To celebrate our maintenance roots, PWE has a dedicated monthly maintenance feature - Maintenance Matters - looking at all aspects of plant maintenance, and problem-solving case studies - the only magazine in its sector to give such detailed coverage every single month.
The traditional role of an engineer now involves a broad range of job functions. Plant and Works Engineering's editorial features reflect the multi-tasking culture that now exists in the work place and meets the needs of today's engineering professionals.
The pressure is on everyone to save energy and resources, both for environmental reasons and to save money. For steam users, reverse osmosis (RO) can deliver a step-change in energy efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint, says Mike Griffin, Spi
The emphasis this year is going to be on using technology, servicing and clever tried and tested techniques to improve efficiencies and achieve these goals, according to Mike Baker, burner division director for Nu-way. Here, he looks at how to save
Bristol-based steam boiler specialist Fulton Limited has supplied Advanced Plasma Power (APP) with one of its Electropack EP60 steam boilers, which is said to have almost tripled the steam capacity at the company’s Swindon-based Gasplasma test facili
Three additional water heating appliances from Andrews Water Heaters and Potterton Commercial, both part of Baxi Commercial Division, have been supplied for installation in Manchester United’s Old Trafford Stadium.
Nick Campey, national accounts director of heating and cooling hire specialist, Watkins Hire, outlines the pitfalls of managing temporary heating equipment on site and the help on hand from GSM telemetry technology.
Featuring constantly in the headlines, environmental sustainability has never been so important for organisations of all types. Such pressure is leading many plant engineers to explore ways to reduce boiler house energy consumption. A common idea is
G.P Burners, part of the Wellman Group, has been instrumental in helping Syngenta - a leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through research and technology - in achieving a 26% reduction in energy consumption by its boiler plant.
Are food and drink manufacturers familiar with their industry’s Code of Practice and the ISO 8573-1 Standard? If so, why is it that some manufacturers are still risking oil contamination of their manufacturing processes by not using oil-free compress
All of Beko Technologies’ UK service personnel have been successful in gaining the full qualifications for the safe handling of refrigerants - J11-F Gas Cat1.
A major feature of the Atlas Copco Compressors stand at The Energy Event 2010 will be its Carbon Zero range of air compressors. These compressors are equipped with advanced heat recovery systems capable of recovering 100% of electrical energy input.
In order to help businesses improve the energy efficiency of their compressed air systems, rotary vane compressor manufacturer Mattei launched a leak detection and repair service earlier this year, headed up by business development manager John Taylo
At Air-Tech 2010, CompAir exhibited models from its range of rotary screw and Hydrovane compressors. Technical experts were on hand throughout the show to advise on the different options available to businesses keen to improve environmental performan
When the Black Sheep Brewery invested in a new cask line four years ago they opted for a Boge SD 40 screw compressor to power the cask filling process. Four years on and the SD 40 continues to provide the Black Sheep Brewery with a reliable and effi
It may be time to invest in a new compressed air system but in the current economic climate is this a viable option? Would it be cheaper to make do with your existing system for a bit longer - or is running an ageing compressor more expensive in the
Despite the skills and expertise required for servicing, maintaining and repairing a compressed air system, an engineer doesn’t need any specific qualifications or certificates to carry out these tasks – meaning that anyone owning a compressor can’t
Understanding the basics of compressed air filtration is essential to be able to specify a solution that optimises the uptime of machinery, and ultimately, minimises costs. PWE reports.
Eric Starkloff, National Instruments (NI) director of product marketing for Modular Instrumentation and Instrument Control, responds to a series of questions on the changes impacting instrumentation and automated test, and how National Instruments’ L
Steve Brambley, director of GAMBICA - the national organisation representing the interests of companies in the instrumentation, control, automation and laboratory technology sectors in the UK, answers the variable speed drive (VSD) questions that mat
With so many automation technologies now regarded as commodities, barely distinguishable even in price, are there any real differentiators any more? Mitsubishi Electric's John Browett argues that astute buyers need to consider a new factor: stability
Motors are everywhere in industry and business, powering everything from pumps and fans to compressors. They are also major energy users and offer enormous potential for energy saving. PWE looks at the issue of energy efficiency for motors and whet
Graham Mackrell, UK sales manager of Harmonic Drive UK, discusses how harmonic drive gear technology can offer an effective replacement for conventional high ratio or two stage planetary gearboxes in plant applications.
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work is the main EU reference point for safety and health at work, set up in 1996 by the European Union. Andrew Smith, head of communications at EU-OSHA, presents the Safe Maintenance Campaign.
Standfirst: At the recent CeMat show in Hannover, Germany, there was a considerable amount of interest shown in a power source technology that many believed could revolutionise the forklift truck industry. Gus Whyte, sales director – National Account
Conveyors are one of the most useful and widespread types of equipment in the manufacturing process. Controlling conveyors brings its own challenges and variable-speed AC drives are ideally suited to meeting them. PWE reports.
A new braking roller for carton live storage lanes ensures that both empty and fully-loaded bins and containers stocked in the same lane will move to the picking face at the same speed. The new braking roller, from BITO Storage Systems Ltd, achieves
As companies emerge from the recession and reassess their supply chain models in an attempt to maximise efficiency, warehouse automation is back on the agenda - but the agenda has changed, says Steve Richmond, general manager of Jungheinrich UK Ltd’s
Mark Beauchamp, European Marketing Manager for Citizen Systems Europe, explores the benefits of the latest generation of barcode and label printing technologies particularly in production engineering applications.
The Loadmaster 9000i, the on-board weighing scale for loaders from RDS, now offers the advanced data capture option of a bar code-capable scanner module.
The Scanner Module is a software update to the Loadmaster instrument allowing it to be coupled
Exide Technologies has launched a new traction battery rental solution; ‘Power Gap’ offers managers of materials handling equipment fleets the opportunity to bridge any gap they may have in their energy requirements without a major investment in capi
Ireland’s largest independent Temperature control and logistics company, Castlecool, has seen a marked increase in available storage space at its Castleblayney facility since it took delivery of an Aisle-Master articulated forklift.
Based in Gloucester, Downton is one of the South West region's leading distribution and storage companies. The company’s multi-client warehouse in Hardwicke, a small town sandwiched between the M5 and the Severn Estuary, was purpose-built to serve th
Combilift, the manufacturer of customised 4-way handling equipment has two adjacent stands at this year’s IMHX, the smaller one being a dedicated hospitality area (stands 19K 135 & 130).
Toyota Material Handling UK will be showcasing its strengths at IMHX 2010 – 16-19 November, (stand 20F70) - by showing visitors the company’s products and developments, along with its range of services and solutions.
Impress Group, a leading global producer of metal packaging solutions, for consumer goods, has upgraded the materials handling equipment at its aerosol factory in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, with the acquisition of a fleet of 15 counterbalanced truc
DSV is a global transport and logistics specialist with offices in over 50 countries. The company has been testing three of Crown’s new WT 3000 rider pallet trucks at their Neufahrn site near Munich. Neufahrn is a high-volume distribution hub for one
Because most companies have a major percentage of their costs tied up in their supply chains, supply chain management - once seen as something of an add-on with no real bearing on a business’s ultimate success - has been elevated to a key board-level
Hovair air film technology by Movetech UK, combined with new flooring from Sika UK, has provided London & Cambridge Properties (LCP) with a practical and cost-effective solution to LCP’s need to double capacity at their specialist warehousing facilit
Pickerings Lifts Supply Chain are pleased to confirm they are now sole and exclusive distributors in the United Kingdom for KELLEY® and SERCO® Loading Dock Equipment,
Plant and works operations can eliminate double handling and substantially reduce the movement of stock around a warehouse area by using pallet and carton flow racks, writes Ed Hutchison, managing director of BITO Storage Systems.
PWE takes a snap shot look at some of the latest advances in the forklift truck market, including new energy saving developments which were apparent as this year's leading intralogistics show - CeMAT - in Hannover.
A multifunction steering wheel and a new range of quiet IC engine-powered counterbalanced lift trucks featuring a hydrostatic drive were recently announced by Jungeheinrich at an official launch in Hamburg. PWE reports.
Aaron Blutstein spoke to Martin McVicar, managing director and co-founder of Irish forklift truck manufacturer - Combilift - about its recent success and the concept of long and awkward load handling.
Two bespoke fume extraction systems using TEKA extraction equipment with four specially designed hoods from Flextraction Ltd, suppliers and manufacturers of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) products is helping Network Rail in Bristol to train and cert
Following recent HSE Safety and Health Awareness Days (SHADs) for the bakery industry, Nederman is offering free site surveys to companies considering dust control.
Safety at height contractors, Safetyworks & Solutions, who manufacture and install a range of fall protection and access systems predominately for building, estate and facilities managers, surveyors and the construction industry, will be exhibiting i
Casella CEL's TUFF range of Personal Air Sampling Pumps for use in harsh monitoring environments, has gained ATEX (and IECEx) Intrinsically Safe approval for use in flammable atmospheres.
Free interactive machinery safety training workshops, which have been specifically developed to make suppliers and users of machinery aware of their legal obligations in relation to machine safety and to provide practical advice on how best to meet t
Fire prevention is a big issue in production engineering and manufacturing, particularly where the application of heat is an integral part of the process. However, not only are the requirements of each plant different but within each plant there are
Students from Solihull College have been pitching their business ideas to industry experts as part of their course where they learn how to set up a small business. General manager of Mattei, Andy Jones, was asked to take part in the process, sharing
Sandvik Coromant recently welcomed two highly driven young technician apprentices Ninetta Cataldo and Harrison Waters to a four year technician trainee apprenticeship programme that includes a 12 months ‘off the job’ training course through the EEF T
Standfirst: Andrew Copson, managing director of Sharpak Yate, Bridgwater and Holland, argues that industry, the Government and schools must work together to revitalise the sector and bring more young people into work. Central to this is tackling the
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned that despite improvements over recent years, the number of workplace accidents involving fork lift trucks remains too high for complacency. This view is shared by Dean Mansell, engineering standards ma
Proskills has welcomed the continuing focus on improving the skills of the workforce as the Government reveals the plans for its latest funding pot. However, process and manufacturing leaders are urging the Government to put funds where they will mak
Ann Watson, managing director of specialist awarding organisation, EAL, has responded to the recent publication of Review of Vocational Education – The Wolf Report on the 3rd March, 2011. She commented: “I fully support the findings of Professor Wol
Three apprentices from Salford-based clean technology business ENER-G have restored an historic engine that powered the post industrial revolution.
For the past two years the trio have worked alongside retired engineers at the Anson Engine Museum,
Vince Cable, Secretary of State for Business, Education and Skills, joined VT Flagship, part of Babcock International Group, on the first day of National Apprenticeship Week 2011, to see apprenticeship training in action and talk with employers and o
The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has launched a new scheme that will offer universal access to its training courses on the test, examination and maintenance of overhead lifting equipment.
UK dairy company, Yeo Valley has taken advantage of a new approach to training projects offered by Festo Didactic, the professional training and consulting division of automation company Festo.
If the UK is to compete globally to become the key hub for the Knowledge Economy there is an urgent need to create a highly skilled workforce of engineers and engineering technicians.
Too often under-performing cooling systems are replaced in the name of energy saving. Nigel Hallett, managing director of process cooling specialist IsoCool, argues that this approach can be a false economy.
Aggreko, the temporary power and temperature control solutions company has provided power for First Hydro to test a newly manufactured generator stator (the stationary part of the generator that houses the rotor) at the Ffestiniog plant in the Snowdo
Cooper SH, the UK’s leading distributor of Konecranes port and terminal equipment, has expanded its short-term rental fleet with a £3/4 million investment in four new heavy lifting machines.
Instrumentation specialist Ashtead Technology has launched a new range of commercial packages at MCERTS 2011 - the dedicated air monitoring event - created to both expand the availability of the latest technology and to reduce costs.
Carrier Rental Systems has identified an increase in sales enquiries of its hire fleet of process chillers and industrial air-conditioning systems as a direct result of the impending phase out of the refrigerant R22.
LDC, the private equity arm of the Lloyds Banking Group, has invested an additional £8.3m into Microlease Limited, the European provider of Rental and Asset Management Services to the Test Equipment market.
HSS Hire, has launched LiveHire - a free online hire management system.
HSS Livehire is a secure and personalised extranet that allows large customers to hire and off-hire in real time, control entire registers of assets by site or by account and t
On Thursday, May 28th, Wellman Robey boiler hire division had an emergency call-out to provide hot water to 182 flats in Brixton, South London. The flats in three low rise blocks are presently under refurbishment while the tenants remain in residence
For many years companies have realised that renting buildings, vehicles and equipment is tax efficient and supports cash flow. PWE looks at some of the latest developments in this versatile sector.
Forklift options Is acquiring a forklift truck as an outright purchase better than hire or is leasing best? Richard Strange, sales and marketing director of Samuk+HC takes a look at the pros and cons.
This year’s Access Industry Forum (AIF) Working at Height Knowledge Base, Demonstration Area and Information Centre delivered thought-provoking panel discussions, powerful presentations and practical solutions across a wide range of working at height
Marco Norman, managing director of Safetyworks & Solutions takes a look at the various roof access systems available, and their most suited applications.
Union Industries, manufacturer of industrial rapid roll hi-speed doors, has completed a major installation at The Co-operative’s new Scottish Distribution Centre in Newhouse. PWE reports.
Portakabin, the modular building specialist, has achieved re-accreditation to ISO 14001 - the internationally-recognised standard for reducing impact on the environment.
For many years now Fengrain has always relied on the Big Brute vacuum cleaners to aid in its stringent cleaning routines and with the expansion and construction of further silos an additional vacuum cleaner was called for.
The new Taski by Diversey swingo 1850 walk-behind scrubber drier incorporates a number of design and ergonomic features to promote economical operation, ease-of-use and life-long sustainability. Its large water tank and patented water control system
Site and safety managers can now use the PAL Card (Powered Access Licence) online verification tool at www.ipaf.org to check if a card is genuine. A valid PAL Card issued by the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), or by its North American
The Access Industry Forum (AIF) Knowledge Base, taking place at the Safety & Health Expo from 17-19 May 2011, is back by popular demand after a successful launch last year. This year the Forum is sponsoring three distinct areas: the Working at Height
John Meale, managing director of loading & unloading equipment specialists, Thorworld Industries Ltd says spending time to choose well designed and properly manufactured quality loading bay and materials handling equipment can pay dividends in making
Electrical Arc Flash Mitigation is becoming an increasingly important element of safety management within any industrial setting and forms a central part of ensuring site security and minimising lost time. PWE reports.
Standfirst: Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) systems can significantly improve efficiencies and productivity within any warehouse or distribution centre operation.
The EMKA IP65 three-digit combination lock and cylinder key swinghandle system offers simple security on two levels. Applications for the 1155 Program include storage lockers in factories, schools and colleges as well as outdoor storage facilities an
SERV Trayvou Interverrouillage (STI) has launched the NXO1LTC, a new access interlock with personnel key for harsh or corrosive environments. It consists of a lock with two key slots that work on a free key / trapped key basis.
Key management specialist Traka has boosted its product range with the launch of a stand-alone touch-screen system. The Traka Touch is an independent, intelligent device that simplifies key management while improving accuracy and efficiency.
Works engineers may be unaware of the nuisance odours, grease, fat and other contaminants routinely exhausted from site canteens until they receive an unwanted visit from Environmental Health. The correct application of kitchen filtration systems ca
Tennant Company has announced the results of an independent third-party study by Elliott Affiliates on the effectiveness of Tennant’s ec-H2O technology.
ec-H2O converts plain tap water into a powerful cleaning agent without any added chemicals.
The Centre for Alternative Technology first installed its Photovoltaic (PV) roof over 15 years ago. When it was first built it was the largest PV array in the UK, covering up to 112sq meters and generating up to 13.5 kilowatts
Breaking out old Terrazzo tiling is both expensive and time consuming. Project managers faced with removing old, cracked tiling are forced to contemplate a limited range of options.
Flexibility has always been a major attraction of Revlok mezzanine floors whose adaptable modular design reflects the experience of Lancashire-based parent company Doity Engineering Ltd.
Although Kemperol is known for its flat roof waterproofing capabilities, the benefits of using it for pitched metal roof repairs are perhaps less well known.
With all businesses under pressure to reduce their environmental impact and their carbon footprint there are very good reasons for looking at renewable energy sources for your heating plant. Ian Dagley of Hoval explains how fossil fuels and renewable
A new generation of bactericide-free cutting fluids has removed the problem of emulsions splitting in use and the related bad odour nuisance. PWE reports.
In the current economic climate no manufacturer can afford substantial waste product and the costs associated with it. However, many companies have to deal with scrap and re-work as a direct result of out of tolerance manufacture. In an ideal world,
The manufacturing sector is one of the fastest growing sectors of the UK economy and helping the nation’s recovery from recession. It is critical that it is – and remains – globally competitive. Barry Weller of Mitsubishi Electric looks at the role r
Technical plastic moulder A K Industries (AKI) of Hereford has been working with the product innovation facilitator Pera to research and develop the Lowheat industrial and commercial heat recovery unit with EU funding
Polymer specialist igus has developed a new tooling method for injection moulding which can get custom designed parts delivered in less than 24hrs. As there are no minimum order quantities, speedigus is suitable for one offs, prototyping, low volumes
Phil Burge, marketing manager at SKF, discusses how the latest developments in automated centralised lubrication systems can make a considerable contribution to the improvement of production processes throughout a plant.
When it comes to maintaining valve populations, plant engineers often wish they could see into the future. Since valves touch on all major areas within a plant, when they don’t perform well it can have a negative impact on tier-one assets. A small gl
NSK is providing improved sealing and life performance across its range of RHP Self-Lube mounted bearing units - including high and low temperature HLT versions - with the introduction of the company’s robust S-design seal on all inserts with diamete
SKF has launched an Oil Conditioning Unit designed to enhance oil lubrication in a range of demanding applications across industries including cement, mining and quarrying.
Brammer, supplier of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) products and services, has reminded UK manufacturing companies of the threat posed by counterfeit engineering spares and the importance of only sourcing spares through authorised distributor
The issue of counterfeit bearings cannot only have serious economic impacts but can have extremely serious consequences for the companies that purchase them. In many applications the use of failure prone counterfeits can risk catastrophic consequence
David Tuffin, technical support manager at shentongroup looks at fears over future power shortages, which highlights the requirement for standby power and CHP.
Large-scale users of energy, manufacturing and process industries are under particularly strong pressure to deliver a programme of action to reduce CO2 emissions and meet Government targets. This pressure has manifested itself in a constant stream of
PWE takes a look at this year’s Sustainabilitylive exhibition – the UK event for the environment, water, land, energy and sustainable business sectors.
The UK recycling sector demonstrates an ever-increasing thirst for plant flexibility and increased efficiencies, with future-proofing considerations now becoming increasingly important during the investment decision process.
Carl Knight, Fulton Limited’s sales and marketing manager, looks at water treatment for steam raising plant, and the benefits of an effective water treatment programme.
Darcy Spillcare Manufacture has introduced a bund water control unit dewatering system into the marketplace that is completely intrinsically safe and ATEX Approved.
Will the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme deliver what is promised? Callum F. Stuart, international project development manager for the Energy and Environmental Services Division of McKinnon & Clarke, reports
Liquefied Petroleum Gas is well known as being the cleanest off grid fossil fuel, but what about the companies behind the LPG brands? Flogas has taken the lead in the industry by becoming the first non-mains energy company
Energy costs have risen more than a 100% in the past 12-months while businesses are now bracing themselves for further electricity hikes with the introduction of new legislation to cut the amount of CO2 we omit. CHP is almost twice as efficient as co
Physical water conditioners for controlling limescale have quite a patchy reputation. PWE asked Paul Spencer of Fluid Dynamics how his company is able to predict performance with confidence.
Engineering companies are facing challenges on new fronts. As well as the enduring drive to improve commercial performance and deliver to the bottom line, companies now need to respond to regulatory and societal pressure to improve their carbon emis
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