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The FLIR T530 has the features professionals need to accurately troubleshoot hot spots and potential faults. With the 180° rotating lens platform and a bright 4" LCD, the FLIR T530 is engineered to help users diagnose hard-to-reach components in any environment. Advanced on-camera measurement tools, laser-assisted autofocus, and FLIR’s industry-leading image quality ensure you’ll find and diagnose problems quickly. With on-board Inspection Route mode, you can download and run survey plans to your camera from FLIR Thermal Studio Pro (with Route Creator plugin). Together these systems will help you record temperature data and imagery in a logical sequence for faster troubleshooting and repair. The purchase of a T530 camera includes a 3-month subscription to FLIR Thermal Studio Pro and FLIR Route Creator.

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Brixworth Engineering, manufacturer of the globally renowned Benco engine stands, has produced its largest-ever side-mounting turnover stand. Supplied to the Croydon facility of leading power transmission specialist Voith Turbo, the Benco 1050 (an upgrade to Brixworth’s standard Benco 1000 engine stand) is helping this progressive plant to inspect and service a variety of engines and transmissions.

With a load capacity of 5000 kg (at 500 mm from the mounting spindle) and a turning capacity of 10,000 Nm, the Benco 1050 supplied to Voith Turbo facilitates the manipulation of complete engines for inspection, repair or modification. Moreover, it is a mobile version featuring a motor drive to deliver rotational speed up to 4 rpm, although customers can opt for floor mounting and manual operation if preferable.

Control of the Benco 1050 at Voith Turbo is via a fixed pushbutton station, with pendant control available as an option. As a further point of note, Brixworth designed and manufactured additional mounting arms to minimise deflection throughout the loading and rotation process.

Rugged, cost-effective Benco engine stands are ideal for undertaking a whole host of new-build, repair and refurbishment operations quickly and easily. With these popular engine stands, users can rotate or horizontally and vertically manipulate engines with ease to minimise the dangers of personal injuries associated with the manual handling of heavy loads. An adjustable column facilitates working at a convenient height while maintaining access to all aspects of the operation.

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Although a comprehensive range of standard models is available, Brixworth has considerable experience in the design and manufacture of bespoke engine stands to suit individual customer requirements. The company can undertake site surveys and provide engineers to evaluate any special demands, ensuring the supply of a safe, effective and cost-competitive solution.

Developed over many years, Benco engine stands today enjoy a worldwide reputation for simplicity and reliability in the rotational handling of heavy, out-of-balance loads with the added benefit of near backlash-free movement. The stands, more than 5000 of which have been produced for use in over 20 countries, can reduce man hours by up to 50% through the elimination of non-productive handling procedures. They fully comply with all current working practices and safety regulations, and come with an extensive guarantee for complete peace-of-mind.

Further information is available on request to:

The Brixworth Engineering Co Ltd, Creaton Road, Brixworth, Northampton  NN6 9BW

Telephone: 01604 880338

e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.                  www.benco.co.uk

Integrated Global Services (IGS) has been recognized as a major contributor to the successful Ras Tanura Refinery (RTR) 2024 Mega Turnaround and Inspection (T&I) for Saudi Arabian Energy Company (Aramco). The RTR complex is Aramco's largest refinery and the biggest in the Middle East.

The award was presented to IGS at the ceremony on the 7^th of May 2024 for “unwavering support and unrelenting efforts that helped in leading RTR 2024 Mega T&I Path to Success. IGS has demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination in this massive T&I.”

The mega RTR turnaround involved over 8,000 workers, 6.9 million worked hours, and 5,000+ scope items over a multi-week period. It is projected to yield over $26.7 million in benefits for the energy giant through enhanced efficiency, optimized fuel consumption, reduced emissions, and other improvements.

IGS's High Velocity Thermal Spray (HVTS) cladding technology and Cetek fired heater efficiency coating were highlighted as key innovations deployed during the turnaround. IGS's metalspray® technology enhanced the integrity and lifespan of the crude unit desalination column overhead line, while the Cetek coating enhanced efficiency and optimized fuel consumption by 1MMSCFD. The coatings also reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 19,722 metric tons per year.

Al Muhannad Al Johani, General Manager, IGS Saudi Arabia, said:

“At IGS, we believe that true sustainability in the energy sector is achieved through partnership. Our collaboration with Aramco on the Ras Tanura Refinery’s 2024 Mega Turnaround is a prime example of how combining our expertise with our client’s objectives leads to groundbreaking results. Together, we've not only enhanced operational efficiency but also set new benchmarks in environmental conservation. This project underscores our commitment to working alongside our clients to forge a more sustainable and efficient future."

Aramco credited proper planning, collaboration, and innovation as critical factors allowing the mega turnaround to be completed safely, ahead of schedule, and with world-class results compared to global refinery benchmarks.

The incident-free project is being celebrated as a major achievement for Aramco's largest asset and a model for future turnarounds across the company's operations.

(left to right) Dennis Snijders, Al Muhannad Al Johani, and Dan Campbell, accepting the award presented for the IGS contribution to the success of the Ras Tanura Refinery (RTR) 2024 Mega Turnaround and Inspection (T&I) project

www.integratedglobal.com

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Revolutionising industrial automation, ifm electronic introduces innovative Ethernet modules for field applications, the AL4xxx series. These decentralised DI modules act as a vital link between binary sensors and the fieldbus, enabling smooth transmission of binary switching signals via the fieldbus without additional transmission systems.

The key features and benefits of the AL4 series include direct transmission of binary signals with fieldbus topology for improved efficiency, a robust design for durability in harsh environments. The ecolink technology guarantees reliable, permanently ingress-resistant M12 connections of the connection cables. The perfect addition to ifm IO-Link family.

The materials and production methods utilised in these modules mirror the renowned quality of ifm's jumper cables from the acclaimed EVC and EVF product series, exemplifying a commitment to excellence and durability.

Technical advancements include a voltage supply system with an A-coded M12 connector and an L-coded M12 connector with daisy chain functionality for efficient power distribution. Furthermore, there is an integrated counter function suitable for high-frequency counter applications, ensuring accurate counting regardless of PLC cycle times.

The integration of Ethernet modules into ifm’s IO-Link master family represents a significant step towards comprehensive automation solutions that prioritise seamless connectivity and operational excellence.

Discover the new ultrasonic camera for preventive maintenance from SONOTEC! With the SONASCREEN® 2, the company is setting new standards in hardware, performance and usability. Learn now how the innovative device can help you lower your bills and where you can take a look at it.

How to effortlessly reduce your company’s ecological footprint and energy costs

Around 20% of the energy needed to generate compressed air is the result of leaks - 80% of which are avoidable. Stopping these leaks therefore not only reduces your company’s CO2 emissions, but also your energy costs significantly. With the new SONASCREEN® 2 acoustic camera, you can detect and document leaks easier than ever before, without the need for time-consuming training. Simply take your acoustic camera with you on a tour of your facility and capture the defective areas that are causing you additional costs as you move. An investment in leak detection equipment will not only pay for itself in a very short time, it will also save you money on your electricity bill and help to preserve our planet’s resources. SONOTEC’s robust device is proven for compressed air, gas and vacuum leak as well as partial discharge detection in food, beverage, cement, chemical, automotive, steel and power plants, along with grid operators and the home appliance, semiconductor, plastic and electronics industry.

SONASCREEN® 2 – explore the most versatile and powerful ultrasound camera

The device does not only come with an impressively easy-to-use software, but also with the highest number of ultrasonic microphones ever built into an acoustic camera, a frequency range up to 100 kHz and real-time results with 100 fps. The measuring system with ring memory enables the detection of phenomena that are only visible for a brief moment, while the built-in IR sensor extends the devices functions to those of a thermal imaging camera. In addition, SONOTEC’s camera system is the only one with a GPS function, which is especially useful for mapping defects in larger areas, such as partial discharges on transmission lines.

Dive deep into your data

The frequency range for your measurement was set incorrectly and possible defective areas are thus invisible? No problem – the SONASCREEN® 2 is the only camera on the market that allows you to access the recorded raw data and correct the frequency settings afterwards instead of repeating the measurement.

Live detection and cost forecast

With the brand new SONASCREEN® 2, you can detect and display several defective parts at once and see live how much they will cost you. What to do with the results on your camera screen? If needed, you can transfer the results to your PC and generate detailed reports for upcoming maintenance activities and audits with the free of charge Windows software.

Come and take a look

Visit SONOTEC at Reliable Plant (Stand 630) or SONOTEC’s partners VP Instruments UK (Stand 4-B20) and CBM Partners (Stand 4-D50) at Maintec and see the quality and usability of the new acoustic camera for yourself.

www.sonotec.de

• Approval of the merger by the Annual General Meeting, completion of the merger still expected in the fourth quarter of 2024
• Preparations for the integration of Vitesco proceeding according to plan
• Annual General Meeting approves dividend of 45 eurocents per non-voting common share for the 2023 financial year
• Horst Ott, District Manager of the IG Metall union in Bavaria, appointed as a member of the Supervisory Board
• CEO Klaus Rosenfeld: “Together with Vitesco, we are creating the leading Motion Technology Company.”

Birmingham, UK | April 26, 2024 | The Annual General Meeting of Schaeffler AG (“Schaeffler”) has approved the merger of Vitesco Technologies Group Aktiengesellschaft (“Vitesco”) into Schaeffler. After Vitesco shareholders at their Annual General Meeting had already voted in favour of the merger agreement the day before, the Annual General Meeting of Schaeffler has also given the green light for the merger. The Annual General Meeting also approved all other resolutions proposed by the management.

Up to 626 participants attended the virtual event.

Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG: “With the approval of the Annual General Meetings of Schaeffler and Vitesco we have fulfilled further important requirements to finalise the merger of the two companies. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in the corporate development of the Schaeffler Group. Together with Vitesco, we are creating the leading Motion Technology Company.”

With the successful Annual General Meeting, Schaeffler has now completed the second step of the three-step overall transaction. The merger is still expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Integration preparations on track
The preparations for the integration of Vitesco into Schaeffler are already in full swing and are progressing according to plan. In his speech, CEO Klaus Rosenfeld reported to shareholders that an important milestone had been reached on March 14 of this year, with the establishment of the future organisational structure on the first level below the Board of Managing Directors and the Regional CEOs. The next phase of the integration process will now focus on the second management level, the development of the divisional and functional strategies and structures, as well as a joint business plan. These steps are of crucial importance to optimally prepare Schaeffler for the year 2025, which is expected to be the first fully integrated financial year of the newly shaped group.

Dividend of 45 eurocents per non-voting common share
With regard to the business performance of the previous year, Schaeffler once again succeeded in growing despite a challenging environment, Klaus Rosenfeld reported at the Annual General Meeting. The Automotive Technologies division recorded an order intake of over five billion euros in the field of e-mobility in 2023. Increasing global demand for repairs, driven by a growing and ageing vehicle fleet, has been a key driver for the positive revenue and earnings development of the Automotive Aftermarket division. In addition, despite challenging market and competitive conditions, the industrial division achieved remarkable results in some areas in 2023.

Against this backdrop, the Annual General Meeting approved a dividend of 45 eurocents per non-voting common share proposed by the Board of Managing Directors and the Supervisory Board. This represents a dividend payout ratio of 47.3 percent of net income attributable to shareholders before special items. In consultation with the Supervisory Board, the Board of Managing Directors had decided to raise the corridor for the annual dividend payout from the previous 30 to 50 percent to now 40 to 60 percent, so that shareholders will participate even more in the company’s profits in the future.

For the current financial year 2024, Klaus Rosenfeld referenced to the forecast for 2024 published with the Annual Report, which considers the planned merger in the fourth quarter.

Horst Ott appointed as a member of the Supervisory Board

At the end of the Annual General Meeting, Jürgen Wechsler resigned from the Supervisory Board. He will be replaced by Horst Ott, District Manager of the IG Metall union in Bavaria: “I would like to thank Mr. Wechsler for many years of work on the Supervisory Board and his valuable support as Deputy Chairman. As a member of the Supervisory Board from the very beginning, he has made a significant contribution to the relationship of trust with his objective way of working. We wish him good health and happiness for his well-deserved retirement,” said Georg F. W. Schaeffler, family shareholder and Chairman of the Supervisory Board. “The approval of the merger of Vitesco Technologies Group Aktiengesellschaft into Schaeffler AG at today’s Annual General Meeting marks a milestone in our corporate history. Schaeffler is and will remain also in the future a family-owned company that is shaping the future sustainably, innovatively and with a pioneering spirit in the interests of all stakeholders.”

The voting results of today’s Annual General Meeting and the reports by the Supervisory Board and the CEO will be available shortly at https://www.schaeffler.com/en/investor-relations/general-meeting/

You can find the annual report at: www.schaeffler-annual-report.com.

Offshore production of hydrocarbons is moving into deeper and more remote locations. FPSOs have revolutionized deep-water drilling, allowing operations to produce oil in areas that were not previously viable. The economy and ease of deploying small scale FPSO vessels to exploit smaller reservoirs which would have traditionally necessitated the construction of an offshore platform is being made even more attractive through Government incentives.

However, design requirements are becoming more arduous. FPSOs require high pressure, Quick Opening Closures to maintain the required levels of operational safety and reliability. In addition to providing safe access to pipelines and associated pigging facilities, Quick Opening Closures are integral to produced water treatment systems, production separators, and fuel gas filter separators.

Early consideration of design requirements for deep water, high pressure applications such as FPSOs is essential to ensure efficient supply chain operations, as is timely integration and installation of the Quick Opening Closures into pressure vessel design packages. This means FPSO operators must think ahead, as Carla Connolly, Global Sales Director for GD Engineering, explains.

“Traditional oil and gas mid-pressure applications have benefited from closures using standard materials and shorter lead times. Arduous applications such as deepwater FPSOs require more complex material specifications and specialized closure designs made to specification. Manufacture involves forging materials such as Duplex Stainless Steel or using corrosion resistant weld overlay processes, with extensive testing requirements necessary to ensure reliability throughout the full product life cycle. Early engagement with specialist companies like ours is therefore essential to ensure that Quick Opening Closures for FPSOs are correctly specified, installed and maintained.”

FPSO Closure Projects

GD Engineering has extensive experience in the design and development of Quick Opening Closures based on its world-renowned Bandlock™2. The company has recently supplied Quick Opening Closures on 12” Guard Cartridge filters for an FPSO in South American waters. The filtration/closure combination is for a sulphate recovery system, with the filter designed to remove debris down to 10 microns. The closure allows safe and efficient access to the filter vessel within 60 seconds, using only one operator and without the need for any special tools. Both the closure and the vessels were supplied in Super Duplex Stainless Steel with full documentation and QA packages to meet operator and regulatory requirements.

Bandlock™2 Quick Opening Closures from GD Engineering also feature on an FPSO located in the world’s largest global deepwater oil field. The operation includes FPSO interconnection to 13 wells, with the vessel and field projected to produce above two million barrels of oil per day. GD Engineering supplied 25 specially designed Quick Opening Closures for the project’s pig launcher and receivers, including a specially designed 10k rated closure which withstands in excess of 600 bar pressure, yet operates at the same speed, efficiency and safety levels as their standard designs.

To further ensure the safety of operators, the Bandlock™2 closures were supplied with mechanical key interlocks which are integrated into the valve operation sequence. This minimizes safety risks and reduces human error using the key transfer principle to guarantee that operators follow the correct steps through the valve operations to the final opening of the pressure vessel access point once the system has been completely depressurised.

For more information, visit: https://celerosft.com/en-us/products?category=closures

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Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has appointed Rhonda Doyle as the new Vice President of Customer Operations in the UK and Ireland. This follows the appointment of Kristin Hanley, who previously held the post, to Vice President of Sales Excellence and Marketing for the UK and Ireland business. The new role will see Rhonda take the lead on customer care, satisfaction and quality, business systems, business tendering and project management, alongside developing new strategies to transform end-to-end customer digital experiences. 

Prior to this, Rhonda held the post of Senior Director of Field Service Operations since joining Schneider Electric in 2021. During that time, she has played an integral role in growing the services side of the business to support customers’ digitalisation and sustainability strategies. She has also been instrumental in transforming internal processes, improving performance and service delivery, while helping projects to scale and meet customer requirements.  

Rhonda’s experience and achievements within Schneider Electric align with the responsibilities of the Customer Operations role that covers all aspects of customer engagement, from the customer care centre to project management and frontline engineers. Building on Schneider Electric’s reputation for delivering a first-rate customer service, Rhonda will review existing processes to refine service delivery with a specific focus on enhancing the digital customer experience.  

Speaking about the new appointment, Rhonda Doyle, Vice President of Customer Operations, UK and Ireland, said: “Digitising processes is at the core of Schneider Electric’s overall strategy. Our suite of smart digital monitoring tools contribute to greater energy efficiencies for customers and in how we directly communicate and engage with customers. We’re continually transforming the customer experience across multiple channels, to ensure that a customer service representative is available via a phone call or a live chat. Our goal is to deliver end-to-end solutions that allow us to connect digitally with customers – and respond to their needs faster and with greater accuracy but also cater for the needs of the various business units.” 

Kelly Becker, President of Schneider Electric UK and Ireland said: “Rhonda has a proven track record of delivering excellent customer service strategies and her innovative leadership style is exactly what this position needs. Rhonda will help us grow as an organisation and pursue unparalleled levels of proactive customer support. She will reassess our customer engagement approach, equip our teams for success and increase the number of digital connections we have with our customers. This aligns with our strategy to keep our customers as our first priority and continuously improving our support across the business.” 

www.se.com

In a bold leap towards enhanced operational efficiency and seamless IO-Link sensor integration, ifm electronics are proud to introduce moneo configure free, the cutting-edge tool designed to empower businesses with intuitive smart IO-Link management.

moneo configure free offers unparalleled ease and efficiency by enabling simultaneous parameter setting of multiple IO-Link sensors while also facilitating central parameter setting of IO-Link masters across the network. This innovative solution significantly streamlines the configuration process, saving valuable time and enhancing the overall process reliability of production operations.

One of the standout features of moneo configure free is its integrated, manufacturer-independent IODD (IO-Link Device Description) management, leveraging the extensive IODD database. This empowers users to seamlessly integrate sensors from various manufacturers into the IO-Link network, allowing for the seamless configuration of their parameters. This interoperability not only fosters flexibility but also underscores our commitment to industry collaboration and future-focused solutions.

Furthermore, during setup or error analysis, moneo configure free provides clear indication of up to two process data values for each IO-Link sensor in the cockpit, irrespective of the manufacturer. This invaluable feature enhances visibility and facilitates swift decision-making, ultimately contributing to optimized operational performance.

Experience the future of IO-Link device management—download moneo configure free now and unlock a new realm of operational efficiency and flexibility.

On recent revisits to two Steelcoat 100/400^™ System applications in the Northeast of England, Winn & Coales (Denso) Ltd. were proud to confirm that both applications were performing as expected, providing exemplary protection from corrosion over a decade since their installations.

The Steelcoat 100/400 System consists of Denso Hi-Tack^™ Primer, Denso^™ Profiling Mastic, Denso Hi-Tack^™ Tape, Denso Ultraseal^™ Tape and Denso Acrylic Topcoat^™ and offers an excellent long-term coating solution for exposed steel and pipework – particularly in areas faced with damp conditions. The system requires minimal surface preparation and is easy to apply, making it ideal for use in remote or difficult to access areas where preventing contamination of the surrounding environment is of the utmost importance.

Winn & Coales pride themselves on the longevity and effectiveness offered by the complete and correct applications of their innovative products and systems. The revisited Steelcoat^™ systems – originally applied in 2008 and 2010 respectively – serve as demonstrable proof of their enviable track record of success and affirms their position as industry leaders.

Winn & Coales (Denso) Ltd are leading manufacturers and suppliers of corrosion prevention and sealing systems and celebrated 140 years of service to industry in 2023.

www.denso.net