MPulse releases Condition Triggered Maintenance add-on tool

PEM >> 
MPulse Maintenance Software, developers of MPulse v7 CMMS, has released Condition Triggered Maintenance (CTM), an new add-on tool for MPulse v7 customers who want to move to condition-based monitoring (CBM) as part of their overall CMMS solution.
 
MPulse's Condition Triggered Maintenance schedules or triggers maintenance at, or just before system inefficiencies begin. CTM integrates fully with all MPulse EAM/CMMS systems and allows MPulse users to take their maintenance activities to the next level – condition based. Moving from usage and time based maintenance to condition based maintenance leads to greater reporting on compliance, lowers operational costs, and improves reliability. With CTM, MPulse customers can now base their maintenance activities on the actual state of the assets they are maintaining, not an arbitrary calendar schedule.
 
Most new equipment is manufactured with built-in PLCs or sensors with the capability to write files to networks. Environmental and Building Automation Systems are also built with these tools. Even without OEM sensors and PLCs, there are inexpensive after-market options that can monitor just about anything (temperature, pressure, flow, amp draw, vibration, run time, etc) and can be setup wirelessly throughout a facility. While many MPulse customers have been actively monitoring their assets for years, CTM now gives them an easy to use add-on tool that puts asset condition data into an ‘action’ based system like MPulse.
 
CTM integrates seamlessly with MPulse v7 as part of an overall CMMS solution. Web-native applications like MPulse, with advanced web server technology, user-friendly architecture, customizable interfaces and location independence offer superior performance in the gathering, measuring and reporting of data.

The company adds: "Adding Condition Triggered Maintenance greatly improves that performance. As a proactive approach, CTM closely monitors

Ann Arnott to succeed Mary Sue Lyon as PTDA executive V-P

PEM >> 
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) board of directors unanimously selected Ann Arnott, currently PTDA’s vice-president of programs and services, to succeed Mary Sue Lyon as the next executive vice-president of PTDA, effective Jan. 1, 2011.
 
The selection of Arnott is a result of an exhaustive search which began in March 2009, after the board received notification of Lyon’s intent to retire at the end of 2010. 
 
After concluding the search process, PTDA’s leadership affirmed their support of Arnott. Keith Nowak, president of the PTDA board in 2010 and president of MPT Drives Inc. shared the following sentiment: “Even though Ann was a qualified candidate, the board elected to do a full-blown executive search. We wanted to be sure to get the best possible person to lead PTDA going forward. We are now more confident than ever that we have the right person for the job. Ann’s background in finance and experience as well as knowledge of PTDA and its members helped her to excel above the other candidates.”
 
John Masek, vice president of Bearing Service Inc., chaired the executive search committee. According to him, “Ann handled her position as an internal candidate with grace, strength and a positive demeanor at all times.  At the end of the process, she clearly was affirmed as the best individual to lead our association forward into the next decade.  Her poise, enthusiasm, creativity and leadership qualities stood out and will serve her well as she expands her service to the membership of PTDA.”
 
Arnott joined PTDA in 2006 as director of programs and services and was promoted to her current role in 2008. Arnott is integral in managing the development and execution

Maintenance, monitoring plans added to solar-power systems

PEM >> 
Toronto's Spark Solar has introduced what it claims is the first peace-of-mind plan for the solar photovoltaic (PV) market in Ontario: monitoring and maintenance packages that provide measurable production assurance and investment protection.

Investing in a solar system or power plant is a major long-term financial undertaking that can deliver returns over the lifespan of the PV system. But when there are interruptions to the system, it can put financial returns and the investment at risk. Although solar PV systems have made major advances in efficiencies, too often the complexities of ownership and operations are understated.

For example, the simple accumulation of dirt on solar panels can have a significant impact on the performance of a PV system. And in the rapidly evolving solar PV market, solar investors can't always count on their installers or project developers to also maintain and monitor their systems.

Recognizing that the vast majority of PV solar systems installed in Ontario are unprotected and risk underperformance, Spark Solar is partnering with AS Solar Inc. of Toronto to sell and distribute the maintenance and monitoring plans across the province. AS Solar Inc. is one of the leading distributors of complete solar PV systems, with a growing network of 100 dealers, installers and project developers. The plans will be available to solar customers through these dealers and AS Solar Inc.

Regular maintenance and ongoing monitoring of a solar system are essential to maximizing power generation and minimizing financial risk, says Andrew Clark, CEO of Spark Solar.

"Most systems are underperforming by 32 percent, stretched over the life of your microFiT contract, and that equates to almost $92,000 in lost production revenue. Our solar monitoring and maintenance solution gives users the visibility required to maintain

BINDT event an ‘ideal platform’ for AGR

NDT News >> 
The BINDT organisation provided an excellent venue for this year’s event for both exhibitors and delegates – it’s a shame they could not have organised the weather!

Exova training guide offers new courses

NDT News >> 
Exova, one of the world’s leading food advisory and testing businesses, has updated its training courses, including two new courses in health and safety and food safety.

TEG meeting

NDT News >> 
The TEG Group, which represents all BINDT-accredited trainers and PCN AQBs (Authorised Qualifying Bodies), met at Argyll-Ruane Ltd, Rotherham Centre, on 7 October 2010.

Slashing inspection time with laser radar

NDT News >> 
Nikon Metrology has introduced the Laser Radar MV330/350 for automated large-scale metrology applications. The new Laser Radar doubles measurement speed and performance, offers better data quality through improved signal-to-noise ratio, and features enhanced hole and edge measurement to cover more applications.

In-service inspection services from TWI

NDT News >> 
In general terms, inspection may be applied to three main sectors of industry: manufacturing, fabrication and in-service.

SGS Performs Leak Testing of Heat Exchanger

On March 16, 2010, SGS Korea (link to: http://www.kr.sgs.com/home_kr_v2.htm?selen=1&) was assigned a contract to provide Leak Testing of a heat exchanger tube and tube-tube sheet in a refinery in Ulsan, Korea.

Ontario safety blitz focuses on conveyor dangers

PEM >> 
Ontario is making workplaces safer by focusing on the safe operation of conveyor systems.

Conveyor systems are used in industrial workplaces to move goods from one spot to another. Ministry of Labour inspectors will visit industrial workplaces during increased enforcement in November and December to ensure that:

• Conveyors have proper guarding devices;
• Conveyors are being locked out when needed; and
• Conveyor workers are protected from developing musculoskeletal disorders, such as repetitive strain injuries.

“We want everyone to be aware of the guarding and lockout hazards involving conveyor systems, and need to make sure all measures are in place to prevent injuries. At the end of the day, workers should return home safe and sound to their families," says Peter Fonseca, Minister of Labour.

Quick facts about this particular hazard:
• Ontario employs 430 full-time occupational health and safety inspectors.
• Between 2005 and 2008 two workers died and 48 workers were seriously injured in conveyor incidents.
• Between 2005 and 2008, workers missed an average of about 68 days due to a conveyor injury, according to WSIB lost-time injury data. The total number of workdays lost was 74,459.

The blitz is a part of the government’s Safe At Work Ontario strategy. Safe workplaces offer reassurance to workers, increased productivity for businesses and less strain on the health care system.
www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/sawo/about.php

Ontario launches toll-free number to report safety incidents

PEM >> 
Ontario has launched a new toll-free number – 1-877-202-0008 – to report workplace health and safety incidents or unsafe work practices, or for general inquiries.
 
On Nov. 1, 2010, the Ministry of Labour launched a Health & Safety Contact Centre, which allows anyone, anywhere in Ontario to call one number to report a workplace health and safety incident, critical injury, fatality or work refusal. The public can also call that number if they suspect unsafe work practices or for general inquiries.
 
The number operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
 
Before the launch, separate numbers existed for each provincial region. With one number, Ontario is creating a more efficient and streamlined phone system for workplaces and the public to contact the ministry, they government says.

This website is owned and operated by: MSL Media Limited

msl logo
www.mslmedialtd.com

Co. Number: 05359182

© 2005 MSL Media Ltd. All rights reserved. E&OE

ems logo mobile