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54 AGGREKO UPSCALES BATTERY INVESTMENT TO $200M TO SUPPORT THE ENERGY TRANSITION
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BATTERY MANUFACTURING: THE EMERGING GLOBAL SCENARIO
When it comes to electric mobility and green energy, the world has enough battery capacity, says Milton D’Silva.
the global battery manufacturing scenario is complex and rapidly evolving, thanks to the gradual shift towards electrical mobility on one hand, and decarbonisation of electricity on the other. consequently, the demand for batteries – the secondary, rechargeable type – is increasing. though there are many different types of batteries, when it comes to electric vehicles (e V) or battery energy storage systems (beSS), the preferred type is the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, widely considered to be the most energy efficient. the Li-ion battery boasts a round trip efficiency of over 80%, which means the loss of energy is just about 20% or less. During charging, Li-ion batteries reach almost 100% capacity, which in case of conventional lead-acid batteries peaks at 85%.
there are two broad types of Li-ion batteries based on the chemistries used – Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) and Nickel Manganese cobalt (NMc ). the LFP is known for higher safety and is hence more commonly used, while NMc is the choice for higher energy density requirements.
With the rapid scaling up of the eV ecosystem globally –estimates suggest over 18% of new cars sold globally are eVs – the demand for batteries is increasing; and hence the urgency to scale up battery manufacturing capacities. A 2019 McKinsey study had projected a market size of 2.6 t Wh and yearly growth of 25 percent by 2030. However, a more recent, 2023 study by the same firm predicts that the Li-ion battery chain, from mining through recycling, could grow by over 30 percent annually from 2022 to 2030 to reach a value of more than $400 billion and a market size of 4.7 t Wh.
According to the Global battery Alliance (GbA), batteries will be a major driver in reducing the carbon footprint of the transport and power sectors through the use of electric vehicles and renewable energy. the GbA is a public-private
Siemens recently joined the Global Battery Alliance to accelerate development of the sustainable battery industry. Image source: Siemens Press
collaboration platform founded in 2017 at the World economic Forum to help establish a sustainable battery value chain. It brings together 170 leading international organisations, NGOs, industry actors, academics and multiple governments in order to drive systemic change along the entire value chain. In order to help companies and governments, the GbA in 2020 designed 10 guiding principles for the creation of a sustainable battery chain by 2030. the 10 principles are clubbed under three broad guidelines:
• establish a circular battery value chain as a major driver to achieve the Paris Agreement
• establish a low carbon economy in the value chain, create new jobs and additional economic value, and
• Safeguard human rights and economic development consistent with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Against this backdrop, it would be interesting to examine the current status of battery manufacturing in the three main regional markets of the world – the United States, europe and Asia.
before proceeding to do that, a brief look at the battery manufacturing ecosystem could help.
The battery manufacturing ecosystem Manufacturing high energy, high capacity batteries is like solving a jigsaw puzzle – every piece must fall in a precise place to make the whole. the end product is the result of assembling many different parts made from a variety of raw materials chosen carefully to provide the optimum result.
the process of battery manufacturing involves several steps and requirements, which is roughly divided in three phases:
1. Upstream – Raw Materials: the process begins with mining raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, manganese, nickel, and graphite. these are minerals extracted by countries that have large deposits, e.g., Africa, Australia and South America.
2. Midstream – Processing: the raw materials are then refined and purified into cathode and anode active battery materials. Most of the processing is done in Asian countries presently, mainly in china.
3. Downstream – Assembly : t he battery cells are assembled into modules, the modules assembled into packs, and packs into batteries ready for use in eVs or for energy storage.
Some challenges to manufacturing eV batteries include:
• Supply chain constraints – the need for specific materials, tight tolerances, and high volumes can make it difficult to manage the supply chain.
• Manufacturing complexities – the complexity of the components can make it difficult to maintain consistent quality, efficiency, and reliability.
• Technological advancements – Standard production processes may still be in development or optimisation stages.
Not all battery manufacturing plants globally are vertically integrated to undertake all these operations at one site. In fact many plants are simply doing the assembly by sourcing processed materials from china and other Asian countries.
The US battery landscape
Globally, china, europe and the US are the three biggest automobile markets that account for 60% of all passenger cars. According to the statistics compiled by the World resources Institute, china is leading eV adoption at double the rate of the global average. While europe is a little above the global average when it comes to preference for eVs, the US is lagging behind. A JD Power survey terms the US situation as the ’Divided States of e V Adoption’ with reference to the wide difference between the top 10 states and bottom 10 states of USA. While eV sales in the top states are growing steadily, those in the bottom 10 are actually declining. According to a bbc report, the low adoption is mainly due to three factors that may be termed as the ’Abc of low adoption’ – Affordability, battery charging infrastructure, and choice of suitable model or the lack of it. Americans traditionally have preferred large muscular cars and SUVs and also suffer from the phenomenon of ’range
The shovel ceremony – groundbreaking at Amplify Cell Technologies’ Marshall County site in Mississippi. Image source: Amplify
anxiety’. this is the fear of the eV running out of charge even when the distance an average car covers in a day is much less than what a fully charged eV can cover. regardless of these factors, analysts believe that eV sales in the US, as elsewhere, would increase, albeit slowly, in what is one of the largest automobile markets globally.
While it is difficult to pinpoint exactly when did the US start manufacturing e V batteries on scale, until 2019 it had only two battery manufacturing plants. Available information suggests it was Ford Motors that was engaged in manufacturing mid-to-large size battery packs for eVs in the late 1990s. these were either lead-acid batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries (NiMH) developed for the Ford ranger eV, a compact pickup truck. this was the first all-electric production vehicle Ford built in 1998 and was in production just for 4 years, until 2002. General Motors released its chevy bolt plug-in Hybrid in 2010 using batteries developed with technology from the US Department of energy. b etween these two developments, tesla – the company formed in 2003, launched its first car, the roadster Sports in 2008. It was the first street legal eV in the US to use a lithium-ion battery pack, assembled from cylindrical cells manufactured by Panasonic corporation of Japan. In 2014, Panasonic, thanks to its association with tesla, was the first to announce a large-scale battery manufacturing plant for lithium-ion batteries, at the tesla Gigafactory at Nevada.
the real impetus for domestic battery manufacturing in the US was however provided by the supply chain crisis during covid. Automakers then realised how dependent they were on china for building their eVs and equipping them with the appropriate battery packs.
In May 2021, Ford and SK Innovation of South Korea signed a MoU to create a joint venture to produce approximately 60 GWh annually in traction battery cells and array modules, with potential for further expansion. A year later, in May 2022, Hyundai Motor Group announced it has entered into an agreement with the State of Georgia to build its first dedicated all-electric vehicle and battery manufacturing facilities in the US. Already a significant player in the North American eV market, the Hyundai Group aims to become one of the top three eV manufacturers by 2026. thus began the gradual movement in the US for onshoring the eV supply chain, including the batteries. these early efforts received a massive boost when the Inflation reduction Act (IrA) was signed into law in August 2022, which opened the doors further for more investments to follow. According to benchmark Mineral Intelligence, a market intelligence publisher for the lithium ion battery to electric vehicle (eV) supply chain, the IrA has led to over $110 billion of capital investments announced for clean energy manufacturing projects, including over $70 billion towards eV and battery supply chains across the US.
In October 2022, Our Next energy (ONe), a battery startup, announced plans to build a gigafactory in Michigan devoted to LFP cells. the scope of the plant, supported by a $200 million grant from the state of Michigan, includes raw material refinement, cathode materials production, and cell and battery manufacturing.
In November 2022, Norwegian company FreYr battery, a developer of clean, next-generation battery cell production capacity, announced coweta county in Georgia as the site for its Giga America battery plant. the initial phase of Giga America is planned to be a cell production module of approximately 34 GWh based on the SemiSolid™ technology of FreYr’s US-based licensing partner, 24M at an initial projected capital cost of $1.7 billion, with more investments in the pipeline. Upon completion of all the contemplated construction phases, the Giga America complex is expected to be one of the largest battery cell manufacturing developments globally.
In June 2023, 6K energy, a division of 6K and leader in the sustainable production of critical materials for lithiumion batteries, broke ground in Jackson, tennessee for the construction of the world’s first sustainable multi-chemistry cathode manufacturing plant scheduled to open in Q3, 2024. “Our PluscAM facility is the world’s most sustainable process that fulfills the need for domestically sourced lowcost battery material for our nation’s critical infrastructure, grid storage, and electric vehicles,” said 6K energy President Sam trinch.
In September 2023, Swedish producer of lithium-ion batteries, Northvolt, announced plans to open its first
gigafactory in North America, thanks to the incentives promised by the IrA. the estimated project cost of over $7 billion will be split between Northvolt ($3 billion) with local and federal governments contributing around $4 billion.
Also in September 2023, three companies – Accelera, the zero-emissions business unit of cummins Inc; Daimler trucks & buses US Holding LLc; and PAccAr – announced they are partnering to accelerate and localise battery cell production and the battery supply chain in the US. the planned joint venture, Amplify cell technologies, will manufacture battery cells for electric commercial vehicles and industrial applications at the Marshall county site in Mississippi, creating highly desirable US manufacturing jobs in the growing clean technology sector. total investment is expected to be in the range of $2-3 billion for the 21-gigawatt hour (GWh) factory.
According to figures presented by Statista r esearch Department in June 2024, the capacity of the battery manufacturing industry in the United States in 2022 amounted to 90 gigawatt-hours, and increased to 114 gigawatt-hours in 2023. this is estimated to grow five-fold between 2023 and 2030, reaching almost one terawatt-hour of battery manufacturing capacity that year.
The scenario in Europe
In europe, the Directorate-General for climate Action (DG cLIMA) leads the european commission’s efforts to fight climate change domestically and at international level. the organisation believes that transport is responsible for onequarter of all greenhouse gas emissions in the eU, and road transport makes up 70% of that amount, primarily from petrol and diesel cars. As a result, in order to cut emissions, the eU in 2023 adopted a law to make all new cars and vans sold in europe zero-emission from 2035. europe, as
Drone photo of the Morrow gigafactory. Image source: Morrow Newsroom
mentioned earlier in this article, is a little above the global average in eV adoption and this move will further accelerate the growth of eVs in the continent. In fact Norway boasts the highest eV adoption rate in the world, with 82% of new car sales registered in 2003 being eVs. this rapid electrification of mobility in europe also calls for a massive expansion of battery manufacturing capacities.
Fortunately, the european commission had launched the european battery Alliance in October 2017, anticipating the trends and movement towards clean mobility. With an estimated annual market value of €250 billion from 2025, the european commission had realised the imperative for a clean energy transition and a competitive industry with a complete domestic battery value chain.
Samsung SDI is one of the earliest foreign companies to manufacture batteries in europe and the first one in
Hungary. the company which was founded in South Korea in 1970 to manufacture vacuum tubes for b&W t Vs owned a cathode ray tube factory at Göd in Hungary which it decided to turn into a battery manufacturing plant in 2016. After its inauguration in 2017, Samsung SDI added a second plant in 2019 at the same location, and by early 2022 had a total production of 40 GWh/year. the company manufactures prismatic battery cells in Hungary that are used by several eV manufacturers like bMW, Volkswagen and Stellantis. It is now in the process of setting up a third plant, reportedly for cylindrical cells that could be supplied to bMW and/or Hyundai according to informed sources.
Another Korean company, LG electronics, formed LG energy Solution Wrocław in Poland in 2016. today it has become europe’s largest and the world’s leading producer of lithiumion batteries for the automotive industry. based in biskupice Podgórne, Poland, the plant covers an area of about 100 ha,
with tens of modern production lines. LG energy Solution Wrocław manufactures all battery elements up to the product ready for installation in a car, in the process making Poland the european leader in the industry. With a current capacity of 86 GWh, the batteries produced in this facility are used in eVs of such automotive giants as Audi, bMW, Fiat, Ford, Porsche and Volkswagen.
In 2021, Northvolt Ab, a Swedish battery manufacturer, commissioned its first gigafactory, Northvolt ett, in Skellefteå, Sweden. Northvolt ett – a lithium-ion battery gigafactory –is touted as europe’s first homegrown response to explore opportunities and fulfill needs of an electric world. the project was financed by the european Investment bank (eIb) and supported by the european Fund for Strategic Investments (eFSI). In early 2024, the eIb announced further lending to the Northvolt gigafactory for further expansion, which is expected to increase the annual output capacity for battery production to up to 60 GWh. According to the eIb, the deal is the largest green loan raised in europe to date and will facilitate the creation of a fully integrated circular battery production facility that has not previously existed outside Asia.
In April 2023, elevenes, the pioneer in LFP cathode battery technology, announced the opening of the first industrial facility dedicated to LFP battery cell production in europe. elevenes, backed by eIt Innoenergy, is leading battery innovation in europe with its new production site, located in Subotica, Serbia. the company specialises in producing high-quality LFP prismatic cells for use across a variety of applications, including electric cars, buses, trucks, and energy storage systems. the industrial facility will expand to become the company’s Mega-Factory by late 2024, producing 500MWh. elevenes’s roadmap over the next five years includes operating two Gigafactories at a combined capacity of 48GWh – equivalent to the energy needed for one million electric cars annually.
In mid-August 2024, Norwegian battery startup Morrow batteries opened its first battery cell production site in southern Norway, with deliveries expected to begin by the end of the year. “ this is a hugely important day in Norwegian industrial history and a testament to the bold vision and risktaking spirit of our founders and the dedication of our diverse team of Morrowers, now consisting of 200 individuals from 34 nationalities,” said Lars christian bacher, ceO of Morrow batteries. Founded in 2020, Morrow is fully european owned, the owners include Siemens, Abb, the Danish pension fund PKA, the Norwegian state’s climate investment company Nysnø climate Investments, Norwegian environmental company Noah AS, and the Norwegian renewable energy company Å energy. the first european GWh manufacturer of prismatic LFP batteries, Morrow claims its products offer top-tier safety features, extended cycle life and a low carbon footprint. the company plans to produce 43-gigawatt hours annually from 2028.
The Asian dominance
When it comes to Asia, batteries with a total capacity of one terawatt hour ( t Wh) were manufactured in 2023 for use across eVs, energy storage and consumer electronics, with three-quarters of these made in china. the Asian dominance in batteries is actually the chinese dominance, the country alone producing enough batteries at the moment to cater to the global demand. Six of the top 10 global battery manufacturers are chinese companies. these include:
One of the largest battery manufacturers in china, cAtL was formed in 2011 in the chinese city of Nindge, but has its roots in AtL, which was founded in 1999. cAtL has grown rapidly by investing heavily in r&D and by 2017 became the world’s largest manufacturer of lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles. cAtL batteries are used in passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, construction machinery, electric ships, and electric commercial aircraft. Its global market share in 2022 was a humongous 34% with a reported capacity of 191.6 GWh.
2. BYD Co – established in 1995 as a manufacturer of different types of batteries, the company diversified in manufacturing automobiles in 2003 and has since grown to become the world’s largest manufacturer of battery electric vehicles (beVs) and the second largest manufacturer of eV batteries after cAtL. the company is engaged in diversified businesses but automobiles and batteries contribute over 80% to its revenue.
3. China Aviation Lithium Battery Co Ltd (CALB) –
Founded in 2007, cALb started as part of the Aviation Industry corporation of china (AVIc) but was spun of in 2021 and has grown to become the third largest battery manufacturer in china after c AtL and bYD, with over 10% market share. A leading player in the global lithium battery industry, cALb caters to the requirements of diverse sectors such as electric vehicles, energy storage systems, aerospace applications, and more.
Other leading chinese battery manufacturers are Gotion High-tech, Sunwoda electronic co and Farasis energy.
Other than china, South Korea is also a major manufacturer of batteries in Asia. As per Invest KOreA, South Korea’s national investment promotion agency, the country is the world’s second-largest battery producer, accounting for 21% of the world’s electric vehicle battery (including energy storage systems) capacity (as of 2021). the country has globally competitive manufacturers of finished battery products, and is also performing well in anode and cathode materials. the three main producers of batteries, components and allied systems in South Korea are LG chem, Samsung SDI and SK Innovation.
For a host of reasons like the reluctance of most automakers to go for all electric vehicles and preference for hybrid electric vehicles, Japan did not invest in eV battery manufacturing capacities until now. Ironically, Panasonic is a major producer of batteries outside Japan and a supplier to tesla. but all that
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is going to change now as Japan has recently approved $2.4 billion aid for eV battery projects. Most of this funding will go to toyota, Nissan and Panasonic to increase Japan’s annual battery production capacity by 50%, from 80 GWh to 120 GWh.
Indonesia and India are the two other countries with firm plans for manufacturing batteries on a large scale. Indonesia recently opened its first battery cell production facility at Karawang in West Java, which is owned by HLI Green Power, a joint venture between LG energy Solution and Hyundai Motor Group. the plant has an annual capacity of 10 gigawatt hours (GWh) of battery cells, which is enough to power 150,000 electric vehicles. Indonesia also has signed an agreement with cAtL of china to develop an eV ecosystem in the country.
India has made a beginning by putting a policy framework in place with the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for manufacturing batteries on scale. currently the country imports most of its requirements. With the PLI Advanced c hemistry cell (Acc ) scheme for battery production initiated in 2021, the government has already allocated 30 GWh of the proposed 50 GWh, with a gestation period of two years. India’s largest company, reliance Industries Ltd, with businesses spanning oil refining, petrochemicals, gas, retail, and telecommunications, is setting up a Gigafactory at its Jamnagar location for manufacturing batteries for e Vs and storage systems. the company has secured 5 GWh capacity under PLI Acc scheme and is bidding for an additional 10 GWh. When completed, the Gigafactory will feature an annual capacity of 30 GWh, positioning it among the largest battery manufacturing facilities in India. Other bidders under the scheme are major industry players such as AcMe cleantech Solutions, Amara raja Advanced cell technologies, Anvi Power Industries, JSW Neo energy, Lucas t VS, and Waaree energies. Apart from that, automakers Maruti-Suzuki and tata Motors are also in the fray.
Summing up
that brings to the fore the question, can europe and America challenge the global domination of Asia in the battery manufacturing ecosystem? From the preceding paragraphs it becomes obvious this is not going to happen in a hurry. Globally, including in china, the battery manufacturing industry has flourished and thrived on government and institutional support, backed by massive r&D efforts and a robust supply chain and assured supply of raw materials. china has stolen a march over europe and the US on all these parameters, especially in the last 15 years, and is now comfortably perched on the top by a wide margin. Another important factor is that not all the commitments made by the government backed initiatives in the US and europe are going to end in actual production for the capacities announced. So does this mean it is going to be a continued case of china dominating the battery value chain?
the jury is still out on this. With technology evolving rapidly, the quest for new solutions continues unabated. Sodium-ion batteries are a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries for e Vs, even as there are certain limitations like lower
energy density and slower charge/discharge cycles. Another promising technology is solid-state batteries which promise a more economical and safer alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries. A technological breakthrough may well change the equation, as solid-state batteries promise three to four times as much energy density as batteries with liquid electrolytes. then there is the emerging hydrogen economy with the promise of fuel cell electric vehicles (FceVs) and synthetic fuels that could well substitute fossil fuels. One thing is clear though – when it comes to electric mobility and green energy, the world has enough battery capacity to embrace both!
Discover how FPT Industrial is driving innovation in the Middle East’s power generation market with cutting-edge technology, a commitment to carbon neutrality, and strategic partnerships.
FPt Industrial is a world-leading Iveco Group brand specialized in the design, production, and sale of powertrains and solutions for on- and off-road vehicles, as well as marine and power generation applications. With a diverse range of engines, transmissions, and axles, FPt Industrial leads in sustainability, offering the most comprehensive lineup of natural gas engines, electric drivelines, and advanced energy solutions, including biomethane, hydrogen, and HVOs, driving the path toward net-zero emissions.
Focus on the Middle East power generation market the Middle east is a key market for FPt Industrial. In April this year, FPt Industrial expanded its extensive engine line-up for power generation with the launch of the new 4-cylinder G-Drive r24. Originally planned to be unveiled alongside the cUrSOr 13 model at Middle east energy in Dubai—the Middle east and Africa’s most comprehensive energy exhibition, which was cancelled due to exceptionally inclement weather—the new G-Drive r24 offers an effective solution for emergency and prime power applications in the 20 to 40 kVA range.
New R24: High-performance in a compact package t he r 24 is FP t Industrial’s new engine in the lowdisplacement power generation field. It comes as a compact four-cylinder G-Drive, complete with engine, radiator, and air filter for a limited footprint. Single-side servicing facilitates and speeds up maintenance activities. Featuring a simple and reliable mechanical pump, the r24 engine platform is available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged models, covering power outputs from 20 kVA to 40 kVA. the new r24 delivers excellent transient load response for any stand-by and prime application. the flexibility to switch between 50 Hz to 60 Hz offers efficient stock management for customers.
R24 Technical Specifications
• engine Displacement (l): 2.4
• cylinder Arrangement: in-line 4
• Maximum Genset Prime Power: 38 kVA @ 50 Hz
• Maximum Genset Standby Power: 42 kVA @ 50 Hz
• emissions Standard: Unregulated / Stage 3A
Path to Carbon Neutrality
conscious of the responsibilities deriving from being a leading manufacturer of engines, FPt Industrial has decided to take the path of sustainability in a global and factual manner. the company is moving steadily towards the net-zero carbon emissions target with a comprehensive
approach that not only includes its plants, products, and processes, but also other potentially carbon-emitting activities, such as its attendance at major international fairs.
A carbon footprint project has been included in the sustainability plan within FPt Industrial responsibility. the carbon footprint project is aimed to identify improvement to the product from concept to design, including machining, assembling, manufacturing process, maintenance, remanufacturing, recycle and dismission.
Francesca rinaldi, Product Manager for Power Generation, FPt Industrial, says that sustainability is a constant focus of everything the company does. “ through our r&D centers, we are one of the world’s key players in the research for sustainable propulsion and power generation solutions. We are strongly committed to reducing the environmental impact of all our processes, products, plants, and even the booth at the trade fairs where we exhibit. Starting at Agritechnica 2023, and following the results of research performed alongside Polytechnic University of Milan, we designed a brand-new, 100% sustainable booth. this study analysed the booth’s global carbon footprint by taking into consideration transportation of materials, goods and people, energy consumption during the fair, and set-up and dismantling, to name just some factors. For example, all the materials needed to build the booth were transported from Italy to Hanover, and back, by a fleet of IVecO S-Way trucks, powered by FPt Industrial cUrSOr 13 NG engines fuelled by bio-LNG supplied by Shell, helping to drive emissions down towards zero. After every exhibition, FPt Industrial verifies the residual emissions to offset them through the purchase of certified carbon credits.”
Staying in the field of zero emission solutions, FPt Industrial considers electricity to be an excellent alternative energy source. A dedicated ePowertrain department has been in place at FPt Industrial since 2018, while in October 2022, the company opened the ePowertrain Plant in turin, the Iveco Group’s first carbon neutral, Industry 4.0 Plant.
Partnership with LONGEN POWER
In April, FPt Industrial and LONGeN POWer entered into a comprehensive cooperation agreement to expand into global power equipment markets. According to the agreement, over the next three years, FPt Industrial will supply engines for LONGeN POWer ’s gensets, and the companies will work together to promote the application and development of gensets and industrial power equipment in the global market.
LONGeN POWer is a professional manufacturer of gensets and industrial power equipment integrating r&D, design, manufacturing, sales and service. Since 2017, LONGeN POWer has successfully marketed hundreds of gensets paired with FPt Industrial engines in a large number of export markets in europe, America, and the Asia-Pacific region, achieving a good commercial response.
together, the companies form a winning pair, ready to supply reliable and environmentally friendly solutions to global markets in order to ensure energy security.
As a world leader in industrial powertrains and solutions, FPt Industrial is dedicated to serving its customers on all continents and in all sectors. Over 8,000 people across ten production sites and ten r &D centers worldwide work for FPt Industrial to deliver the best, most effective and sustainable solutions to any propulsion and power generation requirement.
www.fptindustrial.com
Francesca Rinaldi, Product Manager for Power Generation, FPT Industrial
HBK UNVEILS NEW FUSION-LN DAQ TECHNOLOGY AT AT&D SHOW
Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (HBK) officially launched Fusion-LN, the latest breakthrough in sound and vibration measurement, at the Aerospace Test and Development show (AT&D) in Tolouse, France.
HbK marked their participation at the event with the debut of the brand-new data acquisition tool, as Anders Klingberg, Head of Solution Portfolio for Sound & Vibration unveiled Fusion-LN. the announcement was also live streamed, with a recording of the event available to be viewed on LinkedIn.
built on the foundation of LAN-XI, Fusion-LN sets a new industry standard with double its predecessor’s sample rate and adds OpenDAQ for integration flexibility. A solution for a broad spectrum of applications, Fusion-LN combines superior quality, exceptional durability and unwavering reliability, excelling both in the field and in the lab.
Features of Fusion-LN include
• High-quality signal conditioning and precise analogueto-digital conversion, ensuring accurate and reliable measurement data
• Versatility to support a wide range of measurement types, including acoustic, vibration, and structural dynamics measurements
• compact, lightweight modules suitable for stationary and mobile measurements
• Up to 1000+ channels
• A single local area network (LAN) cable for Power over ethernet (Poe), data and Precision time Protocol (PtP) synchronisation
• b ackwards compatible with previous versions of b K connect®, tescia, and PULSe™ LabShop
• OpenDAQ compliant
• Doubled processing power and bandwidth compared to legacy data acquisition hardware
Fusion-LN will be of particular interest for those in the aerospace & defence, telecom, audio, industrial and automotive sectors who are looking for a DAQ that is flexible, future-proof and easy to use. For more information about Fusion-LN
www.hbkworld.com
UFI HYDROGEN UNVEILS GAME-CHANGING TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE GREEN HYDROGEN AND CLEAN ENERGY AT AUTOMECHANIKA
Now, with the establishment of UFI Hydrogen, a new company, the group is driving forward the green revolution with innovative solutions designed to decarbonise the economy.
UFI Filters, renowned as a leading company in the fields of filtration and thermal management, is presenting its technological innovations for the hydrogen sector at Automechanika in Frankfurt from 10 to 14 September 2024 – marking their european launch.
Founded in 1971 in the Italian province of Verona, the company is an established name and leader in filtration for the car, heavy-duty and agriculture markets. 95% of light vehicle manufacturers worldwide, including the major German car brands, rely on filter and thermal management systems from the UFI Filters Group, as do the manufacturers of 50% of the heavy-duty vehicles produced globally. UFI’s product portfolio already includes air, oil, fuel, cabin, hydraulic and coolant filters, as well as heat exchangers for combustion engines, electric and hybrid vehicles.
Now, with the establishment of UFI Hydrogen, a new company, the group is driving forward the green revolution with innovative solutions designed to decarbonise the economy.
A commitment to sustainable innovation
UFI Hydrogen, founded in 2023, focuses on the development of Membrane electrode Assemblies (MeAs) with catalyst coated Membranes (ccMs), crucial for Proton exchange Membrane (PeM) electrolysers. these MeAs enable efficient production of green hydrogen and its conversion into electricity, which can be used in various applications beyond fuel cells, including power generation, industrial processes and even domestic energy supply
UFI Filters has been researching and developing products related to the use of hydrogen in fuel cells and the associated filtration requirements since 2017. this year, UFI Hydrogen was the only Italian company to be included in the IP ce I (Important Project of common european Interest) Hy2Move programme. Under this programme, the european commission is supporting projects promoting hydrogen mobility.
UFI Hydrogen is continuously developing its M e A technology. At the same time, the company is promoting the cost-efficient production and utilisation of green hydrogen, as well as the development of green fuels for the next generation of green mobility.
www.ufifilters.com
WORLD FIRST: INAUGURATION OF ALL-ELECTRIC FURNACE FOR GLASS PACKAGING INDUSTRY
Verallia has inaugurated the world’s largest all-electric furnace, designed by Fives for the glass packaging industry at its plant in Cognac, France.
Verallia, the world’s third largest glass packaging producer, and Fives signed a strategic partnership in 2022 that enabled the glass manufacturer to reduce its carbon emissions towards greener glass manufacturing. the result is a new all-electric furnace that represents a breakthrough in the production of flint and extra-flint glass. the new furnace was officially inaugurated on September 10, 2024 in cognac.
the new technology - Prium® e-Melt, developed by Fives, is one of the most advanced technologies available to significantly reduce cO2 emissions at plant level. the furnace which produces 180 tonnes of glass per day, equivalent to 300,000 bottles, is used in particular for flagship cognac brands. It makes it the largest electric furnace for the glass packaging industry in the world.
Carbon footprint
the new furnace reduces cO2 emissions by 60% at plant level, emitting between 12,000 and 14,000 tonnes of cO2 per year, compared to traditional gas furnaces, which emit 30,000 tonnes per year. It also improves energy efficiency: around 95% of the energy is used directly in glass production. the project was supported by ADeMe, the French Agency for ecological transition, as part of the ’France 2030’ investment plan.
the inauguration of the new electric furnace in cognac reaffirms the decarbonisation strategy of both companies, which aim to operate sustainably and optimise manufacturing processes through constant innovation.
www.fivesgroup.com
KONTRON INTRODUCES THE K9051-C741 ATX
Powerful and scalable industrial server motherboard for AI and industrial applications.
Kontron has launched the K9051- c 741, a serverclass At X motherboard for scalable 4th and 5th generation Intel® Xeon® processors. Featuring the Intel® c741 chipset and supporting Intel® LGA4677 socket processors with 350W tDP and up to 768Gb of memory, the motherboard is ideally suited for demanding AI applications.
the K9051- c 741 At X is the ideal choice for memoryintensive applications in continuous operation, supporting processors with up to 64 cores and eight memory channels. Its high expandability and integrated Intel® X710 10 Gbe dual LAN with teaming function set new standards for demanding network applications in medical technology, data centres and high-performance computing.
Designed for industrial, imaging, medical, AI and robotics applications, the system addresses the growing demand for high-core and high memory throughput computing platforms. the 5th generation Intel® Xeon® processors, equipped with AI accelerators such as Intel® AMX, provide optimised performance for deep learning applications.
the Kontron K9051- c741 supports DDr5 memory with speeds up to 5600 Mt/s rDIMM and capacities up to 768 Gb. Five PcIe Gen 5 expansion slots allow for future expansion, while advanced thermal management and Open b M c integration ensure efficient management and maintenance. Following its launch in North America, the motherboard is now available in eMeA.
www.kontron.com
CIP SAFETY™ MODULE ENABLES ABB DRIVES
• CIP Safety™ plug-in module for ACS380, ACS580 and ACS880 series VFDs
• Features safe functions: Safe Torque Off (STO) and Safe Stop 1, time controlled (SS1-t)
• Ready-made safety functions, no need for separate safety configuration in the drive
ABB introduces its CIP Safety™ FSCS-21 Function Module compatible with its ACS380 (Machin-ery), ACS580 (General Purpose) and ACS880 (Industrial) series of drives.
Abb introduces its c IP Safety™ FS c S-21 Function Module compatible with its AcS380 (Machin-ery), AcS580 (General Purpose) and AcS880 (Industrial) series of drives. certified by tUV, this easy-to-use, compact plug-in safety module enables seamless integration of Abb drives into a cIP Safety™ network with any cIP Safety™ PLc
the module features two built-in safety functions: Safety torque Off (StO) and Safe Stop 1, time controlled (SS1-t), which meet machinery safety requirements up to SIL3/ Ple. these ready-made safety functions require no special parameterization, software, or safety password – simply define the safety network number and e therNet/IP™ communication settings and start running your ap-plication. Additional features include support for DLr ring networks and predefined safety and non-safety add-on instructions for advanced PLc integration.
“You can now easily and seamlessly integrate Abb drives of different types and sizes in your cIP Safety™ network to ensure the safety of your machinery or processes,” says Adam bainbridge, Manager of Product Management, Industrial & Machinery at Abb Drive Product Division.
to learn more, visit: https://new.abb.com/drives/ connectivity/cip-safety-function-module-fscs-21
www.abb.com
DONALDSON LAUNCHES DALAMATIC G2 SMART DUST COLLECTOR TO REDUCE COSTS
AND DOWNTIME WHILE BOOSTING
SERVICEABILITY
The Donaldson Dalamatic G2 Smart dust collector offers low ownership costs, reduced downtime, and easier maintenance due to its modular design, minimizing filter service requirements and allowing for easy expansion or adjustment.
the Donaldson Dalamatic G2 Smart dust collector is based on the design of the hugely popular, original Dalamatic baghouse dust collector, which has been in use for over half a century. With the global launch of the Dalamatic G2 Smart for the US, eMeA, and APAc regions, Donaldson is including many advances to help tackle even the most challenging dust applications, with a focus on simple installation, improved serviceability, and lower total cost of ownership ( tcO).
the Dalamatic G2 Smart includes high modularity, allowing for easier installation and the ability to expand or upgrade systems. the pre-assembled units come with pre-installed bags for a plug-and-play set-up that can be tailored to a site’s requirements. each symmetric module stacks seamlessly, offering a high degree of customisation and the ability to support future expansion and modification to ensure longterm adaptability.
“Navigating the complexities of challenging dusts demands robust dust collection systems,” explains Iman Vezvaei, Donaldson product manager. “Moisture, for example, can transform dust into an obstacle, clogging equipment and halting filtration, leading to rapid site contamination. With manufacturing advancements, new dust challenges arise, making it crucial for dust collection technology to evolve in tandem and provide long-lasting solutions.”
“ this has been the essence of the Dalamatic G2 Smart design – as a symmetric, modular unit that enables easier installation, can tackle materials that create sticky or agglomerative dust, ensures longer working life, and is future-proofed.”
Service made simple
Improved ergonomics in maintenance are another feature of the Dalamatic G2 Smart with an easy filter change through the dirty air plenum and fixed insert clamps that reduce service time. the modular units feature easy-open hinged doors and access via the production (or dirty-air) side. the cage remains in the collector during filter changeouts, making replacements easier and lighter. compared to
legacy models, filter changeout times are reduced by up to 75%, with 20% fewer filters to replace.
Additional benefits of the Dalamatic G2 Smart design include an uncontaminated clean air plenum, which reduces cleaning requirements. A radial Seal filter and fixed cages further strengthen serviceability and halve the number of steps required to change a filter – reducing from 10 to 5.
Dura-Life™ bag filters are included, in a unique envelope shape to provide greater performance of the bag, which in turn helps to dislodge challenging dust cakes. these bag filters provide better surface loading and better pulse cleaning, reducing maintenance and operating costs.
Predictive and preventative maintenance is enabled through the integration of Donaldson icue™ connected Filtration technology, which tracks collector performance to deliver real-time analytics to help maximize uptime, increase maintenance efficiency, and manage critical compliance data.
Another step forward the Dalamatic G2 Smart is specifically for customers who appreciate reduced tcO and downtime. It is designed for those seeking an enhanced operational experience and optimized uptime, representing another significant advancement when it comes to capturing challenging dusts. As the manufacturing, agricultural, and material handling sectors become increasingly automated with new processes and equipment, the need for advanced dust collection grows. the Donaldson Dalamatic® G2 Smart dust collector ensures industries operate at peak efficiency and meet the demands of modern business head-on.
www.donaldson.com
DELTA PRESENTS NEXTGENERATION ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM IN CONTAINERIZED MODULAR DESIGN
New product focuses on anticipating industry challenges, enabling increased return on investment through cost savings and comprehensive risk management.
Delta, a global leader in power and energy management, introduces the new LFP battery system: a containerized energy storage system that is tailored for megawatt-scale energy storage applications such as solar energy shifting and ancillary services. this new battery system from Delta is designed to address challenges such as rising construction costs, limited space, and safety issues, while balancing the effort on site, risk management and long-term success.
Flexible energy storage solution combines efficiency with safety
the new battery system, housed in a standard 10-foot container, simplifies and shortens installation with its positioning tolerance and enclosed cable design. Key safety features include the use of LFP (lithium iron phosphate) cells, comprehensive monitoring of each individual battery cell, redundant sensors, fire-resistant materials, and a built-in sprinkler system. together, these safety features significantly reduce the risk of thermal runaway and provide robust system protection by ensuring a rapid response to potential fire hazards with effective prevention of heat spread.
Meeting challenges safely
“With the increasing scale of energy storage projects and the diversification of applications, owners’ expectations for installation efficiency and system completeness will continue to rise,” explains Jim chen, Vice General Manager of Delta’s energy System Solutions business. “Delta’s goal is to provide a battery system that takes into account a comprehensive range of relevant factors, including a balance between cost and safety. Accordingly, we can overcome challenges from planning to operation. this not only improves the rOI of our customers, but also considers sustainability and other social interests. the battery system not only reflects Delta’s accumulated experience in the field of energy storage, but also underlines our commitment
to make a valuable contribution to the continuous development of the industry,” adds Jim chen.
Key features of a containerized energy storage system the battery system sets new standards for flexibility, efficiency, and safety in the industrial environment. With capacity configurations ranging from 708 kWh to 7.78 MWh, the solution can be seamlessly integrated with site controllers, UPS and other system components. this flexibility optimizes space utilization, as no additional cabinets are required.
thanks to the ability to transport the entire container without removing the battery modules, the battery syste also enables efficient on-site operation: flexible dust connectors between the containers enable easy positioning and prevent redundant lifting. In addition, lateral cable entries eliminate the need to dig trenches, thus increasing the efficiency of installation and cabling. On-site installation without opening the battery compartment protects the system from moisture and dust.
Delta relies on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells as the central component for increased safety and longevity. each cell is comprehensively monitored for greater safety and a longer service life. Active protection mechanisms are an integral part of the system to minimize the risk of thermal runaway. Multiple environmental monitoring and protection features also enable a timely response to potential fires,
while fire-resistant materials and optional sprinkler systems control the spread of heat, limiting damage in the event of a disaster.
t he integrated proactive cell-balancing technology improves battery stability by performing dynamic cell balancing while charging and discharging to increase system discharge capacity. Delta’s advanced battery management system (bMS) ensures fast communication response and real-time data exchange to maintain the operational reliability of the system. redundant sensing and communications ensure that the system always remains controllable to safely achieve high performance. these technologies offer customers the opportunity to optimize their energy infrastructure and operate it in an efficient, safe and durable manner.
the Delta’s battery system series has completed UL 9540A certification and has received UL 1973, Iec 62619 (including thermal runaway), UN 38.3 and Iec 60730 certifications.
For more information about the Delta LFP battery container, please contact Delta or visit the website at: https://www. delta-emea.com/en-Gb/products/energy-Storage-Systems/ containerized-LFP%20battery%20system
delta-emea.com
YAMAHA MOTOR RELEASES NEW YK1200XG SCARA ROBOT AND RCX341 DEDICATED CONTROLLER
Achieving Industry-Leading Cycle Times with a 1,200mm Arm Length and a Maximum Payload of 50kg.
Yamaha Motor e urope announced has that it is expanding its ScArA robot YK-XG series with the addition of the YK1200XG model and will launch it alongside the rcX341 dedicated controller in October this year.
the YK1200XG is a ScArA robot designed for the assembly and transport of large and heavy objects. It features a 1,200mm arm length and achieves industry-leading cycle times with a maximum payload of 50kg.
the rcX341 dedicated controller, while maintaining the compact design of the previous rcX340, increases the maximum output current, providing stable support for the high-speed transport of heavy loads by the YK1200XG.
the YK-XG series ScAr A robots are characterized by a completely beltless structure, significantly reducing lost motion, and maintaining high precision over extended periods. Additionally, the direct connection of the end rotational axis to the reducer allows for high permissible inertia on the r-axis, enabling high-speed operation even with offset workpieces. With the addition of the YK1200XG, the lineup now spans a wide range, from 120mm to 1,200mm arm lengths, placing it among the industry’s topclass offerings.
Market Background
Yamaha Motor is a comprehensive small robot system supplier offering a wide range of products, including linear conveyors, single-axis robots, ScArA robots, vision systems, and controllers for automated production lines. Leveraging the company’s extensive lineup, it strives to enhance efficiency and quality in increasingly complex, diverse, and fast-paced production environments, providing the best solutions to meet our customers’ diverse needs.
Among these, since beginning the manufacturing and sale of ScArA robots in 1984, the company has taken initiatives to pursue both lower prices and performance in terms of
high speed and high-precision capability, working on the diffusion of robot products in a highly-competitive market.
the YK1200XG is designed to meet the growing global demand for automotive battery manufacturing processes, driven by the rise of electric mobility. As a result, it combines high operational performance and cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for handling weights of 20 to 50kg, the most frequently used range in automotive battery manufacturing and assembly transport lines.
YK1200XG Main Features
High Speed
the YK1200XG, with an arm length of 1,200mm and a maximum payload of 50kg, achieves one of the industry’s fastest standard cycle times for ScArA robots*. In addition to this standard cycle time, Yamaha Motor also emphasizes tact time in practical applications. b y reviewing the reduction ratio and the maximum motor rotation speed, Yamaha Motor has significantly increased the maximum speed compared to previous models. Additionally, the direct connection of the end rotational axis to the reducer ensures an overwhelmingly higher r-axis allowable inertia moment than typical structures that use reducers and belts, enabling high-speed operation even with offset workpieces.
*Based on SCARA robots with a 1,200mm arm length. September 2024, current Yamaha Motor data. Standard cycle time: 0.92 seconds (with a payload of 40kg).
Internal Structure Realizing High Rigidity
the Zr-axis direct coupling structure enables a completely beltless design. the beltless structure significantly reduces lost motion. It can be used for long periods without maintenance, eliminating concerns about belt damage, stretching, or aging.
RCX341 Main Features
High Output with Compact Design
based on the rcX340, known for its advanced functionality that enables high-level facility construction, the company has reviewed the internal structure of the controller and the inverter circuit. While the casing size remains the same at W355mm x H195mm x D130mm, the maximum output current has been increased. this supports high-speed handling of heavy objects.
the regenerative unit has also been designed to match the controller’s height and depth at W80mm x H195mm x D130mm, considering installation within the control panel.
www.yamaha-motor.com
ABB SIGNS MOU WITH EVE ENERGY TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE GREENFIELD BATTERY MANUFACTURING GLOBALLY
The companies will work together to enhance battery production operations, improve safety standards and deliver energy-efficient solutions in line with lithium battery demand.
Abb has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with eVe energy, a global lithium battery cell manufacturer, to support the development of new, sustainable lithium battery factories in locations worldwide. the agreement, founded on eVe’s ’Global Manufacturing, Global Delivery, Global cooperation’ capability system, aims to improve efficiency, meet project timelines, and enhance overall productivity and profitability, thereby addressing the evolving challenges and requirements in the lithium-ion battery manufacturing industry.
With eVe set to open new factories globally in the coming years, Abb will collaborate with its project teams for the design and construction and share its expertise in the greenfield battery manufacturing space. Abb will support eVe’s initiatives in line with its pillars for success: electrical, instrumentation, control and digital (eIcD) integration, Adaptive execution™, and efficient ongoing operations. According to the MoU, the two companies will also collaborate on research and development (r&D) and explore the supply of battery cells, modules and packs to Abb.
eVe has more than 23 years of experience in lithium battery innovation and an established presence in the Internet of things (Iot ) and energy sectors. the company’s product portfolio involves primary lithium batteries, small lithiumion batteries, power batteries and energy storage batteries. eVe is currently building its first european plant in Hungary to supply the region’s automotive sector and has plans in place for other sites, expanding on its existing footprint in china and the US.
the global lithium-battery manufacturing industry is evolving in response to increasing clean energy demands. Alongside this growth, the industry faces several challenges, including improving quality while reducing off-spec material, enhancing throughput, managing cost pressures and decreasing battery prices, and ensuring safety and environmental responsibility. Abb ’s Plant Optimization Methodology is designed to combat these challenges at project inception, helping to design, equip, and operationalize new plants for more efficient operations.
covering the entire battery manufacturing value chain, from materials sourcing to production and recycling, Abb’s end-to-end solutions include Abb Ability™ Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) and Abb Ability™ energy and Asset Manager, which provide comprehensive visibility and control over manufacturing processes and energy consumption. these tools will enable e Ve to optimize production, reduce energy usage, and ensure the highest quality standards.
new.abb.com
QUALCOMM AND ARAMCO LEAD INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION WITH
TRANSFORMATIVE
GENERATIVE AI IOT SOLUTIONS AT THE EDGE
Qualcomm Technologies, Aramco, and RDIA have announced generative AI solutions aimed at enhancing operational safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
At the Global AI Summit (GAIN), Qualcomm technologies and Aramco announced the initial deployment of Aramco’s first generative AI industrial Internet of things (Iot ) solutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—a significant milestone for digital transformation and industrial innovation in the companies’ broader strategic collaboration and aligning with Saudi Arabia’s research, Development and Innovation Authority’s (rDIA) mission to strengthen the national research, development, and innovation ecosystem.
this pioneering initiative includes three generative AIenabled industrial solutions:
• Factory Monitoring Solution: enhancing operational safety and efficiency, this solution utilizes on-device generative AI for advanced video security and surveillance, helping to provide real-time insights and predictive analytics to ensure optimal performance and safety.
• rapid response Solution: Featuring autonomous AI drones with generative AI flight control, this solution is designed to provide swift and effective responses to onsite incidents, utilizing on-device AI and computer vision to elevate situational awareness and mitigate operational disruptions.
• equipment Maintenance Solution: employing multimodal inputs and hybrid AI technologies with on-device and edge cloud AI processing, this solution revolutionizes maintenance practices. It uses generative AI-based workerassist technology to predict and prevent equipment failures, thereby optimizing performance and reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
“We are pleased to work with Qualcomm technologies to introduce these groundbreaking generative AI solutions in our industrial operations. this collaboration marks a significant step forward in our digital transformation
journey, helping to enhance our operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability,” stated Nabil Al Nuaim, senior vice president of digital & information technology, Aramco. “by utilizing advanced AI technologies, we aim to set new standards in the industry and reinforce our commitment to innovation and excellence.”
“We are excited to work with Aramco to help them bring these state-of-the-art generative AI solutions to the industrial sector, setting new benchmarks for industrial innovation and driving digital transformation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Nakul Duggal, group general manager, automotive, industrial and embedded Iot, and cloud computing, Qualcomm technologies, Inc. “ this represents an important step in our pursuit of boosting operational efficiencies and promoting sustainable development in the region.”
Also at GAIN, the companies announced the Design in Saudi Arabia—a new accelerator program to support AI and Iot startups to drive industrial innovation and digital transformation—as well as the world’s first processors with native support for 5G in 450MHz spectrum
www.qualcomm.com
METSO INTRODUCES UPGRADED LAROX® PF 60 SERIES PRESSURE FILTER AND NEW MACHINING UNIT AT FILTRATION TECHNOLOGY CENTER
The upgraded model significantly improves safety, process efficiency and dewatering capacity in mining and other process industry applications.
Metso is introduced the upgraded Larox® PF 60 series pressure filter at the opening ceremony of the new machining unit at the company’s Filtration technology center in Lappeenranta, Finland, on September 11, 2024.
“ the new version of the Larox® PF 60 series filter marks a step change in the technological development of tower filters. It significantly improves safety, process efficiency and dewatering capacity in mining and other process industry applications, thanks to its novel technological solutions. this upgraded model is fully automated to enable flexible operation for process variations and is future-ready for different plate pack configurations to provide consistent and homogenous filter cake with efficient solids wash,” says Jussi Venäläinen, Vice President of the Filtration business line at Metso.
the Larox® PF 60 series filter is part of Metso’s Planet Positive offering, thanks to its advanced features that decrease water and oil usage by up to 90% and 75%, respectively. In addition, it can reduce the need for installed electric power by 25%. the filter has a compact and open design, which translates to less floor space required and a significant improvement in ease of maintenance. the structure has also been upgraded to meet the latest seismic standards. to ensure optimized lifelong performance, Metso offers a comprehensive service portfolio including remote support.
New machining unit brings more capacity and increased quality
“ the investment into a new machining unit at our Filtration technology center in Lappeenranta goes hand in hand with the development of the Larox® PF 60 pressure filter and our ambition to offer our customers the best and most responsible filtration technology available. the highly automated machining unit significantly increases our manufacturing capacity and enables the production of highquality filter components in a safer, more environmentally friendly manner,” explains tero tiainen, Director for Filters Manufacturing at Metso.
b esides the manufacturing of advanced filters used in various process industries, Metso’s Filtration technology center operates a globally unique Dewatering technology center (Dtc), which is focused on solid-liquid separation. Metso has carried out more than 14,000 filtration tests and delivered more than 5,000 filters for various applications worldwide.
Metso at MINExpo 2024
Metso will highlight its industry-leading minerals processing technologies and pit-to-port aftermarket solutions at MINexpo INterNAtIONAL® 2024, in Las Vegas. the upgraded Larox® PF 60 series pressure filter and large tailings filters will also be presented there. the complete list of topics and presentation schedule can be found on the company website.
www.metso.com
HIGH-SPEED DATA TRANSMISSION: FISCHER CONNECTORS’ RUGGED SOLUTIONS FEATURE USB 3.2 GEN 2 UP TO 10 GBIT/S WITH OPTIMAL SIGNAL INTEGRITY
Data protocols are constantly evolving to enable interoperability and reliable transfer of increasing amounts of data at the highest speeds between more and more connected devices. To address this technological challenge, Fischer Connectors is expanding its platform capabilities to meet the most demanding connectivity requirements for high-speed data transfer using the USB 3.2 Gen 2 protocol up to 10 Gbit/s.
the Swiss-based company has developed new USb 3.2 connectors and cable assembly solutions in three of its flagship product lines to meet signal integrity and harsh environment requirements for medical, defense, industrial and instrumentation applications such as:
• Surgical equipment in the operating room, USb3 cameras in orthopedic surgery or endoscopic devices, and instrumentation applications such as assembly production lines and outdoor inspections in radiation and/or contaminated areas, with the versatile, highly customizable Fischer core brass Series – 9 pins in Ø 15.5 mm (’size 1031’ plug), resistant to chemicals and sterilization processes.
• Applications where SWaP (size, weight and power) is critical, such as miniature body-worn computers and peripherals, high-performance lidars and high-speed intercom boxes, with the ultra-miniature, high-density Fischer MiniMax™ Series – 9 pins in Ø 12.9 mm (’size 08’ plug) or 12 signal and power pins in Ø 14.9 mm (’size 10’ plug), including high power up to 8A.
• civil and military drones equipped with USb3 cameras, and a wide range of military specifications (MIL-SPec ) applications, with the rugged, compact, lightweight Fischer UltiMate™ Series – 9 pins in Ø 18.5 mm (’size 11’ plug), 360° eMc shielding, resistance to shock, vibration and corrosion up to 1,000 hours of salt mist.
Fischer connectors’ three series offer IP68 sealing (IP69 and hermeticity with a resin-sealed contact block for core and UltiMate), extreme operating temperatures (MiniMax from -40 °c to +135 °c, core from -70 °c to +250 °c, UltiMate from -55 °c to +135 °c), high mating cycles (MiniMax up to 5,000, core and UltiMate up to 10,000), and three locking mechanisms: push-pull and quick-release for the three series, plus screw for MiniMax. UltiMate also allows for blind mating with an extremely robust mechanical keying.
High-quality cable assembly to ensure signal integrity performance
Designing high-speed interconnect solutions requires expertise in cable assembly, high-performance connectors, and signal integrity simulation, testing and design.
During the design and characterization process, engineers must address a highly complex combination of parameters such as impedance matching, line delay, insertion/return loss, crosstalk and eMc shielding.
High-quality cable assembly is critical to ensure reliable and efficient data transmission, signal integrity and overall system function. “ to achieve successful high-speed data transfer from a device’s transmitter to its receiver, connectors and cables must be cross-optimized and undergo a series of compliance tests at the system level,” explains Ameny chaabani, Signal Integrity engineer at Fischer connectors. “USb 3.2 is a stringent protocol. connector design, cable length, cable performance (loss), and the controlled and repeatable cable assembly and potting processes above 1 Gbit/s are some of the influencing parameters to consider.
in simple terms and visuals.
We must also study the full physical layer of a link as a whole, what we call system-level testing.”
More information on the connectivity challenges of high frequency digital signals in the educational video (4:14) entitled “Signal integrity – simply explained” available on Fischer connectors’ website and Youtube channel
More information:
• Web page – ’High-speed data connectors (USb 3.2 Gen 2, ethernet, Single Pair ethernet, Audio/UHD Video)
• Flyer – ’High-speed data transmission connectivity solutions’
• educational video – ’Signal integrity – simply explained’
Entitled “Signal integrity – simply explained”, the educational video available on Fischer Connectors’ website and YouTube channel explains the connectivity challenges of high frequency digital signals
DÜRR PRODUCTS FOR ADHESIVE PROCESSING USED OUTSIDE THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY FOR THE FIRST TIME
HOMAG Plattenaufteiltechnik GmbH, based in Holzbronn, in incorporating adhesive processing products from its sister company Dürr to build vacuum tables for its SAWTEQ saws.
Dürr, a leading mechanical and plant manufacturer, has extensive experience in the areas of body-in-white, final assembly, and battery assembly. As of this year, the company’s gluing applications have been expanded to other industries as well. Particularly in general industry, the use of dosing technology for component joining presents challenges for various applications. Dürr addresses these challenges with a modular product system featuring standardized operating software, providing top-notch gluing technology. “We are pleased that we were able to win HOMAG Plattenaufteiltechnik GmbH. as a reference project,” stated Fabian Schilt, Head of the european Industrial Sales team at Dürr. “ through the synergies within the Dürr Group, we have successfully introduced automotive application products to the wood industry.”
Dürr gluing technology offers enhanced application quality HOMAG’s horizontal panel dividing saws deliver precise, cost-effective, and adaptable panel cutting for customers in both craft and industry. the air cushion tables facilitate effortless and secure handling of parts during processing. Previously, the table tops were manually screwed onto the sheet metal housing and further sealed with silicone. “ to enhance repetition accuracy and improve application quality, such as achieving the right surface flatness, we opted to automate the process using Dürr products,” explains Dennis König, Project Manager Industrial engineering at HOMAG Plattenaufteiltechnik GmbH. the installation of the ecoram drum press for material supply, the ecoShot Meter as a dosing unit, and the ecoGun2 PVA04 as an applicator is currently underway. the entire system is regulated via the new ecoHVMP4 pump and metering control unit. the automation solution is scheduled for commissioning in early 2025.
Seamless product integration thanks to HVMP4 standard
As part of the HOMAG project, Dürr is introducing its new ecoHVc4 operating software for the first time. Until now, system control was strictly project-oriented, with software customized for each system on a project-specific basis. the HVMP4 standard shifts the focus to individual components, which can be combined via standardized interfaces.
customers have the flexibility to choose from a range of Dürr adhesive products tailored to their specific preferences and needs. the system allows for seamless integration of the components, with each product undergoing comprehensive testing to ensure a streamlined process flow.
www.durr.com
NEW EMERSON FLUSHING RING STREAMLINES ORDERING, INSTALLATION WITH COMPLETE, PACKAGED SOLUTION
Introducing the new Emerson Flushing Ring, a complete packaged solution that streamlines ordering and installation. The TESCOMTM AGI Flushing Ring features a modular assembly, ideal for flushing and bleeding applications in distillation towers, hydrotreaters, and more.
TESCOM AGI Flushing Ring features modular assembly for flushing and bleeding applications in distillation towers, hydrotreaters and more.
emerson announced the teScOMtM AGI br Series Flushing ring, a comprehensive packaged solution for flushing and bleeding applications in petroleum refineries, biofuel refineries and petrochemical facilities. by providing a complete, modular valve assembly with a single part number, the AGI br Series flushing ring streamlines ordering and allows for easy reordering with customer specific test requirements. both traditional brS “sandwich” and br W “wafer” style rings are available, as well as the br7 “integrated bonnet” design, which includes the bleed/ flushing functions in the flange ring itself.
Most flushing ring products are sold as separate components and assembled in the field. this often involves on-site welding and non-destructive examination (NDe) requirements such as pressure testing, Positive Material Identification (PMI), dye-penetrant and radiography. In comparison, the AGI flushing ring includes valve assembly, welding, painting and testing in one comprehensive, compact package.
“Ordering and installing flushing ring products as separate components is overly burdensome and often results in additional costs and long lead times for product delivery,” said Md Wasfi, product marketing manager at emerson. “What’s more, the entire process must be repeated when reordering. With the new te S cOM AGI flushing ring, customers can order a complete, modular valve assembly under one SKU, simplifying the process as well as reducing on-site installation costs.”
the AGI flushing ring meets piping and instrument class requirements according to the ASMe b16.34 standard and is ideal for installation in processes requiring flushing of residue in front of diaphragm seals such as distillation towers, hydrotreaters, coking towers, reactors and separators. the
one-piece forged design reduces leak paths and helps minimize emissions compared to conventional products. Fugitive emissions bonnets and ball valves that follow ISO 15848-1 & 2 are also available.
With the flexibility to meet each application, the teScOM AGI flushing ring features flanged connections that are available in a range of sizes from 1 to 6 inches, pressure class ratings from 150# ANSI to 2,500# ANSI, and temperature range options from -3,143 to 1,000 degrees F (-192 to 538 degrees c). Additionally, emerson can provide custom variations and NDe testing to meet specific project requirements.
www.emerson.com
TECHNOLOGY, PRACTICALITY AND GLOBAL VISION TO SUPPORT DECARBONIZATION
SAFE is a leading company on the international scene producing compressors and advanced technologies for natural gas, biomethane and hydrogen processing.
Founded in 1975 with headquarters in San Giovanni in Persiceto near the city of bologna in Italy, the company began by working on hydraulic systems supplying plastic moulded products for foundries, the scrapping of presses and other applications. With an immediate international vocation, in 1979 it produced the first hydraulic compressor for the compressed natural gas (cNG) market in New Zealand. It presently has a prominent position in the energy infrastructure business and reports to the parent company SAFe cec, which also includes IMW Industries Ltd., a canadian company known for its natural gas compression solutions that has enabled the Group to strengthen its presence in the American markets, and the Idro Meccanica brand, specialising in innovative technologies in piston compressors and gas processing equipment.
Since 2012, SAFe and its subsidiaries have belonged to the Landi renzo Group, which employs more than 1,200 people worldwide and is a global leader in natural gas, hydrogen and cO2 pressure management systems. It is present in more than 50 countries around the world through its subsidiaries, joint ventures, network of distributor partners and workshops and develops 90% of its business abroad. the r &D department consists of 120 engineers with research and development activities in the mechanical, electronic and mechatronic fields. the Group has been listed in the euronext StAr Milan segment on the Italian Stock exchange since June 2007 as Landi renzo S.p.A. and generates revenues of more than 300 million euros.
From extraction to distribution solutions designed for every need
SAFe can boast more than 50 years of experience in the production of systems and solutions for the compression and decompression of natural gas and biomethane. the use of both mechanical and hydraulic technologies, as well as their combination, has enabled the development and production of a portfolio of products and integrated solutions which are capable of covering the entire value chain: from post-generation, to transportation, up to distribution, with pressures ranging from 0.3 bar to 950 bar –also through the launch of new compression systems aimed
at fostering the development of hydrogen from renewable sources.
Its activities range from the design and manufacture of high-efficiency compressors to maintenance services and technical support. t he company also offers its expertise as a ’system integrator’ with compressors from other OeMs. the company’s extensive product portfolio guarantees tailor-made solutions to meet a wide range of requirements, including recent applications such as hydrogen blending on plants that were originally developed for natural gas, ammonia and cO2 compression on both cO2 capture plants and syngas handling (a particular gas mixture used in steam reforming, for example).
From gas recompression in wells to turbine feeding, from underground gas storage to gas recovery and collection, up to distribution for industrial, private and mobility applications, SAFe’s offer is truly tailor-made and accompanied by a unique, customised response. there are also compression solutions consisting of compact single or double skid designs with the compressor coupled to an electric or gas engine as well as all auxiliaries including cooling, filtration systems and pulsation dampers.
the highest standards of service and safety are guaranteed through soundproofed enclosures equipped with gas and fire detection systems.
to this end, SAFe offers customers remote monitoring and diagnostics of all plant parameters in real time via a secure
connection system. It is also possible to vary all the operating parameters of the installation, as well as display data in real-time mode. In addition, there are notifications on the status of the plant, based on both past and current data, and automatic notifications in the event of a maintenance request or alarm. Multiple configurations are available for displaying data with the possibility of easily downloading and exporting them to files and consulting them from mobile or desktop. Finally, both active and past alarms can be viewed even when the system is offline.
The zero-emission future needs hydrogen the company’s half century of history, 30 of which have been dedicated to hydrogen, has enabled SAFe hydrogen compressors to set the benchmark for reliability.
In the MDe/H, DDe and tDe/H range, the compressors are designed with self-lubricating seals, manufactured from PtFe material, with an average life cycle of more than 5,000 operating hours. the wide pressure range and low energy consumption - achieved through reduced speed –allows them to offer the market high efficiency at a reduced tcO.
In addition, the oil-free configuration guarantees the purity of the gas, and the Distance Piece (DP) isolates the hydraulic drive from the gas system, thus guaranteeing the generation of 100% pure compressed hydrogen at all times. the distance piece b-type also protects the hydrogen from any contamination during the compression phase, which allows for high hydrogen quality and purity to be achieved.
the MDe/H, DDe and tDe/H series of hydraulic compressors are machines with a highly flexible and simplified design due to the piston rod being the only moving component to which the oil and hydrogen pistons are fitted.
In general, the entire product range of SAFe hydrogen compressors offers high flexibility. through its characteristic design the company is able to provide up to 3 compression stages through a single cylinder and with the twin configuration this capacity can be doubled. It also has a wide operating spectrum, as a single cylinder can work in a very diverse pressure delta.
Another of SAFe’s features is the modularity of its products, which can be supplied in two configurations according to customer requirements. the ’in series’ configuration to develop multi-stage pressure jumps is flanked by the ’in parallel’ configuration to handle increasing flow rates or design the system with redundancy using ’ready to start’ units.
the bologna-based brand’s hydrogen product portfolio also includes mobile hydrogen charging units. they are all equipped with a regulator capable of measuring the amount of hydrogen supplied to the vehicle by controlling its pressure, temperature and density, as well as the relevant on-board electronics. these products represent a point of excellence of our r&D department and enable us to handle the refuelling of heavy transport vehicles with pressures of around 350 bar as well as vehicles with pressures of up to 700 bar.
Presently, SAF e is recognised as a benchmark in the energy sector, particularly in natural gas and hydrogen pressure management systems, and together with its ability to innovate, is also able to keep up with the constant evolution of the market. With a solid background and a strong commitment to sustainability, the brand makes a real contribution to energy transition for a cleaner and more sustainable future, where the hydrogen carrier plays a leading role in the decarbonisation journey.
For further information, visit SAFe’s official website: https://safegas.it/
Magnaplate is pleased to announce that its 10K Series surface treatments are free of a broad class of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances — also known as PFAS — that are widely used in industrial processes. As regulators take action worldwide, 10K Series coatings give users the peace of mind of being prepared for new and evolving PFAS rules .
the 10K Series can be applied to Nedox®, tufram® and many other popular Magnaplate coatings to give metal parts the corrosion and wear resistance, hardness or low cOF they need. In addition, USDA/ FDA-compliant 10K coatings deliver exceptional release properties to parts exposed to extremely high temperatures, ensuring abrasion resistance, easy cleanup and excellent hydrophobic properties.
the 10K Series is available in three variants:
• 10K1. Performs at up to 950°F (510°c)
• 10K2. A water-based coating that withstands up to 950°F (510°c)
• 10K3. Offers the best release properties and performs at up to 850°F (454°c)
there are no PFAS in the Magnaplate anodizing process or the electroless nickel base, so a surface treatment engineered with these select polymers will avoid PFAScarrying fluorocarbons while protecting metal parts.
For more information, visit www.magnaplate.com
DELTA’S LEED ZERO ENERGY GREEN BUILDING ACHIEVES SUBSTANTIAL ENERGY SAVINGS WITH AMERLUX’S CARISMA LED LIGHTING SYSTEM
Delta announced its LEED Zero Energy-certified Americas headquarters green building in Fremont, California, is expected to achieve a significant 57% reduction in annual lighting electricity consumption.
this accomplishment is attributed to the recent integration of a total solution featuring systems from three Delta Group companies: cutting-edge carisma LeD lighting systems from Amerlux, smart building management software from LOY tec and Delta controls, along with bluetooth low-energy drivers and multi-sensors.
Gary Harvey, Director of b usiness Development and Operations at Delta electronics building Solutions Group, said “ this achievement underscores Delta’s new strategy to help our customers systematically replace their outdated t5 fluorescent lamps across the U.S. with Amerlux’s cuttingedge carisma LeD linear lighting system. this transformation represents a pivotal shift towards energy conservation and cost-effectiveness in the country. Moreover, we intend to deliver unique value to our customers by seamlessly integrating our smart building Automation Solutions, in line with the burgeoning trend towards intelligent and sustainable lighting solutions.”
In 2022, Delta electronics’ Americas headquarters became the first green building in Fremont and the second in the Silicon Valley bay Area to achieve LeeD Zero energy certification from the U.S. Green building council. before the installation of the carisma LeD lighting system and the integration with the bluetooth connectivity platform and daylight harvesting, the building is estimated to consume an average of 136,500 kWh on lighting per year; afterward, consumption is expected to drop to just 58,760 kWh, resulting in a 57% decrease in annual electricity consumption.
carisma LeD pendant lights only consume 78.3 watts. they can also be retrofitted with automation capabilities like
bluetooth control from Delta’s bAbG and occupancy-sensing and daylight harvesting multi-sensors provided by LOYtec, which integrate features to detect people’s presence and adjust artificial lighting accordingly. Delta estimates these enhancements could cut energy consumption by another 45% on top of the savings realized by switching to LeD. Additionally, the lighting control retrofit requires no extra efforts due to the wireless technology implemented.
“Lighting controls can be done by groups, occupancy or schedule—or all three,” Laurence Mu, Facility Maintenance technician at Delta, said. the key was to use enteliWeb by Delta controls, a web-based building management system interface that allows for each monitoring and management of building systems through a user-friendly graphical interface. “ the system can be tied to a building automation system and, more specifically, HVAc,” he added. “ this is a whole ecosystem in a sense, all by switching the lights and adding automation capabilities.”
employees at the Delta electronics Americas headquarters have embraced the brighter, cooler lighting, resulting in increased productivity and simplified maintenance. Delta electronics plans to expand the installation of carisma LeD lighting, alongside other solution integrations, across its facilities.
“ this initiative not only demonstrates Amerlux’s capability to offer integrated solutions and controls in collaboration with
Delta Group companies but also reflects the evolution of Delta’s Smart building Automation Management solutions,” remarked Gary Harvey. “We can integrate lighting, HVAc, security, and other energy efficiency solutions under one roof, providing unparalleled control and efficiency.”
Notes: (*) Expected annual electricity savings calculated by the daily average of electricity savings achieved since commissioning of the system.
www.delta-americas.com
QUICK ACCESS FASTENER VS A TRADITIONAL SCREW?
The main advantages of a quick access fastener over a traditional screw are the reduced time and effort required operate it. Quick access fasteners typically require only a quarter-turn or other single-motion to release, allowing for quick and easy access to the component being secured. This can be particularly beneficial in applications where frequent access is required, such as in maintenance or repair scenarios.
Another important advantage of quick access fasteners over screws is vibration resistance. this ensures panels remain secure, while traditional screws and lock washers may loosen over time due to vibration.
Quick access fasteners also provide a secure and reliable clamping force, with minimal risk of over-tightening or under-tightening. this can be a common issue when manually tightening a traditional screw.
In addition, quick access fasteners are available in a wide range of materials and sizes to meet various environmental and strength requirements. With flush-mounted and other low-profile designs providing a sleek and unobtrusive appearance while still maintaining a secure connection.
Life expectancy, or cycle life, is another crucial benefit. Is the part going to stand the test of time? For applications that require quick and frequent access, you need a part that can perform consistently over a long period of time. With the easy quarter turn motion, quick access fasteners can outperform a traditional screw’s cycle life.
the enhanced performance and benefits of quick access fasteners do have a price premium and may be a bit much for applications where only very occasional access is required. However, for applications requiring frequent access, quick access fasteners facilitate fast and easy operation while remaining secured to the panel, preventing fastener loss.
Ultimately, the choice between a quick access fastener and a traditional screw will depend on the specific requirements and constraints of the application. Factors to consider include the frequency of access required, vibration, the level of security needed, the space available for installation, and the budget for the project. In some cases, a combination of both quick access fasteners and traditional screws may be the best option to balance the benefits of each type of fastener.
to find the perfect quick access fastener for your project, visit southco.com/quick-access-fasteners or contact us today.
by Charlie Barrett, eCommerce Marketing Strategist, Southco, Inc.
https://youtu.be/0of1nHbDFSs
INTERROLL AUSTRALIA OPENS STATE-OF-THE-ART OFFICE TO SUPPORT FUTURE GROWTH
Interroll Australia, a prominent player in the Australian and New Zealand material-handling markets since 1990, proudly announces the opening of its new state-of-the-art office complex.
this investment underscores the company’s commitment to servicing an expanding client roster, innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.
Interroll Australia operates as a 100% subsidiary of the Interroll Global Group, a Swiss-based manufacturer of material handling solutions around the world. the subsidiary’s operations are divided into two divisions: Global Sales & Service, which drives sales across customer groups, and Products & technology, responsible for r&D, product management, strategic purchasing, and manufacturing. With a focus on high-growth industries such as e-commerce, airports, food and beverage, fashion, and automotive, Interroll Australia ensures its products and solutions are integral to global supply chains.
“During the last few years, we saw repeat business and several new customer orders that spurred us to think more long term and relocate to a space that matches our customer promise of making material handling sustainable, simple and enjoyable,” says Mr. Pat cieri, Managing Director of Interroll Australia.
the new, modern office space sits on 5000 square meters of approved sustainable land and is surrounded by untouched natural parklands, abundant wildlife, and freshwater ecosystems. In addition, the facility is equipped
with advanced solar technology, reinforcing Interroll’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
“We sought architects who could not only navigate Australia’s strict building codes, but also had the know-how to reduce our environmental impact,” says Pat. “It’s critical we pay attention to these issues. We want our customers to feel good knowing they are buying conveyors, rollers, and other material handling products from a company that cares. And, on a personal level, I want my grandkids to grow up knowing we did the right thing.”
Interroll’s dedication to sustainability also strengthened its local partnerships. extensive consultations with regional government authorities, developers, and industry experts culminated in a cost-effective, high-quality build.
Pat acknowledges the invaluable contributions of Interroll employees past and present. “We’ve been in Australia for almost 35 years and it’s pretty amazing how far we’ve come. this would not have been possible without the efforts of our employees down the years. And we’re incredibly excited about the future.”
www.interroll.com
CABLEMASTER FO POWER METER OFFERS COMPACT AND CONVENIENT TESTING TOOL FOR FIBER OPTIC CABLE
Softing IT Networks, the innovation leader of Ethernet cable certification testing, Ethernet speed performance testing and Ethernet infrastructure testing just extended its tester portfolio to include the CableMaster PoE. This dedicated power over Ethernet (PoE) cable tester extends the CableMaster product series which includes the CableMaster 210 wiremapper.
the cableMaster FO is a fiber optic power meter capable of measuring 7 different wavelengths. Power can be measured in decibel-milliwatts (dbm), decibels (db) or milliwatts (mW). this optical power meter includes a visual fault locator for port and polarity detection and an attenuation meter for seven signal wavelengths in db. to determine signal strength, the device’s power meter provides measurements in dbm and mW. It also features a flashlight to assist in dark wiring cabinets and includes a copper rJ45 patch cord tester for checking wiremaps.
Designed as a pocket-sized tool, cableMaster FO is portable across the jobsite and features a USb-rechargeable battery capable of up to 80 hours of operation. All measurements are easily readable on the device’s clear digital display.
Applications include measuring fiber light loss or signal strength at the opposite end of a fiber. “cableMaster FO is a great example of how Softing creates portfolio advantage,” says Deane Horn, Director of Marketing for Softing Inc. “After connecting the LinkXpert M3, a fiber network infrastructure tester, to inject a light source into the fiber, you can use the pocket-size cableMaster FO tester to measure the attenuation at the other end of the cable.” Similarly, the cableMaster FO can read the power of any fiber line that has an SFP.
For more information, please visit https://itnetworks.softing.com/us/
CUSTOMERS BENEFIT FROM NSK’S ENHANCED ONLINE ENGINEERING TOOLS
A number of key improvements to the online engineering tools provided by NSK, a global leader in motion control solutions, serve to boost the work efficiency of customers.
For instance, easy-to-use tools such as NSK Online catalogue, technical calculations and 2D/3D c AD Data (all previously independent) are now linked. Design engineers can therefore select bearings, confirm specifications and download cAD data as part of a onestop solution. In another improvement, a new function in technical calculations allows the one-time calculation and display of multiple factors that include bearing life, bearing fits/clearances and bearing frequencies, again helping NSK customers to reduce their work time.
A notable underlying change is the application of NSK’s revised basic dynamic load ratings, a parameter used to calculate the estimated life of rolling bearings. the revision, which extends the basic rating life for the company’s main types of rolling bearings, including include deep groove ball bearings, angular contact ball bearings, self-aligning ball bearings, cylindrical roller bearings and tapered roller bearings, now feature in the NSK Online catalogue.
the new estimates derive from applying NSK’s highly accurate (patent-pending) bearing life prediction method based on ultrasonic testing, a world-first process announced by the company in March 2023. NSK developed a quantitative evaluation method that can determine which factors influence the process of crack propagation in a bearing material, and to what extent.
by combining the new method with an ultrasonic inspection technique that scans the non-metallic inclusions in a large volume of steel, the company is able to predict bearing life with far higher accuracy. NSK has therefore revised the basic dynamic load rating of many bearings with no change in design or materials, while still applying the appropriate safety margin to any uprated values. With this revision, the
NSK’s enhanced online engineering tools are accessible via PC or smartphone
estimated life of radial roller bearings, for example, is up to twice that of previously.
As the basic dynamic load ratings of bearings improves, they are suitable for use in higher load conditions, facilitating the selection of smaller bearings that perform the same function. b enefits include machine downsizing and weight reduction. by way of example, machines that used NSK’s Hr32306J tapered roller bearing can now adopt the smaller Hr33206J. this change delivers a 14% reduction in bearing outside diameter, a 13% reduction in width and approximately 38% less weight.
those seeking carbon neutrality also gain. Smaller bearings require fewer resources to manufacture. they also yield lower torque, resulting in less power consumption and fewer cO2 emissions during use. With the same aforementioned change of bearing, users will see a reduction in bearing torque and power consumption of approximately 18% (around 48 kWh per annum). According to NSK calculations, this converts to approximately 22 kg of cO2 emissions savings.
www.nsk.com
Easy-to-use tools such as NSK Online Catalogue, Technical Calculations and 2D/3D CAD Data are now linked
LATTY LAUNCHES A NEW CONCEPT FOR FLANGE GASKET SHAPES THAT COVERS ALL PRESSURE CLASSES WITH A SINGLE REFERENCE
The specific and patented shape of this new gasket design, named LATTYmultirating, represents a significant advancement in the field of flange gaskets by adapting to 4 different pressure classes.
the Latty Group is a French specialist in industrial sealing. A member of the French Fab, it has been designing and manufacturing its products for over 100 years at its site in brou, in the centre Val de Loire region. this innovation demonstrates Latty’s commitment to providing practical and effective solutions that address productivity challenges as well as the safety of people and the environment.
the primary function of a static gasket or flange gasket is to ensure the seal between a liquid or gaseous substance and the atmosphere. Latty offers a wide range of industrial sealing gaskets suitable for many applications in the food, chemical, cosmetic, nuclear, petrochemical and more industries.
t he innovative and patented cutting of this new LAtt Ymultirating flange gasket design meets the need for simplification and stock reduction. Indeed, for a given nominal diameter (DN) of a flange, there are many pressure classes that correspond to different outer diameters, with different bolt hole and screw diameters. For example, for the same DN of a flange, it means cutting different gaskets of
different outer diameters, corresponding to the 4 bolt hole diameters, associated with the bolt positions.
Latty has adopted an ingenious approach by developing a specially shaped gasket capable of covering the 4 main pressure classes: 150, 300, 600, and 900. A single reference is now sufficient to manage multiple flange classes, significantly reducing the risk of incorrect gasket selection. the LAttYmultirating gasket shape meets the requirements of ASMe b16.5 standards, covering steel pipe flanges and flanged fittings from NPS 1/2 to NPS 24 in pressure classes from 150 to 900, as well as the NF eN 1092-1 standard. (IMAGe)
Technical Gaskets
the cutting of the LAtt Ymultirating gasket shape can be made in all the flat gasket qualities and thicknesses that Latty offers for its static sealing, chosen upon precise criteria such as temperature, pressure, fluid type, mechanical constraints, and thickness. Several materials are available: aramid, carbon, graphite, PtFe, etc. Moreover, as a longstanding partner of key energy production players, Latty offers a range of PMUc-approved products for use in nuclear power plants.
these products also meet various certifications such as FDA, ce 1935/2004, ISO, WrAS, etc., required in the food, chemical, water treatment, oil, and gas industries. Latty’s flange gaskets are manufactured to high-quality standards, ensuring durability against repeated mechanical, thermal, and chemical stresses in demanding environments while maintaining consistent sealing effectiveness.
The Strength of a Network of Gasket Cutters
to ensure the distribution of its gaskets, Latty Group relies on a dense network of gasket cutters, both in France and internationally, who are skilled in the characteristics and applications of its sealing gaskets. they market and cut gaskets of all shapes and materials according to the specific needs of their clients.
Training for Better Gasket Selection
Latty offers “bolted joint assembly” training focused on sealing systems. these courses cover the implementation of best assembly practices, which ensure personnel safety, and the selection of the most suitable sealing gaskets.
t his selection guarantees equipment reliability and environmental preservation. LAttY’s training programs are QUALIOPI certified and can be conducted at the brou (28) site or at client locations.
www.latty.com
AGGREKO UPSCALES BATTERY INVESTMENT TO $200M TO SUPPORT THE ENERGY TRANSITION
Aggreko has increased its global investment in mobile battery energy storage solutions (BESS) to around $200m, allowing more industries to access the latest in battery technology and reach net zero targets.
the global leader in energy solutions will be investing a significant proportion of this for growing it’s european beSS fleet to enable more customers to decarbonise their power provision, add resilience, improve efficiency and overcome power capacity constraints.
the introduction of this larger european fleet of small, mid- and large-size beSS forms part of Aggreko’s Greener Upgrades initiative, which is aimed at supporting customers move to greener solutions. In 2023, Aggreko europe invested over $140m in its Greener Upgrades portfolio, increasing its fleet of new steam boilers, Stage V generators, battery storage, oil free air compressors and chillers.
by bringing these new, greener technologies to the market, Aggreko is reinforcing its commitment to playing a key role in the energy transition, a key part of it’s new global sustainability framework, energising change™.
through carrying out field-based trials with customers, Aggreko is helping companies become early adopters of new technologies like batteries supporting the move towards the use of cleaner and greener energy solutions.
Supporting energy intensive sectors such as manufacturing, data centres, petrochemical, utilities and construction, the Greener Upgrades initiative allows organisations to access more efficient and environmentally friendly solutions. As companies look to reduce their emissions in line with net zero targets and strategies, the ability to draw on temporary solutions that enable them to navigate the energy transition, balancing the need for resilience with economic viability. being able to adopt this technology will enable the organisations to balance their power use and improve flexibility as they introduce more renewable power provision to their sites.
rodrigo Salim, Head of Product Line – battery & energy Storage at Aggreko said: “energy storage is set to be a critical component of the energy transition. Yet many organisations in energy intensive industries may not have the capital, infrastructure or skills in place to introduce the technology overnight. Like all new technologies, there is always the risk of which one to choose. At Aggreko our sectorised approach enables us to really understand customers challenges and help them select the best solution without risk of capital investment.”
Whether using a battery solution in a hybrid set-up or on their own, the enhanced beSS fleet will help in reducing emissions, lower NOx as well as fuel consumption across a wide range of applications. In addition, introducing beSS solutions can help to solve capacity constraints and provide off-grid power resilience as part of a decentralised energy solution particularly for high energy users.
r odrigo continued: “Many industries are making their transition to renewable power, and within that must balance intermittency and the skills gap. by consulting closely with customers and providing greener solutions like beSS in a rental capacity, we can help unlock opportunities for our customers so they can scale up their own decarbonisation efforts.”
