News

Hart’s Speedor Storms to the rescue

The call to Hart Door Systems was straightforward – a company was having problems with two suppliers of industrial doors and a third party had recommended Hart Door Systems as the best option as the alternative deliverer of the industrial doors which would resolve the problem.

Carl Crossman, Hart’s Project Manager, said the call was very much the part of a typical week at the forefront of manufacture of industrial/commercial industrial doors. “Because of our long-standing reputation as a major supplier of a wide range of industrial doors and the range of options we have, Hart is well placed to problem solve and deliver the very high standard of industrial doors necessary”.

Mr Crossman confirmed an immediate site visit was carried out and an instant order for two Speedor Storms was placed. Both doors have now been installed and the performance of both will be monitored with a view to replacing other doors on the site. “The response was extremely positive. The Storms are a very high standard of automatic industrial door, an essential part of Hart’s family of Speedor options.”

Mr Crossman added: “Typically clients are attracted to the rapid roll Storm because of its robustness and exceptional wind resistance together with its energy-saving potential as well as controlling internal temperatures and reducing escaping noise and odours. It is an incomparable industrial door product in high demand because of its robustness and exceptional wind resistance together with its energy-saving potential and other very important features.”

More about Speedor Storm

This rapid roll door is robust, low maintenance and delivers exceptional wind resistance in exposed areas. While its high-speed opening and closing action improve efficiency, the energy-saving potential of this rapid roll door is high, controlling internal temperatures, escaping dirt, odours and noise.

Special features include; moisture-controlled electrics, mechanical components shielded from dust and dirt, and a unique guide system offering exceptional wind resistance up to class 5 as defined by DIN EN 12424. 

The high-performance exterior roller storm door is designed for frequent use in high traffic situations and constructed to withstand harsh environments.

www.hartdoors.com

FLIR to demonstrate the advantages of multi-layered security solutions at ICS West 2025

FLIR, an industry leader in visible and thermal imaging sensors for security applications, will use ICS West 2025 to show visitors how they can benefit from adopting a multi-layered approach to their security challenges.

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 With extensive experience across applications that include fence line/perimeter protection, parking lots, outdoor area protection, and entry/interior area protection, FLIR designs its solutions as building blocks that can integrate to form a robust multi-layered security solution.

ISC West 2025 is a comprehensive and converged security trade event taking place from March 31 to April 4 at the Venetian Expo convention center in Las Vegas, USA. On Stand 29075, FLIR will emphasize that today’s security response has to be precise, quick, flexible, and robust in the face of threats that are more intelligent and complex than ever before. Ensuring the safety and protection of people and the security of buildings is becoming ever more challenging, rendering traditional security models insufficient.

The way forward lies in developing advanced situational awareness capabilities, namely a security framework that not only reacts to threats but also supports active prevention. Detecting threats in real time, responding with precision, and continuously adapting to emerging risks is crucial for upholding safety and security.

At ICS West 2025, FLIR will demonstrate how, using the latest multi-layered security solutions, turns this idea from concept into reality, creating several barriers for potential intruders. A combination of technologies strengthens each stage of the security journey from initial detection to identification and tracking, stopping threats before they cause harm.

By combining thermal, visible, and ground-based radar imaging with FLIR’s pioneering Virtual Barrier video analytics, multi-layered solutions provide the strategic building blocks to detect, identify, track, and act over a long range and in any weather conditions.

Central to any multi-layered solution is thermal imaging technology. FLIR cameras integrate with third-party video management systems (VMS), adhere to strict cybersecurity protocols, and comply with the US National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). At ICS West, the FLIR stand will host a number of key camera innovations, including the FC-AI-R rugged thermal radiometric camera.

The FLIR FC-Series AI-R integrates deep neural network and motion analytics. With a thermal sensitivity of <35 mK NETD, this advanced radiometric camera offers enhanced situational awareness and clear image quality for perimeter security and physical asset safety.

Also in the spotlight will be the FLIR Quasar PTZ AI PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) infrared thermal camera. Featuring edge AI video analytics to detect and accurately classify humans and vehicles, applications include commercial and critical infrastructure sites, remote facilities, or any large area requiring close monitoring.

Elsewhere on the FLIR stand will be the FH-R-PTZ, a multi-spectral pan-tilt-zoom radiometric camera. Upon detecting a hot spot or surface temperature change, the contactless temperature measurement is sent to the operator through a connected VMS for instantaneous assessment and deployment of response tactics.

Visitors to ICS West 2025 seeking a technical discussion about multi-layered security or any other solutions can tap into the expertise of FLIR professionals, with representatives from both engineering and sales available on the stand. A Spanish speaking representative will also be present.

www.flir.com

FLIR to host webinar on Infrared Imaging Radiometry

Uncover the basics of infrared technology, explore different sensor types, and learn about radiometric calibration.

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Infrared imaging radiometry is the science of using an infrared camera to measure the amount of IR radiation from a target in a scene. Every pixel in the image formed by a radiometrically calibrated camera carries quantitative information. Radiometric images are more than just pictures; they are also two-dimensional grids of measurements of the infrared radiation imaged onto the sensor from the scene. The camera lens “maps” the IR radiation emitted from objects in the scene to corresponding positions on the sensor. The applications for infrared radiometry are plentiful, and well understood by scientists and engineers that work with this equipment.

Matthew Hasty, Global Senior Product Manager, Research and Development and Automation Segments at FLIR will explore the fundamentals of infrared technology, how it works, and the various sensor technologies available. Hasty will also demonstrate how software, particularly FLIR Research Studio, can enhance efficiency and drive scientific discovery for global teams in innovative ways.

Learn how you can drive scientific discovery with imaging radiometry and FLIR technology with industry expert Matt Hasty. Don't miss this opportunity on March 27th, 11AM ET with live Q&A.

Join us and walk away with:

• Fundamental understanding of infrared technology
• What are the different sensor types
• Importance of radiometric calibration
• How to use software to enhance efficiency

Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and elevate your skills. Register now and continue on your quest for scientific breakthroughs!

www.flir.com

 

Breather valve for overpressure and vacuum safety

Protection for low-pressure tanks in a wide range of industries

In all industries in which sensitive process media are used, the highest demands are placed on maintaining the quality, shelf life and product purity of the processed liquid or solid substances. This is often the case in the food industry and in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.

The ELEVENT breather valve from REMBE protects vessels with low design pressures against overpressure and vacuum in a pressure range of 2–200 mbarg. This makes it the optimum solution for low-pressure vessels inside storage tanks, dryers and other vessels in the chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries.

For example, ELEVENT is ideal for use in dryers in which free-flowing process media, such as cocoa, raw tablet materials or teas, are processed under vacuum. If the vacuum pressure inside the vessel begins to drop, the valve opens and thus ensures targeted pressure equalisation, which is of immense importance both for the stability of the dryer as well as the quality of the sensitive substances inside.  Controlled maintenance of the pressure level is achieved via a very low leakage rate of up to 1x10-6 mbar x l/sec. This prevents both emissions of volatile gases or other environmentally harmful substances, as well as the formation of explosive mixtures or a potentially dangerous ingress of air.

Sweco to advise on final disposal of nuclear waste in Lithuania

The Ignalina nuclear power plant in Lithuania has awarded Sweco a contract to assess the environmental risks associated with a proposed deep geological repository (DGR) for the final disposal of long-lived radioactive waste. This assessment is a critical component of the complex and lengthy decommissioning process for the nuclear power plant, which is expected to extend over several decades.

The Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant, which was officially closed in 2009 as part of an agreement with the European Union, is undergoing decommissioning that involves dismantling reactors, managing radioactive waste and ensuring the safe restoration of the site.

As part of this project, Sweco will evaluate the potential impacts to soil, geological layers, groundwater, air quality and biodiversity across 77 candidate repository sites throughout Lithuania. The aim is to ascertain viable solutions that protect the environment, engage the public in the decision-making process, and safely dispose of, isolate, and store radioactive waste for thousands of years. The project, valued at €448,000, commenced in December 2024 and is scheduled to last for one year.

“We are proud to be selected as advisors in this crucial project. This initiative holds significant importance not only for the current residents of Lithuania but also for future generations. A team of Sweco experts will leverage local knowledge alongside Sweco Group’s extensive international experience in nuclear projects and support Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant with identifying the optimal solution for the final storage of nuclear waste,” says Liudas Zalunskis, Managing Director for Sweco in Lithuania.

Sweco has proven expertise in the construction of new nuclear facilities, the maintenance of existing ones, the decommissioning of outdated plants and the management of nuclear waste. With extensive experience from nuclear power projects in various countries, including Sweden, Belgium and Finland, Sweco is uniquely positioned to support clients at all stages of the nuclear lifecycle. It is important to note that Sweco does not provide services related to the core or hot zones of nuclear reactors.

www.swecogroup.com

 

Aqua Safety Showers can keep your workers safe

When it comes to the safety of workers out in the field, Aqua Safety Showers are the people to contact when it comes to emergency safety showers and eye wash stations. It isn’t just about the end product, we will recommend and advise you on the best safety shower solution to suit your requirement. As there is no one-fits-all approach we have the flexibility to adapt or modify our units in our manufacturing facility in Great Britain.

Our range of emergency products and equipment offer protection against serious injury and are all built to exceed ANSI/EN safety standards.

Whilst we hope there is never the need for your safety showers to be used, having one is imperative on site should be working around harmful substances.

Aqua Safety Showers can keep your workers safe with our wide range of products and units available. For a bespoke quotation, please get in touch with our sales team today who will generate a quote specific to your needs with our best possible pricing.

We are on hand to help in any situation, big or small.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

01942318096

Enerpac ‘Open House’ for visitors to experience new hydraulic tools ‘in action’ at Bauma 2025

Visitors to the Enerpac stand at this year’s Bauma, the world's leading trade fair for construction machinery, in Munich, 7 – 13 April, will have the chance to experience at first hand the benefits that Enerpac tools can bring to their businesses. On FS.1111/5, its largest ever stand at Bauma, Enerpac is operating nine demonstrations including excavator maintenance, joint pin removal, mini lifting systems and cylinders, as well as battery-powered pumps and torque wrenches and hydraulic gantries.

Enerpac Stand Must Sees

Demonstrations will include excavator maintenance with Enerpac SCJ-Series Cube Jacks. The cube jack lifting system offers a safer, CE-certified, approach to lifting and holding of the entire cab, boom and arm, allowing the undercarriage to be safely maintained. Also, joint pin removal using the Enerpac PPH-Series Hydraulic Pin Puller will be demonstrated.

With a pulling capacity of 40 to 67 metric tonnes, the PPH-Series Pin Puller provides a safer and more efficient removal of joint pins up to 302mm long. It uses a powerful, Enerpac hydraulic cylinder to extract pins with precision and minimal damage, allowing a single operator to remove a multitude of joint pin sizes easily.

The ease of manoeuvring heavy machinery in the tight confines of a factory floor will be demonstrated with the Enerpac ETT-Series Turntable capable of handling loads up to 400T, the Enerpac EMV-Series E-mover battery powered load skate - a self-propelled skate featuring a central load bearing plate, and Enerpac LHSS-400, 400 ton capacity low-height skidding system.

The right tool makes all the difference

The Enerpac stand will also feature a range of industrial tools drawn from Enerpac’s growing range of battery-powered pumps and torque wrenches. In addition to environmental benefits, the tools enable higher levels of operational efficiency through access to online job data and monitoring.

For example, the Enerpac SC-Series compact, cordless battery pump allows operators to undertake larger jobs in difficult to access and remote workspaces. With the ‘Enerpac Connect’ app, SC-Series pump operators can instantly access job-specific usage data for traceability and improved precision, as well as a knowledge base of tool information. While the Enerpac XC2-Series cordless hydraulic pumps offer higher speeds, longer battery run-times and greater oil capacity, allowing larger tool and multiple cylinder applications to be undertaken on a single charge.

Raising the bar for torque wrench performance at Bauma 2025 is the Enerpac BTW-Series Battery Torque Wrench. The most precise and fastest set-up battery-powered, torque wrench currently available.

For more information on Enerpac Industrial Tools and Lifting Systems, visit [www.enerpac.com]www.enerpac.com.

Collaborative thermal imaging project enhances fire safety at meat plant

When Dovecote Park, a major food processing plant in Yorkshire, UK, wanted to enhance its levels of fire safety, the company turned to the experience of its long-standing system integration partner WRS Solutions. Following a thorough review and analysis of Dovecote Park’s premises and equipment, WRS identified a number of concerns, the rectification of which would boost fire safety significantly. To address the issues, WRS immediately engaged with the expertise of Business Insight 3 (Gold Level FLIR partner) and FLIR.
 


FLIR
 thermal camaras are proven performers in the early identification of hotspots that emerge when common equipment found in food processing plants deteriorates, wears or reaches end-of-life.

Established in 1997, Dovecote Park supplies British beef, veal and venison to retail, fine dining and food service customers nationwide. Committed to keeping its workforce safe and its productivity rates high, Dovecote Park urgently began to assess potential solutions.

The move was prompted by the identification of a potential fire risk in the company’s production hall roof voids, which house devices such as motors, pumps, electrical cabinets and distribution boards that power machinery on the food-grade factory floor below. Mechanical problems like worn pumps or damaged bearings, or electrical problems like failing circuit breakers, promote heat accumulation. If this heat goes unnoticed, it could prove the start of a potentially devastating fire.

Dismissing sprinklers due to their cost and reactive rather proactive operating concept, Dovecote Park was drawn to thermal imaging, a trusted, non-contact way of preventing fires by detecting hotspots before they reach ignition temperature.



The company turned to system integrator WRS Solutions, which had previously concluded other successful projects with official FLIR partner, Business Insight 3 (Bi3). Bi3 proposed the installation of multiple FLIR FH-Series R cameras in the roof voids. The FLIR FH-R is a rugged multispectral fixed sensor that combines a thermal radiometric stream with a 4K visible camera to provide rapid, early fire detection and visual verification of the incident as it unfolds.

Upon exceeding a hotspot or predefined temperature threshold, security operatives receive an audio/visual alert through a connected Video Management System (VMS), prompting response tactics. Importantly, FH-R sensors support the adjustment of threshold temperatures to specific equipment that requires monitoring.

To seamlessly integrate thermal detection with the existing VMS, Bi3 developed custom software using their proprietary data engine. This innovation ensures that alerts are instantly relayed to the engineering department and Nick Dunn, Dovecote Park’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Manager. “FLIR thermal cameras provide peace of mind because we can now be proactive in our equipment maintenance, instead of reactive,” he says. “From the moment something gets hot, our maintenance team can attend to it.”



Today, Dovecote Hall’s roof voids house over 30 FLIR FH-R thermal imaging cameras. Just 12 months after installation, the cameras have already detected two incidents, one of which was potentially catastrophic. Without identification by a FLIR camera, a hot motor bearing could have led to disaster and serious business disruption.

“It’s safe to say that our investment in thermal imaging cameras has already paid for itself,” states Nick Dunn.

 Robert Groom, Sales Manager at FLIR, adds: “This is a fine example of where proven FLIR technology in the hands of skilled and experienced industry professionals not only protects people and property but also delivers a real return on investment.”

Chris Eccles, Sales Director at Business Insight 3 (Bi3) adds: “Successfully delivering this innovative solution necessitates a capable team, and with WRS and FLIR as partners on this project, a seamless installation and integration were achieved. This, resulting in immediate and tangible benefits for Dovecote Park.”

www.flir.com

THE UK EXPO FOR PROCESS ENGINEERS RETURNS THIS MAY

The Process & Chemical Engineering Show, running as part of the CHEMUK 2025 ‘Group of Events’, will return this 21st & 22nd May at the NEC in Birmingham, presenting hundreds of exhibitors and a full programme of expert speaker sessions over two packed days.

The Process & Chemical Engineering Show will showcase the latest technology and specialist services to attending process, plant, and control engineering professionals across the chemical, food & beverage, pharma, oil & gas, water & waste, and energy sectors.

Records numbers of NEW exhibitors confirmed

2025 will welcome over 60 brand new exhibitors for visitors to meet with including: 6ix Process Design, Abacus Valves, ABLE Instruments & Controls, Addison, ALBIN PUMP / LMI/ Milton Roy Mixing, Ambic Equipment, Andritz, APIS MC, APMG Plastics, ARTECH ULTRASONIC SYSTEMS, AVA-Alms Valve Agency, AZO, Barriquand Heat Exchangers, Beckhoff Automation, Buckley Industrial, C&P Engineering, Chemviron Carbon, Co-ax Valves, Cognite AS, Dabico Airport Solutions, dataPARC, DESAL Supplies, DINNISSEN Process Technology, Elta Group, EPC Handelges, EUROTEC, Framatome, Friedheim International, G Bopp & Co, GMM Pfaudler, Hecht Technologies, Humberside Engineering Training Association, HYDAC, Hydrodif Products, Innomotics, Intertec-HESS, J1 Technologies, John Mayes Engineers, Johnson Valves, Kecol Pumping Systems, Knitwire, KROHNE, Meller, Merinox, OLG, Portobello Engineering, PR Electronics, R&G Fluid Power, Sampling Systems, Sandfield Penstok Solutions, Sigma-HSE, Simmatic Automation, SM Gauge Company, Spiroflow, Step on Safety, Stepart Plastics, Sulzer Pumps Wastewater, Tantaline, Transworld Steel Enterprise, UK Extrusion, Visilume, VOOVIO Technologies, W.E.C (Leeds), Watlow, Ytron-Quadro Limited, and Zwick.

IChemE and IMechE to headline engineering speaker programme

The Process & Chemical Engineering Show speaker programme is an unmissable opportunity to hear from the heads of industry and academia as they discuss the challenges, opportunities, and innovation affecting the process engineering industries.

The IChemE and IMechE will be presenting a series of expert panel discussions, keynotes, and technical clinics at the show. Their respective membership teams will also be exhibiting, ready to meet with current and potential members and companies to see how they can support their personal and business development.

The full speaker programme will be released in March 2025. Please see the website for full details.

‘The Big Education Debate’ at CHEMUK

This feature session, running on Thursday 22nd May, will invite senior panel leaders from across academia and industry to discuss the UK’s educational framework and commitment to supporting its science skills and science base requirements. This critical debate comes in response to the recent pressures facing higher education chemistry departments across the UK.

Innovation Ecosystem at CHEMUK 2025

CHEMUK 2025 will present several of the UK’s primary innovation support organisations, giving startups and spinouts the opportunity to receive the support they need to continue their development journey towards full-scale commercialisation.

Participating partners include the Henry Royce Institute, Innovate UK Business Connect, CPI, Aston University, RSC Changemakers, Materials Innovation Factory, and the Biorenewables Development Centre.

Waste2Race: The sewage-powered car on track to make history

Visitors this year will be able to see the hydrogen-powered Le Mans Prototype class 3 car, fuelled by sewage in a project entitled Waste2Race.

The engineering team behind the project from the University of Warwick will be at the show to meet with visitors and explain the technology creating green hydrogen from wastewater, powering the groundbreaking vehicle.

UK Government at CHEMUK

Attendees will be invited to a full UK Government programme at CHEMUK. HSE and DEFRA will be providing industry briefings on Wednesday 21st May.

The UK Export Academy team will be exhibiting at the show, ready to meet with visitors that are looking to develop international trade opportunities. The academy team will also be running a one-hour panel session on Thursday 22nd May, outlining the international trade landscape.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

The Process & Chemical Engineering Show at CHEMUK 2025 takes place on Wed 21st & Thu 22nd May 2025

Venue: NEC - National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, B40 1NT

Opening Times:

Day 1: 9.30am – 5.00pm

Day 2: 9.30am – 4.00pm

Register for your FREE entry badge at www.chemicalukexpo.com

 

Ensuring Safety and Efficiency with FLIR Thermal Monitoring for Battery Energy Storage Systems

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are essential for storing renewable energy and ensuring grid stability. However, their implementation comes with inherent risks, particularly related to lithium-ion battery fires.
 

BESS fires can start from thermal runaway, where one cell failure can trigger a cascade of overheating, leading to fires that are difficult to extinguish and can last for hours or even days. Should a fire breakout, hazardous gases would release from the batteries, posing health risks to nearby communities and causing environmental damage through soil and water contamination. In severe cases, BESS fires have the potential for huge disruptions to locals through property damage and even evacuations.

Traditional detection methods such as flame detectors often fail in the early stages of a BESS fire due to their reliance on visible flames or smoke, which might not be immediately present. Where flame detectors fall short, thermal imaging cameras can significantly improve protection and prevent fires before they ever reach combustion.


The FLIR A700F Advanced Smart Sensor is ideal for users who want built-in, on-camera analytics and alarm capabilities for early fire detection applications.

Advantages of Thermal Cameras for BESS

Thermal cameras detect the heat signature from the onset of thermal runaway long before visible flames or smoke appear, allowing for preemptive action to mitigate risks. While flame detectors react to events that have already happened, a fixed thermal camera such as the FLIR A700F Advance Smart Sensor provides 24/7 surveillance by continuously monitoring for temperature anomalies that could indicate an impending fire, thus enabling early intervention. FLIR cameras are designed for easy integration into broader safety and control systems, allowing for automated responses such as activating suppression systems that enhance response times and efficiency.

Comparison with Other Detection Methods

While flame detectors are designed to detect visible fire, they may miss smoldering or hidden fires—meaning an alert may not be tripped until the fire has escalated to a dangerous level. FLIR thermal imaging cameras can detect heat in low light and see the beginnings of embers as they heat up surrounding materials, even when there's no visible sign of fire. This early detection can prevent escalation or at least minimize damage by providing critical time for action before fires get out of control. Another advantage of thermal cameras is their ability to monitor large areas or multiple battery racks simultaneously, providing comprehensive coverage which is often challenging for point-specific flame detectors.


Lithium-ion electric vehicle batteries monitored under thermal imaging.

Conclusion
Incorporating FLIR thermal monitoring into BESS installations not only addresses the critical safety concerns associated with battery fires but also offers a proactive, reliable, and technologically advanced solution. By choosing a FLIR fixed thermal solution, you ensure that your energy storage systems are safeguarded with the industry's leading thermal imaging technology, protecting both your investment and the community from the devastating effects of BESS fires.

www.flir.com