Latest News

The newly released EEMUA 249 (Edition 1) brings together guidance for operators to consider when managing the risk posed by piping dead-legs in all types of process plants and storage facilities.

The new publication, ‘Factors to consider when managing the mechanical integrity of dead-legs on industrial facilities’, supplements existing guidance by challenging assumptions, highlighting specific learning points identified by members of EEMUA (Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association) and providing examples of inspection needs.

EEMUA 249 has been developed by front-line engineers from major companies in EEMUA membership with extensive experience of managing the integrity of dead-legs across petrochemical, chemicals and gas facilities. The starting point was the learning from a catastrophic failure of a dead-leg that released boiling hydrocarbon from a full-bore discharge into an operating plant – the incident was the subject of a safety alert issued by the UK regulator, the Health and Safety Executive. The learning was addressed and sparked a wider review of the whole management process for the integrity of dead-legs.

The guidance in EEMUA 249 can be used by companies that are establishing their management process for dead-legs and equally by companies with existing policies and procedures, to challenge that they meet good practice in this area.

www.eemua.org

FLIR, a Teledyne Technologies company, today released its newest high-resolution visible/thermal security camera for commercial and industrial sites, the FLIR PT-Series AI SR. FLIR developed this visible 4K and thermal pan/tilt short-range security camera in response to modern security challenges that require more than just passive detection and monitoring: they demand a multispectral solution that actively identifies, tracks, and responds to threats in real time. With the FLIR PT-Series AI SR, site operators can detect intrusions early, gain a better understanding of threats from improved intruder identification, and leverage smarter data coordination for a stronger, more comprehensive security response.

For continuous monitoring across wide-area perimeters, facilities, and critical infrastructure, the FLIR PT Series AI SR features thermal and 4K visible-light imaging sensors for outstanding performance even in low light conditions. This innovative security camera technology can operate in darkness, bright sunlight, and adverse weather conditions. Designed for complex urban or remote settings, the PT-Series AI SR is ideal for oil and gas facilities, power utilities, ports, business parks, and data centers.

“Applications of this type seek site safety and protection through perimeter surveillance that is both robust and cost-effective,” said Michael Deruytter, Senior Director of Product Management at FLIR. “Our PT-Series AI SR features Edge AI and Nexus®, FLIR’s proprietary communication protocol that allows our devices to communicate seamlessly with one another for accurate target detection and tracking. The result is a multi layered security ecosystem that delivers a strategic advantage at every stage of the security journey.”

Detect, Identify, Track, and Act Key to the new FLIR PT-Series AI SR’s superior performance is the uncooled thermal sensor. It provides a low, <25 mK Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD) for exceptional sensitivity when registering small temperature differences. This capability translates into clear and detailed imaging that, when combined with the 4x continuous zoom and 640 × 512 resolution, allows security professionals to detect security threats through precision target identification.

The camera’s Nexus capabilities provide customers with unrivalled situational awareness without the complexity of additional software or servers. It not only streamlines security operations but significantly reduces the overall cost of ownership compared with other market solutions, as users need fewer FLIR cameras to gain complete coverage.

In combination with AI on the edge, the ability to pair with and automatically hand-off to other FLIR fixed and PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) cameras ensures reliable detection and classification at a distance, so security professionals have the information they need to act immediately.

www.flir.com

Founded by Tony Herridge in 1975, Dual Pumps Limited has grown from a small garage-based operation into a leading distributor of pressure washers, pumps, and fluid-handling components. Over the past five decades, the company has built a reputation for reliability, innovation, and quality service.

Tony worked as a sales representative for Hypro in the UK and Europe, a role that would prove instrumental in shaping the company's future. This early experience laid the foundation for lasting business relationships. His work soon led to partnerships with other major brands, including Interpump, Pratissoli, Banjo, Pacer, and Flojet, marking the beginning of a long and successful collaboration that would help define Dual Pumps' product offering.

In 1977, the company opened its first office in Oakham with two employees before expanding to Melton Mowbray in 1982. A major milestone came in 1983 when Dual Pumps became the official UK distributor for Interpump, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-pressure plunger pumps.

Innovation has always been central to Dual Pumps. In 1996, it launched its first product catalogue, later expanding to a 160-page edition in 2001. Today, the company offers a 432-page catalogue and a mobile-responsive B2B website featuring over 10,000 products, streamlining the purchasing experience for trade customers.

Recognising the need for greater capacity, Dual Pumps moved into a 35,000 sq. ft. facility on the outskirts of Melton Mowbray in 2012, enabling it to meet increasing demand and enhance service offerings. The launch of the Evolution Series Engine-Driven Pressure Washers in 2015, featuring over 60 models across ten series, further cemented the company’s reputation for high-performance, durable products tailored to industry needs.

In 2020, Dual Pumps achieved ISO 9001-2015 certification, demonstrating its commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond

As Dual Pumps marks its 50th anniversary, it stands as a testament to growth, resilience, and dedication to customer satisfaction. The company now employs 44 people, serving over 2,500 customers, from sole traders to international OEMs, and distributing products from more than 90 leading global manufacturers.

From humble beginnings to becoming a trusted partner worldwide, Dual Pumps continues to set the standard for reliability and innovation. With a strong foundation and a vision for the future, it remains committed to delivering high-quality solutions for an ever-evolving industry.

At Dual Pumps, dependability isn’t just a promise—it’s a legacy.

www.dualpumps.co.uk

For decades, engineering and particularly the maintenance sector has been seen as a male dominated domain. From factory floors to field service teams, women have historically been underrepresented. But the landscape is changing, and women are playing an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of maintenance and reliability engineering.

A Changing Workforce

While women still make up a small percentage of the workforce in maintenance related roles, more are entering the field with strong technical skills, qualifications, and a passion for problem-solving. From mechanical engineers to plant maintenance managers, women are proving they belong in roles once reserved for men.

Organizations are beginning to understand the value of gender diversity not just as a matter of fairness, but as a strategic advantage.

Why Representation Matters in Maintenance

Maintenance is about more than fixing things it’s about preventing failure, improving efficiency, and ensuring safety. Diverse teams bring broader perspectives, leading to better decision making, innovation in practices, and more inclusive working environments.

In industrial settings where physical demands and traditional biases have discouraged female participation, advancements in tools, automation, and safety protocols are making it easier for all individuals to thrive regardless of gender.

Breaking Stereotypes on the Shop Floor

Across manufacturing plants, utilities, and service sectors, women are increasingly taking on hands-on technical roles. They're managing predictive maintenance programs, leading digital transformation projects, and working side-by-side with teams on inspections, diagnostics, and repair strategies.

Still, challenges remain ranging from a lack of tailored PPE (personal protective equipment) to cultural perceptions in male-heavy environments. But with the right support, mentorship, and policies, those barriers are being dismantled.

Success Stories and Role Models

Women like Laura Young, a senior reliability engineer in the energy sector, and Rachael Bailey, who leads asset maintenance strategy for a major water utility, are examples of how women are excelling in maintenance engineering.

Industry groups, such as Women in Engineering Society (WES) and Women in Manufacturing (WiM), are working to highlight these success stories, provide peer support, and advocate for workplace equity.

Building the Path Forward

To increase female participation in the maintenance sector, companies can:

• Promote STEM pathways to young women and girls

• Offer mentorship programs and leadership training

• Ensure inclusive hiring practices and workplace safety

• Provide flexible work arrangements where possible

• Recognize and celebrate achievements of women in technical roles

Conclusion

Women in the maintenance industry are not just making up the numbers they’re raising the standards. As the sector evolves with new technologies like condition monitoring, AI, and automation, there’s never been a better time to diversify the talent pool.

The future of maintenance depends on skilled, adaptable, and innovative professionals and women are proving they’re essential to that equation.

As Britain's longest established manufacturer of automatic high-speed doors and security shutters, Hart Door Systems is renowned for its hassle-free service from start to finish. “It is our number one priority,” says Doug Hart, chairman, HDS.  

“We have a very good track record of installation of our high-speed doors, fire and security shutters be it in the UK or abroad. This is a very good story for all to read on our upgraded website.

“This has been delivered by Stick Marketing, Belmont Business Park, Durham City. They have created a first-class website which reflects impressively on our brands in daily use across the UK and globally, in the many continents where Hart doors and shutters can be found. We have many impressive stories to tell and Stick Marketing’s interpretation of our business is stunning.”

Sarah Greenwell, Stick Marketing, managed the project, working closely with Hart Door Systems to understand their brand values, goals and marketing message.

“We are delighted to have been recommended to Hart Door Systems by another Newcastle based client, ADM Pressings. This says a lot about our reputation and skillset - which covers website design, SEO, digital marketing and branding.

“Hart is particular attractive to us given its exceptional reputation for the manufacture of industrial door systems for a global market. We felt this is unique for the North East region if not the UK. Its range of doors from its famous Speedors to its shutters such as the Typhoon brand gives Hart exceptional strength, a story that can be told through a website of exceptional quality.”

“We’re particularly pleased with performance of the new website; the SEO we’ve implemented sees Hart benefiting from increased website traffic and improved search rankings, which continue to grow as we develop and deliver a content strategy.”

Headquartered in Newcastle UK in its own offices and manufacturing facility, Hart Door Systems is the longest established British manufacturer of high-speed doors and shutters. Founded in 1946, Hart has since brought generations of engineering experience and pioneering product expertise to customers worldwide.

Hart’s innovative products, problem-solving approach and practical experience helps companies operate efficiently and where necessary contain noise, odour and environmental contaminants as well as saving energy.

This spirit of innovation and quality is embedded in Hart’s continually evolving product range for example Speedor high-speed doors, Firebrand fire shutters, Terror Screen security shutters, Typhoon resistant roller shutters tested to Super Typhoon and Hurricane Class 5 standards and other specialist doors such as ATEX compliant high-speed doors and shutters.

All of Hart’s products are manufactured to international standards such as the ISO9001:2015 Quality Assurance scheme and LPS 1056 and LPS 1271, Loss Prevention Council Standards for Fire Doors tested to UK and US standards.

Hart offers consultancy, design, manufacture, shipping, installation, maintenance, servicing and training from a single source. This simplifies project management, helps to save on resources and reduces the administrative burden.

North East Businesses interested in improving their website performance and digital marketing can currently access grant funding of up to 40% from the North East Business Support Fund to boost their marketing projects. Interested parties are welcome to contact Stick Marketing for further information.

www.hartdoors.com

Among all mechanical fault diagnosis techniques, e.g., vibration signal analysis, oil analysis, acoustic emission and nose analysis, vibration signal analysis is widely used because of its good practicability, reliability and accuracy. One of the most interesting applications is using vibration analysis in diagnosing fault in rolling bearings [1]. To read the full article by Dr. Ali Albadri click here