Latest Product Reviews

A smart power controller does what it says on the tin. It is smart because it has a microprocessor and sophisticated programming. It controls power using sensors that monitor voltage and current, adapting and making decisions as conditions change within the parameters of the application that it’s being used. However, it’s a valuable tool that is often overlooked. Here, Eric Rios, product manager for controls at industrial technology company Watlow, explores why smart power control is vital in heating applications.

There are many types of power switches that are used in commercial and industrial applications. Mechanical relays and contactors are ideal for applications where they are not switched very often because they are relatively inexpensive and do not produce much heat. But for precise control of electric heating, these switch types are a poor choice because they wear out and fail quickly if switched frequently. In this instance, smart power controllers are a sensible choice.

Taking working comfort and layering systems to a whole new level. 

The Snickers Workwear climate control system includes functional base layers, insulating mid layers and weather-protective outer layers.

These technically advanced working clothes allow craftsmen and craftswomen to adjust to changing weather conditions on site so they’re always working effectively – with maximum comfort and protection.

Take the new FlexiWork Inverted Pile jacket for example. This warm and versatile pile jacket can be used both as a jacket in cooler conditions or a mid layer when the weather is more inclement. Made of laminated polyester fabric with a furry pile lining for optimal warmth and comfort, its ergonomics also feature shaped shoulders for a great fit and optimum freedom of movement.

Hi-tech, advanced fabric technology like this is integral to all Snickers Workwear’s Base-, Mid- and Top-Layer garments for both men and women that always combine well with the Snickers Workwear hallmarks of best-in-class durability, comfort, ergonomics and fit.

 https://www.snickersworkwear.co.uk/campaigns/461

Hammond Electronics’ new HYJ Series IP69/IP69K 304 stainless steel enclosures are designed for use in manufacturing areas where maintaining hygiene standards and avoiding contamination build-up are critical considerations. They withstand regular high temperature, high pressure washdown and there are no dirt traps where contaminants could gather. Information about Hammond’s design approach to hygienic enclosures is available here: https://www.hammfg.com/hygienic.

The family is initially available in five sizes from 202 x 124 x 102 to 416 x 338 x 203mm. The symmetric rectangular design means that the units can be vertically or horizontally surface mounted. All sides slope to ensure that water quickly drains off after spray cleaning, and a super-smooth finish stops water pooling. There are no slotted screw heads, quarter turn latches or welded mounting brackets which can be difficult to clean areas; the front cover is secured to the body with crevice-free hex head bolts fitted with an external silicone washer.

The distinctive blue coloured "hygiene" silicone gasket is fitted beyond the cover edges and it is easily removable for cleaning or replacement. To eliminate difficult to clean areas behind the enclosure, stand-offs, available in four different lengths, ensure that the HYJ is fixed well proud of the wall so that all faces can be washed down.

Simultaneously launched are the complementary HYPB pushbutton family for machine and process control. They are available with 22.5 or 30.5mm holes arranged in a single row of one, two, three or four holes, two rows with four holes arranged in two rows of two or two rows with six holes arranged in two rows of three.

Available from Fluid Motion Solutions (part of NOV Inc.) with a host of new features, the Mono EZstrip range of progressing cavity pumps now makes in-situ maintenance easier than ever for wastewater sludge applications.

The smooth-profile Positive Torque Split Coupling Rod of the EZstrip pumps already alleviates potential ragging issues to reduce maintenance and assembly times.

Designed with Maintain-in-Place, EZstrip pumps also only need a spanner and an Allen key for quick and easy disassembly, de-ragging and servicing.

With 360° access to the coupling rod and drive shaft for easy inspection, there is now the benefit of a captive support foot.

If required, the full drive-train, including rotor, stator, shaft, rod, and seal can be quickly and safely removed, without physical electrical disconnection.

Available in cast iron or stainless-steel with a choice of rotor and stator materials to suit individual applications, the EZstrip range also benefits from a tie-bar-free design. EZstator clamps lock the stator securely into place, not only reducing stator removal time by over 50%, but improving the safety of common maintenance operations.

NOV

Fluid Motion Solutions

Greengate, Middleton, Manchester, England M24 1SA

+44 (0) 161 339 9000

nov.com/industrial

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Using ATEX or IECEx certified lighting in atmospheres where hydrogen may be present is strongly recommended as a safety precaution by technical experts at Wolf Safety.

While acknowledging that hydrogen’s ‘green’ credentials are highly encouraging, Wolf Safety believe the risks of explosion in atmospheres where hydrogen is present should not be underestimated.

As world leaders in the design and manufacture of portable and temporary lighting for use in hazardous areas, Wolf Safety are well aware of hydrogen related risks and offer safe, certified lighting solutions for use in hydrogen atmospheres.

Says Michael Morley, the company’s Technical Director:  “Engineers and technicians working where hydrogen or other explosive gases or vapours could  be present can be confident that Wolf has a safe, ATEX certified and cost-effective portable and temporary lighting solution which can be tailored to meet their specific needs.”

The company’s range of portable lighting, temporary lighting and power distribution solutions includes products already certified for safe use in workplaces where hydrogen gas could be present.

They include Wolf’s robust yet highly portable WF-300®XL and WF-250XL LED floodlights which are used worldwide, especially by engineers inspecting, repairing and maintaining storage tanks in the oil and gas industry.

Mains and low voltage versions of floodlights and  luminaires, battery powered LED work lights, torches, handlamps, head torches and warning lights are also available from Wolf Safety.

For technical information visit:  www.wolfsafety.com

The new-to-market Clamp Meter 393 FC from Fluke is the world’s first handheld tool which enables technicians to safely measure up to 1500 V in DC environments such as industrial solar farms.

  Fluke is experiencing increasing demand for high-precision handheld devices which can measure photovoltaic (PV) systems in the United Kingdom.

The number of solar installations in the United Kingdom has doubled within the last year and is set to double again before 2030. Solar Energy UK, an established trade organisation, is working with 230 businesses across the solar and energy storage value chain to increase the UK’s solar storage capacity to 40 GW.  

This dynamic growth is creating an ever-increasing demand for technicians who know how to troubleshoot PV systems efficiently and effectively. Clamp meters are often used in the installation and commissioning phase as well as when completing maintenance and troubleshooting.

The new-to-market Fluke 393 FC Clamp Meter is the world’s only CAT III 1500 V rated true-rms clamp meter which enables technicians to take measurements in DC environments, such as industrial solar farms. The tool was tailormade to test and measure solar PV applications with key functions including:  

The new acoustic camera SONASCREEN generates acoustic images from both the audible and ultrasound frequency range. The device enables maintenance teams to quickly locate leaks in compressed air and vacuum systems. By introducing the new industrial imager, SONOTEC provides a supplementary device for predictive maintenance and energy auditing to ensure operational reliability and energy efficiency.

 Maintenance workflows put to another level – more efficient, more accurate.

 The new acoustic camera localizes sound sources and visualizes complex acoustic information in different colours (as an acoustic photo and video). The device extends the vision to areas the eye cannot see. This is enabled by the method called beamforming where the position of sources in wave fields, such as ultrasound fields, is determined.

Industrial movers have a new option for moving machines and equipment in restricted spaces. The Enerpac MLS-Series wheeled load skates are a safe and stable option for machinery relocation and installation in a wide range of individual load skate capacities from 3 to 35 tons. When it comes to safety, the MLS-Series features a stable, wide footprint with padded tops for a non-slip surface.

Limited space and minimal headroom are typical challenges when moving equipment. The MLS-Series is compact. Its low-height design is ideal for minimal lift heights and to accommodate limited clearance above loads. It’s also versatile. The MLSS models provides good directional movement. Meanwhile the MLSR models feature 360-degree movement ideal for tight spaces. The easy-to-rotate turntable on MLSF models allows enhanced load manoeuvrability.

Enerpac MLS-Series Load Skates feature rugged and reliable bearings for low rolling resistance and durability and high-quality wheels (nylon - MLSR, polyurethane/optional nylon - MLSF/MLSD) for stability and damage prevention to finished floors. 

Skate Sets increase Load Capacity

The capacity of individual load skates ranges up to 35 tons. Knowing the weight of the load ensures the correct skates configuration. Enerpac can supply pre-configured sets with capacities available from 6 to 70 tons. As an example, if the load weighs 70 tons and a skate set is being used the load will be shared between the front and rear load skates. In this instance, the front and rear skates must have the capacity to handle a minimum of 35 tons each.

If requirements change extra modules and accessories are available to widen the scope for load moving jobs, for example for different sized loads, or for loads where the weight is not distributed equally.

For ease of use the MLS-Series wheeled load skates are configurable with towable or manual connecting bars and handles, depending upon model.

To learn more about the latest Enerpac tools, visit the Enerpac Innovations page on www.enerpac.com.

The one-handed tool allows anyone to perform basic tests on fibre and quickly identifies polarity issues and failed transceivers. The presence of near infra-red light is indicated by means of an audible sound and LED.

Fluke has today announced the launch of a handheld tool that detects invisible near-infrared (850-1625nm) wavelengths used in fibre-optic communication to troubleshoot cable, port, polarity and transceiver issues.

Easy troubleshooting

Designed for one-handed operation, the FiberLert™ is an easy-to-use troubleshooting tool that allows technicians and engineers to simply test for the presence of near infra-red light without the need for complicated setup or interpretation of the measurement data. When placed in front of an active fibre optic port or patch cord, the tester emits a continuous light and optional tone. The tool is unique in the market for users to resolve the cause of the communications failure in fibre-optic networks.

Removing the guesswork

Fibre networks carry a significant amount of data and issues that arise can impact many users making a quick resolution essential.

“There are a lot of network engineers and technicians who need to test and troubleshoot fibre connections on an occasional basis but lack the tools and expertise to do so,” said Robert Luijten, Fluke Networks training manager and test and measurement expert.  “So, they are forced to guess as to the cause of a communication issue and replace components such as transceivers and patch cords in the hope of solving the issue.”

FiberLert removes the guesswork by clearly indicating where the signal is present and where it is not.  This allows users to quickly pinpoint and remedy the cause of the problem, such as a failed transceiver or failed patch cord and replace it. FiberLert supports single-mode, multimode, UPC/APC patch cords and ports and can test without contacting the port or patch cord, reducing the risk of contamination or damage.

Keeping it simple

FiberLert’s LightBeat™ feature flashes the LED, indicating a powered-on condition and good battery. A timer shuts the tester off after five minutes of inactivity to extend battery life. Rugged design includes a convenient pocket clip and is backed by a two-year warranty.

For more information, visit the Fluke Networks website at http://www.flukenetworks.com.

The new MOD 1100/2000t spreader beam at 33m span, which was the latest addition to Modulift’s modular range of popular DNV Type Approved spreader beams, has been used in it’s very first lift in Dover in the UK. The successful first lift was carried out by its new owner, heavy lifting rental company, Safe Lifting Europe B.V for their customer Bonn & Mees Floating Cranes. 

The new Modular spreader beam was transported using two trucks from the yard of Safe Lifting Europe B.V to Bonn & Mees Floating Cranes in Rotterdam. Bonn & Mees Floating Cranes used two of their largest floating sheerlegs to lift and store the MOD 1100/2000t spreader beam before it was shipped to Dover where the spreader beam would be lifting two parts of a bridge.

As part of the lifting configuration, an additional two Modulift MOD 400 spreader beams were used. The assembly of the MOD 1100/2000 took the team at Safe Lifting Europe B.V one full working day using an electric torque wrench, enabling them to work at a much faster pace.

Giovani Vroegop, Technical Commercial Manager for Safe Lifting Europe B.V said, “It was incredible to see the new MOD 1100/2000t spreader beam up in the air for the first time. The team at Modulift did a great job with the design and manufacture of the beam. The sheer size of the beam can only be really appreciated when you’re up close, it really is huge. Our team and Bonn & Mees Floating Cranes worked meticulously hard to ensure the lift was a success.”

John Baker, Commercial Director for Modulift said, “We were delighted to be a part of this success and look forward to seeing the MOD 1100/2000t being used in many more lifts in the future. Part of the project to supply this ‘beast’ of a beam, required Modulift’s compressive test bed to be extended to 33mtrs and increased in capacity to 2300t which was quite a project in itself! The MOD 1100 /2000t spreader beam really is impressive to see and our in-house engineering team are already looking at further opportunities with Safe Lifting in the super heavy lifting market. Watch this space.”

For more information on Modulift and their products, please visit www.modulift.com