Atlas Copco compressor aids Norfolk waterway de-silting

An Atlas Copco compressor is at the heart of an aeration system using compressed air to agitate the water and overcome the build up of silt against the tidal doors that protect the guillotine gates of the Denver Sluice on the River Great Ouse, near Downham Market in Norfolk.

The sluice controls the water levels over parts of the fens and prevents high tides from flooding low-lying areas. Over the past couple of years the Environment Agency has had to dredge up to four metres of silt from in front of the gates and downstream of Denver Lock because only a limited amount of water had been allowed to flow from the three 'eyes' of the sluice due to a prolonged period of dry weather. The decision to bring the 'eyes' which include the upstream guillotine gates back into full service was hampered by the inability to move the silted up tidal doors (mitre gate type) protecting them.

Rob Barker, the Project Manager from the Environment Agency, Anglian Region, sought the expertise of their NEECA Framework Consultants, Royal Haskoning, to develop his concept for an aeration system. The task fell to David Goodman, Principal Mechanical Engineer with Royal Haskoning based in their Leeds Office, who developed the initial concept to outline design stage and produced the specification and tender drawings for the system. The final details for the design, along with the supply and installation of the equipment was provided by Atlas Copco's main distributor in the area, Anglian Compressors, based in Peterborough.

Commending the support received David Goodman said: "The level of assistance provided by both Anglian Compressors and Atlas Copco's technical team was excellent and greatly contributed to the success of the project; and as expected the equipment supplied and quality of installation was first class."

The complete installation comprised a GA15 VSD 15 kW rotary screw compressor together with an LV500 air receiver and a PD 60 oil filter, housed in a purpose-built GRP kiosk located on site, together with associated pipework and control valves/manifolds.

The aeration system itself comprised three concentric loops of galvanised steel pipework installed in front of each gate. Four mm holes were drilled at 100mm intervals in sections of the pipework loops with each concentration of holes covering a different section of the individual gate/sill. A set of ball valves was configured to allow independent control of each loop for concentrated aeration at higher pressures and also flushing of the system in either direction.

The decision to install a variable speed drive version of the GA15 compressor - capable of delivering air at the rate of 16 - 48 l/s at a pressure of 7 bar(e) -  was influenced by the ability of the VSD compressor to match output to demand for optimum energy efficiency and to minimise starting currents without energy penalty.

The system is now operated regularly during outgoing tides which carry the silt downstream and all the indications are that the system will continue to be effective in keeping the front of the tidal gates free from any silt build-up.

Commenting on the project, Rob Barker said: "The Environment Agency is very pleased with the early results of the compressed air aeration process.  We would certainly consider installing similar systems in other locations experiencing this type of problem."

For further information contact John Forman at Atlas Copco, e-mail: gba.info@uk.atlascopco.com or view website: www.atlascopco.co.uk   Refer to page 68

Companies considering new component cleaning and degreasing equipment
can now take a machine on free loan to test its effectiveness and operation

Companies considering new component cleaning and degreasing equipment can now take a machine on free loan to test its effectiveness and operation.

Layton Technologies is offering a Blueseal sealed solvent cleaning system as an on-site demonstration machine for companies who want to continue cleaning with chlorinated solvents such as Trichloroethylene or Perchloroethylene.

The machine is available to companies who want to test out its features at their own site. Layton will provide the machine free of change, together with operator training. Delivery and connections to services need to be arranged by the user company.

Chris O'Rourke, Layton's sales manager explained that the demonstration machine is already in demand as more companies look to ensure that their component cleaning is compliant and safe. "We already have a demonstration facility at our UK manufacturing base in Staffordshire, which allows companies to visit us to see how the equipment works and to conduct trials, but this on-site machine allows companies to also have a Blueseal system on their premises to enable wider understanding of the system".

The Blueseal system is a safe and environmentally compliant component cleaning system which can be configured for use with Tric, Perc and some specific hydrocarbons and modified alcohols. It complies with latest regulations (SED) and the solvent suppliers Voluntary Industry Code (VIC). 

The system has a hermetically sealed process chamber which features spray, vapour and full immersion cleaning with ultrasonics, and super-fast vacuum drying. It has a closed solvent recovery process with full carbon adsorption and automated regeneration all within a compact package, designed to deliver extremely low solvent use with almost zero emissions and exposure levels.

Layton Technologies is a leading UK component cleaning systems manufacturer, who design and build cleaning plants using either solvent or aqueous technologies, specialising in highly demanding applications including healthcare products, electronics, aerospace and precision engineering.

For further information, e-mail: ianparry@laytontechnologies.com or view website: www.laytontechnologies.com    Refer to page 78   

Netzsch Pumps Ltd have supplied two of their NM063SS01L06B pumps to Ancillary Components Ltd

Netzsch Pumps Ltd have supplied two of their NM063SS01L06B pumps to Ancillary Components Ltd in Northampton to replace standard progressing cavity pumps to offer improved service life feeding the Goosey Lodge Power Plant.

The materials that are fed through the new pumps into the plant are all biomass including animal by-products and wastes, blended to typically 50% dry solids content by weight.

The plant runs continuously except for brief outages for planned maintenance and the new pumps now require a stator change after about six months which is twice as long as expected and considerably longer than the original pumps could manage.

The secret of the Netzsch pump lies with the patented iFD stator, which allows the elastomer to flex when in contact with abrasive particles, thereby reducing the abrasive effect on both itself and the metal rotor. The iFD stator also carries an environmental pedigree as it not only allows for smaller drives, due to the lower breakaway torque, it can also be easily recycled; in fact it was developed in conjunction with the German Environmental Foundation (DBU). The iFD stator is also easily retro fitted to most modern NETZSCH pump models. (Refer to the picture above).

For further information, e-mail: sales@npu.netzsch.com or view website: www.netzsch.com

Servomex's new Integrated Solutions business unit offers plants a complete, expert solution in the design, installation and safety of gas analyser systems

Servomex's new Integrated Solutions business unit offers a complete, expert solution in the design and installation of gas analyser systems for new or existing plants that deliver industry-leading levels of efficiency, safety and cost-effective operation.

By integrating Servomex's world-leading expertise in the design and manufacture of gas analysers with proven experience in the delivery, build and maintenance of plant analyser systems, Integrated Solutions will deliver the most reliable and accurate analyser systems to any project requirement. By bringing together Servomex's sales and technical teams to maximise experience, resources and capabilities, Integrated Solutions assesses a customer's needs on a 'whole system life' basis that spans the initial assessment of system requirements through to installation, commissioning and an ongoing programme of maintenance and support.

Customers engaging with Integrated Solutions will not only benefit from the considerable cost, delivery and performance benefits that a full system delivered by Servomex brings, but will also avoid potential budget implications and project issues that can arise if system requirements are sourced on a piecemeal basis.
Servomex's ability to deliver truly integrated gas analyser systems is already recognised in Europe, China and the Americas, where the company has become the acknowledged leader in areas such as PTA gas analysis where no less than 14 PTA monitoring systems have been commissioned in just five years. Supported by a global network of sales and support teams, Servomex Integrated Solutions will expand this offering across the globe to include key regions such as Latin American, India and Middle East.

Integrated Solutions has already commenced operations within Servomex's EMEA region - including the Middle East and India - and will be formally implemented as a full global offering with the inclusion of the Americas and Asia Pacific regions.
"Servomex is delighted to launch the Integrated Solutions business unit, which will bring focus to our project work in order to offer fit-for-purpose solutions to our customers," says Dr Stephen Firth, (pictured on the left), Business Unit Manager, Integrated Solutions.

"In many ways Integrated Solutions summarises Servomex's leading position, showcasing as it does the full range of experience and expertise that we bring to every aspect of delivering world-class gas analysis."

For further information about the Servomex Integrated Solutions, contact the Servomex sales team at the European Business Centre (+31 (0) 79 330 1581 / 00800 737866390 Toll free in France, Holland, Germany, Belgium and the UK).