Hazardous Engineering Solutions February 2012 by Michael Dominguez

FEBRUARY 2012 Issue 6

HES Magazine And Easyfairs Launch New Hazardous Area Event Page 14

Latest Industry News

5-6

HAZEX Show Preview

14 - 17

Buyers Guide

29 - 30

February 2012

LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS

5-8

ENCLOSURES FOR HAZARDOUS AREAS – UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE

12-13

HAZEX SHOW PREVIEW – HES MAGAZINE AND EASYFAIRS LAUNCH NEW SHOW

14-17

CABLE GLANDS

17-20

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS

22-24

BUYERS GUIDE

29-30

Latest News

WWEM 2012 announces partnership with SWIG

Waxman Fibres Launches Next Generation Flame Retardant Protective Wear Waxman Fibres has launched Protal, a ground-breaking new flame retardant fabric solution that offers unrivalled comfort and breathability for the global protective clothing market.

WWEM 2012, the Water Wastewater & Environmental Monitoring event (Telford, 7/8th November 2012) has announced a partnership with SWIG to help accelerate the sharing of knowledge between academia and industry at this year’s event. SWIG (Sensors for Water Interest Group) is a not for profit information exchange and networking group with a diverse UK-wide membership drawn from the water and process industries, sensor manufacturers and their distributors, academic institutions involved in sensor research, regulatory bodies and consultants working in the field of water management. SWIG focuses on the use of sensor and associated technologies for measurement and control in water and wastewater treatment processes and infrastructure, as well as in natural environments and waters. SWIG Programme Manager Linda Smith says: “WWEM 2012 will be a great opportunity for everyone involved with water quality and flow to come together and exchange ideas during an event that will be entirely focused on testing and monitoring. We therefore welcome this opportunity to encourage collaboration between parties interested in research, development and sensor deployment, and we anticipate strong participation from our members.” WWEM 2012 organiser Marcus Pattison says he is “delighted with SWIG’s involvement because partnerships will be a central theme for this year’s event.”

Further information is available at: www.wwem.uk.com and www.swig.org.uk

HAZARDOUS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

The company has been working with partners to supply flame retardant protective wear based on Protex modacrylic fibres for well over a decade. Now, in response to a global requirement for next generation protective garments that do not compromise on comfort, safety or cost effectiveness, Protal is being launched. It is available in four levels of protection, based on different end use criteria. Greg Cluskey, managing director of Waxman Fibres, said: “After three years of intensive research and development, we are delighted to bring to market such an innovation. Not only does Protal offer extremely high levels of multi-hazard protection, it is also comfortable for the wearer and thanks to its unique breathability properties, is ideal for people working in hot climates, as very lightweight fabrics are available.” The patent pending blend of performance fibres provides a much higher level of protection than previously available. Greg said: “Specifiers and procurement personnel can be assured that the Protal range offers a wide choice of fabric options to cover the increasingly complex and ever-changing global compliancy laws and world safety standards.” Protal fabrics are available in a variety of weights and colours, including high-visibility. The inherent flame retardant properties do not deteriorate as they are ‘built in’ to the fabric. As well as eliminating the need for costly re-treatment and unpleasant odours, this gives Protal the edge in practical comfort. It is suitable for woven, knitted or non-woven protective workwear and is designed for use as next to skin, liner, inter-liner and outer fabric. Waxman Fibres Ltd is a subsidiary of the Waxman Group of Companies, based in Elland, West Yorkshire. The company operates in international markets. End users include major utilities, civil engineering, construction and petrochemical sectors. 06

PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

Fit For Food 3M develops dedicated PPE for the food and beverage industry Diversified technology company 3M has developed a specialist range of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for the food and beverage manufacturing industry. The 3M Food and Beverage range includes earmuffs, earplugs, disposable respirators and safety spectacles. Anja Buchan of 3M’s Safety Solutions Division explained: “Health & Safety professionals working in the food and beverage sector face a particular set of challenges and it is vital to ensure both the protection of the worker against potential hazards and the maintenance of strict hygiene standards. “The 3M Food and Beverage range combines the latest innovations in technology and design to offer the most advanced and appropriate solutions for a variety of applications.”

Respiratory protection

3M Aura 9400+ Disposable Respirators offer protection against particulate hazards related to food and beverage production, such as flour or grain dust. Designed to stand out, the new respirators are a highly visible bright blue colour and feature a concealed metal nose clip, which keeps the mask securely in place and also means it is metal-detectable in line with customer needs. It has also been designed without staples or small, detachable parts. Anja added: “The new design offers a unique combination of features, making it ideal for use in a food manufacturing environment, where minimising contamination risks during production is crucial. For hygiene benefits, the respirators are also individually packaged to prevent contamination before use.” The 3-Panel flat-fold design accommodates a wide range of face shapes and sizes and allows for easier facial movements, making the respirators easier to talk through. Additional features include a technicallyadvanced filter material that combines effective HAZARDOUS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

performance with low breathing resistance to allow the wearer to breathe more easily during the course of their working day. An embossed top panel also reduces airflow through the top of the respirator, which helps to minimise the fogging of eyewear.

Hearing protection

A high proportion of processes in the food and beverage industry – operations such as bottling and milling for example - exceed the Upper Exposure Action Value of 85dB(A)* for noise – when hearing protection must be provided. A common issue for workers wearing protective earmuffs is that moisture can be absorbed and condensed water builds up in the cups and headband, leading to hygiene issues and discomfort for the wearer. The 3M Peltor Optime II Food Earmuff has been developed using a special foam and headband cushion design. The foam is pre-moulded to give optimal fit to the ear cups and gives better thermal isolation, which prevents moisture and heat build-up whilst retaining the correct level of attenuation. Comfortable, hygienic and easy to clean, the earmuffs are white in colour to help increase visibility of cross contamination. As part of the 3M E-A-R Passive Hearing Range, the new 3M E-A-R Tracer 20 Reusable Earplugs have been launched to include a robust, pocket-sized storage box, to allow for easier storage and reuse. Available in a nonfood coloured blue, these top performing reusable corded earplugs are low attenuating, so ideal for processes where noise levels are below 95dB(A) or anywhere contamination needs to be considered. They are also fully metal detectable.

Eye protection

From particles in the air to water and chemical splashes, food-related activities can also pose potential eye hazards. The 3M Tora CCS (Cord Control System) Safety Spectacles have been designed to provide eye protection whilst keeping corded earplugs attached, untangled and ready for use at all times. This integrated system reduces the loss of both eyewear and earplugs that can not only reduce expenses for replacements but more importantly can help to avoid potential contamination issues. For further information on the 3M Food and Beverage range visit www.3M.co.uk/foodppe For more details on the full range of Safety Solutions available from 3M, visit www.3M.co.uk/ohes or call 0870 60 800 60 in the UK or 1 800 320 500 (Ireland).

EX INSPECTION SOFTWARE

Simplify your inspection process to comply with ATEX/DSEAR and reduce costs “The reduced administration from a simple two-step process of capture and then download means no multiple handling of data. I can quantify faults, prepare reports with less effort and it is so much easier to answer HSE questions” The two fundamentals of ensuring regulatory compliance of equipment installed in potentially hazardous areas are: • •

ensuring that equipment is installed to the BS EN 60079-14 standard and that equipment has an inspection and maintenance plan in accordance with BS EN 60079-17 so that it continues to be safe to operate and that this can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of your HSE inspector.

Follow these top tips to make your ATEX/DSEAR compliance straightforward so you are ready to answer any questions the next time your HSE inspector visits.

Put yourself in control - by making testing and hazardous area inspection processes an integral part of routine maintenance. Without doubt, having an up-todate and accurate asset register takes time and resource, but it is essential for demonstrating regulatory compliance and ensuring your inspections are carried out in a timely manner. Make sure your investment in developing an asset register is not wasted by having a good system to a) record your information; b) easily report on the information and c) making future information updates easy and efficient.

Be secure - by ensuring your system records who is responsible for carrying out the inspection and prompts your inspection and testing to keep your plant and equipment compliant with ATEX/DSEAR regulations and in optimum operating condition. This way you will never miss a critical hazardous area inspection and you will be able to respond quickly and accurately to HSE questions.

tests and collecting the right information specific to each asset on your register.

Reduce costs - by eliminating time consuming paper based systems and consider using technology to your advantage with electronic data capture to improve speed and efficient use of your resources. Think about how many times you’ve scribbled a note that made perfect sense at the time of the inspection but, by the time you transfer that information from paper, you’ve had to re-inspect because your note no longer makes sense – or, even worse, a third party transcriber has misinterpreted your note! IndEx software has a straightforward auto-prompt form structure which is directly aligned to BS EN 6007917 to help you ensure your plant is ATEX/DSEAR compliant – and, because it has been designed in close consultation with the engineers who use it on a regular basis, is intuitive and easy to use. For a no obligation demonstration of how IndEx can help you to achieve reduced cost compliance, contact Tracey Marshall at Terrington

Get it right - by designing the system to the specific

Data Management on:

requirements of the ATEX/DSEAR regulations, ensuring the right questions are asked to complete the right inspection

07899 721508 or visit www.atex-inspection.com. 09

HAZARDOUS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

INDUSTRY NEWS

Bifold Releases Direct Mount NAMUR Solutions Bifold Group introduces their range of direct mount solenoid valves, manifold and accessories for general valve actuator applications. These valves are available in 3/2 or 5/2 5/3 port configurations. Compact in its design, the solenoid valve features a NAMUR mounting pattern according to VDI/VDE 3845 designed to mount to any NAMUR valve actuator thus reducing actuator response times, space requirements and also negating the need for a back plate. Installation costs are lower as the need for tubing, fittings, brackets and assembly labour are greatly reduced. All mounting screws and seals are included with the valve. What differentiates the Bifold design to any other on the market is the unique patented mounting/spacer block which is free to rotate through 360°. This feature avoids the solenoid housing from coming into contact with the switch box and ensures the Filter Regulator remains upright at all times. This range of products also includes the manifold option which incorporates the NAMUR interface kit based on the market leading ‘AXIS’® system, allowing the direct mounting of Filter Regulators, Check Valves, Flow Control Valves, Pressure Relief Valves and Manual Valves etc. Our system will accommodate all valve actuators in any orientation = NO RESTRICTIONS. The unique multifunction rotating system includes inlet/exhaust Flow Control Valve and High Flow Quick Exhaust Valve and optional fully rotational Filter Regulator. This robust design is manufactured from 316L stainless steel with an operating temperature range of -60°C to +180°C and worldwide approvals Ex d, Ex ia, Ex emb and explosion proof. This product range is available with the widest range of override options including (Auto Reset, Spring Return Manual Override, Stayput

Manual Override, Manual Reset, Tamperproof Manual Latch and Latch Energised). All our FP Solenoid valve assemblies have SIL 3 third party certification to IEC 61508. Headquartered in the UK, The Bifold Group is a major developer and manufacturer of pneumatic and hydraulic system component technologies for oil and gas (upstream and downstream) and power generation industries. Bifold products are delivered through a large manufacturing and distribution network. For innovative and reliable valve solutions, visit our website www.bifold. co.uk where more detailed information and a PDF brochure, may be downloaded. More Information Gill Bancroft, Tel. +44 (0) 161 345 4777 Fax. +44 (0) 161 345 4780 | Email: gbancroft@bifold.co.uk Web: www.bifold.co.uk | Bifold Fluidpower Ltd, Greenside Way, Middleton, Manchester, M24 1SW, UK.

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT – ATEX LIGHTING

New Product Launched By OCG Lighting Is Set To Accelerate Their Adoption In Heavy And Hazardous Industries. Recognition is growing that LED technology, with long lifespans and low energy consumption, offers considerable benefits for ATEX environments. A new product launched by OCG lighting is set to accelerate the adoption of LEDs in heavy and hazardous industries. Designed specifically for hazardous and explosive environments, OCG Lighting’s NeoBulb Escort ATEX range provides all the benefits of high quality LED lighting: long, maintenance-free life, excellent efficiency and incredible durability. In addition, the ATEX compliant range benefits from a unique approach to thermal management, which allows the product to boast an extremely long lifespan. NeoBulb’s unique heat pipe design maintains a thermal junction temperature of less than 60ºC. This enables more than seven years of 24-hour continuous usage, offering up to ten times the lifespan of some existing commercial ATEX lighting solutions. Crucially for hazardous industries HAZARDOUS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

this feature significantly reduces manufacturing downtime and resultant operational losses. In addition, the NeoBulb Escort ATEX range offers a 70% energy saving compared to current solutions, providing energy-intensive industries a simple and cost-effective mechanism for achieving energy reduction targets. To find out more about the benefits LEDs can offer for your business please contact Steve Edwards, OCG Lighting’s Technical Sales Manager, on 07703 102200 or steve.edwards@ocgplc.com.

ENCLOSURES

Enclosures for hazardous areas: understanding the differences When it comes to specifying enclosures for hazardous area electrical applications, engineers must ensure they fully understand IP protection ratings, as well as the implications of modifying an Exd or Exe enclosure prior to or after installation, says Gary Johnson, Technical Manager at

As a manufacturer of enclosures for harsh industrial and hazardous environments, we often deal with customers who don’t fully understand what they require in terms of the IP protection rating of an enclosure and whether what they are asking for meets the end users’ technical specification. The function of an enclosure is to protect the internal components from excess heat, humidity, dirt, dust or water. The customer could be sourcing an enclosure for a hazardous gas environment such as an oil platform or petrochemicals plant, or for a dusty environment such as a flour mill or sugar production plant. In either case, it is crucial that the customer fully appreciates the differences between the IP ratings along with the requirements for one that is fully certified for use in a hazardous gas or dust environment. Also, in terms of modifying an enclosure – either prior to or after installation – it is equally important that the installer and end user fully appreciates what they are allowed to do with that Exe or Exd enclosure so as not to adversely affect its protection rating or invalidate the certification.

COOPER Crouse-Hinds UK.

With an Exd enclosure, the box cannot be modified once it has been manufactured and assembled; otherwise the protection rating will be affected. For example, drilling new cable entries HAZARDOUS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

ENCLOSURES

must only be carried out by the manufacturer or by an approved local assembler (distributor). Once an Exe enclosure leaves the factory, although this is in a certified state, end users may then modify that box prior to or after installation within certain guidelines. Any alterations need to be communicated to the manufacturer or local assembler to ensure that the correct certification is given or maintained. These modifications normally involve adding some extra cable entries or terminals. This is why Cooper Crouse-Hinds normally supplies a range of standard hazardous area Exe enclosures to its network of approved local assemblers, who are then able to carry out modifications to those enclosures to suit the application, without adversely affecting the certification or protection rating. Enclosures for hazardous gas or dust environments are normally manufactured from stainless steel or GRP, but also painted steel for some indoor, sheltered applications. Many customers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fully appreciate that an Exd or Exe enclosure has been put through a series of arduous tests. These include thermal conditioning (to represent rapid ageing), which simulate 20-plus years of operation in the field. In addition, hazardous enclosures are also subjected to a series of mechanical impact tests, in places that are considered to be the weakest points of the enclosure (the test houses are experts in finding these!). If the material is considered to have a reduction in resistance to impact at lower temperatures, the box is also impact tested at the lower end of the boxâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operating temperature range. These tests are important because once installed in a harsh hazardous area, it is often difficult to service an enclosure due to the hazardous area or it could get inadvertently knocked or bashed in a working environment, so the enclosure must remain intact in order to continue performing the intended function for protection. In recent years, European and International standards for hazardous area enclosures have become even stricter in terms of impact and thermal tests. In the

latest standards, all openings on the enclosure are tested (opened and closed) prior to their IP test. Many companies can offer industrial-grade enclosures with an IP66 rating, but for hazardous areas, customers need to be absolutely certain that the enclosures they source are fully certified boxes that have been tested in terms of temperature ratings and impact protection. It is generally accepted in the oil & gas industry that hazardous area enclosures need to be manufactured from 316L stainless steel as a minimum. Most of our hazardous area enclosures are made from electro-chemical polished 316L high-grade stainless steel as standard, as this offers enhanced corrosion resistance over other finishes. GRP enclosures also offer technical advantages. The material is often graphite-loaded in order to avoid a build up of electrostatic charge, which is important for hazardous area applications. Moulded, non-metallic enclosures also enable the manufacturer to construct very modular or flexible design features for the customer, including quick-fitting of components such as pushbuttons, switches, lamps, and so on. Nonmetallic enclosures also enable you to design low-sided enclosures for easier, faster wiring. With stainless steel fabricated boxes, it is a little more difficult to offer these features, but fabricated steel enclosures are very flexible in the size ranges offered, special sizes can be quickly included, and they can also be provided in much larger sizes if required.

For more information on COOPER CrouseHindsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; range of enclosures for hazardous areas, please contact the European Marketing Department on: Tel: +44 (0) 2476 308930 E mail;sales.cch.gb@cooperindustries.com www.coopercrouse-hinds.eu 13

HAZARDOUS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

HAZEX SHOW 2012

HES Magazine And Easyfairs Launch New Hazardous Area Event BRAND NEW TO MAINTEC 2012!

WHY VISIT MAINTEC 2012...

MAINTEC 2012 will now house

Top 4 reasons to attend the UK’s leading maintenance and asset management show:

a specialist Hazardous Area

1. Meet cutting-edge suppliers with solutions to help you to boost plant performance, reduce costs, improve safety and ensure environmental compliance. You’ll be sure to uncover many innovative new solutions to your challenges.

exhibition (HAZEX).

2. For the busy maintenance professional, MAINTEC 2012 is truly a one-stop shop. Show focus areas include Pumps and Valves, Tools, Compressed Air and Industrial Cleaning to name but a few. 3. There’s a packed learnShops™ programme, free to attend, practical, action-orientated and inspiring seminars. 4. Show features will take place during the three days including the Lions’ Lair, The Job Shop, Grand PrixFastest Lap and much more. HAZEX has been created to reflect the growing responsibilities of engineering professionals and the growing concerns and tighter legislation over the health and safety of industrial, commercial and government sites and facilities. This is a must-attend event for any hazardous area professional involved with aspects of hazardous engineering and the health and safety of hazardous environments. Why should you attend HAZEX 2012? HAZEX will be a one stop shop for engineers looking to comply with the latest health & safety legislation. Over recent months there have been many high profiled incidents that have resulted in deaths within the industrial workplace. It is our intention to help engineers and health & safety professionals alike implement the best safety practices available and minimise the risks associated with working within hazardous areas. HAZEX will be the ideal platform in which to give engineers the knowledge to all the current tools, services and best practice associated with hazardous engineering. HAZARDOUS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

PLUS....Meet key suppliers from all major industry sectors who will offer the following services: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Boilers/burners Combustion engineering Condition monitoring Contract maintenance & management services Emissions monitoring Energy & environmental management Factory and maintenance equipment Health & safety Lubrication Maintenance & asset management consultancy Maintenance & asset management IT Maintenance training & recruitment Preventive & predictive maintenance Production engineering Property/buildings maintenance Thermographic equipment & services

HAZEX SHOW 2012

Who should attend? •

•

Engineers that work within hazardous environments. Typical industries include the offshore and petrochem sector as well as utilities, chemical and pharmaceutical and mining and quarrying. Job functions will include maintenance, project, production, health & safety, operations, facilities, electrical and senior decision makers.

HAZEX offers visitors the opportunity to discover the latest products, legislation, case studies and latest techniques applicable to engineers working within hazardous environments. Accompanying the exhibition will be a comprehensive seminar programme covering a variety of topics relating to working within hazardous areas. One of the new minefields for engineering and operations professionals is the mandatory European Community directive ATEX 94/9/EC. ATEX stands for atmosphere explosive and it is the law in the EU. HAZEX offers ATEX approved companies the ideal platform in which to showcase their products & services.The ATEX labelling & markings on products should include the following information: 1. It is in compliance with the relevant & applicable safety standards 2. It is operational in a specific temperature range 3. It is intended for use in hazardous or explosive atmospheres 4. It is approved for certain gas grouping 5. That it meets all the directives Sectors that now rely on stringent and necessary ATEX approved products and hazardous area best practice include: • Oil & gas • Nuclear • Renewables • Chemical • Pharmaceutical • Petrochemical • Food & beverage • Utilities & transportation

How to get to the NEC, Birmingham... The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Birmingham West Midlands B40 1NT England Tel: +44 (0)121 780 4141 Email: info@necgroup.co.uk Web: www.thenec.co.uk

By Road Birmingham is at the hub of the UK motorway network, enabling visitors to travel directly from the M6, M1, M40 and M42. The NEC has its own on-site car parks while the city-centre venues are served by a car park at The NIA and others in the immediate vicinity.

By Rail The NEC and The NEC Arena are served by Birmingham International station, connected by a covered bridgelink. London is only 90 minutes away and trains also run direct to many regional towns and cities.

By Air More than 20 international airlines serve Birmingham International Airport, which is conveniently situated a few minutes from The NEC. Together they provide scheduled flights from 34 destinations in the UK, Europe and North America. The NEC is also easily accessible from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and other regional airports.

Accommodation The Solutions Company is the preferred supplier for accommodation on this event. Contact them on +44 (0)1335 345655 or email lewis@ thesolutionscompany.co.uk 15

HAZARDOUS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

HAZEX SHOW 2012

Sira Test & Certification to support at HAZEX, the new specialist hazardous area event

Visit Online -to find out more

To see more details on the show, you can visit us online.

Sira Test & Certification Ltd (a CSA International company) has announced it is supporting at HAZEX, the new specialist hazardous area event being run as part of easyFairs MAINTEC 2012. Sira has been at the forefront of hazardous area issues and training for over 25 years. It is a world leader in the conformity assessment solutions field and the UK’s leading Notified Body for Ex Product Certification (ATEX & IECEx), indeed it has issued more IECEx certificates than any other certification

1) Go to: www.easyfairs.com

body. So Sira’s endorsement of HAZEX reflects the event’s commitment to bringing the UK’s top hazard prevention experts under one roof. Commenting on Sira Test & Certification’s decision to exhibit at HAZEX, Adam Garner, Marketing Coordinator at Sira said: “We see this as a golden opportunity for us to explain our full range of services to engineers, contractors, industrial clients and the many supply organisations we can help. We’re very excited to be involved in the show.”

2) In the blue search area search for MAINTEC 2012.

In addition to promoting its services Sira will run a learnShops seminar at the show designed to demystify the IECEx Certification of Personnel Competence Scheme. As the first organisation to issue the world’s first IECEx personnel competence certificate, Sira is an acknowledged expert in this field. This newly launched scheme is a world first in providing companies with independent proof that a person holding an IECEx Certificate of Personnel Competence has the knowledge and skills necessary to implement the international Ex Standards. This can be especially important for contracting staff. Sira will explain to attendees what the scheme is about, its benefits to industry and how individuals can achieve certification.

3) Results will display on the left hand side, Click on the show title. 4) In the red menu on the right hand side you can view full detals about the event, including floor plans and exhibitors lists 17

HAZARDOUS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

CABLE GLANDS

HAZARDOUS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

MAINTENANCE & SAFETY FOR OFFSHORE RIGS

New Maintenance Service Should Help Safeguard Lives In A Crisis On Offshore Rigs A UK manufacturer of secondary diesel engine starting solutions used in critical applications such as off-shore on-rig emergency power generators, winches, fire pumps and lifeboats, is launching a new maintenance service for applications located in extreme locations, to resolve what it sees as a serious safety loophole. IPU Group designs and makes a range of air, spring, hydraulic and nitrogen starting solutions capable of turning over and starting diesel engines up to 320 litre in the harshest of conditions including wet, sub-zero, artic and extreme heat. A significant number of these engines are located in high risk environments such as oil and gas platforms, where a means of secondary non-electrical starting is mandatory in the event of a fire or explosion.

operators must do more than the weekly test to comply with safety guidelines.

However, informal research by IPU has discovered that these emergency starting solutions are not getting regularly serviced, which the business believes could be putting personnel at risk.

“Even in the harshest conditions operators must organise regular servicing support for their stand-by equipment. However, this is not always happening either due to operational pressures, lack of relevant skills or as a result of staff shortages.

IPU considers that a reduction in maintenance crews on platforms, a lack of awareness of the critical safetyrelated function of the starting systems and a shortage of spares for equipment, which in some cases is over 30 years old, is leading to the inadequate servicing of secondary power sources. A lot of back-up generators in the offshore industry are located in exposed areas and at the mercy of the elements, suffering erosion due to the effects of water, sea salt and extreme temperatures, but according to IPU full servicing of emergency starting systems is being overlooked. To resolve this potentially serious problem, IPU has had a number of engineering staff trained for off-shore servicing. This includes passing the Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training for helicopter travel to offshore installations. The engineers are also qualified to service and maintain other manufacturers’ kit as well as IPU solutions, in accordance with the main specifications of the equipment. All work is certified to meet existing safety standards. Divisional director of starting systems at IPU, David Caddick, believes that in his experience the black-start capability on some platforms has been compromised due to a regime of sporadic safety checks, and that HAZARDOUS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

Mr Caddick said: “Part of the problem appears to be that maintenance crews are unaware of whose area of responsibility it is. We have voiced our concerns to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and are keen to work with them to ensure the very highest standards of offshore safety.

“We can help reduce the risk of failure of emergency power on oil and gas platforms by providing regular servicing to back-up starter motors. Our highly trained and motivated engineers are on stand-by 24/7 to go to the most hazardous environments anywhere in the world.” West Midlands-based IPU is offering a world-wide sales and service back-up for diesel engine emergency starting covering virtually all off-shore locations from the North Sea, and Antarctica to Asia. Reliable secondary starting applications that are deployed to meet ATEX regulations for explosive atmospheres are vital for productivity, performance and the safety of offshore rigs - IPU can give operators who cannot afford to lose power peace of mind by delivering cost effective starting system testing, installation and commissioning onsite, as well as regular servicing, carried out by highly qualified and committed staff. Andy Hill - Marketing Manager IPU Group. Churchbridge, Oldbury, B69 2AS Telephone 0121 511 0400 Email: andy.hill@ipu.co.uk Website: www.ipu.co.uk

ADHESIVES

NON HAZARDOUS ENGINEERING ADHESIVES … same high performance with no price premium In the case of the health and safety range from Henkel, the

Protecting our workforce and

answer is a resounding yes. The company first introduced

environment through ever tightening health and safety rules has a double edge. Of course it’s in everyone’s interests but for those whose job it is to evaluate the suitability of hazardlabelled products against process needs and company policy, tougher legislation means a lot more work.

its Loctite 2400 and 2700 threadlocking products a short time ago but now these formulations have been joined by others with similar credentials. As a result, Henkel is unique in its ability to offer a comprehensive range of hazard-label-free engineering adhesives that cover the lion’s share of applications. This range has now become the Loctite front line offering, with products carrying health and safety symbols only being called in where a specific performance characteristic is required. And crucially this hazard-free, high performance is available at no additional cost to the end user.

Protecting our workforce and environment through ever tightening health and safety rules has a double edge. Of course it’s in everyone’s interests but for those whose job it is to evaluate the suitability of hazard-labelled products against process needs and company policy, tougher legislation means a lot more work. The quick fix is to select products that are free from hazard labelling. But in reality, are they as effective as their counterparts whose constituents require them to display health and safety symbols?

Henkel, with the Loctite brand has always had a very strong health and safety ethos with its R&D being driven by sustainability and responsibility. Dr Vernon Kreible developed anaerobic engineering adhesives in 1953 and through continuous development, this technology has evolved into a highly effective Loctite product range that covers, threadlocking, thread sealing, gasketing and retaining. These latest additions to its health and safety range are designed to make the COSHH assessment and acceptance process for engineering adhesives as easy as possible. Instead of safety sheets running to maybe a dozen pages, all the details needed for these products are contained in just four. The range enables manufacturers to benefit from the many advantages that this technology brings

HAZARDOUS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

ADHESIVES

whilst demonstrating responsibility for their staff and the environment. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not solely a question of conformity however, the Loctite range also outperforms other technologies. Threadlocking is a good case in point. Take a look at the following graph that shows the results of an independent test to demonstrate clampload retention performance of various locking devices. You can see that the use of the threadlocking adhesive gives far better vibration resistance than most methods. And even when compared against technologies that provide a similar performance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the adhesive bolt and the saw-toothed flange - the Loctite system introduces further advantages.

gasket must be resistant to fluids and/or gasses. The job of Loctite 5800 is therefore to provide a perfect seal between components with maximum face-to-face contact, eliminating flange face corrosion that can lead to minor leakages. A key benefit of retaining compounds is interference fits can be reduced or even replaced with slip fits, there is less stress within the assembly so a lighter housing can be used. And this is also the case with the final new Henkel product, the Loctite 6300 retaining compound. This is designed to secure bearings, bushes and other cylindrical parts onto shafts.

Firstly, it costs less and secondly, the resultant joint is completely sealed. So, for example, this allows manufacturers to dispense with blind hole drilling and tapping and use the simpler practice of through hole drilling and tapping. The threaded fitting is completely sealed with the locking compound so the adjacent water jacket or oil way remains pressure tight. The product is also available in two grades, Loctite 2400 and 2700 respectively, for medium and high strength threadlocking. From an application point of view the Loctite threadlockers overlap to a degree with the Loctite 5400 thread sealer. Its primary role however is to seal and lock to prevent leakage of gasses or liquids. When the liquid adhesive is applied to a taper parallel thread it provides an instant seal so, if needs be, the system can be pressurised straight away. There is no danger of joint corrosion and of course the fastener can be released at any time. Next in the new health and safety range is Loctite 5800 for gasketing. In order to withstand the high operating temperatures and pressures to which it is subjected, a

The innovative Loctite health and safety range of anaerobic engineering adhesives are highly stable just like other Loctite anaerobic products. More information on the entire range is available at: www.loctitesolutions.com 23

HAZARDOUS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

ULTRASONIC INSPECTION EQUIPMENT

ATEX Certified - Multiple Echo Thickness Gauge Cygnus Instruments Limited is the leading manufacturer of Multiple Echo Ultrasonic Thickness Gauges employing the CygnusPioneered Multiple Echo technique to give accurate, error-checked metal thickness measurements through coatings. The Cygnus 1 Intrinsically Safe Multiple Echo Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge is specifically designed for safe use in potentially explosive and hazardous environments. Without the need to remove protective coatings or obtain hot work permits, inspection costs are greatly reduced. The Cygnus 1 Intrinsically Safe Multiple Echo Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge is robust, simple to use and gives accurate, error checked measurements whilst ignoring protective coatings.

Cygnus contact details: Company: Cygnus Instruments Ltd Contact Person: Graham Haines Position: Sales Director Cygnus House, 30 Prince of Wales Road Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1PW Telephone Number: +44 (0)1305 265533 Fax Number: +44 (0)1305 269900 Email: sales@cygnus-instruments.com Website: www.cygnus-instruments.com

ATEX Certification Coding: {Ex} II 1G Ex ia IIC T6 Ga {Ex} I M1 Ex ia I Ma (for use in MINES) ATEX & IECEX OPTO COUPLERS

Bedford Opto Technology Ltd Hazardex 2012 We design,develop and manufacture,in Scotland,ATEX and IECEx certified Opto Couplers. We offer tubular transistor output 10kV through hole;surface mount transistor 10kV;surface mount high speed opto logic output;through hole high speed opto logic types. We also have a true surface mount lead free soldering compatible 10kV transistor replacement for the OPI1000LE types,this has yet to be submitted for ATEX/IECEx approval. We have been in existence for 37 yrs and specialise in solving Opto Electronic problems.Whilst much of our product range is custom made we offer a standard range of LED Bargraphs,LED circuit board indicators,IR transmissive and reflective switches. Early in 2012 we will be announcing the availability of a second generation high speed series of Opto couplers offering pin compatibility with our current OPI2000 types.These will use new internal components to strengthen the dual sourcability of the range.ATEX and IECEx certification will be applied for later this year. HAZARDOUS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

If you have an Opto problem you would like us to look at whether it be ATEX/IECEx or not please contact us.We provide a prompt low cost service from prototypes through to full production tooling. Cygnus Instruments Ltd Cygnus House, 30 Prince of Wales Road Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1PW Tel: +44 (0)1305 265533 Email: sales@cygnus-instruments.com Web: www.cygnus-instruments.com

FATIGUE TEST EQUIPMENT FATIGUE TEST EQUIPMENT

IDAC Employs FEA to Assess Fatigue Life Products that are exposed to repeated cyclic loadings or varying loads over time may eventually fail as a result of fatigue. The failure of any product or part, can result in hefty expenses or even loss of life. Optimising the shape, size and materials used in a product, by using simulation, is the most cost-effective way to avoid fatigue failures or create the desired product life. IDAC Ltd is an FEA consultancy which makes use of ANSYS, an industry-leading simulation platform, to deliver solutions which can predict product life. IDAC’s engineering consultants can evaluate product life using a complete fatigue simulation process. This process includes interfacing to CAD geometry, material selection from engineering data in the ANSYS material library, automatic meshing, application of initial conditions, simulation of the response of the structure and transfer of this information to one of the following:

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ANSYS Fatigue Module ANSYS nCode DesignLife A customised ANSYS fatigue solution written by IDAC based on your specific requirements. A customised fatigue solution is often the most effective and economical solution to a complex assessment. For more information on services & products provided by IDAC please contact IDAC Ltd on +44 (0)844 212 5900 or visit: idac.co.uk or email:info@idac.co.uk

MATERIALS HANDLING

Bespoke Handling Solutions Handling equipment manufacturer STS specialise in design and build solutions, alongside a range of quality standard products. Technical Sales Director Colin Jones says ‘STS are pretty unique in the way we are willing to develop a unit from concept to full on-site trial without the customer committing to the purchase of the unit’. How This Works After site visits to gather data and discuss options we produce a detailed proposal and a fixed price for the unit should the customer decide to purchase after trials. If the price falls within budget we produce 3D CADs to help the customer evaluate the proposal. We then manufacture and deliver the unit to site for trial. After the week of live use the customer has the opportunity to purchase the unit or have it collected. Colin Jones continued ‘This sounds like a risky strategy but it all depends on how good the units are you design. In our experience if you solve the customer’s problem they always want to purchase.’ HAZARDOUS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

STS – Bespoke Handling Equipment Ltd Leedstown, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 6DS UK Tel: +44(0)1736 851050 | Fax: +44(0)1736 851023 email:sales@sts-trolleys.co.uk

HAZARDOUS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

GAS DECTECTION EQUIPMENT

New Gas-Pro Confined Space Gas Detector from Crowcon Crowcon’s new Gas-Pro portable gas detector is designed with just one purpose – ensuring safety in confined spaces. It is robust, reliable and simple to use with a bright, easy to read display and long battery life. The Gas-Pro has a number of special features specific to confined space entry (CSE) work: •

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Compact and comparable in size to leading front-mount diffusion detectors, which means it will not get in the way of other personal protection equipment (PPE) and not interfere with the worker’s primary activity. Bright, clear top-mount display that can be read at a glance without having to even touch the detector. A dual colour backlight adds an extra level of alert should the Gas-Pro enter alarm status. Automated pre-entry check function. This is recorded in the event log making it traceable and proving the check was carried out prior to CSE. An internal pump allowing pre-entry testing to be done quickly and easily. This also keeps the size of the detector small and removes the problems of poor sealing or the need for extra equipment and chargers. +ve Safety™ (positive safety). Tri-colour status indication giving quick and effective monitoring of gas test (bump), calibration, over range and recent alarm notification. Because the indication light is visible to all it offers the fleet manager a quick, simple and comprehensive visible indication of monitor status. Multiple gas sensors for up to five potentially hazardous gases from a wide range, including: hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxygen and flammable gases, as well as industryspecific gases such as ozone, ammonia, chlorine, chlorine dioxide

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and sulphur dioxide. Extremely rugged with IP65 and IP67 ingress protection with an extremely loud >95 dB alarm as well as a vibrating and dual colour visual warnings as standard.

The Gas-Pro is therefore ideally suited for CSE work. Personnel entering these spaces can now focus on their core activities, safe in the knowledge that their gas detector is focused on its core activity. According to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) a confined space means ‘any place, including any chamber, tank, vat, silo, pit, trench, pipe, sewer, flue, well or other similar space in which, by virtue of its enclosed nature, there arises a reasonably foreseeable risk’. This definition covers just about any industrial activity but is especially applicable to the utilities industries (water and wastewater, electricity, telecommunications and gas), construction, hydrocarbon exploration and processing, petrochemicals, marine applications, agriculture, food processing, wine making and brewing, as well as emergency services. The Gas-Pro is ideal for these and many other applications.

Crowcon Detection Instruments Ltd 2 Blacklands Way, Abingdon Business Park, Abingdon OX14 1DY, United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)1235 557700, Fax: +44 (0)1235 557718 E-mail: sales@crowcon.com Website: www.crowcon.com

LONE WORKER PROTECTION

Phone Alone? CST’s new DECT handset is a multi-function communications device that also protects at-risk staff. Call Systems Technology’s new C3110P DECT handset is a phone, pager and radio in one that also provides an effective lone worker protection system. Its personal alarm features enable staff to initialise panic and staff alarms, or remote monitoring, directly from the handset. Meanwhile the unit’s optional location and positioning system instantly informs support staff of the accurate location of the person in need of help. •

IP65 Rated

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Large display screen

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Colour code alarm messaging

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Unique alarm graphics

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Panic button

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Position location

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3 Year warranty as standard

Call 0800 389 5642 or visit www.call-systems.com for more information. HAZARDOUS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

BUYERS GUIDE 2012

CONSULTANCY & INSPECTION

ATEX EXPLOSION HAZARDS

CONTROL PANELS

CABLE GLANDS

DRUM HANDLING

CONTROL PANELS

ENCLOSURES

EXPLOSION PROTECTION

To advertise here please contact : Paul Miles Tel: +44 (0)1634 731646 Email: paul@hazeng.com

HAZARDOUS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

BUYERS GUIDE 2012

TEST CERTIFICATION

TRAINING

HAZARDOUS AREA STATIC CONTROL

ATEX INPECTION SOFTWARE

Advertise Here To advertise in our classified section please contact EMS magazine on: 01634 731646 or email: info@hazeng.com HAZARDOUS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS