Industry news

TWO PUMPS PROVE BETTER THAN FOUR

REPLACING FOUR FIXED-SPEED pumps with two variable speed controlled pumps has increased pumping capacity, improved reliability and significantly reduced noise for Anglian Water’s Kentford Moulton site, near Newmarket.

Four 11 kW line shaft-driven pumps, first installed in 1992, were running without any form of variable speed control. They have been replaced with two 45 kW submersible sewage pumps, the flow rate of which is controlled by two ABB water drives.

The upgrade increases pumping capacity and delivers substantial energy savings, as the ABB drives ensure that the pumps only operate at the speed required. Before the upgrade, the average pump running time was 14 hours per day. Following the upgrade, the average run time is reduced to three hours per day. This reduction in energy led to an estimated £4,000 annual saving for Anglian Water.

The project was part of a large pump upgrade at the Kentford Moulton site and carried out by ABB Value Provider, Gibbons Engineering Group.

MEGGER APPOINTS NEW DISTRIBUTOR

MEGGER LTD HAS ANNOUNCED that PAR Insulation & Wires Ltd has been appointed as a UK & Ireland distributor, covering the Megger Baker range of motor testing equipment.

Commenting on the announcement, Mike Herring, Megger Baker’s Regional Sales Manager, said: “We welcome PAR to the Baker team, and look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership. PAR is a leading supplier into the electric motor market, and a logical choice for us to better serve that sector.”

Paul Hirst, Commercial Director at PAR, added: “The Megger and Baker brands are synonymous with high-quality test equipment in the electric motor industry. PAR is excited to add another trusted global brand to its product portfolio, and I look forward to discussing the Megger Baker range with our customers soon.”

Baker test units have been used within the UK electric motor industry for more than 35 years, helping companies to verify the integrity of the insulation systems within their motors.

The ‘Baker test’ is a common phrase used by Industry, when specifying what tests should be applied to their motors. Whilst modern-day Baker units provide multiple tests within one portable unit, the term ‘Baker test’ really applies to the surge test – a test used to check the condition of the inter turn insulation.

New COO supports growth plans for Edwin James Group

EDWIN JAMES GROUP HAS appointed Christopher Kehoe as Chief Operating Officer to support its growth plans and drive integration across its operations.

With a track record in developing customer-centric cultures, service delivery and focusing on people development, Christopher brings over 25 years’ experience in executive leadership to the Glasgow headquartered business.

He joins from EMCOR UK Group where he was group executive director. In his new role, Christopher’s primary focus will be to align the Process Services business, establishing a longerterm strategic vision to empower the workforce to create growth.

Edwin James Group offers mechanical, electrical, energy and process engineering to a range of long-standing clients from global brands and public bodies to thriving independents.

Commenting on his appointment, Christopher said: “I’ve joined Edwin James Group at a key stage in its evolution. The highly capable operations team is delivering innovative work across the UK and a wide range of industry sectors.

“The people, services and technology create huge potential for expansion, and I’m looking forward to being part of the Group’s ongoing success story.”

GES extends Nidec partnership

GES Group is now an authorised distributor for Nidec (Leroy-Somer) Motors Ireland.

BOTH GES GROUP AND NIDEC (Leroy-Somer) have worked together in partnership in Northern Ireland for several years. By expanding the distributorship to Southern Ireland, their partnership will create a more comprehensive infrastructure with enhanced experience and expertise.

GES will stock and distribute the range of Nidec (Leroy-Somer) motors, and the new cloud-based condition monitoring systems FORECYTE from its new base in the Republic of Ireland. The company strongly believes that this change to its business model will enhance its customers’ experience ensuring fast and easy access to its full range of products, plus first-class product, service and support.

Commenting on the announcement, GES Group CEO, David Moore, said: “To enable the growth and future-proofing of our energy market in the digital transition, we have taken a bold step to extend our collaborative portfolio in Ireland; building our product, skills and network structure within a collaborative group through the development of the Nidec Partnership deal programme. We are delighted with the opportunity to extend our all-Ireland market and have ambitious plans through collaboration within our industry.

“That said we want to identify and tackle the underlying issues, such as digital skills and innovation, through outreach with our new and existing clients, which is an excellent example of our focus on delivering and implementing actions to address the key challenges facing our future development in the motor and drive digital energy revolution.”

Colin Ditchfield UK & Ireland Sales Director at Nidec, added: “In terms of GES commitment to quality and their long standing reputation in the industry GES more than matches the high standards required by our company to represent our product portfolio as an authorised distribution partner.

“Having already enjoyed a successful partnership for the distribution of Leroy Somer products in Northern Ireland since 2018 its a perfect fit to now expand into to the Republic of Ireland.

With a large investment from both companies in terms of staff and product inventory I am sure this new synergy will provide our customers with a first-class customer service experience.”

info@ges-group.com 028 25656406 www.ges-group.com

PUMP EXCHANGE SITE LAUNCHED

WILO UK HAS LAUNCHED THE PUMP Exchange (www.thepumpexchange. co.uk), a website designed to provide customers with quick and simple pump replacement guidance for a range of applications, including circulation, multistage, borehole, drainage and sewage.

With over 8000 pumps in the system, The Pump Exchange provides the most suitable Wilo pump replacement for both existing older Wilo pumps, and alternatives to other brands. Users of the site start by selecting the existing pump type and then choose the pump’s brand. A product name checkbox then lists all registered pumps from that brand. On selecting the existing pump by name, all information including the recommended replacement pump, its technical description and fitting accessory details are displayed. Depending on the pump, several replacement options may appear, and for each option, an exchange proposal document can be downloaded.

AEV SECURES MAJOR UK GOVERNMENT RESEARCH CONTRACT

AEV, A MANUFACTURER OF electrically insulating resins, varnishes and compounds, has won a project bid as part of a Government assisted scheme from the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC).

The Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) provides funding support to accelerate the industrialisation of technologies which will help realise net-zero emission vehicles within the automotive sector.

AEV will be working on the project alongside Saietta a specialist in propulsion motors for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Brandauer a leader in precision stamping and progression tooling.

Saietta has engineered a breakthrough in propulsion motors for electric vehicles (EVs). The company’s Axial Flux Traction (AFT) design is, patent protected and modular, meaning solutions can be provided from scooters to buses.

The global reaction to AFT has been extremely positive across multiple EV product sectors and beyond into marine and wind turbines. To fully capitalise on the commercial opportunity, it is vitally important that Saietta fast-tracks the AFT technology to mass production.

DERITEND SIGNS IESA PARTNERSHIP DEAL

DERITEND GROUP HAS BEEN announced as a preferred supplier to procurement specialist, IESA in a deal that could be worth up to £1m per year. The company has completed the quality assurance exercise required to be listed in the Motor and Gearbox category.

This means the firm will now be part of the global outsourcing specialist’s central list of suppliers that companies like Astra Zeneca, Bentley, 2 Sisters Food Group, Michelin and Molson Coors use for their maintenance, repair and operational (MRO) requirements.

It is the result of a year-long discussion, several assessments and the creation of a specialist team to respond to enquiries within 24 hours and provide immediate technical support and access to industryleading equipment and solutions.

Richard Hale, CEO of Deritend Group, commented: “This is a big moment for our business and one that will hopefully lead to lots of new opportunities for us across multiple sectors.

“It’s a really good fit as IESA is looking to offer more than just products and want suppliers who can deliver solutions, something we are experts in. Our experience in motors, gearboxes and pumps is second to none and we have a team of engineers ready to meet emergency repair requirements and provide advice on getting the most out of these vital pieces of equipment.”

Neil Jackson, Supplier Relationship Manager at IESA, added: “Our customers span a wide variety of industries and we need suppliers who have experience in all of these areas.

“Deritend meets this requirement and, importantly, can help us add value to our clients by providing technical advice that could overcome a production issue, achieve greater efficiencies and also reduce their costs.”