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The recent supply by Hoist & Winch of a bespoke electric-powered winch to a UK building products company is allowing the safe and smooth lifting and lowering of a large telescopic export chute that loads heavy-goods vehicles (HGVs) with a media byproduct from the customer’s production process. Importantly, raising and descending takes place in a level and precise position thanks to adjustable turn-buckle jacking screws.

Conceived by Hoist & Winch, one of the UK's leading lifting equipment companies, a 400 V three-phase Haacon wire rope winch providing a swl (safe working load) of 1,500 kg sits at the heart of this innovative solution. The advanced winch offers a special triple rope lead-off design that raises and lowers the export chute via one vertically and two horizontally orientated diverter pulleys. A purpose-made frame and bolted connections facilitate mounting of the winch to the steel floor, ensuring level rope pay-off from the winch drum to the three diverter pulleys serving the system.

The final wire rope connection to the export chute is via adjustable turn-buckle jacking screws and swivelling eye bolts, a design that not only provides accurate chute levelling adjustment, but also extends the service life of the wire rope by eliminating any twisting action.

Winch control arrives courtesy of a switchgear enclosure and a two-button, single-speed, hard-wired pendant control station located remotely in an environmentally protected operating cubicle. Environmental protection is vital due to operating temperatures of over 40°C in summer months, as well as excessive dust in the atmosphere and surrounding work areas.

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The new winch system, which replaces an original obsolete solution that had reached the end of its service life, offers a number of further beneficial features to the customer, many relating to safety. For instance, the winch has a pressure roller to ensure secure retention of the wire rope on the drum. This capability is particularly important in the event of a slack wire rope, which might occur due to accidental over-lowering of the chute on to the HGV bed, for example.

Further safety-oriented features include an inverter controlled winch motor to provide very smooth and slow speed control, and grooves in the winch drum to ensure even and secure wire rope winding.

Notably, the scope of supply provided by Hoist & Winch was extremely comprehensive, as Andy Allen, Director of Hoist & Winch, explains: “We provided all pre-installation survey work to ensure correct alignment of the winch, diverter pulleys and associated equipment. In addition, we performed installation commissioning and load testing, all field wiring and the issue of a LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) Thorough Examination Report for the complete system, including diverter pulley support steelwork. We take our responsibilities very seriously in all customer projects, ensuring the delivery of robustly engineered, high-performance solutions that are safe, reliable and fit-for-purpose.”

Delivered on-time and on-budget, the installation took place over a two-day plant shutdown. Hoist & Winch also provided thorough operator training on topics such as winch operation and control functions, as well as daily maintenance checks.

Visit www.hoistandwinch.co.uk for further information and to view recent case studies.

Hoist and Winch Ltd

Unit 20, 11B Arrow Business Park, Alcester Employment Park, Arden Road, Alcester, B49 6HN

Tel:  08450 171126                  

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

web: www.hoistandwinch.co.uk

Hi-line Industries, a UK-based leader in the design, manufacture and installation of energy-efficient compressed air purification equipment, has established a new Technical Division that further elevates the level of support available to its valued nationwide distribution network. With highly qualified and accredited technicians, Hi-line’s Technical Division uses an unbranded fleet of vehicles whenever the need arises to provide support for a third party.

As an ISO9001-accredited UK manufacturer of class-leading air filters, adsorption dryers and air treatment ancillaries, Hi-line is a major supplier to the compressed air industry. One of Britain’s largest stockists and a proud member of the ‘Made in Britain’ campaign, the company has a responsibility to support its extensive distribution network, which includes compressed air service companies, compressor OEMs and local industrial suppliers/agents.

Hi-line’s new Technical Division employs only experienced compressed air treatment service personnel, with engineers trained in all aspects of compressed air and gas generation. Every technician is ACRIB (Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Board) registered and an approved ‘safe refrigerant handler’ in accordance with REFCOM (Register of Companies Competent to Handle Refrigerants). The company is also affiliated to BCAS (British Compressed Air Society) and works in association with DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

To support its broad portfolio of class-leading solutions for the compressed air industry, Hi-line’s Technical Division offers an extensive list of services. The servicing of compressed air dryers made by Hi-line and other manufacturers (refrigeration and desiccant models) is clearly a core activity - involving tasks such as filter element replacement, desiccant changes and condensate separator maintenance - but there is plenty more to Hi-line’s new service offer.

For instance, the company can provide air treatment total care agreements, energy audits (compressed air flow analysis), breathing air analysis, leak surveys, compressor data logging (with reports) and dewpoint measurements. In addition, the company has a long list of retrofit services available, including the ability to add dewpoint control to any make of dryer via the company’s high-capability AEMS (Automatic Energy Management Systems). Hi-line can also update dryer analogue control to touchscreen panels and provide dial-in retrofits for digital monitoring. Even pipework installations and modifications (including hygiene-grade stainless steel pipes) are no problem for the company’s Technical Division. Importantly, discretion is a priority whenever required.

“Many of our products are ‘unbranded’ at the request of compressor companies and other OEMs,” explains Hi-line’s Managing Director Steve Smith. “To support these products, we have an unbranded fleet of vehicles and can even adopt plain overalls and customer service report sheets upon request. Whatever your service requirement, we have discreet, well presented and qualified engineers to support compressed air treatment equipment made by Hi-line and others.”

Further information is available from: Hi-line Industries Ltd,

Green Street, Burton on Trent, Staffordshire  DE14 3RT

Telephone: 01283 533377                                           Fax: 01283 533367              

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

Rubis Terminal has become the latest company to join EEMUA, the international membership body for companies that own and operate industrial facilities or that are significant purchasers or users of engineering equipment and materials.  

Rubis Terminal is a leading major independent provider of industrial liquid bulk products and gases, operating 15 terminals across France, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. It provides flexible, reliable, and responsible solutions, handling a wide variety of products across the fuel, biofuel, chemicals, and agrifood sectors.

Hugues Baillet, Technical Director of Rubis Terminal commented: “Joining EEMUA is a strategic move for Rubis Terminal to enhance our commitment to safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance within the industry”.

Deovonne Ferreira, EEMUA’s Head of Membership, added: “EEMUA is well placed to support Rubis Terminal in its commitment to sustainability and being part of the global route to Net Zero – the EEMUA membership is expert, is engineering focused and technology neutral, working across industry boundaries developing and sharing engineering expertise and good practice in tackling the engineering issues needed for industrial assets to operate efficiently, safely, and in compliance”.

EEMUA: www.eemua.org

Rubis Terminal: https://www.rubis-terminal.com

A Fusion of style and performance - built for active work in the Spring.

Snickers Workwear’s new range of lightweight Mid-layers are crafted for full flexibility on site and optimal comfort.

Built for active work, they’re fully flexible and can be worn as an outer layer when it’s warmer or a mid-layer when it’s a bit cooler.

They’re full of handy technical features and innovative fabrics to tame the wind, plus brand new energising colours to brighten your spring-time workday.

Choose from new street-smart styles such as the Windblocker Half-zip Hoodie or the Lightweight Flexiwork Mid-layer Jacket. There’s also a new Windproof Soft-Shell Jacket for women.

Whatever Snickers Workwear Mid-layer you choose, you can be sure that they all have body-mapping designs for a great fit, outstanding functionality and long-lasting comfort – all day, every day.

Getting more information on the Snickers Workwear clothing range is easy. You can call the Helpline on 01484 854788; check out www.snickersworkwear.co.uk or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Unique, Tested and Certified to Exacting International Standards^[1] with longer-lasting impact protection.

In what is probably the most ground-breaking Work Trouser and Knee Guard innovation, Snickers Workwear has launched the world’s first built-in, certified kneepads which are completely integrated into a pair of Snickers Workwear’s premium stretch Trousers.

Delivering low-profile impact protection, the AllroundWork, Stretch Trousers with Capsulized™ Kneepads are an innovative combination of cutting-edge sportswear technology coupled with well-established workwear know-how. They’re ideal for craftsmen and women on site; for people in logistics and warehousing; industry, engineering and maintenance who are constantly on the move and want the continuous protection of welded-into-place Kneepads.

Designed and engineered in partnership with YBC®,^[2]  the Capsulized™ kneepad components comprise six protection layers that work with each other to dissipate the energy created by the impact of working on your knees or through bumps in the workplace.

https://www.snickersworkwear.com/campaign/capsulized

They deliver effective durability combines with penetration protection, as well as additional impact absorption, pressure release and enhanced comfort.And, as is typical of all Snickers Workwear clothing, these stretch Work Trousers with the lightweight Capsulized™ kneepads will provide in-place ergonomic protection all day, every day.

^[1] Tested and Certified according to EN 14404 for Type 2, Level 1 Knee Protection, https://www.snickersworkwear.com/list/protective-standards/en-14404-knee-protection .

^[2] YBC®, The Contour Experts, https://ybc-protection.com .

Air Power East's Secret Weapon Against LeaksChallenge

 Air Power East, a family-run business with over 30 years of experience as a premier distributor of Atlas Copco, specializes in providing high-quality compressed air systems to various industries across East Anglia. Under the leadership of Jason Sewell, the company has established a strong reputation for delivering reliable and efficient solutions.

However, they faced a significant challenge in ensuring their systems were completely leak-free, a concern shared by their clients, including an agricultural manufacturer managed by Paul Musgrove. Jason highlighted the issue, stating, "Customers have been asking us to make sure that we can prove something that's completely leak-free."

Concurrently, Paul Musgrove was seeking an effective way to manage and maintain their compressed air systems, with a specific focus on reducing energy waste and operational costs, emphasizing the need to "save money where we can, especially with energy prices as they are."

This dual challenge called for an innovative approach to maintain Air Power East's commitment to quality and efficiency while addressing the specific needs of their clients.

Solution

To address the intertwined challenges, Jason reached out to Baseline-RTS, an independent supplier of training and predictive maintenance equipment. They introduced Air Power East to the FLIR Si124 camera, an advanced acoustic imaging tool, capable of accurately detecting air leaks. Jason explains, "We sat down and did a bit of market research on a few different models and then came to the top. So, we contacted FLIR to come along and show us the Si124, and we've loved it ever since."

The Si124 is a lightweight, one-handed tool designed to quickly locate pressurized leaks in compressed air systems or detect partial discharge from high-voltage electrical systems. It is equipped with 124 microphones to produce a precise acoustic image that visually displays ultrasonic information. This image is transposed in real time on top of a digital camera picture, allowing users to accurately pinpoint the source of sound. The Si124 camera can detect issues up to 10 times faster than traditional methods, even in loud industrial environments. Additionally, it is compatible with FLIR Thermal Studio suite for offline editing, analysis, and advanced report creation, and it can help facilities save money on utility bills and delay the expense of installing new compressors.

Results

The use of the Si124 camera brought about transformative results. Jason explained the camera's effectiveness: "We've managed to walk around with the customer, showing them exactly what we're finding on our screen. And if we do find any small leaks, we can rectify them and then we can prove to the customer that their system is leak-free." This approach not only heightened the efficiency of the compressed air systems but also solidified customer trust in Air Power East's services.

Quantitative results underscore the Si124's impact. The camera enabled the detection of leaks amounting to approximately 100 cubic feet per minute (CFM), which is roughly 50 liters per second. This translates to about 18.5 kilowatts of compressor power, leading to substantial energy and cost savings, particularly in light of rising energy prices.

Conclusion

Air Power East's adoption of the FLIR Si124 camera to address the complex challenges in compressed air systems illustrates the power of innovative technology in industrial settings. The successful detection and rectification of air leaks not only enhanced operational efficiency but also led to considerable energy and cost savings for the agricultural manufacturer. This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of advanced tools in solving intricate industrial problems and highlights the importance of technology-driven solutions in optimizing industrial processes.

SPP Pumps Ltd (SPP) and Rodelta Pumps International BV (Rodelta) have agreed a strategic alliance between two of the world’s most established and respected pump manufacturing brands. Founded on almost 150 years of continuous product development and improvement, the agreement combines SPP Pumps’ ISO accredited and sustainable manufacturing expertise with Rodelta’s renowned R&D capabilities.

Established in the UK in 1878, SPP has grown into a leading designer and manufacturer of centrifugal pumps and associated systems, backed up by a worldwide spares and service network. Founded in 1946 in the Netherlands, Rodelta offers a technology driven product range, with an especially strong reputation for intrinsically safe pumps in potentially hazardous atmospheres.

Together, SPP and Rodelta’s pumps and systems are trusted globally for their reliability and low life cycle costs in safety-critical applications such as: process industries; water and wastewater treatment; fire protection; power generation; construction; mining; and other large industrial plants. 

Through the formation of a joint Process & Chemical Solutions division, SPP-Rodelta will focus primarily on oil, gas, petrochemical, biofuel, hydrogen and carbon capture markets; supported by a network of knowledgeable, responsive teams in Europe, the Middle East, North America and East Asia.

Robbie Graham, business development manager for the new Process & Chemical Solutions Division, commented: “I am delighted, after months of careful planning, to be formalising the longstanding cooperation between SPP and Rodelta. By combining best in class capabilities from both companies, we can now offer the latest in pumping innovations, such as our API 610 12^th edition compliant OH2, OH3 and OH5 ranges, via a genuinely global sales and support network.”

In particular the alliance is responsible for developing and introducing new products to complement the Rodelta range of API 610 (12^th edition) pumps; meeting the stringent safety and quality standards of the energy sector, where unplanned downtime is not an option. More specifically, this API compliant portfolio includes the ETL range of close coupled OH5 pumps, which provide improved energy efficiencies, reduced weights and smaller footprints with more user-friendly installation and maintenance than traditional alternatives.

www.spppumps.com/markets/process-chemical/

A new jet-mixing pump system has significantly reduced capital, installation, maintenance and energy costs at Moove, the leading global lubricants manufacturer and distributor, in the UK.

For a closed-top 50m³ tank used in the manufacturing process of quality lubricating, engine, hydraulic and gear oils, Moove wanted to trial a set-up that would not only be better economically, but also provide more redundancy.

Ian Lowe, Moove’s Manufacturing General Manager, explained; “A motor failure on a blender could mean as much as four days impact on production, so it was important for us to take the opportunity to prove a different technology.”

‘A better option’

He added: “The performance of our existing paddle mixers has been good, but Borger were recommended as a company that would work with us to provide a better option; one that could be easily replicated.”

The team at Moove drew up a logic for Borger to examine, outlining their objectives, which ultimately resulted in a pump (plus two nozzles), for a 3-bar application with a flow-rate of up to 60m³/hr.  To meet the space requirement at the Gravesend site in Kent, Borger also provided the system as a skid-mounted unit, working closely with Moove to supply a customised control panel with a specially written program.

“The fact that Borger were able to deliver a complete, all-in-one package was a real bonus,” continued Ian.

“It was also a big advantage to go to Borger for a site test, running different configurations to determine the best operating modes for us. This clearly worked very well, because apart from one very minor tweak, we haven’t had to make any changes since the pump was installed.

‘So simple to look after’

“With a 9kW motor (compared to 12kW for the paddle mixers), we are automatically saving on energy, but one of the other main benefits is that the Borger equipment is so simple to look after. There’s easy access to the pump-head, and no special tools required. Retrofit to an existing tank is also very straightforward.

“We’re very pleased with solutions provided by Borger that allowed us to achieve the goals of our project.”

Borger UK

01902 798 977

www.boerger.com

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For companies looking to reduce energy use and maximise asset performance there is a quick and free first step they can take – investigate the potential of voltage optimisation. Mark Yates, of compressed air and fluid power specialist Thorite, explains why.

The challenge to rein in energy costs without impacting productivity is a constant one for manufacturers.

But few are aware that they may be being supplied with more electricity than their plant needs to operate efficiently, and so are paying inflated energy bills.

This anomaly dates back to the early 1990s, when the voltage of UK factory equipment was harmonised with the rest of Europe, from a standard 240v to 230v +/- 10%.

As a result, all factory equipment is now designed to operate efficiently at the lowest voltage levels, around 220v. However, the national grid was not adapted to meet this lower demand and has continued to supply energy at levels that on some sites reach the upper level of 253v.

In addition to paying for energy which is not needed, an over-supply of voltage to an asset which only requires 220v can be detrimental to its efficiency and lifespan, as the additional current increases both its running temperature and vibration levels, so higher maintenance costs are also likely. An increased carbon footprint is another concern.

A voltage optimiser (VO) is a sustainable solution to excess electricity supply.

How a VO works

A VO regulates the voltage feed going into your premises and ensures machinery only uses the amount of kWhs it was designed to consume.

This keeps energy consumption at the optimal level a machine needs to function.

The inductive nature of any loads has no bearing on the effectiveness of a VO to bring about savings and they work effectively alongside power factor correction.

Identifying savings

A voltage optimisation audit – so simple to conduct that Thorite provides them cost-free - will establish whether a VO is worth your investment.

The audit measures the voltage going into your factory and calculates whether it will be viable to reduce the level of input, taking into account factors such as voltage drop. A VO can optimise the voltage to a single piece of equipment, a localised area or an entire building, with fixed or variable outputs and optional power factor correction.

A comprehensive outline of projected savings, carbon emissions reduction and return on investment (ROI) is then drawn up.

While projected energy savings can be accurately calculated on the reduction in kWhs consumed, maintenance and repair savings are more subjective and therefore less easy to gauge, however, Ofgem states that a 10% reduction in maintenance costs is a reasonable expectation when voltage is optimised.

Optimisation in action

A leading supplier of coating products wanted to reduce their carbon emissions and energy costs without compromising operational capabilities.

The free Thorite survey indicated that up to 8% of electricity consumption was being wasted.

Installation of a VO resulted in savings of £27,000 in the first year, which are ongoing. Carbon emissions have been reduced by 18,822kg a year.

VO is a solution which offer a concrete opportunity to achieve a swift return on investment and long-term financial, operational and environmental benefits.

www.thorite.co.uk