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Ultimo and INOTEAM join forces to help asset-intensive organisations in the French market benefit from Ultimo’s Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) solution. Based in France, INOTEAM is a service provider and a system integrator specialising in EAM and APM (Asset Performance Management) software. Ultimo is the leading EAM platform in Europe, serving more than 2,200 customers in manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, infrastructure and utilities. The new partnership allows INOTEAM to add Ultimo’s EAM Cloud Platform to its service portfolio, enabling it to provide customers with a user-friendly and flexible EAM solution that is quick and easy to implement.

For years, INOTEAM’s specialist consultants have guided customers in finding a strategic way to implement EAM and APM solutions. With a wealth of expertise in different best-in-class solutions, they are dedicated to helping find the solution that makes their customer’s project a success. The partnership helps INOTEAM better serve its mid-market customers through an EAM solution tailored to their unique needs. It will also accelerate Ultimo’s growth and presence in France, helping bring its solutions to new customers. 

Patrick Navarro, CEO of INOTEAM, commented: “Ultimo and INOTEAM have come together through our network of customers and partners. We share not only a vision for customer requirements but also an entrepreneurial spirit and a pragmatic approach to business; our partnership made immediate sense to both companies. This is also true on the operations level – we work as one team to make our customers successful, and we have already signed up our first joint customers.”

Marcel Leeflang, Head of Channel Sales at Ultimo, said: “As part of our international growth ambitions, I am very happy that we are connected with one of the leading providers in our market in France. We are convinced that the partnership will benefit mid-sized asset-intensive companies in the country. Our technology partnership with AVEVA also plays an important role, enabling us to connect Ultimo with AVEVA’s APM platforms. This allows us to offer our customers an integrated solution that covers the best of both worlds. Leveraging EAM and APM strongly contributes to the customer’s road to EAM maturity, resulting in further cost savings, higher uptime and a safer workplace. As a joint AVEVA partner, INOTEAM is now able to bring these benefits to their customers.”

www.ultimo.com   

A manufacturer of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles frequently had to replace the linear guides on its blow moulding machines.

However, after switching to NSK’s RA series roller guides, there have been no failures for over a year, producing annual cost savings in maintenance, spare parts, and downtime of €60,000. Dissatisfied with the number of linear guide failures on its blow moulding machines, the manufacturer invited NSK to investigate several faulty guides.

 Expert analysis identified the cause to be end cap damage, which was occurring due to the combination of short stroke movements, short cycle times, frequent start-stop operation, and increased displacement force during start-up. Given this application profile and the damage that was taking place, NSK recommended that the plastics processor installed RA series roller guides.

 These guides offer, among other things, very high load-carrying capacity and motion accuracy, extreme rigidity, smooth running, and long service life under conditions of short cycle rates and high loads. A principal design feature of the RA series are its spacers, which perform a restraining function between each of the rollers.

 These spacers reduce roller skew and ensure smooth running, as well as lower displacement force during start-up. The user followed the recommendation and, on a trial basis, equipped one of its blow moulding machines with NSK RA series roller guides. This machine ran for more than a year without any problems or breakdowns, reducing production downtime costs to zero.

 NSK's cost savings analysis showed that the retrofit of this one machine alone resulted in a saving of €59,500. In the light of this outcome, the PET bottle manufacturer had no hesitation in upgrading its other blow moulding machines.

Press pictures 1) A manufacturer of PET bottles is benefitting from NSK RA series roller guides on its blow moulding machines. Photo: Shutterstock

2) NSK RA series roller guides offer high load capacity and rigidity to meet the needs of a wide range of applications. Photo: NSK

www.nsk.com

Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software provider Ultimo explains how improving collaboration between departments can help organisations optimise productivity, enhance safety, and cut costs at Maintec 2022, NEC Birmingham, 8-9 June. Visitors to Ultimo’s stand A26 can learn how autonomous maintenance empowers operators to look after recurring maintenance tasks, freeing maintenance team capacity for more value-adding jobs. The stand will also feature a live demonstration of how combining EAM technologies with virtual reality technology can help streamline maintenance on the field.

Featuring Ultimo’s partner, the industrial technology specialist ICT Group, the live demo shows why access to reliable asset data enables more intelligent remote maintenance. Visitors can experience it for themselves when Ultimo’s EAM software is linked to ICT Group’s mixed-reality platform HoloNXT, which connects online data with the physical world to create a digital twin. This data is then integrated with insight from Ultimo’s EAM platform to provide real-time information on the status of maintenance activities and asset health.

“We are excited to show visitors how leveraging asset data can unlock completely new levels of efficiency in maintenance,” said Chris van den Belt, Team Leader Product Management, Ultimo. “You can look remotely at a physical asset – in this case a bicycle we have on the stand – and have all crucial maintenance and operational data from Ultimo made available to you through HoloNXT. This helps optimise communication and information sharing and enable safer mobile working.”

To find out more, visit Ultimo on stand A26 or online at www.ultimo.com.

SONOTEC brings powerful combination of hardware and software for preventive maintenance to Sweden SONOTEC, a leading specialist in ultrasonic measurement technology, is going to showcase all-new and updated products and solutions for preventive maintenance at Underhållsmässan and looks for strong partnerships in Scandinavian region. The fair will take place from 31 May till 3 June in Gothenburg

Acoustic Camera SONASCREEN®       

 Broadband structure-borne sound sensor BS40 and SONAPHONE®  

Today it is crucial to meet climate change targets and energy efficiency lays the cornerstone for a new and more environmentally conscious approach to the industrial operations. Another important focus nowadays is to prevent critical equipment from unnecessary and unplanned downtimes.

 Ultrasonic solutions ensure that these issues are addressed at the very earliest stage when big problems can still be omitted. It has never been so important to use resources wisely and ensure that machinery is up-and-running when it is needed the most. SONOTEC for the first time ever brings its wide palette of powerful ultrasonic solutions to Scandinavia.

Our preventive maintenance devices offer users new ways to deal with energy inefficiencies, cut extensive costs as well as to reduce unplanned downtimes and production losses. Our team is on a mission to find strong business and technology partners to allow new customers solve their problems using our innovative and reliable ultrasonic testing devices and solutions.

 We are looking forward to getting to know Scandinavian partners and will be happy to show our maintenance solutions in the core applications of: • Ultrasonic Leak Detection • Tightness Testing • Steam Trap and Valve Inspection • Bearing Inspection and Lubrication • Detection of Electrical Partial Discharges This year SONOTEC, which is active in the industry for more than 30 years, is going to present the acoustic camera SONASCREEN® which makes ultrasound not only audible but also visible.

 The second highlight is the new broadband structure-borne sound sensor BS40 which in combination with ultrasonic testing device SONAPHONE® enables detection of bearing faults and check-up of lubrication status. Last but not Seite 2 von 2 least, we will be happy to demonstrate our sensor box SSB10 together with the T20 Probe which allows for effective online monitoring of machines and processes. The SONOTEC team is looking forward to meeting customers, partners, colleagues, and friends at Underhållsmässan in Gothenburg at booth #C02:30. Being proactive with ultrasonic preventive solutions pays off.

www.sonotec.de

The British Compressed Air Society (BCAS) has appointed Jen Kershaw to the new position of Policy and Membership Officer.

Jen joins the society with more than a decade’s experience in the compressed air industry gained in a range of customer support and sales roles and will be working directly with BCAS members to further enhance the range of services provided.

In the role, Jen will have two primary functions. One of these is to drive member engagement and satisfaction to ensure that value is continued to be delivered from membership of the society.

Jen’s other role will be to work on policy to influence legislation and regulation at a strategic level in the new landscape, post Brexit. 

She will work with other industry groups and BCAS partners to help influence and lobby for regulatory improvement, which will help drive change and ensure the compressed air industry continues to have a strong voice.

Commenting on the new position, Jen said:

“I have worked in the industry for many years, both directly for compressed air manufacturers including Ingersoll Rand and Atlas Copco and in distribution, including MultiAir UK & Ireland and more recently, Pennine Pneumatic Services. 

“I have seen first-hand the benefits that membership of BCAS can bring, but many members are not aware of the full range of services that are available to them.  This includes not only the technical and legislative advice and the specialist industry training that the society is renowned for, but a comprehensive range of business services too, including HR, health and safety, legal and tax support.

“As a BCAS member, you are part of a network of like-minded businesses and air users that want to be compliant with the latest legislation and operate safely and efficiently.  Through face-to-face meetings and more regular feedback, I’m looking forward to speaking to more members directly to understand how the society can help their businesses to grow and succeed.”

Vanda Jones, BCAS Executive Director added:

“We are delighted to welcome Jen to the team.  She brings a wealth of experience in customer-focused roles and will be a real asset in helping us to reach more members and help influence the future direction of the society. 

“The feedback we receive will help to shape, formulate and revise UK directives and regulations, through to delivering specific member benefits and training courses that our members need to deliver their services safely and efficiently.”

A ferry ride across Hong Kong’s harbour in the early stages of a typhoon caused Doug Hart, chairman, Hart Industrial Doors, to pause – just what sort of technology would be needed to create a secure, protective, shutter that could withstand the full impact of a typhoon he asked himself writes Chris Dobson.

Research shows that typhoons and their sister storm, the hurricane could generate wind well in excess of 100 mph, enough at sustained levels to break any known shutter system.

“The issues when faced with such violence is to secure buildings and potential weak areas such as loading bays and other access points. We were dealing with exceptional weather up to the super typhoon level. The power would break a standard shutter system,” says Mr Hart.

Encouraged by Hart’s Hong Kong partner, Hart’s team re-worked on its existing Terror Screen, which is a large and heavy security shutter that offers protection for up to 20 minutes against cutting, drilling, crowbars and axes due to its exceptional robustness, to create Hart’s typhoon shutter, many of which are now in service.

The development of this super shutter is timely given climate change and the likelihood of increasing storms. Indeed the UK was hit by several storms in quick succession starting with Arwen last November with sustained strong winds generating gusts up to 110 mph. The devastation was considerable with evidence of damage to forests and property large-scale and still evident today.

With climate change the culprit  there is a rush to minimise the impact of fossil fuels by accelerating the transition to clean energy. One hundred nations pledged to end deforestation by 2030 at the recent COP but record numbers of trees have been recently plundered from Brazil’s part of the Amazon.

Despite best intentions therefore, climate change is going to rumble on. How does this global conversation impact on the mere mortal living, for example, in North East England? The late storms of 2021, which continued into 2022 have already been referred to. But with damaging storms likely to be a feature of our weather pattern it is best to be prepared.

The initial Hong Kong experience has been an opportunity for Hart to develop a very strong shutter system drawing on its experience with the Typhoon shutter which is proven to be able to withstand violent storms. With more storms of the Arwen strength forecast, a high-performance roller shutter which is a wind-resistant, robust and electrically operated roller shutter system is essential.

Perfect for high security in areas exposed to extreme winds from major storms and it complies with the current British and EEC safety regulations. Further during its development Hart third party tested the shutter which revealed it could withstand various high-pressure levels up to 4000 pascals. 

As a brand it is a perfect match for Hart’s Speedor range of high-speed, automatic doors. Just as the Typhoon shutter is about strength and protection, Speedor is about high-speed and frequent use in high-traffic situations, improving working conditions and saving energy. 

Contact www.hartdoors.com  t: 0191 214 0404   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tractebel begins its gender equity journey with EDGE Assess certification 

Tractebel, the global engineering company delivering game-changing solutions for a carbon-neutral future, has become EDGE Assess certified, becoming the first organization within the multi-utilities industry to obtain a global EDGE Assess certification confirming its commitment to workplace gender equity. 

EDGE is the leading global assessment and business certification for gender and intersectional equity. The certification process involves a rigorous third-party review of representation across the pipeline, pay equity, effectiveness of policies and practices, and inclusiveness of an organization’s culture. As an integral part of the assessment, statistical data is analysed, policies and practices are reviewed and employees receive a comprehensive survey to assess perceptions of career development opportunities in the workplace.

EDGE’s assessment has highlighted a certain number of common denominators but also important local specificities across the different countries of operation of the company. Tractebel France has a solid framework of policies and practices in equal pay for equivalent work and flexible working. Similarly, when it comes to inclusivity both male and female employees in Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany and India, perceive Tractebel to provide equal opportunities to be hired and they would also recommend it as an employer to both male and female friends to work for the organization. 

Across countries of operation, employees of both genders believe that gender equity is important for the organization to remain competitive in the market. Furthermore, men and women are given equal access to leadership development opportunities, a crucial element needed for a journey towards gender equity in the workplace. 

With their EDGE action plan, Tractebel aims to improve gender balance and inclusion across all levels of responsibility, through a focused approach in terms of hiring, promotion/development, and retention rates across the pipeline.

Aniela Unguresan, Founder of EDGE Certified Foundation, says that EDGE Assess global certification marks a strong start: “Tractebel proudly joins the other companies of the ENGIE Group - ENGIE Brasil Participações and ENGIE Impact - which are currently certified at EDGE Assess level, on the EDGE accelerated path towards workplace gender equity. Their EDGE Certification will enable the company to successfully contribute to ENGIE Group’s Fifty-Fifty Programme, which aims to accelerate inclusion at the Group level and create the necessary conditions to achieve gender parity in managerial positions by 2030.”

“I am proud to announce that our Tractebel headquarters in five countries – Belgium, Brazil, Germany, India and France – have all passed the external audit by SGS to achieve the first of three levels to EDGE certification, EDGE Assess, which demonstrates commitment to gender equity in the workplace. This first level officially recognizes our commitment and will be followed by a concrete action plan to increase gender balance and inclusion across all levels of responsibility. Why are we pursuing EDGE certification? Because diversity, including gender equity, is crucial to the success of any organization. It creates a more innovative and productive workforce, bringing a proven competitive edge. It’s also an increasingly deciding factor among stakeholders, clients, current and potential employees and the public. But it’s not just about the bottom line. Most importantly, in 2022 there is simply no room or reason for inequality of any kind in the workplace, or anywhere else. Looking forward to continuing the journey to EDGE certification!” says Karen Goovaerts, Tractebel Chief Human Resources, QHSSE and Communications Officer.

www.tractebel-engie.com

Bostik’s Born2Bond™ R&D team has released details of a new cyanoacrylate-based adhesive prototype at the in-adhesives event, proving how products are being developed for a near-future that will see instant adhesives used for long-term critical applications such as those required in the automotive and electronics industry. 

In the presentation, ‘New n-Butyl cyanoacrylate-based adhesive to combine flexibility, humidity resistance and low CLP’, the Born2Bond™ R&D team revealed a new two-component (2K) solution that will deliver long-term durability. It will propel Born2Bond™’s instant adhesives’ use outside of repair and maintenance applications, into a solution that can be relied upon for longer-term, structural engineering use.  

This development has been achieved thanks to the use of n-Butyl cyanoacrylate (BuCa), a hydrophobic monomer that when properly formulated becomes a highly-flexible polymer, recognised as the main component of many existing instant medical grade adhesives.  

In addition to the automotive industry, other use cases will be in audio systems and wearable technology. The technology’s inherent flexible and hydrophobic qualities mean that bonding integrity is maintained even for applications where vibrating or humid environments are common, or for where impact and high levels of wear and tear are likely (such as mobile phones and smart watches). Whereas current flexible instant adhesives offer approximately 10% elongation, this new technology provides up to 100% elongation, ideal for applications that require flexing such as a tweeter found in a loudspeaker.  

During the presentation, the team demonstrated how the 2K solution will enable more engineers to realise the benefits of instant adhesives, including fast-curing (generally less than one minute, depending on the substrate and environmental conditions) which can vastly accelerate the manufacturing process, thereby increasing efficiencies and productivity. They also have the benefit of delivering higher quality achieved through precise dispensing and automated and reliable process control, and durability resulting in less product failure and replacement parts, furthering sustainability. 

The low-odor and low-blooming product will not carry hazard labels or CLP pictograms, enhancing working comfort and providing a more environmentally-friendly solution.  

Arnau Pejoan, Engineering Adhesives R&D Team Leader, who led the in-adhesives presentation says the development of a 2K solution will realise a new era for engineering adhesives: “It will fill a gap in the market, delivering a hybrid solution for engineers needing to utilise more efficient manufacturing processes, but also requiring impact resistant and flexible results that will remain stable over many years,” he says.  

“The product has been developed directly as a result of customer demand and feedback, and our team are proud to be working on a product that provides a genuinely unique proposition to the market.”  

Polivio Goncalves, Bostik’s Global Head for Engineering Adhesives, says it is a critical development for instant adhesives, and one borne out of a history of embedded in cyanoacrylate innovation: “Our parent company Arkema made a significant investment in CMC (Crackless Monomer Company) so we could accelerate the development and production of high value-added engineering adhesives. The investment complemented the acquisition of Afinitica in 2018, which saw the expansion of our range of instant engineering adhesives manufactured through the patented ‘crackless process’,” he explains.  

“It was these acquisitions, and the investment in dedicated expertise that has enabled us to develop this market-first solution.”  

The prototype is in the final stages of development and for businesses looking to become part of this innovative engineering adhesive solution, samples can be produced for customer testing. 

The hybrid in-adhesives event took place virtually and in-person in Munich, May 12-13 2022.    

Improvements to the way training is delivered promise to enhance the quality and safety of water jetting services across all industrial sectors in the United Kingdom.

The Water Jetting Association (WJA) is strengthening its mandatory refresher training by introducing a significant element of practical tuition.

It is also upgrading the way delegates attending the City & Guilds accredited courses are examined, with digital click pads that will ensure leaning can be more rigorously tested.

The WJA is also introducing a new workbook for its Safety Awareness course that improves engagement and provides delegates with a reference guide.

WJA Training and Safety Committee Chairman Darren Hamilton said: “We’re always looking to improve our training. These changes reflect the vision of our committee has to improve outcomes for delegates, contractors and their customers.

“Ultimately, by upgrading our courses in this way, making them as up-to-date as possible, with the most relevant content and learning techniques, we will improve the quality and safety of water jetting, which is our ultimate aim.”

The WJA is the membership organisation for the water jetting industry in the UK and is the largest provider of water jetting training. Courses are also delivered around the world, notably in the Middle East.

High and ultra-high pressure water jetting is a critical process for pipe and tank cleaning in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries.

It is also used for concrete hydrodemolition, surface preparation, drain and sewer cleaning, industrial cleaning, and material cutting.

To obtain their WJA cards and certificates, operatives must complete a two-stage training process.

First, they must pass the class-based one-day WJA Safety Awareness course. Then, they must complete at least one of four practical modules – Surface Preparation, Tube and Pipe Cleaning, Drain and Sewer, and Hydrodemolition.

Previously, refresher training involved passing the Safety Awareness course every three years. Now, a new refresher course has been created which is focused on practical training as well as health and safety.

Darren Hamilton said: “The new refresher process allows us to check that operatives are using the correct water jetting techniques and their skills are developing as we’d expect. We’ll also include regulation updates and technical changes introduced by the WJA.

“This is a more rounded approach designed to provide advantages for operatives, the companies they work for and their clients.”

The WJA is also improving learning testing by incorporating the CLiKAPAD digital audience response system within each course.

Instead of delegates being tested at the end of the course, they will use digital click pads to answer questions at set stages throughout the training. The responses are locked and the WJA instructor finds out who has passed or failed at the touch of a button at the end of the course.

“The system allows trainers to read out questions shown on screen, overcoming any potential reading difficulties operatives may have. And it provides for a more intensive and engaging learning process,” said Darren Hamilton.

The new Safety Awareness workbook, developed over two years, uses graphics and photographs to explained water jetting concepts, with sections delegates complete themselves during the course.

Once completed, operatives keep the workbook for future reference, allowing them to check what they have learned and see the progress they have made in their technical understanding.

In another development, the WJA is strengthening the verification process for those wanting to become WJA-approved training instructors.

In a new step, as well as completing a detailed form and being interviewed, they must agree to be audited as they give at least one of their first courses. As is currently the case, they must then be audited every three years.

www.waterjetting.org.uk

 

Ambersil has received halal certification on its complete NSF registered 3H, H1 and M1 products. With this certification, AMBERSIL wants to help customers in the Food & Beverages Industry to comply with the high standards of a fast-growing halal market.
 

Halal Certified Products

Halal certification for NSF 1H, H1 and M1 registered products

AMBERSIL has chosen to certify its NSF 3H, H1 and M1 registered products as they are the products that are allowed to have contact (3H) or incidental contact (H1) with food or are used for food packaging (M1). This means that these products have the highest chance of coming into contact with food products which makes them the most important to be halal certified.; for peace of mind & audit compliance.

AMBERSIL as a partner for the food and beverage industry

Food & Beverages companies are requesting halal-certified maintenance products to be able to cater to the fast-growing halal market. Companies who previously did not serve customers that require halal certification are gaining market share, consolidating supply chains, and facing changing buyer behaviours so now require additional certifications and audit compliance. With halal certification of its most critical products, AMBERSIL want to help its customers to meet the requirements of proven halal compliance. 

Halal certification fits perfectly in AMBERSIL’s strategy of being a valued partner for the Food & Beverages industry and facilitating their maintenance work. With its FPS range, it offers its F&B clients a comprehensive range of NSF registered maintenance products with the following features:

• All H1 aerosols are equipped with the unique Perma-Lock actuator which prevents plastic contamination of the food production line: "Prevention, not detection"!
• My AMBERSIL automatic technical data sheet updates
• GreenLight: HACCP risk reduction program developped for maintenance chemicals.
• R2M: “Risk Reduction Mobile” - chemical consolidation with expert advice and support

Halal Certificate 

https://www.crcindustries.com/