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Given the expected and necessary growth of the hydropower industry over the upcoming decades, it could be argued that polymeric technology has a valuable role to play in supporting this growth. Applications, such as the one identified below, demonstrate how assets that would otherwise be decommissioned or sent to landfill can be given a new lease of life thanks to a combination of epoxy repair composites.

In a landmark move set to revolutionise water safety across Asia, Switzerland’s bNovate Technologies SA, which provides rapid monitoring and analysis of water, sealed its very first partnership in Asia, appointing Singapore’s MattenPlant as its official Asian distributor.

This significant collaboration was cemented during the Singapore International Water Week. bNovate CEO Serge Gander and MattenPlant CEO Victor Lim joined forces to bring cutting-edge, automated solutions for industrial microbiology to new markets, especially in the food and beverage sectors in the Philippines and Vietnam.

“We are thrilled to partner with MattenPlant,” said Serge Gander, CEO of bNovate. “Their expertise in integrating water technologies and their strong presence in Asia align perfectly with our global ambition of making water safer with our automated and digital monitoring solutions. This agreement marks a significant milestone for bNovate, enabling us to reach new markets and better serve our customers.”

Using state-of-the-art flow cytometry technology, bNovate’s BactoSense instrument measures cell concentrations in just 20 minutes, proactively addressing abnormalities and deviations from baseline microbial profiles. This technology ensures swift, accurate, waterborne microbe detection, safeguarding public health and industry standards.

Victor Lim, CEO of MattenPlant, shared his enthusiasm: “We are very impressed with what bNovate brings to the market in their range of monitoring equipment. This is an exciting opportunity for our companies to work together and bring highly effective water safety solutions to our customers, particularly in the food and beverage industry. We will leverage our local presence to provide training, service and pilot testing. This is to enhance customer’s engagement and experience of BactoSense”

Asia faces significant water challenges in many regions, including contamination from industrial and agricultural activities, rapid urbanisation and inadequate water infrastructure. The partnership with MattenPlant addresses these critical issues by introducing advanced Swiss water monitoring technologies that provide real-time, precise data, enabling proactive management and remediation. By leveraging bNovate’s innovative solutions, communities and industries across Asia can achieve safer, cleaner water, ultimately enhancing public health and supporting sustainable development. This collaboration represents a pivotal step in transforming regional water safety standards, ensuring that every drop meets the highest quality standard.

For more information about MattenPlant and bNovate Technologies, please visit their websites at www.mattenplant.com and www.bnovate.com.

Landia has won a series of new orders in the municipal wastewater industry, including the supply of 16 Axial pumps to a wastewater treatment plant in Ireland.

Specified in acid-proof stainless-steel to protect against corrosion in a coastal environment, the 16 Landia pumps were chosen for their capability in a demanding high-volume, low-pressure application.

Landia has also gained an order with Scottish Water to provide four new pumps for one of the water company’s main facilities that produces biogas from sludge. The pumps are part of a very successful digester mixing system, which has no moving parts inside the tank, so maintenance is made much easier, with no costly emptying of the vessel required.

In addition, in the north of England, Landia has won an order for its acclaimed chopper pumps at a sewage treatment facility that was having problems with its existing units (made by a different manufacturer) that were continually blocking.

Paul Davies, Landia’s Key Account Manager commented:

“For performance, and importantly, total cost of ownership, we are pleased to see more water companies and contractors identifying the many benefits of our pumps and mixers. They really do get stuck in with difficult, hard-to-handle applications, where solids can cause major headaches for less robust equipment.”

www.landia.co.uk

Introduction:

Traditionally known for its high performance repair and maintenance solutions, Belzona is expanding its reach into the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) market.

With an extensive range of coatings, Belzona can provide cost-effective alternatives for protecting and finishing OEM equipment such as pumps, tanks and heat exchangers.

One of 14 OEM Heat Exchangers coated with Belzona

Rather than waiting until the damage is done, a large Manufacturer of heat exchangers in the Czech Republic specified the use of Belzona to enhance the durability and performance of their newly manufactured equipment. The Customer reached out to Belzona Authorised Distributor, STROJCONSULT Litvínov s.r.o. for a solution.

Why Chose a Belzona Coating?
After learning about the benefits of Belzona 1593, the Company decided to coat all 14 newly fabricated heat exchangers to prevent corrosion and prolong the equipment's lifespan.

Each heat exchanger was lined with two coats of Belzona 1593, a high temperature brush-applied epoxy coating which provides corrosion protection for equipment operating under continuous immersion conditions. The team at Stroj Consult not only supplied the Belzona solution but also provided an expert team of applicators to complete the lining. The application was completed over a 14-day period offering the customer a comprehensive turn-key service.

latest Hadron 640 Models Bring enhanced Thermal Sensitivity and SWaP-Optimized Design for Out-of-theBox Integration

Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, today released its next generation of high-performance Hadron 640 dual radiometric thermal and visible camera modules. The ITAR-free Hadron 640+ and radiometric Hadron 640R+ provide industry-leading thermal sensitivity. All models are size, weight, and power (SWaP) optimized for integration into unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned ground vehicles (UGV), robotic platforms, and emerging AI applications utilizing Teledyne FLIR Prism™ software.

The Hadron 640 series gives integrators the opportunity to deploy AI-ready, high-performance dual-camera modules into small unmanned systems where SWaP, performance, run time, and battery life are mission critical,” said Michael Walters, Vice President Product Management, Teledyne FLIR. “With Teledyne FLIR’s new Prism AI detection, tracking, and classification models and Prism ISP libraries offering super-resolution, turbulence mitigation, contrast enhancement, and more, Hadron 640 also enables effective AI-based applications.”

The new Hadron 640 modules include a 640 x 512 resolution Boson+ longwave infrared (LWIR) camera module with industry-leading thermal sensitivity of 20 millikelvin (mK) or better. It sees through total darkness, smoke, most fog, and glare allowing operational awareness day and night. The Hadron 640R+ provides temperature measurements for every pixel in the scene. The addition of a 64MP visible camera enables the Hadron 640 series to provide both thermal and visible imagery within a single camera module. “Continued collaboration with Teledyne FLIR enables rapid payload and performance innovation for Teal 1/2 drones, accelerates time to market, and equips warfighters with the best possible technology for operational success,” said George Matus, CTO of Red Cat. “The Hadron 640 series features enhanced thermal sensitivity and HD visible cameras to provide superior performance within a compact package for the support of our NATO allies and the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance Tranche 2 program of record.”

To reduce development costs and time-to-market for integrators and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) product developers, the Hadron 640 series offers a complete system through a single supplier. This includes drivers for market-leading processors from NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and more, plus industry-leading integration support and service from a Teledyne FLIR support team of experts. The Hadron 640 series products are all dual use and classified under US Department of Commerce jurisdiction. It is available for purchase globally from Teledyne FLIR and its authorized dealers. To learn more or to purchase, visit https://www.flir.com/hadron640. For an exclusive in-person first look at the Hadron 640R+ running Prism AI, please visit hall 5A, stand #5A-127 at EuroSatory, June 17-21, 2024, in Paris, France.

From robot dogs having dance offs with Terminator robots, to incredible guitar work from the winner of the Guitar Legends competition, to Richard Noble OBE’s inexhaustible passion for involving young people in engineering and his next world record attempt - Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week 2024 certainly delivered on its promise to be ‘a Festival of Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering’. Proof of the extraordinary success is that it drew a record number of 13,428 attendees, an increase of 30% on 2023.

“The buzz at Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week was undeniable” said Grace Gilling, Managing Director, The Manufacturer, part of Nineteen Group “I don’t know if it was the live music at the entrance or the Graffiti Wall or the number of interactive features or maybe even the specially created Smart Hoperator beer, but the excitement created a perfect atmosphere in which to do business. Exhibitors were having fun; visitors were having fun and it all just...worked.”

Researched and produced by The Manufacturer, who are owned by award-winning organisers, Nineteen Group, the event reaffirmed its status as the largest manufacturing and engineering technology show in the UK, with 470 exhibitors showcasing hundreds of innovative products and solutions. Across eight free-to-attend solutions theatres, the event offered a dynamic mix of more than 150 insightful presentations on subjects such as digital transformation, IIOT and connectivity and industrial data, as well as practical workshops by the Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, and cutting-edge technology in the Made Smarter Innovation Showcase and the Start Up Zone.

Part of the reason for attracting a record attendance in 2024 has been attributed to the co-location of Drives & Controls for the first time as part of Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week.

The event included a dizzying number of activities, from JJA Snack’s working chocolate factory to Fanuc hosting the world skills qualifiers for industrial robotics, some of which began prior to the exhibitions opening their doors and some that took place after they closed. “I was really surprised” said Jon Morris, Marketing Manager from ifm “I heard The Shadow Monkeys band start the after-show party at 4.30pm and looked at our stand and the others close by, and they were all still busy, which is unusual as experienced exhibitors will attest. With so much to see and do visitors stayed on".

Attendees looking for insight and knowledge-sharing were able to join the event’s summits; the Manufacturing Digitalisation Summit focused on the opportunities and challenges of digitalising manufacturing processes. For those seeking deeper, specialist debates, the Industrial Data & AI Summit and the Automation & Robotics Accelerator Symposium provided forums for collaboration and discussion on niche topics within manufacturing.

The Marketing to Manufacturers Breakfast proved very popular, with a full theatre and a crowd gathered outside to hear about the £4.5billion of government funding that manufacturers will be spending over the next 24 months.

Some of the fringe activities that took place included Enginuity's 10th Annual Skills Awards, celebrating excellence in skills development within engineering and manufacturing, and the Top 100 Awards that celebrates the heroes of the UK’s manufacturing sector.

Plus, the STEM programme featured several academic institutions and partners, such as Coventry University with its IMechE Formula AI Car and Formula Student cars who were talking to visiting students and pupils about a future in engineering. The new visitor trails ensured inquisitive visitors maximized their learning and networking opportunities with themed stands and guided experiences. The trails explored cutting-edge projects and innovations such as the Best of British Showcase and ensured interactions with industry professionals and, for students and apprentices, insights into potential career paths in engineering and manufacturing.

With its festival vibe, well-being zone and eclectic mix of attractions and distractions, Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week has certainly created its own niche but essentially its role is to connect buyers with sellers and in this regard, it has been a huge success. As Malcolm Greenhill from Charter Controls said, “I have been exhibiting at industrial events around the world since the 1980s and Drives & Controls 2024 is the best event I have ever been to in terms of both the number and quality of visitors. We have seen a surprising number from large end users.”

The core dates for the Smart Manufacturing & Engineering Week exhibitions in 2025 have been confirmed as the 4th and 5th of June. SM&E Week 2024 was once again a carbon neutral event with more trees being added to the Nineteen Group Forest to off-set the event’s carbon footprint.

For more information, visit: https://www.mandeweek.co.uk/ 

Business growth, addressing the skills gap and need for greater efficiency are driving plans for AI, machine learning, cloud computing and other digital technology adoption.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) implementation is expected to play a crucial role in manufacturing operations in the next wave of industrial revolution, also known as Industry 5.0. A newly released report by Fluke Reliability, which empowers reliability and maintenance teams with the hardware, software, and services to optimise asset performance, confirms these claims.

Censuswide conducted the research, which surveyed over 600 senior decision makers and maintenance professionals in the U.S., the UK, and Germany. The findings confirm that manufacturers are at the forefront of implementing AI technologies into day-to-day operations.

The results offer a clear, almost unanimous picture of the manufacturing landscape.  AI will be a high business priority for companies over the next 12 months according to 93% of survey respondents. This sentiment is echoed at an organisational level, with 9 in 10 senior decision makers agreeing AI is the priority and over 4 in 5 maintenance managers saying the same.

Regarding the role of AI in predictive maintenance, only 8% of those surveyed are currently operating a predictive maintenance strategy. However, a massive 76.5% want to shift to predictive/proactive maintenance in the future, and AI implementation is viewed as a tool to achieve that goal.

Manufacturers are already turning their intentions into action, on average respondents said they intend to invest 44% of their technology budgets on AI in 2024 alone. In fact, (30%) of those surveyed plan to invest 51-75% of their technology budget on AI this year.

While only 9% of manufacturers agree that they have completed their Industry 5.0 goals to date, the majority (61%) expect to achieve their AI goals in just 11 months.

“Predictive maintenance is becoming a need, not a want - especially as skilled labour is hard to come by and retain,” says Ankush Malhotra, President of Fluke Reliability. “AI offers a clear pathway and there is a strong belief within the industry that manufacturers who don’t adapt to the benefits are likely to be left behind. The results of this survey show that while many industries are talking about AI implementation, manufacturers are walking the talk.” 

Of those looking to invest in the next 12 months, the need for adoption was largely driven by the benefits of AI implementation including:

• the ability to develop new products and services (35%)
• provide a new way to address data processing and analysis requirements (35%)
• a means to address the call for improvements to customer service (35%)
• the demand for improved efficiency and productivity (34%)
• ways to compensate for the skilled labour shortage (31%).

“It’s no surprise that manufacturers are bullish in their adoption of AI,” said Aaron Merkin, Chief Technology Officer, Fluke Reliability. “We know it works and have customers who have seen value in as little as three months.”

For the full survey results, please visit the Fluke website.

Belzona proudly announces the launch of its revolutionary SF₆ Leak Solution.

As the world grapples with the urgency of minimising greenhouse gas emissions, Belzona takes a proactive stance by introducing its solution to SF₆ leakage. Belzona SF6-FIX can reduce leaks to undetectable levels, mitigating the environmental hazards associated with SF₆ usage.

What is Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF₆)?

Sulphur hexafluoride or SF₆ is a synthetic gas comprised of one sulphur and six fluoride atoms. It is commonly used in medium and high voltage electrical equipment to insulate live electrical parts and to switch the flow of electrical current on and off. This same equipment, crucial for the efficient functioning of power grids, also plays a pivotal role in connecting the generation and storage of renewable energy.

Why is Stopping SF₆ Leaks So Important?

Despite its utility, SF₆ is incredibly detrimental to the planet. With a warming potential that is a staggering 23,500 times higher than carbon dioxide (CO₂)^[1], SF₆ is the most potent greenhouse gas. This means that even in minute quantities, SF₆ has a disproportionately significant impact on global warming. Worryingly, the Environmental Protection Agency notes that leak detection surveys show approximately 10 percent of circuit breaker populations leak and, 85% of these leaks are releasing enough of this dangerous gas to be considered significant. Frequent leaks of such a potent greenhouse gas have become a serious contributing factor to global warming.

Commenting on Belzona's new solution for SF₆ leakage, one of the main developers, Training Facilitator, Karl Rodman, said:

“By implementing this solution, the amount of harmful SF₆ being released into the atmosphere will be significantly reduced. Belzona has created a necessary solution to a prolific problem in this integral industry. Belzona SF6-FIX not only addresses the environmental concerns surrounding SF₆ leakage, but also contributes to the sustainable and efficient functioning of power grids”.

The Online Leak Solution in Action

This electric switch gear flange within a Power Distribution Substation was leaking 70kg of SF₆ per month. In addition to being devastating for the environment, such leaks incur substantial costs, as local authorities can issue hefty fines. Leveraging a strategic combination of expertly applied specialist materials, including reinforcement sheets alongside Belzona's advanced resin and coatings, Belzona successfully stemmed the leak in just one day, without the need to degas the system.

Electric Switch Gear Flange with SF₆ Leak                       SF₆ Leakage Sealed with Belzona SF6-FIX

Six months into service, the solution was deemed successful. The leak has been reduced to an undetectable level, resulting in a monumental environmental and financial saving. This triumphant application has paved the way for the solution's expansion to other substations, offering a practical and efficient means to propel the global power distribution industry towards a more sustainable future.

^[1]

Belzona SF6-FIX Leak Solution Launch

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) ﷟HYPERLINK "https://www.ipcc.ch/assessment-report/ar5/"fifth assessment report.

In recent Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) testing, the results showed that the cool roof coating, Belzona 3111 (Flexible Membrane), exhibited high solar reflectance properties with an average* SRI of 99.4%. Considering the vicious cycle of increased global temperatures leading to an increased use of air conditioning, which exacerbates the problem further, polymeric technology like this plays a valuable role in mitigating this damaging process.

*Average figure based on SRI calculated in low, medium and high winds.

EngineeringUK has today launched its policy asks for the next government which are centred around 2 clear priorities: workforce planning and STEM education and skills.

With engineering jobs expected to grow faster than other occupations across the UK between now and 2030, (Engineering Skills Needs – now and into the future 2023) and a lack of people and skills to deliver infrastructure improvements, decarbonisation and growth, the new government needs to urgently address skills shortages and the UK’s changing labour market needs.  

EngineeringUK wants the next government to take a more strategic approach to address skills shortages and the UK’s changing labour market need, and for this to be led by the Cabinet Office. The not-for-profit believes consolidating the work of existing skills taskforces under a new cross-departmental skills committee will encourage collaboration,  reduce siloed thinking and support the next government’s ambitions to grow the economy.

EngineeringUK also wants the new government to develop a holistic STEM education and skills plan, which, if acted on, will help deliver the engineering and technology workforce that the UK so urgently needs, which will address issues and concerns in the education sector.

EngineeringUK’s policy priorities for the next government: 

Strategic workforce planning:

• Establish a national engineering & technology workforce strategy
• Ensure a strategic approach to workforce planning based on workforce needs
• Enhance diversity in the STEM workforce
• Support international talent via appropriate immigration and visa systems
• Link STEM education and skills planning to the strategic workforce plan

STEM education and skills plan:

• Deliver on careers provision
• Grow and sustain engineering apprenticeships for young people
• Commit to T Levels
• Improve STEM teacher recruitment, training and retention

Head of Public Affairs and Policy, Beatrice Barleon comments, “We are asking the next government to take urgent action on workforce planning and address the critical challenges we are facing over STEM skills and teacher shortages in schools and FE providers.”

“Specifically, we want the new government in its first 100 days in office to commit to a national workforce strategy.

“On apprenticeships and T levels, we want to see better access for young people and a commitment that T Levels will continue in England. We also need a long-term careers strategy to ensure schools and colleges have the funding and up-to-date knowledge of 21^st engineering careers required to support and inspire young people.”

EngineeringUK are calling on the next government to tackle the STEM teacher shortages head on and invest more in Continuous Professional Development training for STEM teachers. Evidence shows this has a positive impact on teacher retention. 

Read the policy asks in full

For more information visit: EngineeringUK's website