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Babcock Wanson UK, a leading supplier of industrial process heating equipment and solutions, has announced the extension of its product portfolio to encompass large high pressure firetube boilers up to 50barg and output to 70 t/h and watertube boilers up to 90barg and 150t/h, along with heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), making it the only company in the UK capable of providing the complete spectrum of industrial boiler solutions — from compact coil type steam generators through to large, high output watertube systems.

The addition of large-scale boiler systems designed for the most demanding industrial applications has been brought about through the integration of German company VKK Standardkessel into the Babcock Wanson Group.  The full VKK range is now available through Babcock Wanson UK, supported by its renowned local service and engineering expertise.  By offering VKK Standardkessel boilers in the UK, Babcock Wanson UK brings together advanced German engineering with its own proven capability for total system design, local project management, and after-sales service.  Customers benefit not only from tailor-made, high-capacity boiler technology but also from Babcock Wanson UK’s on-the-ground expertise in installation, commissioning, UK regulatory compliance and maintenance.

The VKK product portfolio available through Babcock Wanson UK covers a wide range of industrial energy needs. It includes single and double flame watertube boilers, hot water boilers, high-pressure steam generators with or without superheaters, and HRSGs for combined heat and power applications. The unique Condor range combines watertube and firetube technology to deliver high pressure, low emissions and superheated steam from a compact, highly efficient design. Capacities range from 2 to 70 tonnes of steam per hour, with operating pressures up to 38 bar and steam temperatures up to 450°C, while hot water boilers can be supplied up to 50 MW and 30 bar.

The Condor range is also available for electrical and hybrid operation, enabling industries to prepare for the energy transition and make use of surplus renewable electricity. Hybrid Condor boilers incorporate flanged electric heaters alongside traditional combustion to reduce CO₂ emissions, operate flexibly according to fuel pricing, and provide additional standby capacity. VKK’s full-electric Condor boilers are available up to 11 MW, offering more than 99% efficiency and a practical route to zero-emission steam and hot water.

VKK HRSGs provide an effective solution for utilising waste heat from gas turbines, CHP plants and industrial processes, ensuring both improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. These robust HRSG systems can be supplied with auxiliary firing for additional steam output and are engineered for high availability, flexibility under load changes, and long service life.

“The addition of VKK Standardkessel boilers and HRSGs significantly broadens Babcock Wanson UK’s portfolio, making it unique in the UK for its capability to supply and support both firetube and watertube boilers up to the highest output levels” states Etienne Fourie, Technical Sales Manager for Babcock Wanson UK’s Process Engineering Division. “This positions us as the partner of choice for customers looking for energy efficiency, reliability, and a full lifecycle approach to boiler house operations.”

For more information, please contact Babcock Wanson on 020 8953 7111 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or go to www.babcock-wanson.com

Mechanical engineering company increases occupational safety with the RUD Tecdos TM Tool Mover

More occupational safety and greater efficiency when handling tools weighing several tons: this is now the current situation at Arburg. The leading machine manufacturer for plastics processing is using the RUD Tecdos TM Tool Mover at its headquarters in Lossburg (Baden-Württemberg) and now moves tools safely and efficiently. The RUD Tool Mover turns and rotates tools in seconds at the touch of a button. The Tool Mover has the Arburg employees ecstatic because it optimises work safety and ergonomics on the floor.

Arburg offers trials and tool tests together for its customers in its 2,100 m2 customer center at its Lossburg headoffice. It has more than 30 Allrounder injection moulding machines, 3D printers for additive manufacturing and laboratories for special processes. This facility benefits customers to test tools and machines and optimize processes in a practical and professional environment. The added benefit for the Arburg team is that the RUD Tool Mover looks aesthetically pleasing on the turnkey floor.

In under a minute: turning tools 90 degrees.

"When tools arrive at our premises, they are usually 'inverted' so that they must be turned 90 degrees for testing. This is now done by the RUD Tecdos TM Tool Mover," explains Roland Gruber, Group Manager Application Programming & Commissioning in the Automation & Turnkey department at Arburg. The injection moulding machine manufacturer also uses the tool mover during the commissioning of turnkey projects, i.e., when a customer uses a machine and mould before delivery. Arburg uses the RUD Tecdos TM 13/13-10, which rotates moulds weighing up to 10 tons safely and efficiently.

Tools up to 1.20 meters in size and weighing between 200 kilograms and 10 tons arrive in Lossburg. The company used a crane for the 90-degree turning of the tools. "With the crane, the entire turning process could take 30 to 45 minutes; now we have a net turning time of around 45 seconds," emphasizes Gruber.

Work safety and flexibility

However, saving time was not the main factor in Arburg's decision to opt for the RUD Tecdos TM. "Our focus was clearly on increasing work safety and ergonomics for our team," says Gruber, who sees the time savings as a nice side effect. The tool mover enables BGV-compliance and safe working without the risk of injury, for example from diagonal movements.

For the teams in the customer centre and in commissioning, the handling process has changed fundamentally: Previously, employees used to drive the tool to the crane and to the attachment points. Now the employees can bring the Tool Mover to the tool. The RUD Tecdos TM can be moved with an industrial truck, such as a forklift or pallet truck, and can be transported easily between the various halls at Arburg to the desired location.

Ergonomics for employees

In addition to increased work safety, the RUD Tecdos TM also ensures ergonomics for the team. The customer tools that arrive at Arburg are lifted onto the tool turner by crane and then rotated by the employees at the touch of a button while standing. For the RUD Tecdos TM, which Arburg also uses in its customer centre, the engineers at RUD have come up with a special system: they have lowered the work surface to a height of 595 mm. Thanks to the low working height, it is possible to work directly on the tool if required.

Gentle on the tool

The RUD Tecdos TM not only makes work safe for people, but also for the tools. The tool turner is designed for axial rotational movements of tools and machine components up to 64 tons (in the largest version). The load is turned at the centre of gravity smoothly. The RUD Tecdos TM ensures particularly smooth starting and stopping and is equipped with a high-end drive system from the Tecdos range.

Individual adaptations

Depending on requirements and customer wishes, RUD equips its tool mover with different table supports made of polyethylene; anti-slip polyurethane supports, and custom supports are optional. Optional add-on parts such as safety bars or guard rails as well as light curtains or safety barriers ensure higher safety. The RUD Tecdos TM for Arburg is equipped with polyethylene table supports - as increased protection for the customer's tools. Another special feature: RUD has branded the tool mover in the Arburg colour (dark grey).

Arburg has also made a special adaptation for the pallet truck on the tool mover. "This adaptation was made in consultation with us, and we calculated everything necessary, for example the load capacity. Although we manufacture our mould handling products in a standard version, we are open to customisations as required," says Tobias Rathgeb, Area Sales Manager for Mould Handling at RUD.

Further information about RUD at www.moldhandling.rud.com  
Further information about Arburg at www.arburg.com

Aligned with Elecosoft’s established U.S. operations, PEMAC continues to deliver trusted CMMS and reliability software that drives compliance, performance, and sustainability.

PEMAC,  a leading provider of Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and reliability software, today reaffirmed its commitment to supporting U.S. industry as part of Elecosoft’s established North American operations.

With a high profile  customer base across manufacturing, life sciences, energy, healthcare and utilities, PEMAC continues to provide proven maintenance and reliability solutions designed to enhance performance, compliance, and asset longevity.

“PEMAC is firmly established to support the U.S. market,” said Donal Bourke, Managing Director, Asset Management, Elecosoft. “Our focus is on strengthening how we serve customers to ensure consistent delivery, sector-specific expertise, and measurable results backed by Elecosoft’s local infrastructure and governance.”

Building on its success with global manufacturers and regulated industries, PEMAC has introduced a Standardized Partner Framework in North America. This framework ensures consistent implementation and support through certified service providers, giving U.S. organizations confidence in delivery quality, data governance, and ongoing optimization.

The company’s CMMS platform serves as the digital backbone for data-driven upkeep, helping organizations:

• Improve asset reliability and uptime through preventive and predictive maintenance.
• Enhance compliance and audit readiness in highly regulated sectors such as life sciences, food, and energy.
• Integrate maintenance strategies across complex operations and multi-site facilities.
• Optimize resources through actionable analytics and real-time performance insights.
• Support sustainability goals by extending asset lifecycles and reducing waste.

According to industry analysts, including ARC Advisory Group and Verdantix, manufacturers are increasing investment in reliability and CMMS technologies to address skilled-labor shortages, extend equipment lifecycles, and meet tightening environmental and safety requirements. These industry trends align with PEMAC’s proven strengths in reliability, compliance, and data-driven maintenance, enabling organizations to optimize performance and reduce operational risk.

 “PEMAC brings proven capability in asset reliability and compliance that complements Elecosoft’s broader portfolio,” added David Hernandez, Managing Director, Elecosoft U.S. “Together, we’re helping organizations achieve measurable improvements in uptime, safety, and operational efficiency, outcomes that matter to every industrial operator navigating today’s cost and compliance pressures.”

Looking ahead, PEMAC and Elecosoft will continue helping U.S. organizations strengthen reliability and sustainability through smarter maintenance practices, integrated reliability analytics, and measurable performance improvements.

About PEMAC

PEMAC, an Elecosoft company, provides Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and reliability software to help organizations enhance compliance, improve asset reliability, and optimize maintenance operations. Trusted by global leaders in manufacturing, life sciences, energy, and utilities, PEMAC supports data-driven maintenance strategies that extend asset lifecycles and reduce unplanned downtime. For more information, visit www.pemac.com.

About Elecosoft

Elecosoft develops and delivers market-leading software and services to drive efficient project delivery, asset management, and data-driven decision-making across construction, manufacturing, and property management sectors. With offices in the UK, U.S., and Europe, Elecosoft’s solutions empower organizations worldwide to plan, manage, and optimize complex assets throughout their lifecycle. For more information, visit www.elecosoft.com.

The move away from lagoons to becoming a fully mechanical treatment plant has certainly rung the changes at a small facility just north of Little Rock, Arkansas. The WWTP’s history and managing of the steep learning curve has been a true family affair.

For over five decades, sewage was treated at Gravel Ridge by partially-aerated lagoons, which met all required discharge limits. The man firmly behind the makings of this inaugural process for the town was the late Clarence Phillips.

Today it is his grandson, Jacob Phillips (37) who is at the helm as Site Superintendent, though only a couple of short years ago, he was busy maintaining housing for the US Air Force. His move to The Gravel Ridge Sewer Improvement District 213 is firmly down to his father, Mark Phillips (63), who has worked at the facility for the past 35 years. If there isn’t a plan to mount a special Phillips family plaque at the WWTP or in the town, there should be!

“Dad knows where absolutely everything is here,” says Jacob. “Everything! But as soon as it became known that a mechanical plant was on the horizon, he asked me to change my job and come in to help run it! Let’s just say that he’s not exactly a big fan of computers!”

As populations rapidly increase and discharge limits only become more stringent of course, the upgrade at Gravel Ridge to a full mechanical treatment plant was inevitable, with the renowned wastewater treatment specialists Halff appointed to design the new plant.

Halff’s Vice President, Mike Marlar, commented: “New discharge limits made by Arkansas’ State Department of Environmental Quality meant that the lagoons at Gravel Ridge couldn’t meet the required BOD of 10mg per litre and TSS of 15mg per litre. There was also a new ammonia/nitrogen limit to adhere to. We soon saw that although we were introducing a whole range of new equipment, there would also be a big benefit in repurposing the old assets by keeping the lagoons to help the plant for the long-term future.”

Located in North Pulaski County, Gravel Ridge Sewer Improvement District 213 (which serves 2000 customers) is not under the ownership of an incorporated city. Instead, it has its own stakeholders and facility owners, who in addition to recognizing the need for a new wastewater treatment plant, commissioned an infiltration inflow study on the collection system to see how the impact of heavy rainfall could be lessened at the treatment works.

Mike Marlar from Halff added: “The site had an area of approximately two acres that was large enough to house the new, 700,000 gallons per day mechanical treatment plant. We set about designing a system with a new pump station so that sewage could be pumped into the treatment process, and when required, diverted into the lagoons during wet weather flows, before being allowed to slowly drain back. Having the lagoons there for equalization is very useful.”

He continued: “Just a few years earlier, Gravel Ridge had removed large layers of built-up sludge in the lagoons, so this really helped facilitate their use for the new-look application. As well as storm overflow, the lagoons can also store sludge, which reduces costs for Gravel Ridge on sludge treatment and sludge dewatering.”

In addition to the influent pump station, the new 700,000 gallons a day treatment plant includes a head work facility that includes mechanical screening and grit removal. In the main part of the treatment process there is an extended aeration-activated sludge process. This is the racetrack, with a circular basin with both the aeration and clarification process. The clarifier is in the very center of the circle, and then on the outside track, outside of the clarifier, the track for mixing and aeration, incorporating the activated sludge process. This is where BOD is removed and nitrification occurs, and cobalt-suspended solids are treated and then settled out in the center clarifier before the treated wastewater flows over to the tertiary (disk) filtration system. Following the eight disk filters, coliform and fecal coliform bacteria are removed with ultraviolet light (UV) disinfection before the flow enters a post-aeration basin and on to a partial flume. The treated wastewater is then discharged into the Bayou Meto, a tributary of the Arkansas River. Almost all of that new investment comes in the shape of wastewater treatment systems from Lakeside Equipment Corporation, supplied through their long-standing representative in Arkansas, Instrument & Supply (established in 1980).

‘Very durable over the long term’

Halff’s Mike Marlar explained: “I had no hesitation in recommending Lakeside for this project because I’ve had such good success with them throughout the years. This goes all the way back to 1995 at Camp Robinson, which is still in perfectly good working condition, meeting all state compliance requirements, so they're very durable over the long term. More recently at Bull Shoals, Lakeside helped the plant win the coveted Arkansas Engineering Excellence Award – Water and Wastewater; American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC).”

‘The flexibility of how you can increase and decrease the oxygen level in the aeration basin’

He added: “So at Gravel Ridge from the headworks onwards (apart from the disk filters and UV) it is pretty much all Lakeside, including a cylindrical mechanical screen, all of the aeration equipment, with two covered rotors and the circular clarifier. I really like the flexibility of how you can increase and decrease the oxygen level in the aeration basin by simply raising or lowering the effluent weir to allow water to flow from the aeration basin into the clarifier. By increasing the height of the weir, you increase the submergence of the rotors and thereby increase the oxygen level in the wastewater in the aeration process. And if the operator lowers the effluent weir that transfers water to the clarifier, the oxygen concentration is reduced in the aeration basin. It is very flexible.”

‘Create some good, happy biology’

Jacob Phillips added: “Heavy rainfall keeps us on our toes. We’re a small team; just me, Dad, and Ivan Thunderman, but we’ve been learning fast, taking our time to create some good, happy biology, getting everything balanced so that our mixed liquor is where it is supposed to be. Everything is running just fine.  We get really good clarity and water consistency. Really clear water.

“All the Lakeside gear is very easy to work on. It took us a little bit of adjustment because we went from that traditional lagoon system with no moving parts at all, but once we got everything fine-tuned and figured out, the system is really good on that side and largely runs itself. And if I want to know where anything is, even the most obscure manhole, my Dad will know exactly where it is and the whole history behind it!

“Like any treatment plant, we have to be aware of any extra infiltration, but when the lift station in front of our treatment plant approaches high water levels, it does kick it out into those lagoons, which is very effective.  It’s all been quite a big transformation, but we have a very well-designed plant from Halff, and excellent equipment from Lakeside.”

Flir acoustic imaging cameras uncover hidden leaks and inefficiencies in cement plants, helping teams reduce downtime, cut energy costs, and boost performance.

With intuitive operation, precise leak detection even in noisy or hard-to-reach areas and smart reporting, maintenance becomes faster, safer, and more cost-effective than ever.

The global cement market was valued at $361 billion in 2024 and is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% through 2025–2032. Rising demand for residential construction, particularly in Asia, has driven production from 600 million metric tons at the turn of the century to over 2 billion metric tons in 2023 a staggering increase in global demand.

With such rapid growth, unscheduled downtime is a major concern in the quarrying and cement industry. Maintenance was once viewed as a cost center, often limited to annual shutdowns and reactive repairs. Today, however, leading operators recognize that regular scheduled maintenance is essential for boosting profit margins. In a typical 1 million metric ton-per-year plant, a single day of unplanned shutdown can cost up to $300,000.

FLIR Si2-LD™ Industrial Acoustic Imaging Camera for Pressurized Leak Detection and Mechanical Fault Detection

Precision Leak Detection for Cement Plants Regular maintenance does more than prevent catastrophic failure. Hidden inefficiencies in plant and machinery can persist for months or even years, quietly eroding profits and competitiveness. The challenge

is identifying these issues—especially in high-energy systems like compressed air and industrial gases, where leaks are often small, hidden, or obscured for operational reasons.

It is for this reason that Flir has developed the Si2-LD handheld acoustic camera. Equipped with highly sensitive MEMS microphones, the camera pinpoints leaks in compressed air systems while displaying a 12 MP image on a 5-inch, 1280 x 720 color screen. For noisy environments, the camera’s bandpass filtering allows users to isolate leaks with precision by manually selecting the frequency range, even in challenging industrial settings.

The Si2-LD detects sounds from 2–130 kHz, identifying even the smallest leaks. For example, a leak as tiny as 0.007 liters per minute can be detected from 2.5 meters away, and larger leaks can be located from up to 130 meters. This allows maintenance teams to safely inspect hard-to-access areas, including high temperature zones, without risking personnel safety.

The FLIR Si2-LD delivers real-time analytics, including leak size and cost estimates, enabling immediate field insights to support efficient cement production operations.

Fast, User-Friendly Operation and Reporting Once an inspection is complete, the camera’s onboard leak size quantification software helps prioritize repairs by potential energy loss, ensuring the most significant leaks are addressed first. Recognizing that plant environments often restrict external drives and Wi-Fi access, Flir provides a data cable accessory that connects the camera directly to a PC or laptop, allowing easy transfer of image files without network or security issues.

Engineers have also emphasized ease of use, noting that they often lack the time to become experts on every new piece of analytical equipment. Flir has designed the Si2-LD to be intuitive: a simple ‘point and shoot ‘operation handles detection, quantification, and analysis with minimal training required. The handheld device comes with a rugged carrying case to protect it in harsh environments such as quarries and cement works.

For more information or an on-site demonstration of the Flir Si2-LD acoustic camera, please contact your local Flir agent or distributor.

www.flir.com

Accu, one of the UK’s leading precision engineering component distributors, has introduced Pika screws to its range, which are ideal for applications where aesthetics and a flush finish are essential.

Pika screws are an innovative type of fastener designed with a unique spring-loaded concealed drive and three-lobed configuration, making them ideal for applications where aesthetics and a flush finish are required.  These screws are specifically engineered to hide the drive recess, providing a sleek, decorative solution for high-end projects. 

Pika screws can be found in premium carpentry projects, where they ensure a clean, polished look, with the screw heads blending discreetly into the surface.  They are also a popular choice for decorative panels in architecture, ensuring that no screw marks or recesses detract from the overall sheer, smooth design of the end project.

Accu offers Pika screws in two high quality materials; brass and stainless steel (304). Brass Pika screws are ideal for applications where a refined, vintage aesthetic is preferred.  Stainless Steel Pika screws offer a sleek, contemporary appearance and are suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

Yasin Boulakhras, Accu’s Global Head of Product Strategy, explains: “We introduced this range to meet customer demand from the furniture and architectural industries. The aesthetics of these screws are undeniable, as the screw drive remains hidden and flush with the surface, whilst a secure hold is guaranteed.”

To operate the concealed drive, a special Pika drive is required.  When the bit is inserted into the screw and as pressure is applied during installation, the spring-loaded mechanism activates, revealing the drive.  This three-lobed drive enhances the grip during installation, allowing for precise torque control.  This combination of features makes Pika screws perfect for both practical fastening and aesthetic enhancement, while ensuring a strong secure hold.

Accu’s range of Pika Screws come in a variety of sizes and types to suit individual applications, from Thread Sizes: 1/4-20 UNC to 5/16-18 UNC and lengths: 3/4" to 1 1/2".

As a specialist in precision engineering components, Accu is at the forefront of supporting industries that are transitioning into the next industrial revolution. From embracing AI to optimising the pathways through its online store, Accu offers a high-quality customer experience thanks to the digitisation of its engineering supply chain.

Pika screws are available from Accu’s online shop and can be ordered here

For more information about Accu and the new range of Pika screws, visit: www.accu.co.uk

Snap-on Industrial held its third annual INSIGHT event at the Red Bull Technology Campus, an opportunity for the world-leading productivity solutions company to connect with its customers and preview new products that have been developed in direct response to feedback gathered at previous Insight events.

Snap-on Industrial has been in partnership with Red Bull Powertrains for the last four years, making the prestigious MK-7 event space a natural choice for this day-long event. Invited guests from the military, rail, aviation, and energy industries came together to take part in interactive product demonstrations, tour the Red Bull factory, and hear from their cross-industry peers during two in-depth panel discussions.

Celebrating its 105^th anniversary this year, Snap-on Industrial has earned a reputation for relentless innovation. The company now has more than 4,300 live patents and is passionate about forging close relationships with its customers, gathering valuable insights from these interactions so it can continue to create new tools and industrial solutions that meet the needs of engineers today and tomorrow.  

Richard Packham, Director - UK & Europe for Snap-on Industrial, said: “Now in its third year, our annual INSIGHT Event has become a highlight of our calendar, providing a unique opportunity to spend time with our customers, showcase our current and upcoming product range, and gather feedback that will shape our products and solutions as we move forward. There’s nothing more rewarding than being able to share our new prototypes with the people who inspired their creation; several of the products being previewed today have been developed on the back of questions and comments we received at last year’s event.”

Torque Control

 Launched on 1^st October 2025, the Control Tech+™ Electronic Torque Wrenches represent the next generation of digital torque wrenches. Reflecting the shift towards digital being seen across the torque industry, Snap-on Industrial’s expanded product range means there’s now a solution for every client, no matter their scope or scale.

Engineered with the aerospace and natural resources industries in mind, the Control Tech+™ Electronic Torque Wrenches are Bluetooth enabled for easy monitoring and reporting; runs on rechargeable batteries; and has earned an IP64 rating thanks to being virtually waterproof as well as dust and gas resistant.

 Power Tools

 Making their debut at INSIGHT 2025, two power tool prototypes and two new drills were previewed at the event, with guests encouraged to get hands-on and try the new technology for themselves.

The industrial drill has been crafted based on customer feedback. It is robust; is designed so that engineers can reduce repetitive strain injuries by keeping their wrist and arm in-line; and can achieve speeds of up to 6000 rpm. Accuracy is enhanced by limiting the drill to 10% speed at start while the higher rpm available means users can work more efficiently, drilling more holes per battery charge.

The upgraded 14V angle or collet drill is ideal for use in tight spaces, especially for those working in aviation, thanks to the flexible angles that can be achieved. It can now also reach higher speeds, be adapted with interchangeable heads, and has a larger battery size that takes just one hour to fully charge.

 Early prototypes still in development included a new rivet shaver and temporary fastener tool. Both were tested by the guests and the feedback provided will shape their continued development ahead of next year’s event.

Hand Tools

 Ever since Snap-on Industrial pioneered the idea of taking five handles of different configurations and ten sockets of varying dimensions and fashioning them to “Snap-on” to one another interchangeably, it has been known for its inventive and practical approach to hand tool development.

Intelligently designed to be in tune with an engineer’s instincts, each tool has a distinctive ridging to improve grip, provide a consistent user experience, and limit the amount of force required. Its pliers are the perfect example with a serration talon grip that offers 57% more pulling power when clamping compared to its closest competitors.

 Snap-on Level 5 Tool Control

 Empowering organisations to have complete visibility of their tool inventory, Automated Tool Control, a subset of the Level5 program of Tool Control, has empowered organisations to have complete visibility of their tool inventory for the past 15 years. Subject to continuous development and improvements, this dynamic system allows users to unlock the power of data and move at the speed of work.

The L5 Connect customisable software is secure, intuitive, and built to address everyday issues, using cameras, RFID tags, and barcodes to track when tools are removed and returned and when they require repair or calibration.

These insights flow into downloadable reports that can help organisations ensure their tool inventory is fit for purpose, have a full audit trail of each tool if they go missing or are damaged, and restrict access to authorised users.

L5 Connect is compatible with the Level5 Tool Control series; ATC Box, ATC Locker, ATC Portal, and the ATC FlexHub, an asset management storage solution for items in varied sizes developed based on feedback received at the first INSIGHT event in 2023.

Tel: 01536 413904
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Visit: www.snapon-industrial.co.uk

Faced with a potential £0.5M bill for a new effluent tank, at a time when future expansion plans were unknown, Meadow Foods has had its dilemma solved at a fraction of the cost by FLI CAP Technology.

The aging 1,250m³ tank was burdened with an old energy-guzzling 110kW blower system that due to breakages wasn’t providing anywhere near the required amount of aeration.

Prolonging the life of the existing tank for at least two to three years would also mean that any new mixing/aeration system would have to be installed ‘live’ as there was no standby tank for redundancy.

And to make the challenge even more complicated, no cranes could be used to fit new equipment due to 11 kilovolt power lines running directly over the top of the tank!

Chris Woods, FLI CAP Technology’s Divisional Director, commented:

“Our first reaction, to be perfectly honest was ‘how the hell are we going to do this!’, or words to that effect.

“But after looking at multiple lift-out aeration grids that could work off the existing tank’s floor areas, we chose Landia’s Air Jet system. From previous experience we know that their equipment is super reliable, and backed by their engineers, offers plenty of options with installation, even for very demanding applications.”

At this same Meadow Foods production site, Landia AirJet and also Landia JetMix systems had been working away for seven years on a large balancing tank, without ever causing any downtime. The Landia JetMix works by recirculating the liquid in the tank and creating mixing using the nozzles located in strategic levels in the tank. This provides an even-speed distribution throughout the tank. At the same time, it is possible for the system to create concentrated mixing in specific zones.

Chris Woods added: “We started working closely with the team at Landia on how to best tackle the tricky ‘live and tank full’ installation.

‘The old tank had to remain full’

“With venturi nozzles on each of the Landia chopper pumps that are an integral part of the mixing system, Landia supplied a spike-bottomed guide rail so that the AirJet didn’t need mounting inside the tank. We’d usually much prefer to place the pumps outside the vessel for easy maintenance, but this simply wasn’t possible in this case, because the old tank had to remain full, and didn’t have any flange connections anyway.”

Woods further explained that the guide rail for the Landia aerator can be lifted over the edge of the tank (without any major lifting equipment) and that the spike at its bottom easily secures itself in place. Lifting the units (out on a winch) for maintenance is also straightforward.

He continued: We introduced three 18.5kW Landia units, so less than 60kW in total, replacing a 110kW blower, so the energy savings are considerable. We’ve also set up the AirJet JetMix with fully automated controls, so when set effluent targets have been met, our customer has the option of using just two of the three mixers at certain times, with no drop in aeration levels.

“Costs had also begun to run away with our customer because on top of all the excessive energy being used, they were having to tanker away more than 50% of their inadequately effluent due to its high strength.

‘Prolonging the life of asset’

“The old effluent tank at this site certainly isn’t going to win any beauty contests, but with the right approach, we’ve proved what can be achieved by prolonging the life of asset. Our customer is fully back on track, meeting compliance, removing the costly need for effluent to be tankered away, and drastically reducing their energy usage.

“With the highly efficient Landia AirJet, our customer now has a very reliable, efficient and long-lasting aeration system that provides great peace of mind.”

Dave Hutchinson, Engineering Manager at Meadow Foods, added: “Having previously worked with Chris Woods at FLI CAP Technology, we were confident a cost-effective solution would be found. We were delighted when we were offered Landia equipment, as their systems had been used previously at site for effluent aeration with great success. The quality of the equipment and the management of the installation was superb from start to finish. FLI CAP Technology and Landia delivered a high-quality solution with excellent energy savings too.”

www.landiaworld.com

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www.fli-captechnology.com

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Mention COP and the World knows there will be an unusually concentrated focus on the dreaded word ‘climate’ writes Chris Dobson. All eyes and ears for that matter were focused on Belem, Brazil, for the latest COP, the Conference of the Parties organised by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change so that countries can negotiate on how the World responds to the climate crisis.

As I write the educated view is that the World stands at a pivotal crossroad. 2024 saw atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and methane reach new record levels. It was our warmest year on record, exceeding 1.5^oC above pre-industrial levels and there was a large number of extreme events across the globe, including heatwaves, floods, droughts and wildfires.

To be clear the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) and Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) have compiled considerable data that reveals climate and atmospheric signals that have defined this last, decisive, decade.

The data produced by C3S and CAMS for the most recent COP at Belem, acts as both a collective memory of our planet and as an indicator of where our climate could be headed.

This enables governments, industries and communities to make targeted, science-driven choices – from anticipating the impacts of heat extremes and droughts in order to strengthen resilience, to assessing solar and wind intensity to plan renewable energy deployment.

This open-access science-based data ensures that the decisions made in Belém could be grounded in the reality of our planet’s systems - measurable, traceable, and quality-assured.

As Carlo Buontempo, Director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, says: “A decade after the Paris Agreement, the world is hotter than ever – every year since has ranked among the 10 warmest on record. It’s now evident that the climate is shifting at a pace humanity has never experienced.

“But we do have one superpower in our efforts to tackle climate change – a rich supply of timely scientific data, information and knowledge, all free open and available to everyone without restrictions. It's this information that gives policy makers the power to respond with confidence and clarity in the face of rapid change.

“It is this evidence that must guide the delegates at COP30. The choices we make today will shape the planet’s future, forever. We must ensure those choices are grounded in facts.”

Laurence Rouil, Director of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, says: “From air pollutants to greenhouse gas concentrations, our atmosphere is perhaps the most direct and immediate indicator of every action we take.

“Over the past decade, CO₂ concentrations have risen over 5%, reaching their highest annual levels ever recorded. CAMS monitor their evolution and track their sources. Aside fossil fuel emissions which accounted for almost 75% of total carbon emissions in 2024, wildfires already released more than 1300 megatons of carbon in 2025, and huge amounts of particulate matter that degrades air quality and have harmful impacts on human health.

“This 10-year benchmark is not only a milestone, but also a mirror – that reflects how progress over the last decade measures up to the ambitions of the Paris Agreement. The last decade has seen significant change, and the next decade will be decisive. But knowledge is power; and delegates at COP30 have more knowledge, data and understanding of our atmosphere than ever before – we encourage them to use this to turn ambition into action.”

Florence Rabier, Director General of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), said: “ECMWF is honoured to participate at COP30 in support of the World Meteorological Organization’s Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF).

“Strengthening global observing systems is essential for building climate resilience and improving the data that underpin our forecasts and climate analyses. By helping countries generate and share higher-quality observations – particularly in regions where data are scarce – SOFF enhances the accuracy of our predictions and the reliability of early warning systems worldwide.

“The forthcoming SOFF Impact Bond will mobilise up to USD 200 million from public, private and philanthropic partners, accelerating investment in these vital observations and ensuring all nations can both contribute to and benefit from a stronger, more inclusive global network. This collaborative effort supports the goals of the Paris Agreement and advances ECMWF’s mission to provide world-leading, data-driven insights that protect lives, livelihoods and our shared environment.”

This is very much a focus on planet Earth. To narrow it down to everyday relevance I turned to a businessman whose business, Hart Industrial Doors, manufactures a wide range of industrial doors, including the highspeed Speedor which, every minute of the working day, is active across the globe.

Chairman, Douglas Hart says “our Brand Speedor is the foremost quality high speed rolling door for industrial and commercial use. We continue to beaver away making doors that reduce energy costs and improve workflow whilst improving internal environments.

“Over the last decades Speedors have been seen everywhere, each one contributing to the prevention of global warming. The concept of automation and speed applications is now widely accepted not only for small doors commonly 8M wide traveling at minimum over 500mm per second. Climate Change is a fact but another vital fact is that industry can mitigate against it.”

This week, the seminar of the Ultrasonic Testing Committee of the German Society for Non-Destructive Testing (DGZfP) took place in Schweinfurt – a key platform for professional exchange on the latest developments in ultrasonic testing.

SONOTEC GmbH was represented on site by its experts Johannes Zawatzki and Andreas Mück, who made valuable contributions to the technical program with two insightful presentations.

Technical Presentation on Additive Manufacturing with Ultrasonic Monitoring

On November 4, Johannes Zawatzki gave a presentation on the topic “Monitoring the 3D Printing Process (FFF) Using Ultrasound.” He demonstrated how ultrasound can be applied as a non-destructive testing method for process monitoring and quality assurance in additive manufacturing. The strong interest and subsequent discussions underscored the technical relevance of this approach.

Chairing the Session “Contactless Ultrasonic Testing”

The following day, Andreas Mück chaired the session “Contactless Ultrasonic Testing.” Under his moderation, experts discussed the latest approaches, technologies, and applications for non-contact inspection methods.

Professional Exchange and Networking in a Relaxed Atmosphere

The seminar concluded with a joint dinner at the Ross Stuben restaurant in the Hotel Ross. In a relaxed atmosphere, participants took the opportunity to exchange ideas professionally and personally and to establish new connections.

“Direct dialogue with colleagues and the exchange on current research topics are extremely valuable for us,” emphasized Andreas Mück, Head of the Ultrasonic Testing Division at SONOTEC. “Especially in the field of additive manufacturing, ultrasound opens up many exciting perspectives.”

SONOTEC extends its gratitude to the DGZfP for the excellent organization and to all participants for the intensive and inspiring exchange.