News
30/03/2021 Tender opportunity: Testing of NDE technologies on defective pipe welds
The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is a non-departmental government body carrying out research into nuclear fusion as a future source of energy. The UKAEA is actively involved in the ITER project. ITER is an international project, with 35 nations collaborating to design, construct and operate a prototype controlled nuclear fusion reactor in southern France.
26/03/2021 High-resolution large-format detector
Carestream’s Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) group has expanded its portfolio of market-leading digital radiography (DR) detectors to support a broad range of customer applications. The new HPX-DR 4336’s 100 micron resolution enhances a customer’s ability to detect defects in quality control inspections that meet demanding industry standards. The large-format 43 × 36 panel allows larger parts to be inspected with one shot so customers can carefully examine a greater number of parts in less time.
26/03/2021 New appointment supports Ionix growth in on-stream inspection
Ionix, a leading manufacturer of high-temperature piezoelectric ceramics and ultrasound devices, has appointed a new Business Development Manager as it looks to expand its on-stream inspection solutions into global markets.
25/03/2021 Amazon develops machine learning tools
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Inc has announced Amazon Monitron, Amazon Lookout for Equipment, the AWS Panorama Appliance, the AWS Panorama SDK and Amazon Lookout for Vision. Together, these five new machine learning services have been introduced to assist industrial and manufacturing customers to embed intelligence in their production processes in order to improve operational efficiency, quality control, security and workplace safety.
25/03/2021 United Road deploys Uptake
Uptake has announced that United Road has deployed its artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled predictive maintenance software across its USA fleet. The United Road Family of Companies provides vehicle and heavy-haul transportation services, shipping over four million units annually for customers throughout the USA and Canada. Specifically, United Road is using the Uptake Radar application to reduce breakdowns, reduce maintenance costs and, ultimately, maximise mileage for its drivers while meeting its commitment to timely, safe transport of vehicles to its customers.
23/03/2021 Bristol’s Smart Internet Lab helps accelerate UK’s capabilities in drone operations
Experts from the University of Bristol are among a UK-wide consortium that is pushing the boundaries of drone development and aviation capabilities.
23/03/2021 HTSL appoints Zetec Business Development Manager
High Technology Sources Ltd (HTSL) has announced the appointment of Stephen Downie as Zetec Business Development Manager.
22/03/2021 Making it Work: free Engineering Council event on engineering competence for a sustainable world
Engineers have a crucial role to play in achieving global goals and building a more sustainable world. A free, online event on 21 April will set out the big picture of how professional standards and guidance can support practising engineers, at all career levels, towards this goal and drill down to how those apply in their day-to-day work.
22/03/2021 Long videoscope
Enabling fast, easy and accurate long-distance inspections, the IPLEX™ GAir long videoscope solution combines manoeuvrability with high-quality wide-view images to make complex pipe inspections fast and efficient.
22/03/2021 Dual-element ultrasonic transducer
Launched in April 2020, Ionix’s new HotSense™ HS582i enables high-temperature in-service thickness and corrosion measurements and surveys for use in applications across refining, oil & gas, energy, nuclear, aerospace and process sectors, helping to reduce inspection time with no duty cycling and robust calibration.
19/03/2021 Petasense launches the first three-in-one industrial sensor
Petasense, a leader in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensors and asset reliability and optimisation, has launched what it claims is the first industrial wired sensor that combines vibration, temperature and speed detection into a single sensor. The Vibration Sensor (VSx) plugs into the Petasense Transmitter (Tx) to detect common failures in variable-speed, batch or spared assets.
19/03/2021 Ultra-accuracy portable measuring arms
UK-based LK Metrology, which has been manufacturing static coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) since 1963, has expanded its Freedom arm range of 3D articulating arm metrology systems, or portable measuring arms, with the launch of five ultra-accuracy models in both six-axis and seven-axis variants. The ten new arms bring the total number of different varieties available from LK Metrology to 34. International sales and support are offered through the company’s offices in the UK, North America, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and China, as well as via a worldwide distributor network.
18/03/2021 Zetec names Dave Whitley as new President
Zetec Inc, a global leader in non-destructive testing (NDT), has named Dave Whitley as its new President, effective from 1 February 2021. He replaces Wayne Wilkinson, who is retiring in March.
18/03/2021 Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures invests in CorrosionRADAR predictive corrosion monitoring technology
New investment from Saudi Aramco Energy Ventures (SAEV) is driving the next phase of global growth for UK-based company CorrosionRADAR Ltd. The funding will enable CorrosionRADAR to strengthen its operations and widen efforts to address corrosion under insulation (CUI) and other operational challenges through digitalisation.
18/03/2021 ABB helps digital hydropower plant
The motors at one of Axpo’s hydropower plants in Switzerland have been converted into smart, wirelessly monitored devices thanks to ABB Ability™ Smart Sensors and ABB Ability condition monitoring systems.
15/03/2021 Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 (IRR17): Possible changes to authorisation
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is proposing changes to the consent authorisation process under the Ionising Radiation Regulations 2017 (IRR17). The proposed changes will require employers seeking ‘consent’ to prepare a safety assessment, which they will then send to HSE for review. Following this review, HSE will inspect the employer’s facility before granting a consent. Mr James Taylor, HSE, explains…
15/03/2021 Baugh & Weedon introduces magnetic thickness gauge from Danatronics
Baugh & Weedon Ltd is now offering Danatronics’ MTG-99 magnetic thickness gauge to the UK inspection market. Simple to use, the MTG-99 non-destructively measures the thickness of any non-ferrous material up to 2.5 cm thick, with access to both sides.
15/03/2021 PCN certification meets requirements of EU Pressure Equipment Directive (PED)
The British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT) is pleased to announce that it has agreed a robust certification process with an EU27 Recognised Third-Party Organisation (RTPO) for the certification of NDT personnel. This process is fully compliant with CEN/TR/15589 Route B requirements and allows BINDT/PCN to issue certification that is acceptable under the European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU, Annex 1 § 3.1.3.
11/03/2021 Schaeffler adds to its range of lubricators
Manual lubrication frequently takes place too late and with too much lubricant. An automatic lubricant supply prevents over- and under-lubrication and also saves time and extends the operating life of bearings. Maintenance outlay and maintenance costs can be reduced by up to 30% compared to manual lubrication and problem-free production is ensured in the long term.
11/03/2021 Servomotor condition monitoring
German sensor-maker SICK has announced an intelligent add-on for its EDS/EDM35 motor feedback system that allows condition monitoring of servodrives down to individual machine axes. The sHub sensor hub has an integrated acceleration sensor and is said to pave the way for entry into the world of digitalised drive technologies and increasingly intelligent servodrive systems.
10/03/2021 Geocomp delivers structural health monitoring solution for 100-year service life bridge
Geocomp has announced that the company has provided what it claims is the largest and most sophisticated structural health monitoring (SHM) system ever deployed on a bridge structure in the USA on the new Governor Mario M Cuomo Bridge in the state of New York.
09/03/2021 Zeiss revolutionising customised automation in microscopy
Zeiss has introduced Zeiss Solutions Lab, an innovative service that provides its customers with rapid access to new applications for their microscopy systems or correlative microscopy suites. Zeiss Solutions Lab enables customers to select, or to drive demand for, module-based workflows built on Zeiss software packages for a wide variety of requirements specific to their research needs.
09/03/2021 Guidance to support the engineering profession in achieving a more sustainable future
All those working in engineering have a significant role to play in helping society achieve a more sustainable future. To support this, the Engineering Council, the regulatory body for the UK engineering profession, has issued an updated Guidance on Sustainability resource for engineering professionals at all career stages.
04/03/2021 Bilfinger Salamis UK launches new Aberdeen base
Leading integrated maintenance, modifications and services contractor Bilfinger Salamis has opened a new multi-million-pound operations, equipment and logistics site in Aberdeen, marking a long-term commitment to the region and the UK energy market.
03/03/2021 HC85 series hybrid multiple units tested
The Central Japan Railway Company, JR Central, has completed an operational trial of the HC85 series diesel-battery hybrid multiple units, which will now be introduced to replace series 85 diesel multiple units (DMUs) on the Nanki and Hida limited express services.
03/03/2021 New testing facility
Engineering firm Ocean Kinetics has opened a non-destructive testing facility, which is claimed to be the only commercial service of its kind in Shetland in the UK.
03/03/2021 New title from BINDT: An Introduction to Condition Monitoring and Diagnostic Technologies – available now!
A new book from the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT), titled: An Introduction to Condition Monitoring and Diagnostic Technologies, edited by Professor A Hope and Mr D Whittle, introduces the reader to the wide range of technologies that can be used for the condition monitoring (CM) and diagnostics of structures, plant and machinery through surveillance, monitoring and analysis.
02/03/2021 Fatigue strength of hybrid joined multi-material structures: Fraunhofer LBF identifies high potential for lightweight design
Increasingly stringent statutory emission limits are pushing the automotive industry towards innovative lightweight design solutions. In this context, the fatigue strength of thin sheet metal structures, especially those made from multiple materials, is becoming increasingly important.
01/03/2021 Ashtead Technology strengthens team with new NDT market manager
Specialist instrument provider Ashtead Technology has announced Daniel Davies as its new NDT Market Manager, building upon a successful 2020 for the NDT team.
