Rittal have addressed an important health and safety issue with the launch of a new accessory for server enclosures.

Rittal have addressed an important health and safety issue with the launch of a new accessory for server enclosures. The pull-out stabiliser plinth is quickly and easily retrofitted to the base of TS8 and flexRack server enclosures and only extended when servers or other heavy equipment is withdrawn for access. When not in use, the unit is fully retractable to avoid a tripping hazard.

It is absolutely crucial to use such stabilisers when withdrawing heavy equipment on slide rails to prevent the enclosure tipping forward and endangering the operators safety.

The stabilising plinth can support up to a maximum of 150kg.

A multi-faceted concrete reinstatement system, able to satisfy structural protection demands as well as local environmental requirements, has been employed on the Dolwen Bridge over the River Severn.

A multi-faceted concrete reinstatement system, able to satisfy structural protection demands as well as local environmental requirements, has been employed to reinstate and repair deteriorated concrete on the Dolwen Bridge, which traverses the River Severn in Wales. At certain times of the year this particular section of the Severn experiences significantly fluctuating water levels and is prone to severe flash flooding with water levels often reaching as high as the bridge arches. This unique circumstance, plus the fact that the soffits of the structure were suffering from low cover over the steel reinforcement, meant that over time the concrete had simply worn away.

As if to exacerbate the problem, the river is also a waterway for migrating salmon and because of this the adoption of an environmentally sensitive repair system was essential.

Powys County Council therefore considered it important that the reinstatement system comprised of materials that would provide the necessary long-term protection to the concrete, whilst at the same time being sympathetic to the river's environmental requirements.

The full concrete repair and reinstatement system, from Tamworth based Instarmac Group, provided the answer.

In addition to providing a finish comparable to additional concrete cover, the system's water based 'Cemcoat ACE' - an elastomeric, anti-carbonation coating, was specified entirely because of its environmentally-sympathetic properties, thus minimising the risk to the waterway's marine life and protected Salmon population.

Specialist repair contractor Concrete Repairs (CRL) carried out the project and found Instarmac materials both easy to mix and apply.

After breaking out the damaged concrete, the cleaned reinforcement was primed with Instarmac zinc rich 'Cemprime ZN' and the surrounding prepared concrete surface primed with a 'Cemprime SP' slurry, before localised patch repairs were completed with 'Cembuild GPR'.

This polymer modified, shrinkage compensated, high build cementitious mortar is specifically formulated for applications of up to 50mm on vertical surfaces and up to 20mm on soffit areas.

The soffits on the Dolwen Bridge received 50mm, applied in several passes.

The mortar gains strength very quickly, provides low permeability to water and long-term durability.

Larger repair sections were reinstated with 'Cemflow MC' - winner of the recent 'Smart Award for Innovation'.

The material's hydration control system significantly reduces the possibility of shrinkage cracks in its plastic and hardened state.

The micro concrete complies with the DoT BD27/86 - materials for repair of concrete highway structures, conforms to clause 1704.6 control of alkali silica reaction, is compatible with cathodic protection techniques and will not segregate or bleed.

After curing with 'Cemcure AR', the application of Instarmac 'Cembuild FC' created a fair-faced surface ready to accept 'Cemcoat ACE', the water based, weather-resisting elastomeric anti-carbonation coating.

EPSI (Engineered Pressure Systems), a world leader in custom-engineered high-pressure solutions, offers its Monobloc-Forged Vessel for both strength and longevity.

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EPSI (Engineered Pressure Systems), a world leader in custom-engineered high-pressure solutions, offers its Monobloc-Forged Vessel (forged from a single ingot). This EPSI Forged Vessel features a simple elegant design, based on years of experience, which can be inspected on all surfaces (inside, outside and ends), to establish that no cracks are developing anywhere. Many other vessels have not only exceeded their "service life" but also their "theoretical life", and are still in service, some after more than one million cycles of operation.

The ability to inspect all areas of a vessel, during and after its predicted life, assures that the vessel is not putting life and limb at risk.

It is well known that a vessel containing high-pressure gas is a potential hazard.

Gas is compressible and the vessel may explode like a bomb releasing the energy that was stored in the compressed gas.

What is not so well appreciated, is that a vessel containing high-pressure water also contains considerable stored energy.

A vessel with an inside diameter of 20 inches and a void length of 80 inches operating at 30,000 psi will contain water that has been compressed by about 7%, and which contains the same energy as 1.5 lbs of TNT explosive.

Clearly then, any high-pressure vessel must be designed and operated in such a manner that the vessel does not fail catastrophically and release this energy.

The design of EPSI high-pressure vessels has two major aspects: Design for strength - In the simplest terms this is the ability of the vessel to contain the presence of the pressure, without failing.

It turns out that this is a relatively easy task, controlled by well-established calculation procedures.

In any event, the correctness of this part of the design is confirmed when the vessel is pressure tested at the end of manufacturing.

Design for longevity - This is the ability of the vessel to continue operating under repeated cyclical loading conditions without failing.

This is a difficult design problem, which comes down to predicting the fatigue behaviour of the material.

Because of the inherent statistical nature of fatigue data, and the fact that the environment of the vessel may change (corrosion, scratches, temperature etc) large "Safety Factors" are applied to the fatigue life predictions (typically 20 on the number of cycles) for use in service, and regular inspection is essential to confirm that the vessel is behaving as expected.

SSS Super Stainless Steel chain is suitable for use in the most demanding applications, exhibiting resistance to water, acids, alkalis, chemicals, high humidity and extremes of temperature.


SSS Super Stainless Steel chain from UK power transmission manufacturer Cross+Morse, is suitable for use in the most demanding applications, exhibiting resistance to water, acids, alkalis, chemicals, high humidity and extremes of temperature. Stainless Steel transmission chain is especially suitable for operation in application encountering harsh media, where corrosion occurs, with the resultant weakening of the chain and rapid wear. Specifically, within food and pharmaceutical processing, regimes for the maintenance of hygiene frequently involve wash-down utilising very harsh chemicals, potentially destructive to ordinary chain.

Cross+Morse SSS chain completely overcomes corrosion and wear problems remaining impervious from attack by even the most severe chemicals and offering life-time high performance.

The new chain series, a joint venture by Sugiyama, Japan, and Cross+Morse, UK, offers exceptional performance, with load bearing capability to 14.7 Mpa and, due to advanced techniques in surface treatment, higher corrosion resistance than other chain of its type.

(test results available) SSS chain, conforming to BS228, 150 606 and ASME29 standards, is available in both simplex and duplex formats, in a wide range of sizes and with Cross+Morse standard or customised attachments, to suit specific applications.

Optional protective coatings available include Nickel-coated and Aqua-proof.

The new brochure on the SSS stainless steel chain includes test results, and is available from Cross+Morse.

A sample of magnesium coated with Apticote Keronite 3250 SG, a new Apticote composite, has completed a 2000-hour salt spray test with virtually no signs of corrosion.

A sample of magnesium coated with Apticote Keronite 3250 SG, a new Apticote composite, has completed a 2000-hour salt spray test with virtually no signs of corrosion. Put into context, the performance of the specialised coating from surface coating specialist Poeton Industries, compares with 150 hours resistance for uncoated magnesium. The result means that magnesium, which is chemically very reactive and therefore highly corrosive, can now be used in the most demanding environments.

The coating process uses electrolytic oxidisation to transform the surface of magnesium into a hard, dense ceramic oxide that is twice as wear resistant and seven times as scratch resistant as anodised surfaces, and is capable of protecting even the most complex shapes without cracking or chipping.

On a standard AZ9ID alloy it can also have hardness of 400-600 HV.

Besides its obvious applications on magnesium, these properties make Magnesium coated with Apticote Keronite 3250 SG an ideal substitute for steel, cast iron, sintered ceramic, even plastic.

Recent applications have included automotive components (cam covers, gearbox housings, roof rails, etc), consumer electronics (computers, cameras, mobile phones), erosion-resistant surfaces for textile machinery, frames for mountain bikes, fashion glasses and a wide range of engineering components.

Orbimatic have introduced the ORB1000 Oxygen Analyser into their range of equipment, for monitoring oxygen levels in welding purge gases.

Orbimatic have introduced the ORB1000 Oxygen Analyser into their range of equipment. The ORB1000 is supplied in a robust ABS case, which houses the main unit and all accessories. The unit interfaces directly into the Orbimat C range of orbital welding power supplies with no additional interfacing required.

This can be used to ensure the internal purge of a tube is pure before welding can commence.

The ORB1000 uses a long life heated zirconium sensor which a life expectancy of at least five years.

The easy to use menu driven software makes operation of this unit a welder's dream.

An audible alarm is also included to alert the welder should the oxygen level of the internal purge rise during the welding cycle.

The unit will measure down to 1ppm and is calibrated down to 10ppm and starts measuring at around 0.1%.

The sensor reacts instantly to change in oxygen level and displays shows changing level instantaneously.

As well as being used with the Orbimat C orbital welding power supplies the unit can be used as a stand-alone unit for connection to welding systems or enclosures.

Forbes have recently installed a 36% concentration Hydrochloric acid tanker offloading and storage facility for Acrow Galvanising, a major galvanising company in Essex.

With ever increasing public concern and more rigorous legislation, the need to contain potentially dangerous and noxious fumes produced during chemical storage is becoming more and more important. When storing chemicals such as Hydrochloric acid the normal method of scrubbing outlet fumes is to use a caustic solution to efficiently remove the acid fumes. This can however cause further problems in that it produces a chemical waste stream which must then be disposed of safely.

Forbes have recently installed a 36% concentration Hydrochloric acid tanker offloading and storage facility for Acrow Galvanising, a major galvanising company in Essex.

A Minibulk bunded storage tank with a capacity of 25 tonnes, an offloading TUF pump and scrubber system were part of the package.

The tank is vented through a compact scrubber system which has been designed to use water as the scrubbing liquor.

This environmentally friendly approach means that the system produces no waste stream.

The scrubber produces an acid solution which is utilised in the customer's process.

The scrubber design means that all fumes produced even during tank filling is captured and reduced to a safe level.

With access to the unit being difficult due to restricted space, part of the design criteria for the system was to reduce the need for frequent operator input to the system.

This innovative design is controlled via a control panel to give automatic packing wetting during static storage and an overflow vapour seal pot which is automatically refreshed to prevent fuming.

The waste acidic scrubbing liquor is pumped over into the process just prior to it giving off acidic vapour.

Forbes has recently been awarded a major subcontract for the mechanical design, manufacture and installation of odour control scrubbers and chemical storage tanks.

Forbes has recently been awarded the major subcontract by Birse and Alderley Birse Alliance Limited for the mechanical design, manufacture and installation of the odour control scrubbers and chemical storage tanks for the massive odour control project for United Utilities (North West Water) at their Davy Hulme Waste Treatment Plant close to Manchester. The initial phase includes six large scrubbing columns fabricated in thermoplastic/GRP. With three at 4.7 metres diameter and three at 2.7 metres with heights p to 13 metres Forbes are able to manufacture these items alongside each other in their specialised fabrication facilities in Kelso in the Scottish Borders.

Coupled with these scrubbing columns are 8 thermoplastic/GRP tanks with capacities up to 95,000 litres.

These are designed for a range of chemicals including sodium hypochlorite, caustic soda and sulphuric acid.

The overall contract is classed as "fast track" with some of the equipment due on site only 14 weeks after receipt of the official contract.

Melvyn Jupp, Director of Forbes, states "It is thanks to a dedicated team that we are able to turn round this project so quickly.

The entire project, worth £650,000, equates to approximately 7 weeks of our manufacturing capacity spread over 3 months, therefore we are able to maintain the normal fast track deliveries to our existing customers".

Forbes has a single source framework agreement for tanks and vessels with United Utilities.

This ensures that United Utilities receive highly competitive prices for correctly designed and manufactured tanks for the safe storage of hazardous chemicals on their numerous water and waste treatment plants.

The successful Rittal TS8 range is complete with the introduction of the latest TS8 enclosures, now stocked in grade 304 stainless steel.

The new brochure "In Stainless Steel" shows all the necessary part numbers for ordering these products. If harsher environments exist the same TS8 sizes can be supplied with the cladding changed to the more corrosion protected grade of 316. Requirements other than 304 or 316 can be supplied on request.

Rittal offers an extensive range of stainless steel enclosures from terminal boxes to bus enclosures to command panels, compact wall mounted, electronic, consoles, PC cabinets, free standing and bayed enclosures.

The new brochure also covers all these stainless steel products.

Wolf Safety has launched the new generation of Turbolite high power compressed-air driven safety lamps, CE marked to the ATEX 94/9/EC Directive for use in Zones 1 and 2 Hazardous Areas.

With revolutionary lightweight Aluminium construction for use in Group II industrial applications, the A-TL44A Baylight provides a high level of all round general illumination, while the A-TL45A Floodlight with matt reflector gives a powerful wide-angle beam. They are also dual marked with US Factory Mutual Approval. Alternatively, the A-TL44B and A-TL45B models incorporate traditional brass housings approved for use in Group I mining applications as well as Group II.

Other major improvements over the existing models include sealed bearings, a refined regulator, greater use of stainless steel components, a bulb-life enhancing device and a silencer, incorporating a particle trap.

Used extensively in the petrochemical, oil and marine industries, Wolf Airlamps provide illumination in many applications, including shot blasting, cleaning and coating of storage tanks and vessels, and for pipeline and structural engineering activities.

They offer a safer alternative to mains and low voltage lighting, where explosive atmospheres present a serious risk to the workforce.

A full range of accessories is available, including anti-static hose, filters, filter stands, tripods and setting and testing devices.

EPSI (Engineered Pressure Systems), a world leader in custom-engineered high pressure solutions, provide high pressure vessels that are TUV or ASME coded.

The current code for pressure vessels maintains safety for the public and is a requirement in most countries. ASME Section VIII of the code sets standards for responsibilities, material requirements, design requirements, fabrication, non-destructive examination and testing. EPSI ensures the vessels we supply meet all requirements under the ASME code.

User Design Specifications and a Manufacturer's Design Report are certified by an on-staff registered professional engineer with over 25 years experience in pressure-vessel design.

The ASME coded forged vessel is an essential building block of most of EPSI high pressure products.

EPSI is a leading manufacturer of hot, cold and warm isostatic press systems.

With its unique application-specific approach to R and D, manufacturing, and testing, EPSI has built a tradition of excellence in high-pressure engineering and technology worldwide.

A specialised Apticote coating from Poeton Industries has 're-covered' a set of rusty filter moulds, recovering their performance and saving Sogefi Filtration over GBP25,000.

The South Wales based Coopers Division of Sogefi Filtration manufactures air, oil and fuel filters for cars and heavy goods vehicles. To produce an after-market air filter for a leading car range the company was using 150 sets of ferritic stainless steel moulds supplied by a sister company. Prior to production the moulds were coated with a PVC chemical, incorporating a release agent, which then had to be oven cured.

Despite the coating, the presence of carbon in the stainless steel caused the moulds to corrode, making it impossible to remove filters without ripping their seals.

A zinc coating applied by a local company also failed to prevent sticking; and even getting coatings to stick to the moulds was proving to be a problem.

It was at this point - with the company facing a GBP25,000 bill to replace the moulds - that the engineering department called in Poeton.

Says Gwyn Thomas of Sogefi: "By this time the moulds were in poor state and very badly rusted; and the profile meant they would be difficult to clean or polish".

He says: "In spite of their condition Poeton was able to apply a number of its Apticote coatings for us to test for compatibility".

Apticote 460G, one of a family of nickel polymer coatings developed for rubber and polymer moulding applications, produced the best result.

Its combination of permanent lubricity and high hardness enabled filters to be easily released and significantly extended the life of the moulds.

Gwyn reports that eighteen months later with an estimated 60,000 filters produced, there are no signs of wear or deterioration in the coating, even though a metal gauze inside the filters rubs against its surface during the process.

EPSI (Engineered Pressure Systems), a world leader in custom-engineered high-pressure solutions, offers its newly updated website as a resource to the high-pressure engineering industry.

An in-depth view of various hot, cold and warm isostatic press systems, custom applications, and accessories is available via the website. The updated EPSI website features English or Chinese language options, and contains a "What's new" section, highlighting projects in Belgium and the USA. Additionally, the section includes a list of the upcoming EPSI tradeshows.

The new site enables visitors to learn more about a variety of systems best suited to fit their specific application needs.

By simply clicking on the menu bar, users can quickly and easily obtain the features and benefits of the large EPSI selection of systems, including simulators, quartz growth equipment, and high-pressure engineering technology.

In addition, visitors can find an updated contact page and a library of new product photos.

New technology for monitoring and assessing process plant structural integrity is introduced by IDEAS Ltd, the Glasgow based specialist engineering services consultancy.

Ideas Ltd has developed this revolutionary technology which is being described as the world's first truly automated fitness for service and real time integrity monitoring system. The technology, based on a combination of complex assessment linked to live measuring devices, gives a real-time, quantified assessment of mechanical integrity. This is being offered to clients for issues regarding Corrosion, Erosion, Leakage, Fluid Flow Transients, Acoustic Pulsation, Vibration, Defects, Support Loads, Settlement, High Temperature, Liquid Sloshing, Vehicle, Ship or FPSO Motion, Fracture and Fatigue, or General Integrity Problems.

An up-to-the-minute and detailed understanding of the integrity status of process plant and structures will be a key factor in improving safety and avoiding expensive, unplanned shutdowns and failures, in applications across a wide range of industries, from oil and gas, petrochemical and power generation, to unloaders, ship hulls and wind turbines.

The new technology will reduce operational costs by optimising inspection and maintenance procedures, and at the same time reduce risk by using quantified integrity data in the development of inspection plans.

Safety incidents such as plant failures, explosions, and ship fracturing will be reduced.

The methodology is a quantum leap forward beyond that used by existing monitoring systems, which are mainly dependant on identifying changes in trends and patterns, and from which integrity is not immediately quantifiable.

For the first time, clients will have quantified integrity information available in real time, avoiding reliance on guesses, statistics, trends, estimates and databases.

The technology will be used either as a problem solving tool, or as a method of providing regular health checks.

It will also be web-enabled as a remote monitoring system, with particular applications in offshore facilities, power stations and chemical plant, where access to the plant is difficult or dangerous.