Portable Mirage milling machine technology ensured accurate metal-to-metal sealing for vessel covers and heat exchangers during maintenance work by specialty mechanical services company, Hydratight, at an industrial complex in Germany during the plant’s annual shutdown. A team of 40 Hydratight engineers from Germany, Holland, France, and the UK, operating under COVID-19 restrictions, was tasked with lifting vessel covers, performing on-site machining and controlled bolting on a number of vessels and heat exchanger joints, within the 45 day shutdown.
Power management company Eaton has launched SIMAS, believed to be the world’s first fully integrated IP-based voice, data, WiFi, interlock and automation system for underground industrial applications where rugged and/or explosion proof equipment is required*.
Commenting on this breakthrough, Christian Fimpler, Mining Program & Product Manager for Eaton says: “Working underground presents specific challenges when it comes to implementing adequate process control and safety measures. Automation is driving the need for more reliable and high-speed data transfer across multiple pieces of plant, but also reducing the number of personnel in any subsurface area – which makes timely and accurate communication of information more important than ever.













