In data centres, uptime is crucial. Uninterrupted operation is essential for all critical services. A key factor in maintaining this, often underestimated, is a standardized and reliable identification system for all infrastructure components. Discover how a leading automotive manufacturer revolutionized their operations and minimized risks by implementing a robust identification system. Learn how Brady's innovative labeling solutions delivered clearer infrastructure, fewer errors, and rock-solid reliability.

The Challenge: Reducing Downtime Risks

Datacentre professionals constantly aim for high service levels. A significant risk to continuous operation is human error, particularly disconnecting the wrong cable. The complexity of modern datacentres, with dense cabling, makes this risk higher. To minimize the risks of incorrect cable disconnection, clear, reliable, and consistently applied labels for racks, servers, and cables are vital.

The Solution: Durable Labels and Efficient Processes

One of important automotive manufacturer recently addressed this by implementing a comprehensive identification approach. They used industrial-grade labels designed for datacentre demands. These labels, like Brady's B-425, B-427, and B-461, use specially developed materials and adhesives, ensuring they stay attached even to curved surfaces like UTP cables.

Beyond the labels, the solution included advanced design and printing capabilities. Brady Workstation label design apps let technicians create and customize labels easily from various devices. For on-site printing, the handheld M610 Label Printer is practical. For larger volumes, the BradyPrinter i7100 Industrial Label Printer provides efficient batch printing.

Crucially, the implementation included on-site consulting to help standardize labels and support the datacentre's overall identification strategy. This ensured the new labeling system integrated smoothly with existing operations.

Results: Preventing Errors and Enhancing Uptime

Brady labels and identification solutions have delivered clear benefits. By ensuring labels remain securely attached, the risk of cable patching mistakes has significantly decreased. This directly contributes to improved datacentre uptime and service levels. Additionally, the streamlined process for designing, printing, and applying labels has made standardization practical and easy to implement.

In an industry where uptime is crucial, a reliable identification system is not just good practice; it's one of the fundamental elements of operational resilience.

Discover how Brady can optimize your data centre's uptime. Find out more about dedicated identification and labelling solutions for datacenters >>

Ready to enhance your datacentre's reliability? Speak with a Brady expert to discuss your data centre's specific needs.

Brady Corporation

www.brady.co.uk

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Enerpac announces new mining toolbox sets for handling tough mining maintenance jobs.
Complete with specially selected Enerpac tools, the toolboxes ensure workers arrive on-site fully equipped to remove jammed wheels, adjust crawler tracks, and expertly handle other maintenance tasks, quickly and efficiently.

Easy to transport and organise, the Enerpac toolboxes come in three sets: Compact Force Toolbox, Compact Force Toolbox Wheeled and the 100T Aluminium Cylinder Cordless Pump Toolbox. Each tough lockable toolbox includes foam inserts to hold the tools in place and heavy-duty off-road wheels on the wheeled toolbox. The tool selection is designed for fast setup and controlled lifting in tight spaces for equipment maintenance whether changing a wheel, adjusting crawler track tension or lifting heavy equipment both underground and onsite.

Compact Force Toolboxes

The Compact Force Toolbox Set features a lightweight P142 Enerpac Hydraulic Hand Pump together with three low-profile 5-ton, 10-ton and 20-ton capacity hydraulic cylinders for fitting into tight spaces during heavy-duty, off-road vehicle wheel maintenance, for example. The toolbox also includes essential ancillaries such as a pressure gauge, hose, and fittings allowing instant access to the right tools for the job.

In the Compact Force Wheeled Toolbox Set, the hand pump is replaced with the more powerful Enerpac SC-Series Cordless Hydraulic Pump together with two 54-Volt batteries and charger. With a max. operating pressure of 10,000 psi, the SC-Series pump takes cordless convenience to another level for high-pressure applications.

100-Ton Aluminium Cylinder Cordless Pump Toolbox

The new 100T Aluminium Cylinder Cordless Toolbox Set includes a 100-ton aluminium hydraulic cylinder, powerful Enerpac XC2 Cordless Hydraulic Pump, two 54-Volt batteries and charger, two 10-foot hoses, couplers, and a pressure gauge - all supplied in two stacking robust toolboxes for convenient storage. Designed for demanding maintenance tasks, the toolbox is a high performance, portable solution adjusting crawler track tension and lifting heavy equipment.

“We’ve designed the toolbox sets based on our many years’ experience of mining equipment maintenance”, says Carley Korte, Jr. Product Manager – Pumps and Cylinders, Enerpac. “The all-in-one, Enerpac hydraulic tool selection is designed to streamline maintenance, repair, and operations in the field. Packaging them as toolbox sets make it easier to transport, organise, and protect these essential hydraulic tools, ensuring engineers arrive on location with everything they need.”

For more information on the Enerpac Toolbox Sets for Mining Maintenance, visit www.enerpac.com.

EXAIR’s 3/8 NPT High Temperature Threaded Line Vacs convert hose, tube, or pipe into a powerful in-line conveying system suitable for use with high temperature materials or in areas of high heat up to 900ºF (482ºC). Fitted with NPT threaded ends, it's easily mounted onto threaded pipe and offers an efficient solution for fine material conveyance, sampling hot flue gases, exhausting fumes, conveying soot, ashes, salts and other hot debris.

            The High Temperature Line Vacs utilize a small amount of compressed air to produce strong vacuum and flow. This model offers a durable construction from either Type 303 or Type 316 stainless steel to resist high temperature, corrosion and contamination while maintaining a compact design for fitting into tight areas. Regulating the compressed air pressure provides infinite control of the conveyance rate and allows for precision when planning applications. EXAIR High Temperature Line Vacs features no moving parts to ensure performance over extended use.

            High Temperature Line Vacs are CE compliant and available in nine sizes from 3/8" to 3". Other larger models for hopper loading, scrap trim removal, small part transfer, and packaging are available in both smooth “clamp type” options or NPT threaded versions. High Temperature Line Vac prices start at $575. https://exair.co/190-tlvhtss

A new cutting basket macerator from Borger is successfully homogenising a challenging effluent in a grease trap at a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in the south of England.

The Borger OrbitGrinder, which is designed with pivoted cutting blades that adjust automatically, is operating at an even cutting speed, with a star-shape knife holder & circular cutting basket formation to maximise the shredding of fats, oils and greases (FOG).

After the FOG first passes through the OrbitGrinder, where it is shredded and homogenised, the energy-rich liquid is then transferred to the facility’s AD/biogas plant.

Easily integrated into almost any existing system, the OrbitGrinder is achieving consistently good and even cutting quality. The design of the baffle plate also ensures that the suction force of the pump is evenly distributed

.Despite the confined space at the WWTP, the very flexible installation options offered with this latest Borger product meant that the piping system at the plant did not have to be adjusted.

While macerators with round perforated disks typically see excessive wear of the cutting plates’ outer edge, the OrbitGrinder’s design and durability provides a significantly prolonged service life.

Consistent with all proven Borger equipment, the Maintenance-In-Place design (with a gas strut assisted quick-release cover) makes servicing much easier than laborious alternatives.

Borger UK

01902 798 977

www.boerger.com

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Leading PR and marketing agency, Clear B2B, has announced the appointment of Allyson Higgins as its new Managing Director, marking the start of an exciting new growth chapter for the agency.

 Established 35 years ago, Clear B2B is a specialist in business-to-business communications, delivering PR and marketing services to major UK and international brands across key target sectors – aerospace and defence, construction and built environment, and automotive.

Ally, who first joined the agency in 2010 as an Account Manager, has steadily risen through the ranks, holding a Director role for the past four years. Her appointment to Managing Director is testament to her commitment, talent, and clear-sighted leadership. In her new role, she will drive Clear B2B’s strategic vision and lead the agency into its next phase of growth and transformation.

With over two decades of industry experience, Ally is highly respected for her deep expertise in PR and media relations, as well as her ability to inspire teams and build lasting client relationships. She brings a rare combination of strategic insight and creative energy that has consistently delivered meaningful results for both clients and the business.

“I’m incredibly excited to be taking on this role,” she commented. “Clear has been an integral part of my professional journey, and I’m immensely proud of everything we’ve achieved. We have an exceptional team, a powerful track record in delivering results for global clients, and a laser focus on the B2B sectors where we excel. I’m looking forward to a really exciting future.

In addition, Director Chris Wall will take on an expanded role, leading the agency’s creative output across all client work. With over 15 years’ experience delivering standout campaigns, Chris brings a deep understanding of how to blend strategic thinking with bold, imaginative execution. His new remit will see him working closely with teams across the agency to elevate creative standards, inspire fresh thinking, and ensure Clear B2B continues to deliver distinctive, award-winning work that drives real impact for clients.

Julie Clare, Chief Executive of Clear B2B, added:

“I’m absolutely thrilled for Ally and Chris. Their dedication, professionalism, and passion have made a huge impact to Clear over the years. Ally’s promotion is so well deserved, she’s the ideal person to lead the agency into its next phase. Clear B2B has grown into something very special - with passionate people and world-class clients - and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”

www.clear2b.com

AirBench Ltd are pleased to announce the release of their new tramp oil skimmer system; PFOS.

PFOS is a mobile unit designed to clean oil from most machine tool sumps in around 2 hours. Cleaner coolant results in reduced contamination and odour; less maintenance for other systems; less wear; and less oil smoke; it helps create the better working environment we all want.

PFOS

Profluid Tramp Oil Separator

AirBench PFOS is a mobile oil separator designed to remove oil contamination from coolant.

Oil-contaminated cooling water has many harmful effects, on health, product quality, machine life as well as on life-time and disposal costs of coolant. The pro-fluid oil separator is mobile and can be taken from one machine to the other; requiring only a compressed air supply to operate.

This separator cleans your machine sump in less than 2 hours and is suitable for lathes, milling machines and grinding machines.

• Clean, optimised coolant
• Remove or reduce coolant smells
• Prevent coolant related health problems
• Reduce corrosion
• Reduce wear on machine parts and tooling
• Reduce bacterial growth
• Reduce oil smoke inside workshop

Contact us today for a demonstration!

The unit runs from a compressed air supply so is easily set up for use; it can also be installed centrally, with coolant pipes to each machine.

On site demonstrations are available – contact AirBench Ltd for more details or visit

www.airbench.com/pfos.

The newly released EEMUA 250 (Edition 1), ‘Guide to the Management of Pressure Equipment Defined-life Repairs’, supports users in managing defined-life repairs by offering guidance on when to shut down pressure equipment versus applying a temporary repair. It highlights risk-based decision-making, life cycle considerations, and strategies for maintenance and inspection, especially where existing industry guidance on repair duration, extension, or conversion is limited.

In the event of an actionable inspection finding, an in-service leak or in-service damage, users typically must decide on whether to install a defined life repair or shutdown and install a permanent repair. The purpose of EEMUA 250 is to provide an overview with respect to the life cycle management of defined-life repairs. It provides guidance for users to consider when deciding if it is safer to shutdown and perform a permanent repair as well as providing key points to consider when selecting a defined-life repair, assessing the risks and when developing their maintenance, inspection, and replacement strategies post installation.

The primary function of a defined-life repair is to allow the system to return to or remain in service with limited interruption to production until a planned permanent repair can be installed. Although there is industry guidance available on the selection of defined-life repairs (e.g. ASME PCC-2, ISO 24817 and EI composite repair guidance), at the time of publication there was limited known industry guidance covering the life cycle management of defined-life repairs, for example:

•             How long can a defined-life repair remain in service?

•             How to extend the life of a defined-life repair?

•             How to make a defined-life repair permanent?

Each company’s organisational structure will vary in terms of maintenance, engineering, and inspection departments. As such, it is the responsibility of the user or pressure equipment owner to determine the strategy for defined-life repairs within their organisation. The strategy should be endorsed by the relevant technical authority for the company. EEMUA 250 advises that a risk-based approach is adopted to allow flexibility in application of defined-life repairs to the relevant situations, to ensure correct prioritisation based on the overall repair life cycle, and to ensure that the selected defined-life repair does not adversely affect the safe operation of the system.

It is expected that the reader has a basic competency in static equipment design and as such the level of detail has been set appropriately.

EEMUA 250 was developed by engineers who work in the power generation, chemical production, and oil and gas sectors. Although originally targeted for static pressure equipment, it is recognised that the publication may be applicable to a range of other industries, such as shipping, mining, steel, nuclear, water and wastewater, and food and beverages. It is the responsibility of the user to ensure specific details relating to their industry are considered when applying the guidance from EEMUA 250.

EEMUA 250 is available to purchase directly from EEMUA.

Pump service specialists Dura Pump has solved a significant sewage headache for a large hospital in the Midlands, saving the NHS Trust three-quarters of a million pounds per year.

All too frequent blockages from floating debris, plus fats, oils and greases had rendered the existing system unfit for purpose - with the NHS hospital facing constant downtime and the very costly need for tankers to remove the accumulated waste.

To address the issue with a far more robust solution that would be able to handle the high solids content, Dura Pump installed its latest offering, Velocity Sentinam, making use of two submersible Chopper Pumps, made by Landia. Designed with an external knife system that prevents solids from entering the pump’s casing, the Chopper Pump (invented by Landia in 1950) continuously reduces particle sizes.

‘We’ve always had very good experiences when using Landia’s pumps’

In addition to installing the new, much tougher 15kW pumps, Dura Pump upgraded the hospital’s effluent system with a new twin control panel that is fully integrated with the site Building Management System. The Dura Pump SenIQ panel includes inverters, a radar to measure the tank level, and a program to deliver intelligent pumping controls and warning alerts. Energy usage is also optimised as incoming flow rates are detected, controlling the output of the pump to match.

Dura Pump’s Technical Director, John Calder, said: “We’ve always had good experiences when using Landia’s pumps, so we were confident that these reliable tools could more than handle this challenging hospital application. Previously, when providing sewage solutions for prisons, we saw that not even shoes, jeans or bed sheets have been able to stop the Landia Chopper Pumps from running.”

With the new advanced software system designed by Dura Pump (who were established in 1976), the wastewater is pumped down to the base of the pumps, allowing them to skim all the floating debris off the surface. This can be repeated multiple times during the day.

By regularly skimming the tank, the level of fat buildup is significantly reduced. This is further enhanced by having an adjustable stop/start level that prevents the fat building up at one specific start/stop point.

The new system includes a monitoring and alert service, Dura Pump SenSync, which allows the system to be monitored remotely. If for any reason there is a fault with the pump, the pit level or the power, an instant message is sent to a nominated mobile number or email, informing the receiver of the problem, enabling them to take action before it causes a major issue.

Trends can be recognised over time, giving indication of wear on the pumps, valve issues and other performance related matters.

‘The hospital now operates far more smoothly, with downtime and disruption to daily operations minimised’

With full Building Management System (BMS) integration, it means the system operates with minimal manual input while providing the hospital with detailed performance insights.

Dura Pump’s Technical Director, John Calder, added: “No longer facing repeated pipe blockages, the hospital now operates far more smoothly, with downtime and disruption to daily operations minimised. Together with our bespoke system, the Landia Chopper Pumps play an important part in helping us deliver better cost management and energy savings for our customers.”

www.durapump.co.uk

01604 648 800

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www.landia.co.uk

01948 661 200

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Rail travel is widely regarded as one of the safest modes of land transportation, a reputation earned through over a century of continual innovation in safety and engineering.
 

A key milestone in this legacy was achieved in April 1869, when inventor George Westinghouse patented the fail-safe air brake system; a breakthrough that transformed rail safety and is still in widespread use today.

The fundamental principle behind Westinghouse’s air brake system is both simple and highly effective: it uses air pressure not only to apply the brakes but also to ensure they activate automatically in case of failure. Each carriage in a train has its own reservoir that is charged with compressed air. When the system is at full pressure, the brakes are released. Any drop in pressure, such as what would occur during a compressor failure or if cars become uncoupled, triggers the brakes to engage automatically. This mechanism ensures that trains come to a safe stop even under emergency conditions.

In modern rail systems, the locomotive’s compressor typically charges the main reservoir to between 125 and 140 psi (8.6 and 9.7 bar). The brake pipe, running the length of the train, is then pressurized, commonly at 90 psi for freight and 110 psi for passenger trains. When the train operator moves the brake handle to reduce this pressure, it signals each car to apply its brakes using the air stored in its reservoir.

Importantly, this design relies on maintaining a steady air pressure. A sudden drop, such as from a ruptured hose, will result in an emergency brake application. However, gradual leaks, while not triggering emergency protocols, can significantly reduce system efficiency. These small leaks place increased demand on the air compressor, potentially reducing the lifespan of mechanical components and driving up energy costs. Over time, they may indicate more serious faults within the braking system.

Identifying these subtle leaks amidst the ambient noise of a busy rail yard is a complex challenge. The acoustic signature of a small air leak is often drowned out by surrounding machinery, making conventional detection methods time-consuming and often unreliable.

Modern Leak Detection: Introducing the FLIR Si1-LD
To address this challenge, FLIR has developed the Si1-LD handheld acoustic camera, a highly sophisticated tool designed to detect compressed air leaks with precision, even in noisy environments typical of rail infrastructure. Using 96 ultra-sensitive microphones arranged in a compact array, the Si1-LD detects ultrasonic sound waves emitted by escaping air, translating them into visual representations that are displayed on a bright 5-inch HD screen.

The Si1-LD operates across a frequency range of 2 to 100 kHz, enabling it to locate even the smallest leaks. From a distance of just 2.5 meters, it can detect leaks as small as 0.01 litres per minute. For larger leaks, the detection range can extend to an impressive 130 meters allowing maintenance personnel to conduct inspections from a safe distance, even on moving or electrified stock.

One of the standout features of the Si1-LD is its ‘Band Pass Filtering’ technology. This advanced function allows users to isolate specific frequencies, effectively filtering out background noise and homing in on the frequencies emitted by air leaks. In environments such as rail maintenance depots or outdoor tracks with ambient industrial noise, this capability is essential for accurate diagnostics.

Prioritising Repairs for Maximum Efficiency
Upon completing a leak inspection, engineers often find multiple leaks of varying size and severity. In these cases, determining which to repair first can be critical for both safety and energy efficiency. The FLIR Si1-LD helps streamline this process with its onboard leak size quantification feature. This function estimates the size of each leak, allowing maintenance teams to prioritise repairs based on potential air loss and energy savings. Addressing the largest leaks first can significantly reduce operational inefficiencies.

Secure and Versatile Data Management
Data security and transferability are essential in modern industrial environments. Many rail organisations have restrictions on the use of USB devices for cybersecurity reasons. While wireless transmission may seem like a viable alternative, many rail facilities lack robust Wi-Fi coverage, or limit access for third-party devices.

To address this, the FLIR Si1-LD is compatible with an accessory data cable that enables direct transfer of inspection images and results to a PC or laptop, without the need for USB drives or Wi-Fi access. This ensures secure, flexible data handling, even in remote or high-security locations.

Usability and Practicality
A frequent concern among railway maintenance personnel is the complexity and learning curve associated with new diagnostic equipment. FLIR has listened to this feedback and developed the Si1-LD with simplicity and ease-of-use in mind. Its intuitive design enables users to conduct advanced acoustic inspections with minimal training. It’s a true point-and-shoot device: once aimed at the suspected leak area, the camera automatically identifies and displays leak locations, complete with size quantification.

To ensure durability in the field, the Si1-LD is housed in a robust casing and comes with a rugged hard-shell carry case. This provides excellent protection during transport and use, whether in the workshop or on remote rail routes.

The Bigger Picture
In the UK, the railway braking systems market was valued at approximately £373 million in 2024 and is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3% through 2031. This growth is being driven by stringent safety regulations, a growing emphasis on predictive maintenance, and the increasing demand for energy-efficient transportation solutions.

Minimising air leaks in braking systems not only enhances safety and reliability but also supports environmental goals by reducing unnecessary energy consumption. With pressure mounting on the rail industry to cut emissions and improve efficiency, tools like the FLIR Si1-LD are becoming indispensable in the modern rail maintenance toolkit.

For a look at how acoustic imaging supports broader maintenance operations beyond braking systems, explore how the FLIR Si2-Pro is transforming maintenance shed efficiency.

A New Paradigm in Environmental Analysis

The carbon footprint reflects the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions expressed in tons of CO₂ equivalent, associated with a product, process, or organization. This includes both direct emissions, such as those from fossil fuels, and indirect emissions, such as electricity consumption or the transport of raw materials.

To ensure reliability and comparability, the tool was developed in accordance with internationally recognized standards. These include ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, which establish the principles and framework for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), as well as ISO 14067, which specifically focuses on Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) and incorporates the beneficial effects of carbon sequestration by forests.

The credibility of the results is ensured by an independent verification process conducted by APCER, which confirms compliance with key international standards, reinforcing stakeholders’ trust in the implemented assessment system. 

Cork: A Measurable Environmental Asset 

In Amorim T&D and Amorim Tech Seal solutions, cork plays a central role not only for its technical performance but also for its distinctive environmental value. As a natural and renewable material with carbon sequestration capacity, cork positively contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of the products in which it is used. 

By using the Digital Carbon Footprint Tool, Amorim Cork Solutions is now able to provide clients and the market with concrete and measurable values regarding the CO₂ emissions of its materials upon request.

For example, in the case of TD1049, a cork-based material used as a gasket and recommended for most transformer oils, a roll with typical dimensions of 1020 mm x 6 mm x 11 m has a carbon footprint of -37 kg CO₂ per roll.  

In vibration control solutions, using VC2100 material, applied as a vibration pad, a plate with dimensions of 1270 mm x 500 mm x 35 mm has a carbon footprint of -18 kg CO₂ per plate. 

The development of this tool represents a strategic milestone in Amorim Cork Solutions' sustainability policy, consolidating its commitment to responsible innovation and supporting industries in achieving their environmental goals.

www.amorimcorksolutions.com