Features

In Europe concerns continue to grow regarding the dangers of an excessive reliance on Russian gas supplies. Is nuclear power is the answer? Nuclear power has gained support as the need to meet climate-change commitments by lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and gaining energy independence become increasingly significant political issues. Nuclear power plants can provide low-carbon electricity for as long as 60 years.  However, the use nuclear power is limited by political and environmental opposition, in addition to widespread public concern regarding safety. In the history civil nuclear power there have only been two major reactor accidents - Three Mile Island and Chernobyl. The Three Mile Island, USA, nuclear power...

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The cost-down pressures inherent in all process industries mean that plant operators are consistently required to improve efficiency, at the same time as ensuring repeatable product quality. These requirements are not exclusive to general processing environments; they also include production sectors where hazardous environments - with their complex, demanding standards in terms of safety provision - predominate. In these environments companies are prepared to invest heavily in new plant and equipment in pursuit of efficiency savings. However, in many cases, real savings and efficiency improvements can be achieved relatively simply and at low cost by focussing on cutting down on energy usage. With valves, pumps and fans used widely...

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According to Schneider Electric a lack of understanding of IP ratings is leading to inappropriate specification of enclosures. The company also wants to advise caution as some IP ratings do not have an international meaning and are not actually relevant to their intended use. Darren Hodson from Schneider Electric warns: "The system of IP ratings is misleading many specifiers and resulting in higher costs than are strictly necessary. The common mistake is to assume that the higher the IP rating, the better the equipment inside the enclosure will be protected against weather conditions. This is not always a guarantee and the degree of protection offered by a specific enclosure has to be considered in conjunction with the...

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Managing processes and equipment through predictive maintenance presents significant benefits. With the rapid evolution of technology, companies can obtain a higher level of intelligence while simultaneously monitoring plants, reducing downtime and ultimately cutting costs. It is not uncommon to find owners and operators looking for ways to extend the life of existing equipment as getting more out of an asset can help a business to reduce costs, improve production efficiency, performance and profitability. In addition, there is little doubt that the majority of production facilities still have enormous potential for improvement when it comes to plant performance. In an industrial facility, maintenance can account for a...

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