow, and pressure, HIKMICRO serves industries including industrial, security, safety, and consumer electronics. Trusted by professionals and homeowners alike, HIKMICRO devices are widely used in building inspections, HVAC, predictive maintenance, water

Ellis has further strengthened its position as a sustainability leader in the cable management industry with the publication of a new Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for its polymer cable cleat range and the release of its latest carbon footprint report showing a 57% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions over the last eight years.

The EPD provides transparent lifecycle environmental data for Ellis polymer cable cleats, enabling consultants, contractors, EPCs and end users to make more informed and sustainable specification decisions.

The publication follows Ellis' industry-leading stainless steel cable cleat EPD and means the company now offers verified environmental data across both its main stainless steel and polymer cable cleat ranges.

Produced in accordance with EN 15804+A2, ISO 14025 and ISO 21930, the EPD assesses environmental impacts throughout the product lifecycle, from raw material extraction and manufacturing through to end-of-life disposal and recycling.

Alongside the new EPD, Ellis has published its latest Carbon Footprint Report, highlighting substantial progress towards its sustainability objectives.

The report shows that the company has reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions by approximately 57% since its 2017/18 baseline year, driven by investments in renewable energy, electrification and continuous operational improvements. The latest figures also show solar power now contributes more than half of the company's energy requirements.

Danny Macfarlane, Managing Director of Ellis, said:

"Sustainability is increasingly influencing decisions across the industries we serve, from data centres and renewable energy projects to power generation and critical infrastructure.

"Providing independently verified environmental data through EPDs gives customers the transparency they need to assess the environmental impact of their projects, while our latest carbon footprint report demonstrates that we are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our own operations as well.

"We believe environmental claims should be supported by robust evidence and measurable outcomes. These latest developments reinforce our commitment to transparency, continuous improvement and supporting customers on their own sustainability journeys."

Environmental Product Declarations are often described as the environmental equivalent of nutritional labels. They provide objective data on a product's environmental performance and are increasingly being requested as part of project sustainability assessments, embodied carbon calculations and ESG reporting requirements.

As sustainability requirements continue to evolve across global infrastructure markets, Ellis remains committed to providing customers with both the products and the environmental data needed to support responsible project delivery.

The new Polymer Cable Cleat EPD and latest Carbon Footprint Report are available to download from the Ellis web site: https://www.ellispatents.co.uk/sustainability