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WearDetect IoT combines Gill’s market leading oil debris sensors with Gill’s new IoT data platform to provide seamless equipment oversight for confident asset management.

Gill’s WearDetect oil debris sensors reduce unplanned downtime by continuously monitoring ferrous wear debris in lubricating oil to give the earliest maintenance warnings. This real-time condition monitoring, right in the heart of the equipment, is made all the more powerful when combined with the ability to collect, visualise and analyse that data using the Gill IoT Platform.

WearDetect IoT also allows alerts to be configured from multiple assets and multiple locations and sent straight to your PC, phone or other device, providing insight into gearbox and rotating equipment health, at your fingertips.

• Enhanced data collection & analysis – data assimilated from remote sensors in one simple-to-use platform.
• Remote monitoring and control – remote asset oversight enables timely maintenance.
• Scalability and flexibility – additional sensors can be added to the platform enabling systems to meet changing requirements.

WearDetect IoT offers:

• Real-time condition monitoring – live updates, alerts and machine wear data insights direct to your device.
• Precision sensing – WearDetect employs advanced solid-state sensors (no moving parts) to detect both fine and coarse ferrous wear debris.
• Trending data for predictive analysis – the Gill IoT Platform allows data visualisation for clearer insights supporting informed decision making.
• Instant alerts – user specified alarms ensure users are aware of changes as soon as they occur.
• User-friendly intuitive interface – easy data access and settings configuration puts the user in control.

Typical applications include:

• Industrial machinery – centralising wear data for rotating equipment allows maintenance professionals to pinpoint issues and minimise downtime.
• Automotive production – visualising wear data provides clearer and earlier maintenance insights on production lines with numerous loaded gearboxes.
• Cranes – heavily loaded critical gearboxes in hard to access locations benefit from remote wear monitoring.
• Wind farms – supports wind turbine gearbox monitoring and proactive, data-informed maintenance scheduling.

All Gill products are solid state, with no moving parts for minimal maintenance and low cost of ownership.

Gill Sensors & Controls is an established leader in the design and manufacture of advanced measurement sensors. Gill specialises in providing cutting edge products for level sensing and real-time ferrous wear detection, delivering market-leading performance and reliability. 

Gill is based in the UK with facilities including R&D, manufacturing, sales and customer support but also sells across the world through a long-established base of highly experienced distributors.

One of the UK’s most progressive pig production companies has completed the first phase of a major new upgrade to its slurry tanks by installing mixers made by Landia.

Serving concrete tanks manufactured by A-Consult, and steel tanks produced by Reliant Installations, a total of 14 Landia mixers have been supplied to Yorkworld Pigpro in recent years, who at any one time, have 100,000 pigs on the ground.

Landia has also been awarded a contract to service the mixers every twelve months across sites in Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.

“In the process of upgrading and putting up some new precast concrete slurry tanks supplied by A-Consult, it was time we also introduced some proper preventative maintenance,” said Joe Dewhirst, Group Managing Director of Yorkwold Pigpro.

“We’ve used Landia mixers previously, and they also came highly recommended by both A-Consult and Reliant Installations, so we know they will do a good job and last ten years or more if well serviced. And importantly, that in addition to the servicing, we’ll also get good back up from Landia when we need it.”

Each of the 14 Landia POP mixers are 18.5kW, designed to effectively mix slurry (with a high dry-matter content) in short intervals that keep energy consumption as low as possible.

The 14 Landia mixers that help the management of slurry are installed in seven slurry stores across a group of Yorkwold’s breeding units in the region.

“The upgrade of our tanks and mixing systems increases our capacity, and allows us to store our slurry for longer, when required,” added Joe Dewhirst.

“During the main spreading times in spring and autumn, we can run the mixers for 12 hours in advance; with a timing and control system that Landia has also developed for us. These long-lasting mixers create a very good homogenous mix, even when they run for just one hour per day.

“As well as improving our preventative maintenance, we are also monitoring our energy costs far more closely, so the control system from Landia ensures that the mixers (especially at 18.5kW) are only running when they really need to.”

For its wheat, barley and hybrid rye production, that are part of the Dewhirst Farming Group with E.Reed & Son, the homogenised slurry significantly reduces the use of costly fertiliser, boosting crop production by adding much-need nitrogen, especially in the spring.

“Overall,” continued Joe Dewhirst, “the Landia mixers play a very important part in improving our slurry management, and the equally good partnerships we have with A-Consult, and Reliant Installations means we have the best of both worlds.”

Yorkwold Pigpro has a closed breeding pyramid that produces all its own replacement breeding stock. Continuous improvement of its practices and facilities ensures that conditions on its farms are of the highest standard; creating a working environment that is great for its people, that in turn, allows them to take great care of the 190,000 pigs that are produced per year.

www.landia.co.uk

www.aconsult.co.uk

www.reliant-tanks.co.uk

At three Singleton Birch biogas plants in Northern Lincolnshire, four rotary lobe pumps made by Borger have completed 10 years of uninterrupted service.

Operating at the main Singlton Birch 2MW site in Barnetby, which has three 2800m³ digesters, two Borger pumps are an important part of a process that at full power utilises imported maize (70 ton), sugar beet (40 ton) and chicken litter (10 ton) for its feedstock.

Established in 2014, and then expanded two years later with a third digester, additional silage clamps and two more CHP engines, the principal Singleton Birch facility contributes 86% of the power required for the 2.3 hectares Singleton Birch site, which for over two centuries, has produced high quality lime products.

At two smaller (500kW) AD plants at Elsham, near Scunthorpe, and Willoughton, near Lincoln, a Borger pump operates at each, transferring liquid feed overflow into a drying system.

“Over the years, we’ve developed a very good partnership with Borger,” said Danny Mason, Renewable Energy Manager at Birch Energy.

“The equipment is very reliable; easy to maintain, and when we need spares or just a bit of advice, Borger’s Richard Marcinkowski is just a ‘phone call away; always ready to help us out. This gives us great peace of mind that our AD operation won’t be affected by any downtime.”

He added: “The pump application here means that wear and tear is inevitable, but Borger always keep right on top of the servicing schedule and the flow of spare parts, so that we are never without.”

Borger UK

01902 798 977

www.boerger.com

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

The ripple effects of COVID-19 continue to be felt across all industries, with businesses struggling to get back on course following the pandemic. Engineering firms are no exception, and for many owners nearing retirement, the pandemic has acted as a catalyst for them to accelerate their exit strategy.

The challenge

Our client, a leading name in engineering and metalworking, decided to close its doors after years of service. As the company's owners prepared for retirement, they sought a smooth and efficient way to wind down their business operations.

Faced with aged equipment and the need to maximise returns, they partnered with BPI to conduct a complete asset disposal service.

The solution

BPI ensured a stress-free process for the client, by delivering:

• Comprehensive assessment: An onsite BPI Project Manager assessed the value of the equipment, cataloguing, photographing, and creating detailed descriptions for all 183 lots. This included a wide variety of equipment, such as PROMECAM press brakes, Colly Bombled guillotines, ESAB plasma cutting beds, Bridgeport turret mills, Colchester lathes, milling machines, bandsaws, welders, tooling, and much more.
• Seamless logistics and removal: BPI facilitated the entire process, providing a machine mover and on-site collection for 3 days to ensure a smooth handover of equipment.
• Extended auction period: An extended 5-week auction period allowed for a wider audience of potential buyers, leading to competitive bidding with no reserve prices.

 
The results

The auction saw a remarkable success rate, with the vast majority of lots being purchased, generating a total of £32,000 for the client. This successful outcome demonstrates the power of BPI's approach.

A spokesperson for the retiring engineering firm said:

"BPI's services made selling our equipment stress-free and allowed us to maximise the value of our assets. We would highly recommend BPI to any engineering business looking to dispose of assets efficiently."

Jamie Senior, Account Manager at BPI added:

"At BPI, we understand the complexities of business transitions, and this project is a prime example of how our services can help retiring businesses to maximise returns on their assets. Scrapping machinery often undervalues its potential. By selling their assets through BPI’s online auction platform, our client not only recovered value but also provided a valuable opportunity for other businesses to acquire high-quality equipment at competitive prices."

This successful auction with BPI highlights the benefits of partnering with a professional asset disposal company. By leveraging BPI’s expertise, businesses can navigate retirement or other transitions with confidence, ensuring a smooth and profitable outcome.

Isola, based in Notodden in the south of Norway, offers environmentally friendly products for the construction industry. The company manufactures insulation materials, roofing membranes, wind protection and sealing products. As the construction sector is responsible for around 40 percent of all CO2 emissions worldwide, there is great incentive to reduce harmful emissions with such building materials. However, efficient production is also an important lever in counteracting climate change.

Vacuum supply harbours potential for savings
At Isola the focus is on environmentally friendly production: for this goal, energy efficiency is an important factor that is prioritized in day-to-day production – for example in the vacuum supply. The Norwegians need a sustainable central vacuum system for processes such as extrusion, thermoforming and injection moulding. "And by choosing the right vacuum pumps, considerable savings potential can be realised in these processes," emphasises Ulf Strand, Factory Manager at Isola in Notodden.

Conversion to speed-controlled screw vacuum pumps
Until recently two Roots vacuum pumps formed the centrepiece of these rough vacuum applications. "However, the disadvantage of these roots pumps was their high energy consumption – up to 90 percent of the energy used was lost via the waste heat from the motor," reports Ulf Strand. This was reason enough for Isola to adapt the production process and switch the vacuum supply to two oil-sealed, speed-controlled screw vacuum pumps instead: The GHS 2002 VSD+ including HEX@TM control from Atlas Copco. A major advantage of the system for the applications mentioned is the energy recovery that the models have.

Controller enables intelligent resource management
"Since the changeover, the manufacturer has been able to recover three quarters of the heat loss via hot water by means of recuperation and utilise it productively in the process," summarises Roy Mikalsen, the responsible account manager at Atlas Copco. The pump's HEX@TM controller harbours further savings potential: this control system allows the speed to be precisely adjusted to the required vacuum level. And this is particularly useful in applications where the vacuum requirement varies greatly depending on the process and time of day. The bottom line is that there is no unnecessary vacuum performance and no more wasted energy, which significantly increases efficiency and effectiveness.

Smart functionalities via user interface
Other features are also advantageous for Isola: thanks to the Industry 4.0 capabilities of the GHS VSD+ series, the vacuum system status can be checked at any time via smartphones or PCs. In addition, users can start and stop the setup or adjust the setpoint as required via the configurable user interface. "This allows the vacuum pumps to be configured even more specifically and sustainably for the respective applications," summarises Roy Mikalsen. Other optional functions include intelligent scheduling, pump-down optimisation and leak detection.

Noise level 30 dB lower
The pioneering installation also fulfils modern ergonomic requirements and is 30 dB quieter than the old system. This effect is partly due to the absence of a fan. With the GHS VSD+ series, on the other hand, oil cooling ensures the optimum motor temperature across the entire speed range. "The noise level was a relevant criterion for us when making the decision because our production facility is located in a residential area," explains Factory Manager Ulf Strand. Overall, the new screw pump allows Isola to utilize important savings potential, ergonomic advantages and a variety of intelligent functions. Based on these vacuum solutions, the manufacturer can organize its operations sustainably in the future and thus contribute to environmentally friendly construction.

Atlas Copco GHS VSD+ vacuum pumps help Isola contribute to energy efficient building practices
YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDsQNey3sjw&t=5s

When Britain’s largest working siege machine returned to Warwick Castle recently to form the centrepiece of a new and daring action-packed show - The Legend of the Trebuchet - the castle needed a way to provide the correct tensioning for this monster of ancient and medieval warfare. Hearing the call to arms, Hoist & Winch duly supplied a class-leading Hadef electric winch offering 1500 Kg pulling force (safe working load) with supporting frame and foundations.

The trebuchet at Warwick Castle is an authentic recreation of one of the biggest and most deadly military machines of all time. Utilising a long rotating arm and the principles of leverage to launch projectiles from a sling, a trebuchet is essentially a huge catapult. It was powerful enough to hurl huge rocks that could breach castle walls. Sometimes it would even launch manure and dead animals into besieged castles to spread disease. It remained a common warfare weapon until the 15th century, when gunpowder and cannons came to the fore.

To showcase the power of the mighty trebuchet and bring a highly entertaining and educational spectacle to the banks of the River Avon next to Warwick Castle, a new show - The Legend of the Trebuchet - opened on 23 March. In the lead-up, Warwick Castle required the services of a high-performance electric winch to ensure reliable and repeatable tensioning of the trebuchet prior to launching its projectiles. The choice was a Hadef electric-powered wire-rope winch, delivered and installed by Hoist & Winch Ltd as part of a turnkey project.

                                                                                                                                                            Continued ……

After an initial site survey to discuss the requirements of this highly unusual application and specify the winch design features, Hoist & Winch returned to oversee a test fire of the trebuchet and measure its pulling force with a load cell and site tractor. Once complete, Hoist & Winch was in position to make a formal offer, comprising fully specified winch, mounting frame and foundation base.

At the centre of the solution is a Hadef 400 V, three-phase, 50 Hz electric winch that delivers 1500 kg pulling force from its 25 m rope length. Control is via a low-voltage radio remote with back-up plug-in pendant. Features of note include: a pressure roller for the wire rope drum; four-position top/bottom geared limit switches; a galvanised steel mounting frame for the winch; and electrical enclosures with IP66 protection rating.

Following order receipt and drawing approval, Hoist & Winch commenced on-site installation and commissioning, a process that included individual hydraulic pull tests of the resin anchor bolts for the winch frame. Test firing of the trebuchet also took place with measurement of the pulling force using a load cell for the LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) certificate. Hoist & Winch also took care of customer handover training and issue of the LOLER Thorough Examination report.

Anyone interested in seeing the trebuchet in action can buy a ticket for The Legend of the Trebuchet, which runs until 4 November 2024. Built to a centuries-old design (with a little help from the latest electric winch technology), this incredible weapon takes centre stage in a show that combines thrilling live action and special effects throughout.

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

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.

                                                                                                                                                                        Continued ……

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.