Safety systems for Ethylene cracker complex
1600 safety interlocking devices from Dutch industrial safety specialist Netherlocks have been successfully installed at the Shell Eastern Petroleum (SEPL) Ethylene Cracker Complex in Pular Ular, Singapore. The main applications for the interlocks are for the decoking process, and on isolation valves for PSVs (Pressure Safety Valves). Netherlocks’ interlocks use a linear key transfer system to ensure that processes can only be carried out in the correct order, ensuring each part has been safely completed before the next can be started. Safely completing the previous step in the process sequence will release a key that then unlocks the next step; only when a mistake is made will the operator be prevented from proceeding by a key that...

Machine safety solutions in Halifax
Safety Systems Technology, the partner company of Laidler Associates, has relocated to premises in Halifax as the specialist company expands its business offering customers complete machine safety solutions....

TRaC extends environmental test services
TRaC, a leading provider of testing, approvals and certification services, has further extended its environmental test capabilities with the installation of a Lansmont 95 shock test machine. The investment, at TRaC’s Warwick facility, augments a shock, impact and vibration test installation that already comprises 14 electromagnetic "shakers" and an alternative design of drop test machine....

Condition monitoring: An insurance policy against unforeseen plant downtime
By using the latest condition monitoring systems and automatic lubrication systems for bearings, oil and gas processing companies can reduce the risk and costs associated with unforeseen breakdowns to critical production plant and machinery.

Preserving specimens at the Natural History Museum
TAS Engineering Consultants has been contracted by the Natural History Museum to help preserve millions of specimens dating back hundreds of years.

Switching sensors for heavy-duty applications
Trolex has launched a range of switching sensors for non-contact position detection and limit switching in heavy-duty applications. The switching sensors are classified as passive devices, enabling direct connection to existing intrinsically safe circuits or Trolex monitoring equipment. The sensors effectively monitor using simple switching and digital sensors in instances that do not demand expensive analogue sensors.

BP hit with Texas City fine just as Gulf oil spill comes under control
There seems to be no end to the financial liabilities raining down on BP over its US operations. The cost of the Mexican Gulf clean-up operation following a 4.9 million barrel oil spill and the huge compensation claims the company faces amount to billions of dollars. And it would appear it is still paying for its problems when the Texas City Refinery exploded in 2005 with a record fine for safety violations.