Around the Industry

The white paper, “Process Analytics Finds Process Problems,” describes how companies can gain great insight into how their process operates, find problems, and improve quality by using process analytical software. Process Analytics and Intelligence—sometimes called Manufacturing Intelligence—has transformed the way companies produce goods, understand their manufacturing processes, and ensure a quality product in ways we could not have foreseen ten years ago.

TEREX SOUTH AFRICA, a wholly owned subsidiary of TEREX CORPORATION – USA have recently purchased VERLINDE EOT Cranes from the local VERLINDE appointed crane manufacturer and distributor, AKHANANI ELECTROMECHANICAL ENGINEERING, for new workshop premises close to the O R Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, South Africa.

E-T-A Circuit Breakers, quality designer and manufacturer of a comprehensive range of electro-mechanical and electronic products for circuit protection, has produced a new corporate brochure covering its global capability, innovative partnering and technology leadership for electronic, mechatronic and electro-mechanical products protecting equipment and processes against the effects of overloads and short circuits. The document can be downloaded at www.e-t-a.co.uk/corporate_brochure

Every day, new types of machines and equipment are being designed and developed that push forward the boundaries of medical science. In this continuing offensive, specialist MicroFluidic products for medical, biomedical and analytical applications are playing a key role, delivering, through automation and miniaturisation, greater efficiency in existing processes (faster sequences, higher throughput, smaller sample and solvent volumes and lower costs), and enabling newer processes in areas such as genetic research, chromatography and pharmaceuticals.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc has announced the availability of a new demonstration DVD. Featuring a video of the automated Thermo Scientific ARL Metals Analyzers with SMS-2000 sample manipulation systems, the DVD is designed to allow current and prospective customers to discover the features, benefits and abilities of automation. The DVD can be requested free-of-charge via www.thermo.com/sms2000oes and serves as a fast and convenient evaluation tool to increase efficiency in elemental analysis laboratories in a variety of application areas in the metallurgy industry, from foundries to large aluminum smelters and modern steel works.

On the 3rd August 2009, directors of the Processing and Packaging Machinery Industry (PPMA) and UK Industrial Vision Association (UKIVA) directors signed a Memorandum of Understanding about the amalgamation of UKIVA into the PPMA as a special sub-group. This follows a similar amalgamation of the British Automation & Robotics Association (BARA) earlier this year. PPMA CEO Chris Buxton said of the proposed amalgamation; “… it was combining and consolidating the strengths of all three parties.” The decision to pursue this amalgamation was agreed unanimously by UKIVA members at their AGM in March, and it is anticipated that it will be ratified at an EGM on 15th September.

The UK Industrial Vision Association (UKIVA) will be organising a series of free seminars at the Photonex09 Exhibition. The theme for this year’s seminars is ‘Aspects of Imaging’ and the Association is actively seeking feedback as to the sort of presentations visitors would like to see, to ensure that the content is as appropriate as possible. Suggestions can be made using a downloadable form, http://www.photonex.org/ukiva.php or by contacting the UKIVA direct: office@ukiva.org.

With OxTS’ unique RT-Backpack system, car-to-pedestrian tracking is now more accurate and reliable than ever. The portable RT-Backpack is an additional component for the popular RT-Range systems which are used for vehicle-to-vehicle position and lane tracking measurements. The RT-Backpack has been specifically designed to offer a complete solution for pedestrian/motorcyclist detection and avoidance tests. The unique RT-Backpack helps car manufacturers to develop vehicle-to-pedestrian tracking systems by giving an objective and accurate measurement of the distance from the car to the pedestrian (or motorcyclist) with up to 2cm position accuracy.

One in six homes in England and Wales is at risk of flooding, according to the Environment Agency. Black & Veatch will continue to help protect those at risk after receiving a two-year extension to its term as a consultant on the National Engineering and Environmental Consultancy Agreement (NEECA) framework.

Scott Brothers Ltd, specialist in storage products for the home, offers an innovative solution for bike storage with its Pack-Mate Racor ProStor Ceiling Mount Bike Lift. The Racor range is a unique storage system for eliminating clutter in the garage, shed or home. This award-winning storage solution has been designed to securely support bikes from the ceiling of garages and sheds, for maximum use of space, freeing up valuable floor space below. A unique rope locking mechanism prevents accidental release while an ingenious design lightens the load for easy lifting. Racor is the biggest-selling garage storage range in the U.S.A and is available in the UK and Europe exclusively via Scott Brothers.