The company SPM Special Machine is an Italian manufacturer rapidly gaining recognition worldwide for its innovative design and engineering of special electrical equipment intended for hazardous areas where flammable gases, vapours or explosive dusts may be present (such as petrochemical plants, refineries, mines, offshore platforms).

In this article, we will present some of the key products developed by SPM Special Machine, ranging from cable reels to slip rings, and finally the products specifically designed for mining applications, such as medium-voltage junction boxes and the ATEX motor-driven cable reel system.

Explosion-proof cable reels can be equipped with either spring-driven or motor-driven systems (electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic).

The cable drum is manufactured entirely from stainless steel and is designed to handle flexible power, control, or data cables.

A roller guide system or a cable distribution system ensures uniform winding and unwinding of the cable.The slip ring consists of low thermal-resistance sliding contacts housed inside a flameproof enclosure (certified Ex d, ATEX, IECEx).

The electric motor is a heavy-duty torque motor Ex d, which automatically manages all phases of cable winding and unwinding.

Another area of expertise for SPM Special Machine is spring-driven cable reels.With a construction entirely in AISI 316L stainless steel, these products are suitable for long travel distances and medium-power applications, and can be installed either vertically or horizontally.

SPM Special Machine Srl – Collettori rotanti elettrici e avvolgicavo

A leading international actor for energy transition, supplying equipment and solutions for industrial boiler rooms, Babcock Wanson Group has announced the appointment of Christophe de Maistre as the new Group CEO, as part its growth strategy.

Christophe brings to the group an extensive background in energy management, proven executive experience, and a recognised ability to lead complex organisations through sustained growth and transformation.

Christophe takes over from Cyril Fournier-Montgieux, who has served as Babcock Wanson Group CEO since 2005. Under his leadership, the group has reinforced its operational performance, expanded its market presence and undertaken significant development initiatives. 

The appointment of Christophe de Maistre marks the beginning of a new chapter in the group’s development and is expected to bring new momentum to its journey. Christophe joins the Group with a clear mission and a strong conviction: to accelerate the shift towards electric and low-carbon solutions, a core pillar of the Group’s long-term strategy, and to bring its teams and recent acquisitions together as a unified European platform.

For further information on Babcock Wanson Group, please visit www.babcock-wanson-group.com

“SAS (Surplus Activated Sludge) is a bit weird and can do odd things,” says Stuart Chatten, Lead Bioresources Technician at Whitlingham Water Recycling Centre (WRC), one of Anglian Water’s principal centres for processing sewage, serving a population of 400,000.

Those weird and odd things, including a thickness that can often prevent it from moving down pipelines like water or normal sludge, means that it can stubbornly stick, causing pumps to run dry, backing up tanks. Understandably, the handling of SAS at Whitlingham wasn’t top of the favourites list for maintenance teams.

Well, that’s just how things were until recently at Whitlingham WRC, where SAS was constantly winning the battle versus pumps. Instead of the pumps evenly drawing down SAS from two (20m³) storage tanks, the challenging consistency of the sludge would lead to one tank emptying quicker, making the pump suck air, while the other tank remained almost full, getting thicker and thicker, causing high levels of mixed liquors.

For Stuart and his team, the daily morning huddle meeting always drew a groan because it included the now all-too predictable, irritating chore of having to sort out ‘those SAS pumps’.

“Yes,” he continued. To thin the tanks out, in order to get everything moving, one of our team would have to put some water through the pumps to prime them.

“The problems caused with the pumps not handling the SAS properly meant that instead of a baseline figure of around 4500mg per litre, all the stop/start we were enduring saw levels up at more like 4500-5000 mg per litre, which was way too high. We could never get ahead.”

Understandably frustrated by the sorry sustained SAS situation, Stuart turned to a supplier whose pumps had actually been on the Whitlingham site since 2012, including one (close to the SAS operation) for a poly-dosing application.

“The first Borger pumps here fed the sludge belt press,” said Stuart.

“A further order was placed in 2015 for digester mixing pumps. These two sets of pumps from Borger had never let us down, plus we’d always had good back up from the company” said Stuart, “so we took a look at what else they had to offer.”

Finally, two Borger PL200 pumps were brought in to replace the existing SAS units.

‘Maintains our compliance and pretty much looks after itself’

“It is virtually an automatic system that maintains our compliance and pretty much looks after itself,” said Stuart. “We no longer have to keep talking about them.”

Another unpopular task at Whitlingham was the servicing of the polymer-dosing pumps. The only exception was a Borger AN040 that had been installed on trial.

“For the existing pumps, we were having trouble getting spare parts from the manufacturer, so we couldn’t carry on like that,” continued Stuart.

“Also, the pumps’ position at floor level made them very time-consuming and awkward to maintain. The pumps were also positioned all too tight together. There was pipework coming and going everywhere at all angles. It wasn’t easy, and it could be messy too. The exception was the Borger unit, which had never skipped a beat. It was a no-brainer to switch to Borger, 

We now have a total of six.”

‘Delivering a far more consistent mix’

The very compact Borger BLUEline pump models for the polymer dosing are AN040s, designed with space for almost any sealing system.

Stuart added: “Everything now is nice and even, though they’ve never been rough anyway. These new Borger models bring a whole new level of smoothness, delivering a far more consistent mix, and with the added benefit of us slightly reducing the amount of polymers that we use.”

*

Pumps from Borger are also set to play a key role in the expansion at Whitlingham as a sludge treatment centre, with replacement of digesters that were built in the late 1950’s. CL390 and PL200 Borger pumps will be part of new processes for Anglian Water’s planned doubling of the WRC’s sludge capacity to serve one million people.

“For our existing digesters,” said Stuart, “the Borger pumps have always coped very well with all the grit that is involved. Both here, for what used to be a very time-consuming SAS application and for the polymer dosing, they’ve proved a great investment.”

MSA Safety, Inc. (NYSE: MSA), a global leader in safety solutions, announces the launch of the Gas Detection Hub, a brand-new digital knowledge platform designed to help safety professionals move beyond reactive risk management and create a proactive, insight-led safety culture.

Developed by MSA Safety to help empower safer through smarter worksites, the Hub provides a central destination for expert insight, practical resources, and the latest thinking in gas detection technology. Aimed at safety managers, operational leads, engineers, and decision-makers across key industries, the Hub is now live and free to access with a simple one-time registration.

“The Gas Detection Hub was built with one clear objective: to help safety professionals make informed decisions in high-risk environments by giving them the tools, knowledge, and confidence to enhance worksite safety,” said Danny Stranks, MSA Safety Connected Sales Manager. “From real-world case studies to in-depth whitepapers and technical explainers, the Hub offers content that’s not only insightful but also offers the clarity and perspective to help you navigate complex changes.”

The Gas Detection Hub is a dynamic, growing ecosystem of high-value content. Visitors can expect a mix of resources, including:

• Expert blogs and leadership insight
• Product information and application guidance
• Customer stories and case studies
• On-demand video explainers
• Industry whitepapers
• Updates on the latest safety standards and connected technologies

            New content is added regularly so that professionals always have access to fresh, relevant information aligned with the latest developments in gas detection and safety.

Global reach, local relevance

The Gas Detection Hub is accessible worldwide, with content tailored to regional needs and industry priorities. Whether working in oil and gas, utilities, manufacturing, or any sector where gas detection is important, the Hub serves as the go-to destination for education, expert advice, and connected safety innovation.

One sign-up. Unlimited access.

With a one-time registration, users gain full access to all content and future updates, removing barriers to engagement while encouraging ongoing interaction with MSA’s knowledge ecosystem.

The Gas Detection Hub is now live and is available with information important to gas detection safety. To sign up to the Hub, click here. 

Industrial process heating equipment and solutions specialist Babcock Wanson UK has signed a three-year co-operation agreement with OLG, the multi-disciplined engineering and design, project management, fabrication and construction specialist.

Babcock Wanson Group has continually expanded its capabilities, most recently by incorporating specialist companies in water treatment, air treatment and emission control into its global operations. This strategic approach has allowed the Group to offer customers not only the broadest range of industrial boilers and burners on the market, but also integrated technologies that address the critical issues of energy efficiency, emissions reduction and resource recovery.  The logical next step for the company was to find the right partner to deliver these innovative and transformative solutions and OLG proved the ideal match.  

Effective from 2025, the agreement formalises a relationship that has been growing since 2019, during which time Babcock Wanson and OLG have successfully delivered eight major projects together. Building on this track record, the new arrangement enables the two companies to present a combined offering to industrial clients, particularly those seeking to decarbonise their operations.

By bringing together Babcock Wanson’s advanced process heating technologies with OLG’s engineering, construction and project management expertise, the co-operation agreement offers a single point of contact for turnkey project delivery. This streamlined approach is expected to improve efficiency, shorten lead times and create additional value for end clients.

Paul Lawrence, Business Development Manager at OLG, comments on the relationship that has evolved between the two companies: “We have become trusted partners, understanding each other’s requirements so we can deliver projects more efficiently, exceeding the end client’s expectations. The more projects we deliver together reduces the time required to understand each other’s capabilities and approach to delivery. This deeper understanding of Babcock Wanson’s technology and OLG’s core competencies enables us to sell the combined benefits to operating clients looking to decarbonise their operation. Collectively we can deliver a full turnkey solution for operating clients, providing one point of contact for delivery and contract, creating value for the end client.”

This is OLG’s first co-operation agreement with a technology provider, complementing its existing collaborations with Blackrow, Technica and FES, which focus on larger construction, EC&I design and install capabilities and hazardous area expertise. Paul went on to say “Collaboration is one of our fundamental strategic drivers at OLG. If we can create value by aligning with partners to meet the demand of current and future clients, we enhance our position within the supply chain by developing relationships that last. This year alone we have signed agreements with three partners to provide just that, an enhanced value proposition that seeks to deliver solutions that clients value.”

The agreement was announced shortly after OLG hosted the first in a planned series of industry events, at which Babcock Wanson attended, aimed at fostering collaboration and value creation across the supply chain – an initiative that reflects the spirit of the new agreement with Babcock Wanson. The event saw OLG’s Managing Director, Barry Taylor, provide an insight into what collaboration means to him, his own experiences and the importance of a collaborative mindset; along with Frank Lee, CEO of the Institute of Collaboration Working who shared his own thoughts on the wider benefits of collaboration and why a structured approach can be beneficial.

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

      EXAIR’s Chip Vac, a powerful pneumatic vacuum designed to clean up debris such as metal, wood, or plastic chips, now features an upgraded filter bag that better withstands the rigors of an industrial facility and prevents dirt and debris from reentering your workspace. Made from a new, singed polyester fabric, the filter bag not only has a refined look and feel but also offers enhanced performance, ideal for processes using CNCs, mills, lathes, routers and more.

            The new and improved filter bag was engineered for enhanced filtration, reduced dust release, and greater durability. The new material has a 50-70 CFM permeability, allowing for higher breathability while still retaining and capturing dust with less clogging or buildup. The latest build also features a lightweight, soft-to-the-touch material that provides a sturdier build and is less prone to tearing. This purpose-built filter material was specifically engineered for filtration applications and rated to filter particles as small as 30 microns.

            The upgraded filter bag material improves performance in your industrial vacuum applications and has also been applied to other EXAIR products, including our Vac-u-Gun Filter Bag and Drum Covers. Shop our Chip Vacs as well as the rest of our extensive line of pneumatic industrial housekeeping products on exair.com. Prices start at $80. https://exair.co/190-vbag

For more information contact:           

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

With the symptoms of Climate Change now so apparent – the latest shock being glaciers can no longer self-cool – there is an immediate need for all of industry and commerce to take steps reduce energy consumption writes Chris Dobson.

Industry, that is from manufacturing to storage, needs to assess the efficiency of the premises they occupy so it can reduce energy consumption in busy warehouse or production facilities. The classic is the ever open industrial door. Why not I hear you cry, after all we can’t close doors every time there is no need to leave them open.

This “leave the door open” policy suggests on one hand laziness  but on the other a lack of simple mathematics – the every open door not only allows costly heated air to escape but colder air to penetrate the building.  

More often than not when the door is opened again it is possibly left open because operatives find it much more convenient. For the exasperated plant manager there is a solution for temperature control and energy management. It is the automatic, high-speed door range such as Hart Door System’s Speedor which is the solution.

Speedor’s fast-action is  the perfect answer. With quality engineering and durability, Speedor high-speed doors will maintain temperatures within a building while keeping energy costs at an acceptable level. 

No matter the industrial classification, Hart can manufacture industrial door systems customised to meet specific needs. As an example the Speedor Storm variant is ready for anything the weather can throw at it. Be it a factory, warehouse, storage facility or any kind of plant operation, where doors must be open frequently for people and traffic the Speedor Storm can withstand wind up to ‘wind class 5’ as defined by DIN EN 12424.  

Whether it’s access for deliveries, forklifts or people, there are far too many businesses that leave major entrances open for an unnecessary amount of time. The knock-on effect is wasted heating, higher costs and a less than optimal working environment. 

Speedor Storm is designed specifically to take care of this. It can help with productivity because entering and leaving can be done more rapidly than non-automatic doors. Further it enhances the working environment because the high-speed operation, even on large doors, means there are no unnecessary open stages.

In turn this lowers energy consumption, important at a time when the cost of energy shows little sign of improving and of course reduced energy use has a positive impact on Climate Change.In conclusion Hart Door Systems’ Speedor range can make a very significant contribution to energy conservation and a carbon footprint. The combination of automation and high speed operation prevents the passage of heated or cooled air escaping from a building only to heat the car park for instance.

www.hartdoors.com

Menzel Elektromotoren is uniquely qualified in customizing large slip ring motors and always considers the customer and the application needs in its designs. The company established a British subsidiary in 2009.

Menzel Great Britain has completed its biggest project to date, providing 10 seven-ton electric motors to the UK water utility company Thames Water, which serves 16 million customers across London and the Thames Valley. This strategic motor replacement is crucial to extend the lifespan of a key water treatment plant by 10 years and secure the water supply to the Greater London area.

Menzel won the contract for its economic, well-thought-out concept. The high-lift pump station at the Coppermills Water Treatment Works had experienced repeated failures, mainly due to the age of the existing equipment. As Thames Water is planning to build a new station in about 10 years, the utility company put out a tender for an economic drive solution to ensure reliable operation of the existing pumps in the interim. Other OEMs suggested costly variable-frequency drives (VFDs), which would have required major building reconstruction to accommodate control systems and transformers.

Menzel proposed slip ring motors that are compatible with the existing installation and use the electric infrastructure and starting equipment already in place. The state-of-the-art motors are superior to the original motors with nearly 5 % increased efficiency, greater ease of maintenance and an expected lifespan of at least 25 years.

The motor engineers worked closely with the project team of Thames Water’s contractor MWH Treatment. Their design also takes account of anticipated future extreme outdoor summer temperatures. The project came in under budget and was completed on schedule. Compared to the proposed VFDs, Menzel’s concept saved Thames Water hundreds of thousands of pounds, took much less time and is more environmentally friendly.

The German manufacturer Menzel Elektromotoren has great expertise in building and customizing large-scale slip ring motors. These particular 10 slip ring motors utilized the existing pump pedestals, ensuring minimal site work and disruption. Menzel even tailored the terminal boxes to match the existing installation to make the cabling as easy and cost-efficient as possible.

Menzel’s modular motor families accommodate various mounting types, cooling types and accessories. The 10 new motors have a shaft height of 500 mm and are designed for vertical mounting on the pumps. Six of the motors feature the cooling type IC 81W (air to-water heat exchanger) and four IC 611 (air-to-air heat exchanger). They provide IP55 ingress protection, operate at 3300 V and, between the different models, provide outputs of 746 kW or 343 kW and rated torques of 12075 Nm or 5551 Nm. This project earned Menzel a place in the finals for the 2025 AEMT Awards of the Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades.

 Clicke on the link for more information:https://www.menzel-motors.com/reference/ten-3300-kv-replacement-motors/

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