CEAG explosion-protected electrical equipment

Tech-Ex Systems Ltd, a systems builder and installer of explosion protected electrical equipment, is focused on providing customers with rapid response, engineering-led assembly, panel building and wiring services for installation in the petrochemicals, oil and gas and pharmaceuticals industries.

Based in Coventry, Tech-Ex Systems Ltd was established  by company director Harnak Sandhu, a Degree-qualified electrical and electronics engineer with more than 18 years' experience in the industry. Tech-Ex Systems is a Certified Partner for Cooper Crouse-Hinds UK Ltd (CEAG) and offers panel building, wiring and assembly for all CEAG products, including control stations, distribution boards and terminal boxes in both GRP and Stainless Steel.

As Harnak Sandhu comments: "Prior to setting up the business, I went out and asked OEM, End User and Contractor customers of explosion proof electrical equipment what they actually wanted from a systems builder. The answer was unanimous - they wanted local support that included flexibility, engineering, assembly and wiring services, particularly for the more complex systems, as well as reduced lead times, from order placement to installation of the complete system. Tech-Ex Systems is a result of these discussions and of my own experiences in the industry."

Refer to picture above: A selection of panel building, wiring and assembly products, including: control stations, distribution boards and terminal boxes in both GRP and Stainless Steel. All of these are CEAG products assembled by Tech-Ex Systems.

According to Sandhu, the key is to understand the customer's individual requirements and application, followed by providing a cost-effective, customised solution that matches that need. "By working with us, the customer will have direct contact with engineers and production, who can make decisions and offer advice first hand."

"Technical documentation for approval is turned around faster than the industry has experienced to date, as we have full CAD software facilities, and any changes will be implemented efficiently as we are closer to the customer. Having worked with key accounts since the business was set up, the company, with its dynamic and flexible approach, has proved to be the ideal recipe the clients want."

Cooper Crouse-Hinds (UK) Ltd in profile
As part of the Cooper Industries Group, Cooper Crouse-Hinds (UK) Ltd is the number one company in the field of explosion protection. Committed to technological progress, the company develops and manufactures a range of products that cover all the requirements currently placed on modern, explosion-protected, electrical installation technology, including illumination, safeguarding, signalling, controlling, instrumentation and distribution of electrical energy in potentially explosive atmospheres. In the company's production plants in Germany, England and Spain, the company manufactures a wide range of products for explosion protection.

Cooper Crouse-Hinds supplies products that comply with all the latest directives and standards - worldwide. In addition to systems and components built to ATEX Directives and European Standards, the company also provides solutions that have been certified to both IEC and NEC standards. Moreover, the company also has a large number of other national approvals, e.g. for Eastern European countries, China and North America. With Cooper Crouse-Hinds you can get all you need from one source.

For further information,, email: sales@ceag-crouse-hinds.co.uk   Refer to page 111

Handling equipment for shipyards offers oblique lifting

The J D Neuhaus air operated lifting equipment has a proven pedigree for operating in the shipyard and offshore industries, with a range of hoists and winches which provide sensitive positioning controls with rugged, safe and reliable lifting capabilities.

The installing and disassembly procedures for propellers and drive shafts together with rudder blades and shafts have been routinely undertaken, together with both lifting and removal of heavy equipment in engine rooms. A typical example has been the replacement of a 34 ton starboard propeller on the US aircraft carrier Enterprise. This operation was successfully carried out underwater in Francisco Bay using three JDN Profi air hoists, each with a capacity of 50 tonnes. JDN lifting equipment also has an Ex rating as standard, making it suitable for refurb work on vessels that may previously have been carrying hazardous or potentially explosive cargo.

The JDN equipment available includes the Profi range of hoists with lifting capacities from 250kg up to 100 tonnes. These are equipped with mounting lugs for overhead rail mounting using manual, reel chain or air-motor operated trolleys. Low headroom trolleys are also available for operation in confined areas or where space is at a premium. For the lower load requirements, the JDN mini air hoists are available, with load capacities from 125 to 1000kg. Air operated Profi winches for lift and pull operations can also be supplied. These have capacities up to 2000kg (lifter) and 3000kg (puller).
 
Typical advantages of JDN air operated equipment include the absence of any electrical source for lifting or motive power, so eliminating the potential for inadvertent spark ignition. Non-polluting compressed air operation at 4 to 6 bar pressure, with motor overload protection and 100% duty rating is provided. Sensitive positioning of loads is achieved with optional controls being available, while all equipment is suitable for use in damp or dusty conditions and is insensitive to temperatures in the range of -20°C to +70°C. Hoists can also be used for oblique lifting when special safety precautions are observed. All products have compact designs, with low weight, ensuring ease of both handling and installation. With high quality materials used throughout, they are durable and provide reliable, maintenance-free operation.

For further information, e-mail: info@jdneuhaus.co.uk  or view website: www.jdneuhaus.co.uk   Refer to page 45

Rudder repairs in operation using a JDN Profi hoist (100 tonne version inset), where oblique lifting can be accommodated.

Atlas Copco is first to offer Carbon Zero
compressors certified for 100% energy recovery

Atlas Copco has introduced a Carbon Zero range of air compressors equipped with advanced heat recovery systems proven to recover 100% of the electrical energy input in the form of hot water. The compressors can, as a result, dramatically reduce energy costs for a wide range of industries. The unique compressors are the first in the world to be certified by the TÜV institute as having "net zero energy consumption".

The Carbon Zero innovation provides effective heat transfer, within specific design conditions, of relative humidity so that a considerable proportion of electrical power input can be recovered in the form of hot water at 90°C. This provides significant benefits for industries employing hot water or steam within process operations such as food and beverage, pulp and paper, chemicals and power plants.

By using the compressor output hot water either directly, or as pre-heated boiler feed water, the consumption of process heating fuel and its associated carbon dioxide emissions can be dramatically reduced or, in some cases, eliminated altogether.

The renowned, independent TÜV institute (German Technical Monitoring Association) earlier this year supervised tests on Atlas Copco's oil-free screw compressor series ZR 55 - 750, equipped with built-in energy recovery systems. The tests demonstrated that under specific design conditions, 100% of the electric energy consumed could be recovered for heating water.

"We are very pleased to offer our customers a compressed air solution that can recover 100% of the input energy," says Stephan Kuhn, President of Atlas Copco's Compressor Technique business area. "Today our customers face stringent targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The Carbon Zero compressor will have significant impact towards preserving the environment and also on our customers' bottom line. Energy efficiency has been at the core of our product development for a long time. The global need to reduce CO₂ emissions confirms we have been, and are, on the right track."

Energy saving in compressed air systems is vital since energy consumption typically represents over 80% of a compressor's lifecycle cost. Compressed air systems on average account for approximately 10% of industrial electrical power consumption, it can represent as much as 40% of a plant's electricity bill. That is why Atlas Copco has continued to be an innovator in energy-efficient compressed air solutions for many years.

For further information, e-mail: gba.info@uk.atlascopco.com or view website: www.atlascopco.co.uk   Refer to page 52

The future of UK welding industry is alive and well! 
High calibre finalists compete in welding skills competition

Following a series of closely fought regional heats and a challenging final, one talented individual will be crowned, 'Skillweld Champion 2010'.  This sought-after title will be awarded to the trainee welder demonstrating an outstanding skill and welding excellence.

Since November 2009 judges from Skillweld 2010 - Britain's prestigious, national welder competition - have searched the length and breadth of the UK to find the brightest young welding talent.  Today's final at TWI's base in Cambridge marks the culmination of this search and sees top scoring competitors from regional heats go head-to-head in their bid to win the competition.  Outstanding finalists from this national competition may then be considered for inclusion in the world's biggest skills competition, WorldSkills, which is taking place in London in 2011. 

The Skillweld competition remains a key component, which ensures trainee welders receive the support and guidance they need to guarantee the welding profession's future in the UK.  It provides a national platform for Britain's most promising talent to showcase their welding excellence and proficiency in all popular welding processes, including MMA, TIG and MIG/MAG.

Chris Eady TWI Associate Director for Professional Affairs and Chairman of the SkillWeld Committee said: "The Skillweld competition is a great way for companies, training providers and TWI to collaborate for the greater good of the welding industry. 

"We are delighted with the high calibre of entrants that have taken part in this year's competition.  It's encouraging to see that despite the continually challenging economic environment we've still received more applicants than we did in the last competition." 

Matthias Kuhn, Air Products' General Manager - Packaged Gases for the UK and Ireland, commented: "Welders from the UK are one of this country's key strengths and a class above many of our other European counterparts.  That's why it's essential we build on our strong metal fabrication heritage by continuing to encourage and support new entrants into the industry." For further information, view the Air Products website: www.airproducts.co.uk/skillweld