Strengthened presence
Brazil. Lafarge has announced that it will receive Brazilian cement assets in exchange for selling its 17.28 per cent stake in the Portuguese Cimpor group to Votorantim, one of the largest conglomerates in Latin America. The payment terms depend on the outcome of the public takeover bid for Cimpor.
The move will make Lafarge
one of Brazil's top three cement operators in what is regarded as a buoyant market that is achieving average annual growth rates of 5 per cent. Lafarge is already active in Brazil with four plants and one grinding station and the new arrangement will enable it to establish new positions in fast-growing regional markets in the Northeast and Midwest. Its presence around Rio de Janeiro will be reinforced and there are bright prospects in terms of the World Cup in 2014 and Olympic Games in 2016.
Lafarge already employs around 1,200 people in Brazil and is active in the four business areas of cement, aggregates, concrete and gypsum.
Votorantim Cimentos ranks among the world's top ten manufacturers of cement, concrete and aggregates and is the market leader in Brazil. It also operates eight production units outside of the country: two in Canada, five in the US and one in Bolivia. Votorantim also owns 15 per cent of Chile's Cementos Bio Bio, and has a 38 per cent stake in both Cementos Avellaneda in Argentina and Cementos Artigas SA in Uruguay.
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11:56 02/03/2010
Hydrotransport event
UK. A call for papers is announced for 18th International Hydrotransport Conference which takes place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on 22 - 24 September 2010. Hydrotransport was established in 1970 by the BHR Group, a leading independent research centre in fluids engineering. Papers are invited on all
aspects of slurry transportation including slurry handling, in-pipeline
and free-surface flows, case studies, relevant technologies, economic
assessments and operational experiences.
This most basic of techniques combines a number of handling advantages with minimum maintenance and low environmental impact, and seems especially relevant at a time when there are warnings over climate change and the need for environmentally responsible, cost-effective and efficient methods of product transportation. Brazil has been chosen as the venue because it is a world leader in design and construction of major slurry pipelines.
Possible subjects for papers include: long distance pipelines; slurry preparation, dewatering and liquor clarification; slurry treatment, transport and disposal; paste and high density tailings pumping; mine backfilling and hydrohoisting; bottom and fly ash slurry handling; flue gas desulphurisation; comminution; environmental issues; in-plant slurry handling; general chemical catalyst handling; sewage sludge handling; concrete and cement handling; equipment wear; on-line sampling and instrumentation; cleaning, jetting, pigging and blockage removal; coarse particle transport; non-Newtonian, non-settling slurries; safety; and pipeline integrity assessment.
email: confx2@bhrgroup.co.uk
www.bhrconferences.com
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10:21 23/02/2010
Philippines street child team
Streets ahead in footie
Whitehouse Scientific is sponsoring the Philippines national team at the first ever Deloitte Street Child World Cup. Street children representing nine countries will gather in Durban, South Africa from 14 - 23 March 2010 to play football and raise awareness of the rights of these children worldwide. Whitehouse Scientific is already an
active supporter of children's charities, ranging from Children in Need in
the UK to children's work in Mongolia. In particular, the company
has developed a special relationship with the Mango Tree children's
home in Manila, which does sterling work in rescuing disadvantaged
children in need or on the street.
Dr Graham Rideal with Manilan street children MD Dr Graham Rideal says that the first stage is to gain their confidence, in his case it is playing the tenor sax to get their attention. "Although they love Rock and Roll music, I was amazed that they know all the words to love song classics”, he says. Once a dialogue has been established with local social workers, there is a good chance that a street child will be accepted into Mango Tree House. Once in a stable and safe environment, there are many opportunities for the children to blossom. During this world cup year, boys and girls, both in homes and on the streets of Manila, fiercely compete for places in the parallel world cup for street children, as there is no higher honour than representing your country at sport. "It has been tremendously fulfilling to think that I have played a small part in changing the lives of some of these children", says Dr Rideal, who is now actively engaged in raising money to send the team to Durban. The Deloitte Street Child World Cup sees the launch of a new Amos Trust initiative celebrating the potential of street children and providing a platform for them to be heard. Those interested can tune in to Blue Peter on BBC TV to follow the action as presenter Andy Akinwolere mentors the British team.
• Donations for the cause can be made via the Amos
Trust website at: www.streetchildworldcup.org
• Whitehouse Scientific produces precision
glass microspheres for calibration and is the world's leading manufacturer
of single-shot glass microsphere standards www.whitehousescientific.com
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14:44 18/02/2010
New centre of excellence
India. Materials characterisation expert Malvern Instruments has opened a third centre of excellence in Delhi, established through its joint venture company Malvern Aimil Instruments Pty. Designed to serve customers in the north and north east of the country, the facility has laboratories equipped with a range of Malvern systems and staffed by an applications team, able to provide demonstrations and training, applications and technical support as well as undertaking sample analysis.
Malvern Aimil Instruments Pty was formed in 2008, a joint venture between Malvern and Aimil, the company's distributor in the region. Headquartered in Mumbai, Malvern Aimil Instruments has eight offices in India, and centres of excellence in Bangalore and Baroda, as well as the new facility in Delhi.
Cutting the ribbon in Delhi were Paul Walker, MD of Malvern Instruments, and Arvind Verma, MD of Aimil. Both expressed delight with the success of the joint venture and the company's commitment to providing the highest possible level of customer support to users in the country. Malvern's acquisition of Viscotek means that there is direct support for Viscotek GPC/SEC systems in India.
www.malvern.com
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10:56 15/02/2010
Nano response
UK. The
Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN), the UK’s primary knowledge network for micro and nanotechnologies, in conjunction with Leatherhead Food Research, has issued a statement concerning the recent House of Lord’s Science & Technology Committee report on Nanotechnologies and Food.
The response follows a perceived emphasis in the national press on the food industry’s secrecy in its research activities in this new and developing area. NanoKTN and Leatherhead make a number of points concerning key recommendations and conclusions of the report not highlighted in press coverage including:
• need for Government to identify the needs of the food industry and make provision for them in its national strategy;
• review ways to promote technology transfer and help the industry meet challenging issues;
• more research funding in the areas of health and safety into toxicity and safety of nanomaterials and the establishment of a mandatory confidential database of information on research in this area;
• formal risk assessments for every nanomaterial used in a food product and use of 100nm or less for defining nano to be replaced with under 1000nm (1 micron) and a clear definition of what proportion of material has to be at the nanoscale to trigger regulatory oversight to be activated;
• Government to work with the food industry to secure more openess about their research;
• open discussion group to debate issues with representatives drawn from industry, Government, academia as well as consumer groups and NGOs. Leatherhead
stress that they are at the forefront of a study dealing with the
applications of nanotechnologies with the formation of its
NanoWatch working group and also provided an overview for the House
of Lords sub-committee.
Some issues raised by the report have potentially serious consequences, especially recommendations on the size of nanoparticles and the proportion of bulk material that would trigger regulation. Leatherhead’s work on measurement techniques for particle size indicate that this is not an easy attribute to assess. The suggestion is that more research in this area needs to be funded before legislation is drafted. Recognising
that the needs of of the food industry are not well understood in
government strategic research development, NanoKTN and Leatherhead feel
that a group could provide this aspect. The Nanotechnology in Food Special Interest Group was set up by the two organisations to address these issues and the implication is that this Group could be the basis for the open discussion group mentioned in the report. Leatherhead, NanoKTN and NanoCentral are also planning workshops to illustrate the benefits that nanotechnologies could bring to the food industry and how these can best be communicated to consumers.
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13:39 13/02/2010
Expansion of silica facility
China. Cabot Corp and China National Bluestar (Group) Co Ltd have announced that Cabot (China) Ltd, subsidiary of Cabot Corp, and Bluestar New Chemical Materials Co Ltd have signed an agreement to significantly expand fumed silica capacity at the companies' joint venture plant in Jiangxi Province.
The site will have the potential to produce up to 20,000 mt of fumed silica and will manufacture a range of products for multiple applications. During the first stage, capacity will be increased from 5,000 mt per year to more than 15,000 mt by the end of 2011. Commissioning will be staged, with incremental capacities coming on stream during 2010. Cabot's president and CEO Patrick Prevost welcomed the opportunity to strengthen its global fumed silica franchise, providing a reliable source of high quality material for Bluestar and global customer base. Bluestar has been Cabot's partner in China since 2004. The
project will utilise methyltrichlorosilane byproduct from Bluestar's
silicones monomer production. Bluestar's Xinhuo plant will then recycle
the hydrogen chloride byproduct from the production of fumed silica as the
raw material in the manufacture of methyl chloride for their silicones
monomer production.
Bluestar founder and president of its parent company ChemChina, Ren Jianxin said that the expansion would
stimulate Bluestar's silicone monomer business and allow resources to be optimised through the recycling of a byproduct stream. Bluestar owns 45 production facilities and 17 scientific research institutes around the world, with businesses spanning 150 countries and territories.
This expansion is in lieu of a previously announced facility in Tianjin, China.
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14:37 08/02/2010
Bulk solids event
India. BulkSolids India 2010 takes place in Mumbai on 2 - 3 March 2010.
Conference board chairman Vijay K Agarwal, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, said the idea is to offer participants a platform to share experiences and ideas. An exhibition accompanies the conference with more than 30 companies from the bulk solids, granules and powder industry presenting their products and services. The focus is on transport, storage and
handling of bulk solids, granules and powder with sessions on: ports and
terminals; simulation methods; energy efficiency; storing and packaging;
belt conveying; pneumatic conveying; logistics and transportation; power
plants; explosion protection; and environmental
aspects.
One highlight of the event is a lecture by Professor Mark Jones, TUNRA Bulk Solids Handling Research Associates, University of Newcastle, Australia, who opens the proceedings with a keynote address on bulk solids research and its impact on industrial practice. Exhibitors include: B&W Mechanical Handling; Bectochem Consultants & Engineers; Bevcon Wayors; BS & B Safety Systems; Cargotec Sweden; CBC India; Forech India; Frigmaires International; Gopani Product Systems; Haver & Boecker; Haver IBAU India; Kaveri Ultra Polymers; Larsen & Toubro; Macawber Engineering Systems India; Martin Engineering; Merit Technologies India; Netzsch Technologies India; Nivo Controls; Nord Drivesystems; Nuwave Technology; Phoenix Yule; Projects Control; R & B Filter; Rembe GmbH Safety & Control; Sandwell India Consulting Engineers; Schmidt & Seeger; Sunjay Biotech Solutions; Tega Industries; Tecpro Systems; TemcorRollwell Domes Pvt; Thejo Engineering Services; Turbovent Industries; ThyssenKrupp Industries India; Trinity Touch; and WAM India.
• The full conference programme is available at: www.bulksolidsindia.com
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14:02 08/02/2010
Stake in Cimpor sold
Portugal. Lafarge has sold its 17.28 per cent interest in Portugal’s Cimpor to Brazilian industrial conglomerate Votorantim Group. The transaction will be completed through a stock swop. The move comes amid a takeover
bid for Cimpor by Brazilian steelmaker Companhia Siderurgica Nacional
(CSN), part of a strategy to diversify into construction and expand
overseas.
The manoeuvrings are an indication of the growing clout of Brazil’s economy and strong interest in construction as Brazil prepares to host both the Olympics and World Cup in the next few years.
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11:07 04/02/2010
China hosts mining and powder event
China. The 2010 China International Mining & Powder Equipment Exhibition takes place on 31 March - 2 April 2010 at the China National Convention Center, Beijing.
Up until now the event has been called Powder World but the organising committee decided to change the show’s name to its current title in order to more effectively reflect trends in the country’s economy.
The show therefore includes all the content of previous Powder World events but with the addition of a specific mining and process exhibiting area where visitors can see all aspects of mining activities including crushing, storage, conveying and mineral processing.
During the show, the organising committee and co-organisers will present a series of marketing reports and technical research activities to provide a platform for business expansion, brand promotion, technology and international trading. There will also be a number of forums, meetings and technical summits during the event. The exhibition offering includes: mining machinery and equipment; powder processing, handling and storage equipment; and powder detection, physical and chemical analysis. Ancillary equipment on display includes: valves; filter material; screening equipment; packaging materials; wear resistant material; grinding media; linings; seals; and powder processing aids. A specific section will be geared to non-metallic mineral powder and nano-powders and the activities of research institutes and associations.
The event is organised by China Building Material Machinery Association, Science & Education Committee of China Building Materials Federation and CCPIT Building Materials Sub Council. Co-organisers include: Non-metallic Minerals Branch of Science & Education Committee of China Building Materials Federation; Mineral processing and utilisation technologies branch of China Non-Metallic Minerals Industry Association; Quartz Branch of China Architectural & Industrial Glass Association; Non-metallic Minerals Branch of China Ceramic Society; and The Association of Powder Process Industry & Engineering, JAPAN.
• Contact: The Organising Committee of Mining & Powder 2010, No 11, Sanlihe Road, Beijing, P R China 100831 Tel: +86-10-88375528 Fax: +86-10-88365655 E-mail: powderworld@ccpitbm.org Internet: www.powderworld.org
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09:33 01/02/2010
How clean is your silo?
UK. It’s been a year since silo specialist Braby launched its servicing division and the company is celebrating the success of its complete cleaning and maintenance solution. Demand
for trained safe silo access staff, able to complete maintenance work under strict time constraints to minimimise plant downtime, has enabled Braby Service to demonstrate its expertise in this area. They recently completed an order with OCS for maintenance of a 30-foot flour silo at Allied Bakeries’ Cardiff bakery.
Contractors OCS employed Braby Service to undertake a full inspection and thorough dry clean of the silo’s internal walls. Using special photographic techniques, images were obtained of the internal condition of the silo and a full report provided to OCS and Allied Bakeries.
Roger Neal, Braby Service division manager said that specialist photography is an integral part of the package. “The exterior of the silo is usually very serviceable, but the internal condition is more difficult to establish. The option to take internal pictures of a silo helps us evaluate what may not normally be seen”, he said. Importantly, the entire cleaning and maintenance project was completed in five days.
Allied Bakeries’ Andrew Dobbs said: “The engineers who carried out the repairs were efficient and professional in all aspects of the repairs. This coupled with the well presented method statement, risk assessment and the rescue package ensured that there were no delays in the works. I would have no hesitation in using Braby Service if the need to carry out this type of repair arose again.”
www.brabyservice.co.uk
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10:07 22/01/2010
Seminar covers Machinery Directive
UK. The New Machinery Directive comes into force this month and, because of demand, the PPMA (Processing and Packaging Machinery Association) has added further seminar dates outlining the legislation on the 11 and 18 February 2010.
The one-day event provides an overview of the actual and proposed changes to this very important piece of legislation. Subjects to be covered include: partially complete machines; application to modified machinery; application to assemblies of machines; changes to health and safety requirements; changes to ISO and European standards linked to the Directive; new conformity assessment procedures; technical file compositions; new declarations of conformity and incorporation; and much more.
• Contact: christine.jordan@ppma.co.UK Tel: +44 (0) 20 8773 8111
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09:05 19/01/2010
Distributor for specialist bins
UK. GAME Engineering has been appointed distributors for specialist bin supplier SCE Silo Construction Engineering Limited of Belgium, bringing SCE’s range of single and twin skin bins to the UK and Ireland markets. The relationship is said to have developed during a successful working partnership to construct finished product blending bins for Wagg Foods. The decision was then made to offer this service to new customers looking for a turnkey bin installation package. Working with SCE and other subcontractors, GAME is able to offer a design and build service for the bins, including erection, conveyor installation, feeders and other process machinery. Civil engineering, electrical engineering and control can also be provided within GAME’s turnkey packages. Koen Verbrugge, SCE sales engineer, said that forming the distributorship was a logical step and GAME’s project engineering manager, Stewart Brown said that bringing SCE to the UK would benefit future bin projects.
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13:55 18/01/2010
Hillenbrand to acquire K-Tron
USA. Hillenbrand Inc and K-Tron International Inc have signed a merger agreement under which Hillenbrand will acquire K-Tron for an estimated net purchase price of approximately $390 m.
The boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved the deal, the directors and officers of K-Tron holding approximately 10 percent of K-Tron stock.
Following completion of the transaction, which is expected by March 2010, K-Tron
will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Hillenbrand. Kevin C Bowen, who will be
president of K-Tron’s Process Group, and Donald W Melchiorre, who will be president of
K-Tron’s Size Reduction Group, will continue to manage their respective businesses and report
directly to Kenneth A Camp, Hillenbrand’s president and CEO. KTron’s headquarters will remain in Pitman, New Jersey.
“We are delighted that K-Tron will be joining the Hillenbrand family of companies,” said Camp.
“Although K-Tron’s products differ from ours, we are both manufacturing companies that share
similar processes and core operational values.”
Hillenbrand is the holding company for Batesville Casket Company, a leader in the
North American death care industry, while K-Tron is a leading specialist in material handling equipment and systems.
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08:56 13/01/2010
Criticisms over nanomaterials
UK. The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee has criticised the food industry for failing to be transparent about its research into uses of nanotechnologies and nanomaterials. In a report entitled
Nanotechnologies and Food
, the Committee argue that the approach of food companies in not publishing or discussing details of its research in this area is unhelpful. Whilst acknowledging the industry’s concerns about negative public reactions to developments, it asserts that appearing to be secretive about its research could bring about the public reaction it is trying to avert. The Committee also urges Government and Research Councils to adequately fund research into potential health and safety risks arising from the use of these materials. Significant gaps are reported in understanding how they impact on the human body and the risks associated with specific nanomaterials. Only a limited amount of research is currently carried out into toxicological impact of nanomaterials, with just one research team working on the impact of nanomaterials on the gut in the UK. The report recommends a publicly available register of food and food packaging containing nanomaterials maintained by the Food Standards Agency, rather than blanket labelling all food products that contain the materials. There are calls for nanomaterials to be defined clearly in food legislation to ensure that uses in food are subject to appropriate risk assessment procedures. The
report also recommends that Government work with other EU nations to
clarify what is meant by "properties that are characteristic to the
nanoscale", a phrase in the draft definition proposed for the revised
Novel Foods Regulation, by including in legislation a more detailed list of what these properties comprise.
Concerns about the illegal importation of food products containing nanomaterials not approved for use in food in the EU are also voiced. Tests to check for their presence are not yet available to border and port authorities, says the Committee. Lord Krebs, who chaired the inquiry, said that use in food and food packaging is likely to grow significantly over the next decade, delivering potentially significant benefits, but it is important that research into potential health and safety implications is undertaken now to ensure that possible risks are identified.
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09:04 08/01/2010
Webinar on processing
USA. K-Tron Process Group, in collaboration with
Hosokawa Micron Powder Systems, is presenting a complimentary technical
webinar entitled Innovations in continuous processing which will take place on 10 February 2010 at 2:00 pm (EST).
The aim is to offer pharmaceutical and food processors the latest detailed process information about continuous mixing and loss-in-weight feeding. The presentation covers developments in continuous feeding and refill operations, with an emphasis on continuous blending for processing of multiple ingredients.
The intention is to offer an objective technical overview and introduce participants to methods that will improve both current operations and utilise new technologies. Course material is aimed at scientists, engineers, production and manufacturing personnel, researchers, formulation scientists, product development and process transfer personnel.
• For free registration please visit: www.ktron.com/webinars
| 15:47 31/12/2009
Engineering career choices
UK. A new paper released by EngineeringUK, formerly the Engineering and Technology Board (ETB), finds engineering and technology graduates to be highly employable, with 94.3 per cent in work three years after graduation, second only to medicine and dentistry.
The paper finds that median salary for engineering and technology graduates three years on is £28,000, with only medicine, dentistry and veterinary science edging ahead. It also reveals that 74 per cent of engineering and technology graduates who enter employment go into engineering and technology related occupations, contrary to popular belief.
The paper, entitled, Where Do Engineering Graduates Go?, also reveals that one third of engineering and technology applications in 2007/08 were from non-UK domiciled students, up five per cent since 2001/02 when 28 per cent of applicants were from non-UK domiciles. This long term rising trend of increasing engineering applications from outside the UK is particularly prominent at higher degree level, where only 27.2 per cent are UK domiciled compared to 44.9 per cent across all subjects.
EngineeringUK’s chief executive Paul Jackson says that whilst engineering graduate numbers continue to increase due to strong employability and salary levels, there remains a rising trend in overseas engineering applications compared to home students. The implications for UK business and education systems are as yet undetermined.
EngineeringUK says that there is a need to work together to investigate this trend and its potential effect on UK technological competitiveness, with the aim of creating a sustainable UK engineering workforce, as well as a strong international one.
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12:39 30/12/2009
Food reduces carbon
UK. As representatives from more than 180 countries gather for talks in Copenhagen to tackle climate change, a new report by the Food and Drink Federation (FTF) reveals that UK food and drink manufacturers have reduced their carbon emissions by 19 per cent since 1990 – the equivalent of 1mt of CO2. FDF members are committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 20 per cent by 2010 against a 1990 baseline and the new figures suggest that they are on target to meet the longer-term aspiration of a 30 per cent reduction by 2020. The FDF also announce that, as part of its commitment to send zero food and packaging waste to landfill, it has conducted 13 detailed waste prevention reviews in conjunction with WRAP to promote best practice across the sector. 23 FDF members have also signed the Courtauld Agreement to reduce waste packaging, while 15 members have joined a labelling scheme to provide consumers with standardised on-pack information about recyclability.
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09:52 09/12/2009
New sales office
UK. German level measurement specialist, UWT Level Control, is opening its first sales office in the UK. Leading it is Graeme Hughes who has been supporting UWT clients since October 2009 and now has the objective of increasing the profile of UWT products such as Rotonivo, Vibranivo, Nivobob and Nivowave. Mr Hughes has extensive knowledge of quarrying, steel/paper manufacturing and mining. He said that after many years of working in a wide range of industrial markets, he is looking forward to providing level measurement solutions to UK clients. The Shrewsbury-based office joins other successful subsidiaries of UWT in Germany, USA and China.
www.uwtuk.com
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15:54 04/12/2009
Powder flow seminar
UK.
Leading scientists are to present work on powder flow measurement and understanding at an forthcoming seminar in London. Powder
Flow 2009: Practice, theory, visualisation and meaning
is a one-day event organised by The Formulation Group of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) in conjunction with Freeman Technology and in association with Dechema.
It takes place on 16 December 2009 at the RSC headquarters and has three major themes: practical aspects of powder flow measurement; powder flow visualisation; and application of theory in understanding powder behaviour. The seminar programme covers the most up-to-date knowledge and practice regarding powder interactions and structuring.
Leading scientists will present work on measuring and understanding powder flow, looking at powder rheology as a tool to elucidate particulate interactions in phenomena such as fluidisation, aerosolisation and handling of solid particulate matter. Theory of powder flow and visualisation using the latest laser technology will also be presented.
Poster presentations are invited and there are also opportunities to sponsor and exhibit. The seminar is aimed at both academic and industrial researchers and applies to a range of material processing industries from fine chemicals through to pharmaceuticals, foods and cosmetics.
www.powderflow.com
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10:30 02/12/2009
Results for cement
France. Third quarter results for building materials group Lafarge continue to be influenced by economic slowdown with sales down 20 per cent to €4,252 and operating income down 28 per cent to €852m. However, emerging markets income (excluding Central and Eastern Europe) rose 19 per cent year-to-date with significant cost savings and control in capital expenditure and a net reduction in debt of €3.2bn over the last twelve months.
Chairman and CEO Bruno Lafont said that the international economic slowdown showed early signs of stabilisation in the third quarter and anticipated that volumes in mature markets may start to recover in the second half of 2010. Annual cement volumes in Lafarge's markets are nevertheless expected to decline by 6 to 8 per cent in 2009.
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10:52 06/11/2009
Coal outlook for the east
Singapore. Coal Markets 2010 takes place in Singapore on 28 - 29 January 2010. Now in its eighth year, it is regarded as Asia's most comprehensive and focused industry outlook, exploring key supply sources and demand drivers to address the issues surrounding supply security, pricing and coal trade risk management.
Supported by key stakeholders, the event brings together buyers from Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Philippines and producers from Indonesia, Australia, India, Vietnam and Mongolia, addressing the crucial issues surrounding coal supply/demand dynamics.
There is an expert panel of speakers and presenters, with two keynote addresses from leading industry figures that include Dr Bambang Setiawan, Director General of Mineral, Coal and Geothermal at Indonesia's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and Dr Fatih Birol, Chief Economist at the International Energy Agency. Delegates can look forward to market updates from India and China, as well as New Mining Law in Indonesia and its implications.
• For more information Tel: +65 6514 3180 Fax: +65 6733 5087 email: register@ibcasia.com.sg www.coalmarketsasia.com
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20:35 04/11/2009
Safety first audience
UK. An international audience of process safety experts is attending the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Hazards XXI symposium on 9 - 12 November 2009 at the Manchester Conference Centre with this year's event focussed on current challenges in process safety and environmental protection.
There are around 100 presentations and keynote contributions by the US Chemical Safety Board’s John Bresland, safety expert Trevor Kletz and Sam Mannan from the Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Centre in Texas.
Bresland is using the Burgoyne Memorial Lecture to re-examine lessons learned in process safety incidents ranging from sugar to oil refineries. Kletz will review ICI’s contribution to process safety and Mannan is presenting an analysis of the Buncefield explosion and fire.
Parallel session themes include: safety management; new process safety technology; sharing safety knowledge; HAZOP; safe process design; safety performance indicators; compliance with standards; risk assessment and analysis; emerging energy technologies; and human factors and behaviour.
Speakers at the conference dinner include Health and Safety Executive chairman Judith Hackitt and Bill Giles, retired head of the BBC weather centre.
www.icheme.org/hazardsxxi
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16:27 22/10/2009
Cement plant contract
Libya. FLSmidth has signed a contract worth around €130m with Libyan company Al Hadena National Co to supply equipment and design buildings and structures for a 4,600 t per day cement plant located near Nalout some 280 km southwest of Tripoli. The plant is the first cement plant project for newly established Al Hadena National Co.
The contract comprises a crusher, stacker/reclaimer, raw mill, pyro line with cooler, cement mills, four cement silos and a complete packing plant. FLSmidth is also supplying all electrical and control equipment as well as laboratory equipment.
Libya is continuously developing its infrastructure, and with this recent contract FLSmidth is providing the nation's three latest cement plants supporting this development, said Group CEO Jørgen Huno Rasmussen. Plant commissioning will take place during 2011.
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17:55 19/10/2009
New venue for exhibition
China. IPB, the International Powder/Bulk Conference & Exhibition (IPB), regarded as the largest and most specialised international trade fair for powder, granule and bulk solids technology in China, takes place in Shanghai on 9 - 11 December 2009. NürnbergMesse China, new organisers of the event, are staging it at a new venue, the Shanghai INTEX site.
IPB is jointly organised by the Chinese Society of Particuology, NürnbergMesse China Co Ltd and Worldwide Exhibitions Co Ltd, with support from Powtech Nuremberg, Germany. Around 200 exhibitors and more than 6,000 visitors are expected to attend.
In the light of economic conditions, the organisers say that they are placing special emphasis on improvements in the quality of the show following visitor and exhibitor feedback from last year’s event, and plans are afoot to introduce a special themed area to represent the most promising business area of the year. A parallel workshop entitled Established standards for particle analysis, organised by the Chinese Society of Particuology, will cover differences between particle analysis standards in China and overseas. Further seminars and workshops cover topics such as bulk material conveyor, filling and silo delivery and preventing and reducing the risk of dust explosion.
The first Powtech pavilion included in the event has enterprises such as Hosokawa, Netzsch-Condux, Coperion, GE Energy, Sympatec, UWT and Zeppelin exhibiting.
www.ipbexpo.com
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11:38 14/10/2009
Innovations in food processing USA. K-Tron Process Group, in collaboration with
key suppliers of equipment and instrumentation to the food processing
industry, including Sweco, Quadro Engineering, Eriez and Matcon, are
presenting a joint food processing seminar entitled Innovations in Food Processing in
Dallas, USA on 4 November 2009.
The free one-day event includes detailed process and analytical
information about key topics and trends in the food processing industry.
The seminar will examine a wide variety of important processing issues,
offer an objective technical overview of these processes and introduce
processors to methods of improving current processes and utilising new
technologies. Topics include: How to
choose the proper feeder technology for mixing, extrusion or size
reduction processes - K-Tron Feeders; Improving efficiencies in the
processing stream: Size reduction - Quadro; Improving efficiencies in the
processing stream: Mixing - Quadro; Contaminant removal technologies -
Eriez; Food process screening and waster water clean up - Sweco; IBC
technology and lean powder processing - Matcon; and Pneumatic conveying
applications in the food industry - K-Tron Premier. For more information and online registration visit:
www.ktron.com/seminars
| 19:45 07/10/2009
Acquisition of Cemex Australia Australia. Following the approval of the
Australian authorities, Holcim has successfully completed the acquisition
of Cemex Australia which will now trade as Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd. The
move enables Holcim to include the country in its mature market
strategy of being active in the cement as well as in the aggregates and
ready-mix concrete business. Holcim
Australia's most important market positions are located in the country’s
more densely populated eastern and southeastern states and in the Western
Australian mining belt, amongst the fastest growing regions. The purchase price of AUD 2.02
bn has been entirely financed with the proceeds from a capital
increase in July this year and includes 100 per cent of the share capital
of Holcim Australia and a 25 percent interest in Cement Australia, in
which Holcim already holds a 50 per cent shareholding. Holcim, one of the world's leading
suppliers of cement and aggregates, as well as other activities such as
ready-mix concrete and asphalt, has majority and minority holdings in
businesses in around 70 countries.
| 20:10 02/10/2009
Ingo Jonas and Frans Maas lead the Chronos BTH
subsidiary in Eersel, Netherlands
New force in market UK.
Premier Tech, parent company of Chronos Richardson, has acquired the
packaging specialist Bag Treatment Holland BV (BTH). Located in the Netherlands, BTH will be
merged with Chronos Richardson creating a team of specialists and experts
with wide industry know-how. From 1 October 2009, Chronos Richardson and
BTH combined will operate under the name Chronos BTH both in Europe and
Asia with an extensive product portfolio in the areas of bag
packaging and palletising solutions as well as load security. The new
entity will continue to operate from sites in Germany, Italy, England,
France, Thailand and the Netherlands.
Equipment on offer includes: state-of-the-art weighing and control
systems; a range of bagging systems with customised packaging
solutions for open-mouth bags, valve bags, FFS technology, bulk containers
as well as mobile bagging equipment; conventional palletising and advanced
robotic solutions; and stretch hooding and wrapping systems. The aim is to provide customers with a
single source for well engineered packaging solutions, ranging from manual
packaging equipment to fully-automated integrated system solutions
covering all stages from bulk material reception and packaging up to
securing cargo ready for dispatch and loading. BTH's know-how, particularly in the area
of open bag equipment and pallet securing systems, complements the Chronos
portfolio, providing customers with optimised customised packaging
solutions in industry segments such as food, pet food and fodder, dairy,
agriculture, horticulture, building materials, chemicals, etc. Eersel, in the Netherlands, will become
the new Centre of Competence for core areas of R & D, engineering,
assembly and test centre for the combined company serving Europe, Middle
East and Africa. Parma in Italy will be responsible specifically for all
Mediterranean countries and markets.
Chronos BTH Europe will be jointly led by Frans Maas, the previous owner
and general manager of BTH, and Ingo Jonas, former general manager of
Chronos Richardson Systems GmbH in Hennef, Germany. Cornelis A Van Drent
and Ricardo Taino will continue to manage their respective operations in
Asia from the Thailand office and in Italy from the Parma office. Ingo Jonas will handle sales,
distribution, marketing and customer service while Frans Maas will be
responsible for R & D, engineering, operation and manufacturing
teams. Explaining the reasoning behind
the move, Frans Maas said that in order to equip BTH for the future and to
continue the growth of the past 14 years, a strong partner was required so
that BTH products could be marketed worldwide. Premier Tech and its
business unit, Chronos Richardson was considered to be the ideal
partner and the new company now has a strong and experienced 190-strong
team operating in Europe. Chronos BTH,
with its sister companies Premier Tech Systems and Chronos BTH Asia, is
part of Premier Tech's Industrial Equipment Group (IEG), which has more
than 700 team members worldwide. The acquisition, the second this year for
IEG, follows the integration of Stonepak in the USA, part of Premier
Tech's aim to focus on leadership in technology and innovative
cutting-edge products supported by strong commercial initiatives. Ingo Jonas commented that the integration
of BTH was an important strategic step to develop and strengthen its
position in the market and underlines its commitment to the European
customer base. He said that customers would be offered an even broader
product portfolio, based on innovative technologies, all over Europe, with
flexibility, precision, quality, competitive offers and local presence
central to the requirements of the markets and its customers. Chronos BTH sites in Hennef (Germany),
Nottingham (UK) and Viry-Châtillon (France) will continue to function as
customer service centres, and the new company will present itself for the
first time at this year's Fachpack in Nuremberg, Germany and at the PPMA
show in Birmingham, UK.
| 14:24 24/09/2009
Exhibition gears up Germany. The stage is set for the next Powtech,
the leading exhibition for mechanical processing technologies and
instrumentation, which takes place in Nuremberg on 27 - 29 April 2010. In
addition to TechnoPharm, the international trade fair for pharmaceuticals,
food and cosmetics, which runs in parallel with it, WCPT6, the World
Congress on Particle Technology, is running concurrently, starting a day
earlier on 26 April. Over the last two
decades, Powtech has been the leading exhibition for mechanical processing
technologies in the chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, paint and coatings,
quarrying and earthworks, and ceramics sectors. The organisers say that
exhibitor interest is uninterrupted, despite the current economic
climate. Their view is that
the comprehensive spectrum of products and services on
display, coupled with special shows and presentations, provide the
necessary information and inspiration for companies to gain major
competitive advantage in these difficult times. WCPT6, supported by the Partec Congress,
takes place for the first time in parallel with the
Powtech/TechnoPharm events, dealing with latest findings and
experiences from all sectors of particle technology. Over 1,000 scientists
from around the globe will be able to compare their
research activities over four days of the event. Delft University of
Technology and the company DSM are responsible for organising the
congress. • More information
from: www.powtech.de www.technopharm.de www.wcpt6.org
| 11:59 23/09/2009
Don't miss the
knowledge UK. Booked your place at the SHAPA
one-day Knowledge Conference yet? If not, there’s still time. It takes
place on 5 October 2009 at the Imago Holywell Park Conference Centre in
Leicestershire and is a key event in the solids handling industry
calendar. Users of solids handling
equipment will have the opportunity to hear about the latest regulatory
issues, their interpretation and implementation, learn ways to minimise
cost and maximise profit and gain information from foremost authorities in
the industry on the latest thinking in solids handling techniques. The agenda includes keynote addresses by
Iain Evans of the Health and Safety Executive on Regulation, compliance and enforcement policy and
the Environment Agency’s Martin Bigg will cover Better regulation, better Industry . Two parallel streams of presentations,
one covering commercial and compliance topics, the other dealing with a
wide range of solids handling technologies, allow delegates to select
individual sessions tailored to their needs. In addition, there will also
be the opportunity to speak with SHAPA members who will illustrate their
company's capabilities via table top displays. • To view the full agenda and
to secure your place at this key event log on to: www.shapa.co.uk or email SHAPA at:
info@shapa.co.uk
| 12:57 22/09/2009
Pictured at the centre of the group: Mike Lynott,
chairman of Frampton Cotterell RFC with Martyn Brighton (left) of Brighton
Williams, and Paul Mayer (right) from Braby
Fundraising challenge UK. A team from Bristol aluminium and stainless
steel silo manufacturers, Braby, are preparing for the Run for the Future race on 20 September, going
head to head with another locally based business, Brighton Williams. The 5 km run, which raises money for
Bristol Urological Institute’s Prostate Cancer Appeal, will see Braby’s
sales and marketing director Paul Mayer compete against his wife Caroline,
who is running for the Brighton Williams team. The challenge between the two companies
was made at a local rugby match in April, which was staged in memorial to
Derek Mayer, Paul’s father, who recently passed away from the disease.
Paul Mayer and the Braby team say that they are determined to help prevent
other men losing their lives in the same way. Players from both clubs have also pledged
to take part in the run which takes place on the Bristol Downs at 12 noon.
Donations to Bristol Urological Institute’s Appeal can be made at: www.runforthefuture.org
| 10:14 16/09/2009
Upcoming courses USA.
Jenike & Johanson is organising a series of courses on Flow of solids in bins, hoppers, chutes and
feeders and Pneumatic conveying of bulk
solids which take place in Chicago on 13 - 15 October 2009
and Atlanta on 7 - 9 December 2009. The two-day Flow of solids in bins,
hoppers, chutes and feeders course will enable delegates to learn about a
wide range of equipment types and solutions to flow problems commonly
associated with them. The aim is to provide a better understanding of how
friction, cohesion, compressibility and other properties affect solids
flow through feeders, chutes, reactors, bins and hoppers and how to
specify and select the best hardware to suit to various bulk solid flow
problems and objectives. Retrofitting existing equipment to correct
problems is included. The one-day
Pneumatic conveying of bulk solids event will help delegates understand
common problems which occur during pneumatic conveying, principles of
operation, and how to evaluate in-plant systems and determine
effectiveness. Troubleshooting the source of conveying problems and
applying various solutions to improve efficiency will also be covered. • To register for the course
contact ASME Tel: 1-800-843-2763 or contact: courses09@jenike.com for
further details.
| 10:49 11/09/2009
Sales organisation appointed USA. K-Tron Process Group has announced that
Mills-Winfield Eng Sales Inc is the new representative organisation
serving northern Illinois, northeastern Indiana, eastern Iowa, and
Wisconsin. Mills-Winfield will
represent both the K-Tron Feeder and K-Tron Premier brands bringing over
75 years experience in bulk material handling, with a focus on
process engineering in food, pharmaceuticals, plastics, petrochemicals and
minerals. The company’s expertise encompasses feeding, pneumatic
conveying, screening and drying, and includes air and gas processing
applications. Its offices are located in Glendale Heights, Illinois and
Madison, Wisconsin. Commenting on the
appointment, John Winski, sales director for the K-Tron feeder brand, said
that the new representative offers many years experience in dry bulk
material handling with process experience and knowledge. Speaking about the move, Stuart Wilson,
sales director for the K-Tron Premier brand, said that there is a trend in
all industries served to provide complete systems including feeding and
pneumatic conveying or material transfer systems. Customers will therefore
be able to work with Mills-Winfield to define requirements and be able to
issue a single order for a total solution from a reliable and experienced
supplier. In addition to K-Tron
Process Group, Mills-Winfield also represents Carrier, Cyclonaire, Gardner
Denver, Kelair, Lightnin, PEBCO, Quadro, Rotex, and Spiroflow. Tel: +1 (630) 924-1208
| 15:11 24/08/2009
Characterising metal powders South Africa. A team of researchers at the Council
for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in South Africa has taken
delivery of an FT4 powder tester from Freeman Technology. The system will be used in conjunction
with understanding and controlling the behaviour of powders used to
produce metal components. Installation also included a a two-day, on-site
training programme conducted by a specialist from Freeman’s team. CSIR is one of Africa's leading research
establishments and the new equipment will be used in the Metal and Metals
Processes area, part of the Materials Science and Manufacturing Operating
Unit. Scientists using the system are responsible for material
characterisation and developing new materials and processes for
manufacturing powdered metals. There is a particular interest in die
filling and making pressed metal components for aerospace, automotive and
medical applications. Because of the
high value of many of the metal powders, which include platinum and
titanium, only low volumes are available for investigation. The ability of
the FT4 to work with just 25 ml samples for dynamic measurement and down
to as little as 1 ml for shear cell testing, enables rapid and fully
automated powder characterisation. A
paper, entitled "Characterisation of powder bulk, dynamic flow and shear
properties in relation to die filling" and which was presented at the 2008
World Congress On Powder Metallurgy and Particulate Materials in
Washington, DC is available for download from Freeman’s website. www.freemantech.co.uk
| 16:56 22/08/2009
Particle technology world congress Germany. The final call for papers for the World
Congress on Particle Technology (WCPT6 2010) expires on 15 September 2009.
The event takes place on 26 - 29 April 2010 in Nuremberg in conjunction
with POWTECH and TechnoPharm exhibitions as well as the PARTEC
Congress. WCPT will concentrate and
discuss the latest findings and experiences from all segments of particle
technology, with over 1,500 scientists from around the world comparing
their research findings over the four days of the event. "Together with POWTECH, the world's
largest exhibition for powder and bulk solids technology, WCPT is next
year's outstanding scientific forum for sourcing information on particle
technology," says Claus Rättich, Member of the Management Board of
NürnbergMesse. The aim of WCPT is not only to present scientific findings,
but also to promote the exchange of views and meetings between the various
disciplines and between universities and industry. Delft University of Technology and the
company DSM, both from the Netherlands, are responsible for the technical
organisation of the congress. Conference topics include aerosol science
and technology, nanoparticles, models and simulation of particulate
systems, granulation, and science and engineering of particulate
processes. The last event took place
in Florida, USA from 23 - 27 April 2006, attracting more than 700
participants from around the globe. www.wcpt6.org
| 12:27 25/07/2009
Process safety initiative UK. The Process Safety Leadership Group (PSLG) of
the Chemical Industries Association (CIA), made up of key representatives
from high hazard industries has just launched a set of key principles
to enhance the safety of its industrial processes. The Process Safety Principles set out
eight guidelines emphasising the importance of strong leadership from the
board to the factory floor to manage the risks of potentially dangerous
industrial processes. Companies will now be expected to show real progress
towards learning from previous incidents and improving the management and
control of process safety hazards. The
CIA says that the Principles are consistent with the elements of the
chemical industry's Responsible Care programme - the cornerstone of
effective and responsible management of operations by CIA member
companies. Stephen Elliott, CIA Chief
Executive, said "the chemical industry has a good record on process safety
and learning from other sectors, and in response to the Buncefield and
Texas City incidents we published a Best Practice Guide in 2008 based on
detailed research of leadership in our member companies. But we can never
be complacent and must always be looking for continuous improvement.” The launch of Process Safety Principles
are a reminder that responsible industry leaders must ensure that risks
from high hazard processes to employees and to the general population
around chemical sites must be minimised.
| 12:27 25/07/2009
Tyre plant closure Philippines. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber
Company today announced that it will close its tyre plant in the country
as part of a strategy to address uncompetitive manufacturing capacity
globally. The action, expected to be
completed by the end of the third quarter, will result in a reduction of
approximately 500 of the company's 600 associates there, with sales and
marketing operations in the country remaining unaffected. Closure of the Las Pinas plant will
result in a reduction of nearly 2m units of annual production capacity,
part of a strategy to remove 15 - 25 m units of capacity over the next two
years, with production transferred to other lower cost plants in the
Asia-Pacific region. "Due to high
costs compared to other plants in the region, tyres produced in the Las
Pinas plant are not competitive in the marketplace," said Pierre E Cohade,
president of Goodyear's Asia-Pacific Region. Goodyear says that it remains
committed to its business in the Philippines where it has had a presence
since 1919, with the Las Pinas plant opened in 1956. The company expects
to record around $20 m in charges associated with the closure in the third
quarter of 2009.
| 16:08 23/07/2009
Bulk event imminent Australia. Peter Wypych, Chairman of CHoPS (6th
International Conference for Conveying and Handling of Particulate Solids)
and ICBMH (10th International Conference on Bulk Materials Storage,
Handling and Transportation) has sent us a timely reminder that these
events are taking place in Brisbane Australia on 3 - 7 August 2009. The
conferences run in parallel with Bulkex 2009, the Asia-Pacific Bulk
Materials Handling Exhibition. Over
140 Papers from 29 Countries will be presented at the CHoPS + ICBMH
conference, covering nano, particle, powder and bulk material
technologies. Areas of interest
include: computer simulations and validations; design, production and
processing of particulates; environmental aspects and dust hazards;
fluidisation; measurement, control and instrumentation; mechanical
conveying and feeding; modelling and fundamentals; particle and bulk
characterisation; particle and powder technology; pneumatic, hydraulic and
capsule conveying; segregation and mixing; and storage, flow and
handling. • Bulkex runs on 4
- 6 August 2009 (www.bulkex.com.au ) •
CHoPS+ICBMH registration and
conference information can be accessed at www.chops2009.org.au •
email: wypych@uow.edu.au
| 12:06 21/07/2009
Standard extensively revised USA. ASTM International Committee E29 on Particle
and spray characterisation has just approved an extensive revision of ASTM standard E11 - Specification for wire cloth and
sieves for testing purposes - a revision aimed at improving quality
control of sieve cloths and test sieves. ASTM E11 is under the jurisdiction of
Subcommittee E29.01 on Sieves, sieving methods and screening media. With
the revised standard, users will be able to purchase test sieves that
conform to both E11 and ISO 3310-1 - Test Sieves —
Technical requirements and testing. According to E29 member Richard Campbell,
Newark Wire Cloth Co, the revised E11 includes standard deviation as one
of the parameters for sieve cloth and test sieve evaluation. “By including
the standard deviation, the minimum acceptable aperture size is controlled
by distribution of aperture size rather than just considering the overall
average opening size and only limiting the maximum individual opening size
of the sieve cloth,” says Mr Campbell.
Campbell explains that E11 now provides for test sieves that can be
supplied in three different grades - compliance, inspection and
calibration - with each grade based on the confidence level of the
sieve cloth/test sieve. Table 1 in the revised standard includes nominal
dimensions and permissible variations for the sieve cloth itself and
inspection criteria for compliance, inspection and calibration grade test
sieves. Criteria specified for each
grade include: compliance grade supplied with basic documentation — a
certificate of conformance; inspection grade supplied with
documentation having limited inspection data; and calibration
grade supplied with documentation showing more detailed inspection
data. The calibration grade test sieve has twice as many apertures
measured during the inspection process, providing a greater confidence
level for users. Although the revision
to E11 is complete, ASTM is encouraging interested parties to join the
standards developing activities of Subcommittee E29.01 which is currently
working on a proposed new standard, WK23197 -
Guide for industrial woven wire filter cloth . Those with a technical
knowledge or users of filter cloth are particularly requested to join. www.astm.org
| 11:17 21/07/2009
Auto bagging and palletising UK. An existing Chronos manual bagging system has
been upgraded to automatic operation at Potters Ballotini Ltd based in
Barnsley, UK. This company is an international manufacturer of highway
safety and engineered glass material products, with small granular
particles up to 1000 microns in diameter. The new automatic system installed
utilises a CHRONO-FILL™ OML600 bagging system and CHRONO-PAL™ RP robot
palletiser to pack and palletise a variety of reflective glass spheres
into plastic lined paper pillow type bags. The system incorporates a
customer specified over-tape and sealing system for optimum bag sealing
and presentation. An additional
feature, integrated into the automatic bagging and palletising system,
allows the robot palletiser to carefully mimic the original manual bagging
system operation. This routine ensures that there is the optimum degree of
bag overlapping during the layer formation part of the palletising process
to ensure maximum pallet stability and warehouse space utilisation. Chronos engineers designed, built,
installed and commissioned the system, which includes full CE light
barrier safety systems and safety guarding. Chronos Richardson UK Ltd incorporates
Richard Simon Ltd, Verville and r Tech Systems for European spares,
refurbishment, service, installation and commissioning. Tel: +44(0) 115 935 1351
| 17:46 19/07/2009
Knowledge event UK. The
SHAPA Knowledge Conference is a one-day event taking place at Imago
Holywell Park Conference Centre on the Loughborough University site in
Leicestershire on the 5 October 2009.
One key aspect of the event is the opportunity to hear about the latest
regulatory issues and, importantly, how best to interpret and implement
them. Delegates will also gain an insight into how best to minimise cost
and maximise profit and the latest ideas and thinking in solids handling
techniques presented by leading authorities in their field. There will be keynote addresses by Iain
Evans, Health and Safety Executive, on Regulation,
compliance and enforcement policy with the Environment Agency’s
Martin Bigg’s presentation covering Better
regulation, better industry . Delegates can select individual
sessions from two parallel streams of presentations, one covering
commercial and compliance topics and the other dealing with a range of
solids handling technologies. In
addition to the presentations there will be the opportunity to speak with
SHAPA members who will be illustrating their capabilities at tabletop
displays. SHAPA, the Solids Handling
and Processing Association, is regarded as the voice of the industry and
the UK's leading specialist association in its field, growning to
become the foremost authority in technical, commercial, legal and
professional matters relating to the industry. Its 100+ membership
consists of companies who supply equipment, services and systems for
handling and processing bulk solids and powders, offering a vast amount of
knowledge and experience for solving solids handling problems. • To secure a place at the
conference either apply on line at www.shapa.co.uk or contact SHAPA by
telephone on + 44 (0) 116 2713704 or email info@shapa.co.uk. The full
agenda can be viewed at www.shapa.co.uk
| 19:59 16/07/2009
Question mark over Wilton UK. Dow’s recent announcement that it intends to
close its Wilton plant in Teesside has put Croda International’s operation
there into jeopardy, making it no longer economically viable and forcing
closure of its nearby plant which uses raw materials from the Dow site. Wilton is the only UK location currently
making ethylene oxide, a strategic raw material for the chemical sector
and central to the production of goods ranging from antifreeze to soaps
and paints to make up. Dow has blamed the closure on a drop in demand,
exacerbated by the recession and the high cost of raw material at the
site. Dow says that it will walk away
from the plant in January 2010 where 55 staff are directly employed. Croda
is currently consulting its 125 Wilton staff with the intention of closing
its plant in 2010. In a press
statement, Unite union has warned that the closure of such a strategically
vital plant could trigger a crisis across the chemical industry with job
losses snowballing to over 3000 in total throughout the sector. Ethylene oxide, hazardous to transport and with
its movement regulated, tends to locate businesses purchasing the material
to cluster near the source plant. Unite is campaigning to find a solution
to the threatened closure and has urged the government to take a leading
role to save jobs and preserve the estimated £560m Wilton contributes to
the UK balance of payments every year.
| 12:07 15/07/2009
System tames difficult powder UK. Solids handling equipment specialist, Ajax
Equipment is supplying Hosokawa Micron Ltd with a hopper and screw feeder
as part of a turnkey powder processing system designed for
pre-conditioning potassium carbonate powder during agrochemical
manufacture. The 5 cu m hopper is
designed to receive potassium carbonate powder from big bags, the batch
held in the hopper measured by load cells and subsequently discharged by
screw feeder into a process reactor. Potassium carbonate powder, a
notoriously difficult to handle material, has characteristics that range
from sluggish when stored and compacted to light and fluffy when aerated
or loosely poured. It can also be prone to caking. Mass flow is therefore
the preferred method of dealing with it, avoiding stagnant zones and
ensuring flow through the smallest outlets. Using the measured flow properties of the
powder, Ajax has been able to come up with a mass flow hopper design that
features steep walls and a long slot outlet to the screw feeder with a
progressive pitch on the flights. In addition, Lynflow ribbon flights
and stepped shaft have been utilised to ensure that the entire hopper
contents move in a mass flow pattern during discharge, achieving smooth
powder transfer at the rate of 200 kg per min. Both hopper and screw
feeder are gas tight and equipment complies with ATEX Zone 2
requirements. Eddie McGee, technical
director, Ajax Equipment said that the V-shaped tapered bottom section is
designed to encourage mass flow during discharge. “Of course the screw
feeder has to fully serve the long length of the hopper outlet to avoid
any stagnant zones, so we have to take a lot of care in selecting the
geometry of the screw flights and shaft,” he explained. Kristien Barrett, sales manager, Hosokawa
Micron Ltd said that Ajax Equipment had been chosen because of its
successful use of equipment in similar applications and proven ability to
design and manufacture hoppers and screw feeders capable of handling this
type of powder. Tel: +44 (0)
1204 386723
| 10:44
10/07/2009
Mixing line for detergents Norway. Norwegian-based company Unitor Chemicals
AS has invested in a new Forberg mixing line for detergents. The F-1000
twin shaft batch mixer forms the heart of a new production line with
a nominal capacity of 1000 litres per batch. The result is said to
be vastly improved end product quality and increased production
capacity. Expressing satisfaction with
the mixer’s performance, Rune Kristiansen, factory manager for Unitor,
said that batch time had been considerably decreased. The company produces
powdered detergents in the unit which involves feeding raw materials
directly from big-bags, with the mixing of dry products and spraying of
liquids taking place in one operation. Two large bomb doors in the bottom
of the unit discharge into a reception bin fitted with a screw
feeder. Mixed product is subsequently discharged into barrels,
automatically transported onto a scale and filled with product to a preset
weight. Forberg has both mild and
stainless steel production capabilities and is located in Larvik, Norway,
producing mixers, dryers, vacuum coaters and other specialised machinery
for international markets in food, animal feed, fish feed, pet food,
chemicals, pharmaceuticals, building industry, etc. Contact: Hilde Nordahl Tel: +47
33 13 34 34
| 16:16 08/07/2009
Sizeable contract award Eire. Despite difficult times in the European
dairy industry some companies still continue to invest. Lakeland Dairies
in Bailieboro, Ireland has placed a €11m contract with GEA Process Eng,
with GEA Process Technology Ireland Ltd coordinating the execution of the
order. The new facility will
manufacture dairy-based powders such as whole milk, skim milk and
buttermilk powder. Eight GEA companies with provide specialist services
including: an evaporator from GEA PE France; dryer from GEA Niro; powder
conveying equipment from GEA Colby; and powder packing line from GEA
Avapac. Built next to an existing factory, the new plant will utilise
common services from an existing but upgraded centralised utilities
centre. Powder manufactured in the
dryer has to be transported gently, to avoid breakdown of the sensitive
powder particles, to new silos and from there to a new 25-kg sack bagging
lines, an FIBC system and bulk filling system. Despite the current poor returns in the
international marketplace for most dairy products, Mary Coughlan TD
(Assembly Delegate), Irish Minister for Agriculture and Food, expects the
Irish dairy industry to show growth over the coming years as a consequence
of the gradual relaxation of the EU's production quota system and the need
to increase output per farm to maintain farm incomes. The processing output from the new dryer
will represent one of the biggest capacity plants in Ireland at 7mt per
hr, with the corresponding evaporator capacity to feed the dryer and
dense-phase powder handling capacity to remove finished powder from the
dryer. The 25-kg bagging line (including a pre-gassing system), rated at
12 mt per hr powder packed, will operate at this guaranteed rate and is
the first order received by GEA Avapac in Europe for their Low
Intervention Packing Line. Paddy
Kenna, MD of GEA Process Technology Ireland Ltd said that as the sole
process equipment supplier on this project, GEA Process Eng will be
responsible for the supply, installation, supervision and commissioning of
all processing equipment, and sees the award as a recognition of the
company’s competency as an experienced provider in this area. The contract
is also regarded as a major breakthrough for future involvement in
further Irish dairy industry developments. GEA PT Ireland will help other relevant
GEA companies in the planning and implementation phases with GEA Process
Eng providing final product quality guarantees - as well as other
guarantees relating to the plant, installation and commissioning and the
final product. Construction is
expected to start in July 2009 with commercial production scheduled for
the end of the first quarter of 2010. Tel: +353 45 981200
| 11:18 30/06/2009
Development for far east Switzerland. The K-Tron Process Group announce
that Richard J Poole has assumed responsibility for all sales activities
in the entire EMEA-Asia region. With over 20 years experience with the
Group as a material handling equipment and systems specialist in a wide
variety of industrial markets, he is a graduate of University of Newcastle
upon Tyne. Mr Poole has substantial
marketing experience with K-Tron America Inc in the US and as sales
manager at K-Tron (Switzerland) Ltd and K-Tron Deutschland GmbH in
Germany. In his new postion as sales director EMEA/Asia, he is also a
member of the management team of K-Tron (Switzerland) Ltd and is also MD
of the subsidiary K-Tron Deutschland GmbH in Gelnhausen, Germany. The development means that sales managers
in K-Tron offices in Shanghai, China, and Singapore will report directly
to Mr Poole, a reflection of the increasing importance and potential
growth K-Tron believes exists in the Chinese market.
| 16:22 23/06/2009
Event for India India.
The first BulkSolids India event takes place in Mumbai on 2 - 3 March
2010. The international conference and
accompanying exhibition is organised by Vogel Business Media and
NürnbergMesse, whose international subsidiary Nürnberg Global Fairs will
actually organise the event. Vogel Business Media is responsible for the
content and organisation of the conference. Both the conference and exhibition will
focus on transport, storage and handling of bulk solids, granules and
powders. Topics for the conference are in English and include: bulk ports;
belt conveying; storage; dust emission control; pneumatic conveying;
slurry transportation; train loading and unloading; maintenance; and bulk
material properties. Described as a
compact event, there will be around 40 exhibitors, with the conference
programme chaired by Dr V K Agarwal, Indian Institute of Technology,
Delhi. Those interested in presenting a paper can submit proposals in the
form of a single page abstract by 15 September 2009. "With BulkSolids India we are developing
another key world market with one of the core themes of NürnbergMesse,"
says Claus Rättich, member of the management board, NürnbergMesse. "We are
particularly pleased about entering this market together with Vogel
Business Media, a highly competent partner in this field. We have
cultivated good relations with Vogel for many years and BulkSolids India
is a logical continuation of our very close cooperation in the course of
IPB China." Reiner Grochowski, Vogel
Business Media said that after organising two successful BulkEurope events
of this format in Europe, the venture into the Indian market was
important because of the demand for raw materials there. NürnbergMesse has a particular expertise
with established events like POWTECH in German, IPB in China, and the
recently acquired ANALÍTICA in Brazil. • Conference enquiries email:
imke.ostermeier@vogel.de • Exhibition enquiries email:
meike.krueger@ngfmail.com
| 10:12 01/06/2009
Powder characterisation online UK. Powder characterisation company Freeman
Technology has launched a new website designed to give visitors rapid
access to information relating directly to their own specific powder
challenges. A new home page, improved
navigation, extended technical and applications information, and an
extensive download area are just some of the site’s new features. Various
European language versions are planned later this year. MD Reg Freeman said the launch of the
website is an important development in making increased use of web-based
communications, and also coincides with the company’s first public web
seminar. He added that as the business grows, with customers spread
throughout the world, it is essential that as much information as possible
is made available in an easily accessible way. The company specialises in powder
characterisation using its FT4 powder tester to perform a range of
methodologies, measuring shear, bulk and dynamic properties in a short
time frame and using relatively small amounts of material. Data
interpretation makes extensive use of Freeman know-how as well as the
client’s own experience. Results often
indicate why on a particular production line some powders are ‘easy’ to
process and others are not. This knowledge, says Freeman, is the bedrock
of efficient processing and allows materials to be developed that are
efficiently processed and possess the required performance
characteristics. www.freemantech.co.uk
| 11:36 18/05/2009
Call for papers UK. A
call for papers has been announced for the BulkEurope 2010 international
conference and exhibition on bulk materials handling, storage and
transportation to be held in Glasgow, Scotland on 9 - 10 September
2010. The event, previously hosted in
Prague in September 2008, comes at a critical time, making it even more
necessary to keep up to date with current and future developments in bulk
materials handling and acquire the knowledge for streamlining operations
and making them fit for coming demand. • Authors interested in presenting a paper should send
email abstracts to marcel.droettboom@vogel.de
| 11:43 06/05/2009
Need to reduce energy costs? UK. Reducing energy consumption has become even
more vital in today’s economic climate. While energy expenditure alone is
not the biggest single cost for companies, savings made in this area can
provide a welcome financial cushion for the business as a whole. The Institution of Mechanical Engineers
has therefore organised a one-day seminar on 24 June 2009 at their London
headquarters to examine various ways of saving energy. Primarily aimed at
the food processing industry, it will also be relevant to many other
process industries currently facing the same challenges. The event will provide a holistic view of
energy saving in the food processing industry. It will include a major
consultancy’s overview of the savings to be made by reducing energy costs
in food processing, how back-to-basics measures can be immediately
implemented to save energy, and discuss the range of affordable appliances
and technologies available for businesses seeking to cut energy
costs. Also featured is an interactive
roundtable discussion forum allowing speakers and delegates to share their
knowledge. Overall, the aim of the event is to provide a comprehensive
guide to energy expenditure reduction. There are also sponsorship and
exhibition opportunities for companies wishing to promote their products
or services. Book online at
www.imeche.org/ For sponsorship opportunities Tel:
+44 (0)20 7973 1273
| 07:50 30/04/2009
Solutions brochure for cement UK. Just launched is a new Cement Plant Solutions brochure from Malvern
Instruments, giving a complete overview of the company's comprehensive
range of particle size analyzers for the cement industry. Using laser diffraction technology, the
company’s solution packages are widely installed in particulate processing
industries, including over 400 cement plants worldwide. The range of
analyzers includes options for off-, at- and on-line cement measurement,
providing solutions for both conventional and fully automated
laboratories, and the process environment. Malvern says that increasingly, the
industry is replacing Blaine analysis with particle size measurement to
gain better control of cement performance. They say that laser
diffraction provides a robust, consistent method of characterising
cement size distribution, enabling accurate measurement and control
of cement fineness. The company says
that this can significantly reduce product inconsistencies observed when
using Blaine analysis, from 6 - 7 per cent to less than 1 per cent RSD
(Relative Standard Deviation). Tel: +44 (0) 1684 892456
| 11:44 23/04/2009
Upcoming courses USA.
Jenike & Johanson has announced upcoming events to be held in San
Diego. The ASME/AIChE sponsored courses on the theory and practice of
effective bulk solids handling have been reviewed and approved by the
AIChE Education Committee. Flow of solids in bins, hoppers, chutes and
feeders takes place on 20 - 21 May 2009, allowing delegates to learn
about a wide range of equipment and the solutions to flow problems
commonly associated with each of them. The course will help in
understanding how friction, cohesion, compressibility and other properties
affect solids flow through feeders, chutes, reactors, bins and
hoppers. It will help in specifying
and selecting the most suitable hardware for various bulk solid flow
problems and plant objectives, including how to retrofit existing
equipment to correct flow problems, as well as solving problems associated
with solids handling, such as lost production, downtime, extra labour,
poor quality control, spoiled material, and unreliable equipment. A course on Pneumatic conveying of bulk solids will be held on
22 May 2009 covering equipment and the solutions to problems commonly
associated with each of them. Delegates will gain a better understanding
of problems which occur, pneumatic conveying principles of operation,
and how to evaluate in-plant systems and determine effectiveness. It will provide the ability to
troubleshoot the source of conveying problems and apply various methods to
improve efficiency. In addition, it will give delegates the necessary
knowhow to choose a conveying system layout based upon proper principles
of operation and, importantly, select the right system components. Tel: +1-800-843-2763
| 11:39 23/04/2009
Companies scoop awards UK. A number of UK companies in the powder and
bulk handling sector have been awarded the Queen's Awards for Enterprise
for 2009. The Queen's Awards for
Enterprise: International Trade 2009, recognising outstanding achievements
in international trade, has been won by Cleveland Cascades Ltd,
Powerscreen International Ltd and Pulsar Process Measurement Ltd. The Queen's Awards for Enterprise:
Innovation 2009 which recognises outstanding achievements in innovation
was awarded to EnviroVent Ltd.
Cleveland Cascades Ltd is regarded as a global leader in the design and
manufacture of bespoke retractable loading chutes for handling dry bulk
materials. They have over 400 systems operating worldwide with
applications in ship, silo, road, rail and tanker loading applications. MD
Ian Barnard, one of the original inventors of the Cascade Chute, purchased
the business from Cleveland Potash Ltd in 2004, taking the company from
strength to strength by expanding its product range and market
position. Powerscreen specialise in
design and manufacture of mobile screening, washing and recycling
equipment for quarry, mining, recycling industries processing aggregates,
coal, construction and demolition waste. Since 1999, the company has been
part of Terex, third largest construction manufacturer in the world. Pulsar Process Measurement has been in
existence since 1997, rising to become one of the foremost non-contact
level measurement instrument manufacturers worldwide. By developing its
echo processing technology, the company has been able to address
applications previously considered outside the scope of ultrasonic level
measurement. One of a handful of
companies in the UK to be awarded the Queen’s Award for Innovation,
Harrogate-based EnviroVent was praised for its work developing and
manufacturing the EnviroVent filterless extract fan which is said to have
revolutionised the extractor fan market. One hundred per cent recyclable,
the fan is designed to use a fraction of the energy expended by a
traditional fan. Over 200,000 units have been sold since 2004.
| 10:17 21/04/2009
Shedding light on explosions Australia. A two-day conference covering the
important area of dust explosions takes place in Penrith, NSW, Australia
on 10 - 11 June 2009. Dust Explosions 2009, organised by Informa, has an
optional extra day in the form of a pre-conference workshop with the aim
of helping delegates to select the right protection measures and reduce
hazards. The opening address will be
made by Prof Peter Wypych, Centre for Bulks Solids and Particulate
Technologies, University of Wollongong, followed by Gerry van Laar, Senior
Scientist, Inburex Consulting Germany who will present a European
perspective of the subject. Topics to
be covered during the two days are many and varied and include:
identifying hazards and preventing dust explosions; engineering due
diligence; fire protection, risk engineering and insurable risk; explosion
detection and protection; identifying and minimising risk of dust
explosions in the grain industry; sugar industry perspective on dust
explosion prevention; coal industry perspective on dust explosion
prevention; effectiveness of dust control measures in coal mines; guidance
for handling plant design and operation; explosion protection
applications/solutions; handling technology developments to increase plant
safety; and reducing dust explosion risk within the plant. The event
culminates in a site tour and demonstration at TestSafe Australia’s
facility. Tel: + 61 2 9080
4307 Fax: + 61 2 9290 3844 email:
registration@informa.com.au www.informa.com.au/dustexplosions
| 20:30 31/03/2009
Smaller footprint moving forward France. Lafarge has taken a major step forward in
reducing its ecological footprint, achieving its CO2 emissions reduction
objective two years ahead of target. Absolute emissions in industrialised
countries actually went down 12.5 per cent over the 1990 - 2008 period as
compared with the 10 per cent reduction figure expected between 1990 and
2010. The other objective, a 20 per
cent reduction in net CO2 emissions per metric ton of cement throughout
the world, reached 18.4 per cent at the end of 2008 (compared with 16
percent in 2007). Bruno Lafont,
Chairman and CEO, said that the results reflected the exemplary conduct of
its operations and the active engagement taken since 2001 with WWF - World
Wide Fund For Nature. The results also tie in with Lafarge's 2012
Sustainable Ambitions, a roadmap with 16 sustainable development
operational objectives, which range from security to industrial health,
and from persistent pollutants to biodiversity. Lafarge has been one of WWF's
Conservation Partners since 2000 and is currently finalising discussions
to renew the partnership for the next four years. Jim Leape, Director
General of WWF International, encouraged Lafarge to keep on driving the
changes which would help to set an example to other business
communities. Around 98 per cent of
Lafarge's CO2 emissions come from its cement business, in part from the
chemical reaction of lime to heat, with the other constituent coming from
fossil fuels used to fire kilns. Reducing its environmental footprint has
involved continuous improvements to the energy performance of its
factories, use of alternative fuels such as industrial residues or biomass
- partly replacing the fossil fuels used to fire its cement kilns, use of
cement additives to replace some of the clinker in cement production.
Mostly, these are slag and fly ash, by-products of the steel industry and
coal-fired power stations. Some
initiatives have been registered ‘Clean Development Mechanisms’ by the UN,
including a wind farm supplying the Tetouan cement plant in Morocco, use
of palm oil nut shells as fuel in a Malaysian cement plant and replacement
of some clinker by fly ash in India.
| 20:22 31/03/2009
New test lab for Europe Belgium. Rotex, the screening specialists, has
announced the opening of a new test laboratory, near Brussels in Belgium
conveniently located for European customers. Two screening experts, Karim Benioucef
and Laurent De Wit, are on hand to test all materials in matching the most
appropriate machine to the application. The lab is also equipped with the
latest Apex screener which combines the performance of the Rotex
screener’s gyratory action with quick and easy maintenance. Customers in the UK can take advantage of
a lab facility in Runcorn, Cheshire.
Rotex offers separation equipment including: gyratory and vibratory
screeners and sifters for dry applications; liquid-solid separators for
wet applications; automated particle size analyzers; and vibratory feeders
and conveyors. Tel: +32 (0)
10435044
| 16:23 24/03/2009
How deep, how fast, recovery? Malaysia. Will Asia's successful cement sector
bounce back faster than expected? Despite slower growth in the private
sector, the cement industry is being stimulated by regional government
initiatives and investments in infrastructure construction and public
works. China is believed to have
allocated 4 trn Yuan of investment, a considerable portion of which will
go into railway construction and welfare housing. Vietnam plans to develop
its building industry with targets to satisfy the needs of both domestic
consumption and export markets in terms of quantity, quality and selection
of basic construction materials. If
you are pondering future strategies in this market, CMT's CemenTrade Asia
09 conference in Kuala Lumpur on 23 - 24 March 2009 is the place to be.
The event, now in its eleventh year, brings together a top panel of
experts, providing the opportunity to network with major cement and
concrete producers, traders, construction companies and organisations
involved in the supply chain, and also listen to expert analysis on how
the industry will position itself to ride out the storm. It will provide a snapshot of ASEAN
markets and will try to answer some of the burning questions surrounding
the market in China and the effect of US government policies in relation
to infrastructure development. Other areas to be examined include: export
trade and logistics challenges amid lower freight rates; Indonesia's coal
outlook and how the cement industry will drive regional coal markets; and
the dynamics of trade between Pakistan and India as new capacity comes on
stream. • Register online at
www.cmtevents.com or send an enquiry to emily@cmtsp.com.sg
| 11:06 18/03/2009
Global forum
for process Industries Germany. Despite the
current global economic downturn, interest in Achema remains as strong as
ever, says organiser Dechema. Every
three years the city of Frankfurt hosts the event, regarded as one of the
largest international meeting places for the process industries. This year
the exhibition takes place from 11 to 15 May accompanied by a congress
programme of 925 lectures that focuses on state-of-the-art developments
and panel discussions led by distinguished speakers that addresses
hot topics. According to Dr Thomas
Scheuring, head of exhibition congresses at Dechema, the secret of the
event’s success is that it is not just a trade fair but a unique
opportunity for exhibitors to gain worldwide visibility and exposure in
the chemical engineering and process industry market. Added to this is the
fact that it is the number one showcase for new technologies and products,
a communication hub and importantly the starting point for generating
new business contacts.
Paul Carter, Dechema’s UK and Ireland delegate, underlines the vast scale
of Achema: 'There are twenty different exhibition groups, each bigger than
any competing event in their field. A total of 4,000 exhibitors have
booked space to show their products, in halls spanning 140,000 sq m, to an
estimated 180,000 visitors from 100 countries.' www.achema.de
| 09:46 16/03/2009
Online service portal UK. Avery Weigh-Tronix say that managing
maintenance and servicing of weighing equipment is now even simpler with
its new UK nationwide service web portal. Many organisations have thousands of
different weighing systems, from laboratory scales right up to
weighbridges, and it is often necessary to have current calibration
certificates available to demonstrate accuracy. Dave Webb, service
director for the company says: "Keeping track of calibration certificates
using a paper-based system is a complex task in its own right. Using our
new online system, the problem of lost calibration certificates will
become a thing of the past." Each
customer portal is a secure password protected site, enabling only
authorised personnel to access information about weighing equipment in a
way that suits their needs. This even applies even if, for example,
calibration certificates for equipment are held across multiple sites and
contracts. A convenient single point of contact is therefore provided for
servicing both Avery's and other manufacturer's weighing equipment. Servicing and calibrating weighing
equipment is a vital activity and often a legal requirement. If a scale
needs major maintenance, involving replacing parts, then it will need to
be re-verified and a calibration certificate obtained. The new service
means that these certificates can be accessed 24/7. Over time the resource will ensure that
an online electronic library is built up, indicating servicing and
calibration frequency and monitoring the affects of day-to-day use on
accuracy between service visits.
Taking the technology a stage further, the company has issued all service
technicians with palmtop computers for collecting information and
uploading it to the portal. Tel: 0870 9050060
| 14:41 11/03/2009
Hillhead rescheduled UK. The Hillhead 2009 show, the outdoor event held
every other year at Hillhead Quarry in Buxton, UK and scheduled for June
2009, has been postponed until 2010 in view of the adverse economic
climate that has developed. Despite
the fact that the event had been heavily booked, discussions between the
organisers and leading exhibitors led to the conclusion that it would be
in the best interests of the event if it were put back a full year to
allow UK market conditions time to stabilise. The organisers have
apologised for any inconvenience caused and the new dates are 22 - 24 June
2010. This has thrust the SED 2009
show unexpectedly into the limelight as the only significant UK outdoor
plant demo show this year taking place on 12 - 14 May 2009. www.hillhead.com www.sed.co.uk
| 21:31 05/03/2009
Obituary: Dr
Harold Wright UK. It is with regret that we
announce the death of Dr Harold Wright, a director of Dr H Wright &
Associates, a consulting engineering company involved with the storage,
handling, transport and processing of bulk solids. Latterly, Harold has been the secretary
of the MHEA (Materials Handling Engineers Association) and was one of the
main driving forces behind the successful series of MHEA Bulk Technical
Awareness Seminars held each year in the UK and was involved up until his
illness with this year’s event to be held at the Hilton Blackpool Hotel on
the 23 - 24 April 2009. He is also
vice chairman of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Process
Industries Board and over the last 25 years has chaired the IMechE's Bulk
Materials Handling Committee several times. It can be safely said that Harold was one
of the more memorable characters of the industry, rumbustious and
challenging if you ever had dealings with him, but always enthusiastic and
supportive if a particular development had to be taken forward. His career began in the heyday of the
UK’s steel industry with Ashmore Benson Pease/Davy Ashmore, at the time
one of the UK's largest plant design contractors. In 1966 he joined BISRA
(British Iron & Steel Research Association) as a Senior Scientific
Officer in the Raw Materials Handling Section of the newly formed Teesside
Research Laboratories and was mentored by such industry luminaries as Sir
Charles Goodeve FRS, Dr George Wistreich DSc and Herbert Wilkinson BSc. In 1970, under the tutorship of Dr JC
Williams, he obtained his PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of
Bradford for work relating to the silo design theories of Dr Andrew
Jenike. He spent seventeen years with BISRA/BSC as a specialist plant
engineer solving problems in belt conveying, crushing, screening and test
sieving, segregation, degradation and silo design and latterly became Head
of Materials Handling at the Teesside Laboratories. Taking the expertise he had built up
there, he set up his own consulting engineering company in 1983, providing
clients with practical, operations orientated, experience from conceptual
design through to commissioning on projects associated with storage,
handling, transport and processing of bulk materials. He is the author of
over 50 technical papers in the field of bulk materials handling and has
given presentations in the UK, Belgium, China, Czechoslovakia, Denmark,
France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden
and USA. He has authored eight ISBN
publications covering topics such as bunker design, flow aids, degradation
and segregation, screening and test sieving theory and practice, coal
handling and rules of thumb in bulk handling. His specialisation in storage systems has
made him responsible for over 170 projects for clients in the UK and
overseas and he was Leader of the BSI's UK Delegation in the period 1990 -
2000 on the European Union (EU) CEN - TC 148 - WG4 (prEN 617) Standards
Committee involved with BS EN 617:2001 - Continuous
handling equipment and systems - Safety and EMC requirements for the
equipment for the storage of bulk materials in silos, bunkers, bins and
hoppers. In June 2003, Harold produced the first Draft of BS 8439 Continuous handling equipment and systems - Guide to
properties of powders and bulk materials. One of his career highlights was to be
awarded the IMech's prestigious Solids Handling Award for lifetime service
in the field of handling, transport, physical processing and storage of
bulk and powdered materials. His demonstrative personality will be sadly
missed by family, friends and colleagues alike.
| 21:31 05/03/2009
Action plan France.
Lafarge has announced a dynamic €4.5 bn action plan to strengthen its
financial structure including a €1.5 bn rights issue. This is despite
record operating results for 2008 (sales up 8 per cent to €19,033 m and
operating income up 9 per cent to €3,542 m). At a recent board meeting to approve
accounts for the financial year, Bruno Lafont, Chairman and CEO, said:
"Despite the deterioration of our markets in the fourth quarter, Lafarge
achieved a strong operational performance in 2008 and continued to
outperform the sector ... In the context of an unprecedented financial and
economic environment, our objective is to rapidly reduce our debt in
2009.” The action plan is aimed at reducing debt, strengthening the
financial structure, bolstering sector leadership and positioning the
Group to benefit from the recovery. Mr
Lafont went on to say that the global economic crisis and high level of
uncertainty made forecasting difficult for 2009, but it is expected that
cement volumes in its markets will be down 0 to 3 per cent overall, with
significant declines for developed economies and with slower growth in
emerging economies. Lafarge will
increase its cost cutting initiative in 2009 from €120m to €200m, part of
a €400m three-year programme from 2009 to 2011. Around €420m of annual
recurring savings were achieved in 2008 compared to 2005.
| 10:19 24/02/2009
John Denham with young apprentices at the North East
regional launch of the Skills Academy
Bring back the apprentice - quick UK. A call has gone out for future investment
during Apprenticeship Week which starts on 23 February 2009. The head of the National Skills Academy -
Process Industries, Phil Jones, is calling for more employers to invest in
students, supporting the week-long event backed by Sir Alan Sugar and
celebrating the role apprenticeships play in the business world. It is estimated that 24,000 apprentices
will be required over the next decade and the government has recently
asked for one in five young people to get on an apprenticeship within the
next 10 years and 90,000 more within the next five. The hope is that the
Skills Academy can help highlight the importance of apprentices during the
economic downturn. Phil Jones said:
“In the current economic circumstances, it is more important than ever to
ensure that employees have the skills they need to help deliver success
which is why businesses should continue to train.” Apprenticeship Week, includes events and
awareness-raising activities across the country. Sir Alan Sugar will join
Secretaries of State, John Denham and Ed Balls in an effort to motivate
and galvanise business in a series of appearances. The intention is to encourage young people
that there are good careers available in chemicals, plastics and
pharmaceutical industries whilst helping employers to realise the
benefits of sponsoring an apprentice.
Extra government support and funding is available and employers are
encouraged to contact the academy. The initiative is also trying to change
the perceived view that, historically you complete your apprenticeship and
that’s it. “We want people to see long-term learning potential in this
industry”, says Mr Jones. www.process.nsacademy.co.uk www.apprenticeships.org.uk
| 16:02 19/02/2009
Need to know
now? UK. SHAPA , the Solids Handling and
Processing Association, has announced a new search facility on its website
at www.shapa.co.uk. The portal provides an easily accessible central
resource for specialist equipment, systems and services in the solids and
bulk handling industry. Simply by
clicking on the product selector button it is possible to gain access to a
wide selection of experienced and quality driven suppliers. Depending on
which aspect of the industry you wish to enquire about, it’s just a matter
of navigating to the appropriate sector and then the most applicable
heading, which then provides a list of recommended SHAPA members and
suppliers. In addition, a 'Useful links' section provides further
information to help any enquiry.
Commenting on the new search facility, John Whitehead, SHAPA’s general
secretary, said: “It's easy to find, more easily accessible and all with
just a minimal amount of clicks but that's not all, if you have a specific
technical problem we'll sort that out for you too.” www.shapa.co.uk • SHAPA has been the UK's leading specialist association
for the solids handling and processing industry since 1981, its member
companies providing a range of equipment, systems and and services
covering all aspects of the industry
| 11:07 11/02/2009
ISO report for nanomaterials Switzerland. Nanotechnology is advancing rapidly
and the expectations are that it will have an impact on virtually every
facet of global industry and society. International standardisation plays a key
role in realising the potential of this technology for the betterment and
sustainability of the world through economic development, and for
improving and protecting public health and the environment. To this end, ISO has just published
ISO/TR 12885:2008 - Health and safety practices in occupational settings
relevant to nanotechnologies, focusing on manufacture and use of
engineered nanomaterials. The technical report is based on current
information about nanotechnologies, including characterisation, health
effects, exposure assessments, and control practices. www.iso.org
| 21:23 09/02/2009
Top safety accreditation UK. Chronos Richardson is the latest company to
gain accreditation under the SAFEcontractor scheme, a programme that
recognises high standards of health and safety amongst UK-based
contractors. General manager Peter
Orme expected the accreditation to enhance the company’s ability to
attract new projects whilst reassuring existing customers about its safety
commitment. The scheme is operated by international safety, health and
environmental risk management specialists The National Britannia Group. Darran Hughes, its operations director
for SAFEcontractor, said that organisations can no longer run the risk of
employing contractors who are not able to prove that they have sound
health and safety policies. He concluded, “More companies need to
understand the importance of adopting good risk management in the way that
Chronos Richardson has done. The company’s high standard has set an
example, which hopefully will be followed by other companies from within
their sector”. Chronos Richardson, who
provide weighers for packing powdery and granular materials, as well as
bagging placing, filling and palletising systems, applied for
accreditation to further enhance its established network of installation,
commissioning and service engineers.
| 13:38 08/02/2009
Investigation into nanotechnologies and food UK. The House of Lords Science and Technology
Committee has launched an inquiry into the use of nanotechnologies in the
food sector, appointing a sub-committee, chaired by Lord Krebs to
undertake the investigation. This
comes at a time when their use in the production and manufacture of food
and food packaging is in its infancy, with only a small number of products
on the market globally. Many possible food applications are still at the
research stage and millions of dollars are being spent by both governments
and industry to apply nanotechnologies in areas such as food processing,
food safety and packaging. In this
particular instance, the inquiry will focus on the use of nanotechnologies
in food products, additives and supplements, as well as food contact
packaging, food manufacturing processes, animal feed, pesticides and
fertilisers and products that may come into contact with food, such as
food containers and cooking utensils.
Lord Krebs, Chairman of the Science and Technology Sub-Committee on
Nanotechnologies and Food, said that there is a need for awareness of all
the issues that surround their use so that informed decisions can be made
about the impacts and changes that an increased use of nanotechnologies
might cause. Four key aspects will be
explored: state of the science and its current use in the food sector;
health and safety implications; regulatory framework; and public
engagement and consumer information. • Written submissions are invited from interested
parties with a deadline of 13 March 2009 www.parliament.uk/hlscience
| 15:12 03/02/2009
Silo service rolled out UK. Braby say that the launch of their silo
cleaning, maintenance and inspection service is aimed at prolonging the
life of any silo, helping to avoid the expense so often associated with
replacing damaged or badly maintained equipment. The service, offered by one of
the UK's leading manufacturers of stainless steel and aluminium
silos, will also ensure that clients stay ATEX compliant, with scheduled
and non-scheduled maintenance packages available. Paul Mayer, sales and marketing director,
reiterated the point that regular silo maintenance is important in
maintaining both a safe working environment and productive processes.
“Health and safety issues and costly fines can be avoided with regular
inspection and servicing, ensuring the protection of both your workforce
and the business”, he added. Braby
engineers will undertake a full internal and external silo inspection,
surveys, service and maintenance duties, generating detailed reports on
the silo’s current condition and indicating appropriate maintenance
schedules, with levels of detail dependent upon the package selected. An
out of office 24-hour emergency service is also provided for infestation
or incorrect silo usage. Tel: +22 (0) 117 9341300 email:
sales@braby.co.uk
| 10:13 30/01/2009
New solution to bridging Switzerland. K-Tron Process Group will show
K-Tron’s latest invention, the ActiFlow, at the forthcoming Anuga FoodTec
exhibition, the international trade fair for food and drink technology,
which takes place in Cologne, Germany on 10 - 13 March 2009. ActiFlow is designed to reliably prevent
bridging of cohesive bulk materials in stainless steel hoppers. The claim
is that, for the majority of difficult flowing materials, the device will
make common arch breakers obsolete when used in loss in weight
(gravimetric) feeding applications. Another advantage is that it
is maintenance free and there is no contact with the product. At the event, the new K-Tron Premier
brand will be represented by the 2415 powder and pellet receiver with
a new Series 4 controller and pharma version of the P30 vacuum
receiver. The receiver range is
comprehensive, the model 2410 vacuum sequencing central receiver is
intended to handle powder, pellet, regrind or granular materials in
chemical, food and plastics applications and available in aluminum or
stainless steel construction. P-Series
vacuum sequencing receivers have been redesigned to the same finish
standards as K-Tron's line of weigh feeders, with improvements in the form
of extension modules to increase receiving volume. K-Tron’s booth will also feature the new
multiple feeder/single line operator interface for the KCM. Called
K-Vision, it features multi-language support, including Chinese, and a
selectable quad screen feature. Other equipment models on display include
a KT20 pharma feeder combined with a Dinnissen sieve and Smart Weigh Belt
feeder. www.ktron.com
| 11:08 29/01/2009
Success for new organiser China. IPB (The 6th International Powder/Bulk
Conference & Exhibition), held on 9 - 11 December 2008 in the
Everbright Convention & Exhibition Center in Shanghai, was regarded as
a success for the new organiser, with 155 exhibitors participating. The organising team, consisting of
Chinese Society of Particuology (CSP), NürnbergMesse China Co Ltd and
Worldwide Exhibitions Service Co Ltd, was backed up by overseas partners
The Association of Powder Process Industry and Engineering, Japan, and
media partner Vogel Industrie Medien, Germany. More than 5000 trade
visitors attended, 12 per cent up on last time, with the parallel
conference, organised by the CSP attracting more than 400 participants. Axel Bartkus, MD of NürnbergMesse China,
said that combining the CSP conference - which takes place every other
year - helped to attract more high calibre visitors from industry and
research. Claus Rättich, Member of the
Management Board of NürnbergMesse GmbH, said that he continued to see good
development prospects for IPB in close cooperation with Powtech in
Nürnberg. The exhibition with its accompanying conference is regarded as
critical for the Asian region, comparable with the European orientated
Powtech in Nürnberg in terms of both exhibition theme and exhibitor and
visitor target groups. The organisers say that experience and industry
knowhow gained from Powtech have been incorporated into the preparation of
IPB 2008, involving close cooperation between NürnbergMesse GmbH and its
Chinese subsidiary NürnbergMesse China Co Ltd. Although visitors came from 20 countries,
the majority were local trade visitors. Around 82 per cent of visitors are
said to have been involved in the purchasing decision making process, with
78 per cent of visitors considering the economic situation in the powder
and bulk industry in China to be steady and showing an upward trend in the
future. The presentation events in the supporting programme also attracted
a lot of interest among visitors – and were often followed by extensive
discussions. Importantly, the majority
of exhibitors (80 per cent) planned to participate in IPB 2009 which takes
place on 9 - 11 December 2009 at the Shanghai International Exhibition
Centre. www.ipbexpo.com
| 21:14 28/01/2009
Nominations for innovation award UK. The Bulk Materials Handling Committee of the
Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) is seeking applications for
its Bulk Materials Handling Award for
Innovation , created to raise the profile of the technology and
reward instances of research, development or design which enhance it. There is an award of £250 for the author
of the best paper presented in 2008. Engineers, scientists, students,
researchers and academic staff, are all eligible, but the work must be
linked to the UK. A recent recipient was Dr Eddie McGee,
technical director, Ajax Equipment, for his work on predicting bulk solids
flow in manufacturing processes.
If you would like to apply or make a nomination, please submit your
application with a letter of support from your manager/supervisor to the
address below by 24 July 2009. Entries will be submitted to a panel of
judges with the result announced by the end of October 2009. • Contact: Taz Khatun,
Engineering Programmes, IMechE, 1 Birdcage Walk, London, SW1H 9JJ Tel: 020
7973 1306 email: t_khatun@imeche.org
| 10:45 24/01/2009
Dr Eddie McGee (left) and John
Pethulis
IMechE award for innovation UK. Dr Eddie McGee, technical director, Ajax
Equipment, has received the Institution of Mechanical Engineers'
prestigious 'Bulk Materials Award for Innovation' for his work on
predicting the flow of bulk solids in manufacturing processes. As a result of his work, engineers are
now provided with a predictive tool that helps avoid common problems such
as blockages, sticking and erratic flow. The technique has been
successfully applied to provide trouble-free storage hopper and feeder
designs in pharmaceutical, food and chemical manufacture, helping to
achieve reliable and consistent materials flow. The technique maximises the predictive
value of standard bulk materials tests for bulk density, shear strength
and wall friction. Using these properties, together with container wall
angle, outlet size and ratio of loose to compacted bulk density, six
parameters are plotted on a 'spider' diagram to produce a fuller picture
of flow characteristics. Using this diagram, engineers are able to design
hoppers and silos more sympathetic to particular flow properties. Presenting the 'Bulk Materials Award for
Innovation' at the IMechE’s London headquarters, John Pethulis, chairman
of the IMechE's Bulk Materials Handling Committee said, “Dr McGee's spider
diagram is a useful approach which integrates the flow related
characteristics of bulk solids and a significant contribution to tackling
the problem of characterising the many materials handled in industry.” In response, Dr McGee expressed delight
at receiving the award, saying that the Institution is renowned throughout
the world for the highest quality and professional standards in
engineering and that the Bulk Materials Handling Committee is particularly
active in promoting the latest technical and engineering advancements. • Contact: Ajax Equipment Tel:
01204 386723
| 16:39 14/01/2009
Measures for weak demand USA. Cabot Corp expects to report significant
volume declines for the first fiscal quarter of 2009 and is taking a
series of aggressive actions to address continuing market challenges. President and CEO Patrick Prevost cited
global weakness in the tyre, automotive and construction industries,
intensified by customer inventory reduction, causing volume declines in
each of the company’s geographical areas. Volumes in rubber blacks,
performance products and fumed metal oxides businesses are expected to be
20 - 30 per cent lower than in the same period last year. Prevost continued, "It is difficult to
foresee how the remainder of the fiscal year will develop, but we expect
that the lower first quarter volumes will have a considerable impact on
the full year and we are preparing for an extended slowdown.” A detailed
review of global operations will see a repositioning for these challenging
market conditions. In addition to
current curtailments of as much as 40 per cent of production, operational
and structural adjustments will be implemented to yield in excess of $80 m
of annualised cost savings for 2010. Capital spending will also be reduced
by approximately $50 m compared to 2008. In spite of the sobering news, earnings
and cash flows in the first half of fiscal 2009 are expected to be helped
by lower carbon black raw material costs. Cabot's main products are carbon
black, fumed silica, inkjet colorants, capacitor materials and cesium
formate drilling fluids.
| 17:03 17/12/2008
Industry get together China. Suppliers and production specialists from
all over the world are currently meeting to discuss the latest innovations
in powder, granule and bulk solids technology at the 6th International
Powder/Bulk Conference & Exhibition (IPB) from 9 - 11 December 2008.
Taking place in the Everbright
Convention & Exhibition Center in Shanghai, the exhibition is
organised by NürnbergMesse China and has an extensive conference
programme - the only trade fair in the Asian region supported by the
Chinese Society of Particuology (CSP).
There are 150+ exhibitors presenting products, including innovative
solutions for processing technologies in the building material, coal and
mining industries. Around 4,000 visitors are expected. The organiser has used its many years of
experience and know-how gained from the POWTECH exhibition in Germany in
the preparation of this event with close cooperation between
NürnbergMesse GmbH and its Chinese subsidiary NürnbergMesse China Co and a
range of associated events. The 6th
Symposium held by the Chinese Society of Particuology concentrates on
advances in particle science and technology and aims to promote exchange
between all sectors that use particles. The conference consists of plenary
presentations, keynote lectures, discussions with invited speakers, oral
presentations and poster sessions. The
1st Chinese International Symposium on Particle Technology brings together
experts from Japan, Korea, India, USA and China to reveal the latest
advances in nanoparticle technology, particle preparation and application,
particle catalysis, fluidization and aerosol technology. The 1st International Symposium on
Gasification and its Applications is organised for the first time and
offers seminars for experts on gasification technologies for coal,
biomass, waste and their applications in various industrial fields. An
additional feature is the first Japanese Day, at which experts from the
Association of Powder Process Industry and Engineering, JAPAN (APPIE)
present various topics. IPB 2008 also
deals with explosive issues through a series of daily dust explosions in
front of the exhibition centre to demonstrate the potential hazards
associated with handling and processing powders and bulk solids. The event is a precursor to the World
Congress on Particle Technology (WCPT) and PARTEC Congress (26 - 29 April
2010) which take place in conjunction with POWTECH 2010 (27 - 29 April
2010) in Nuremberg, Germany. It has already been confirmed that WCPT 2014
will take place in China. More information at www.wcpt6.org www.ipbexpo.com
| 22:14 09/12/2008
Bulk conference for Asia Singapore. Bulk Materials Handling 2009 Asia will
be held in Singapore on 16 - 19 February 2009 providing delegates with the
means to improve their current bulk handling facilities and tackle bulk
material handling transportation and logistical challenges. It will also
show how cutting edge engineering concepts and technological solutions can
be integrated to provide greater efficiency. Added to this is the
opportunity to hear about key infrastructure developments in the region
and participate in networking and business development opportunities. There will be key speakers from:
Committee on Infrastructure, Government of India; Dampier Port Authority;
Queensland Rail Network; Rail Vikam Nagas; Rio Tinto Iron Ore; Ssang Yong
Cement; Hancock Prospecting; PT Multi Terminal Indonesia; Connell Wagner;
TUNRA - Centre for Bulk Solids & Particulate Technologies; Essar; BMT
Group; Ispat Industries; and China Powder Technology Association. Two dedicated streams cover bulk solids
and powder bulk with case studies and presentations on a vast range of
issues including: ports & transportation infrastructure developments
in Asia: a close look at Indonesia & India; improving rail, road and
port connectivity in Asia; leveraging on port expansion and floating
terminals to reduce bottlenecks; understanding conveyor systems &
design for improved bulk material handling; designing and maintaining an
efficient bulk material handling facility; tackling bulk material
transportation and logistical challenges; dust & noise mitigation
strategies; and best practice in reducing hazards and environmental issues
associated with bulk material handling. • The conference is organised by IBC Asia (S) Pte Ltd
Tel: +65 6514 3180 email: register@ibcasia.com.sg www.bulkmaterialasia.com
| 20:48 23/11/2008
Malvern joins analyzer integration group UK. Malvern Instruments is to participate in the
newly-formed OPC Analyzer Device Integration Working Group, constituted to
develop a common method for data exchange and an analyzer data model for
process and laboratory analyzers. It comprises interested members of the
OPC Foundation, dedicated to ensuring interoperability in automation via
open standards. Both instrument
manufacturers and industrial users of analytical instrumentation are
represented on the Working Group which currently comprises: ABB; Abbott;
Arla Foods Global IT; BRL Consulting; CAS; GlaxoSmithKline; Malvern
Process Systems; Mettler-Toledo Autochem Inc; OPC Foundation; Pfizer Inc;
Siemens nv; Software Toolbox Inc; and Umetrics. Oliver Schmitt, Business Line Manager for
Malvern Process Systems feels that close co-operation with all parties is
extremely important. "With the current focus on process optimisation, and
with initiatives such as PAT (Process Analytical Technology) pushing
forward analyzer integration, it is vital that we develop the standard
interfaces needed to achieve co-ordination and control of systems from
different companies," he said. Right now there are no standard
solutions. The Working Group is
adopting OPC-UA (Unified Architecture) as the basis for the Analyzer
Device Integration (ADI) standard and aims to define a compatible data
model. OPC-UA is a ‘platform neutral’ standard designed to support complex
data types and object models; it can achieve high speed data transfers and
has broad industry support beyond simply process automation. www.opcfoundation.org
| 15:17 03-11-2008
A tip for engineering UK.
Current warnings by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) could
just be the tip of the proverbial iceberg representing the high end skills
shortages that many areas of engineering face, and are likely to face in
future. According to the IChemE’s
licensing body, plans to reduce UK carbon emissions could be jeopardised
by a lack of investment in chemical engineering education. Dr David Brown, IChemE chief executive,
says that calls for greater investment in chemical engineering at UK
universities have not been acted upon and that current graduate intake
levels will fail to meet industry demand. He warns that, “Chemical engineers will
be at the forefront of the battle against climate change but there simply
aren’t going to be enough of them graduating from our universities”. This year has seen a record intake of
students opting to study the subject at universities, but the IChemE’s
view is that more places must be made available to meet both student and
employer demand. When last year’s intake figures were published, the
IChemE warned that investment was needed by both Government and industry
to expand existing departments and establish new ones in appropriate
locations. Since then, intake has continued to grow but the IChemE has
seen little evidence of investment.
“We are close to reaching a point where further growth is impossible
because we have neglected the capacity problems. Everyone will be affected
– whether it’s the student who can’t study the subject they want to, the
employer who can’t hire sufficient staff, or the public who pay the price
for the skills shortage,” says Brown.
Chemical engineering has also been included on a list of ‘shortage
occupation’ professions by the UK Migration Advisory Committee last month,
which recommended employers are implicitly free to hire chemical engineers
from any country, ahead of the UK’s new points-based immigration system,
which begins soon. The situation is set to become even more pressing with
the Government’s stated intention to raise emission reduction targets from
60 per cent to 80 per cent by 2050. • Recent UCAS figures reveal that 1645 students
began studying chemical engineering in the UK this year, a 13 per cent
rise on the 2007 intake and a 75 per cent rise since 2001.
| 15:22 22-10-2008
Events combine for Brisbane Australia. Two major international conferences,
CHoPS (6 th International Conference for Conveying and Handling of
Particulate Solids) and ICBMH (10 th International Conference on
Bulk Materials Storage, Handling & Transportation) are to be combined
with BULKEX , the major Asia-Pacific Bulk Materials Handling Exhibition in
Brisbane, Australia on 3 - 7 August 2009. The location and timing of the event is
particularly advantageous considering the economic and resources boom in
Australia, China and India. The hope is that the focus on Asia-Pacific
will help to draw in interest from Europe and USA due to increasing
market/business opportunities. The
event will cover all nano, particle, powder and bulk material technologies
and the scope of the combined conferences is extensive, dealing with:
storage, flow, feeding, conveying, processing; technology and modelling
developments; measurement, control and instrumentation; mining operations
and port facilities; particle attrition and system wear; dust hazards and
environmental aspects; fluidisation, drying and cooling; and educational
issues. There is a call for papers with an abstract deadline of 28
November 2008. The organisers say that
the aim is to unite the scientific and industrial communities and provide
stimulating networking/collaboration opportunities. Expressions of interest and abstract submissions can
be directed to: www.chops2009.org.au
| 20:56 12-10-2008
Upbeat in spite of challenges UK.
Officially opened by Lord Digby Jones, the PPMA Show 2008 proved an
extremely busy and successful event, say the organisers. Reed Exhibitions
and the PPMA reported almost 4,000 sq m of space booked onsite during the
event. As yet, no official visitor figures have been released as this
awaits the ABC audit process. A large
number of exhibitors launched or displayed new products in the UK for the
first time and many reported high levels of interest, with others making
sales during the exhibition.
Farleygreene operations director Antony Hare reported a "fantastic amount
of interest" in its new ECO 3 in 1 sacktip station, "leading to two sales
from the stand", he said. Colin Barker
of Aetna UK said the show had been "excellent and the PPMA Show Team did a
first-class job. We had some good quality visitors and the size of the
show enabled us to get to see and spend time with all of them." It was the first time that WAM Eng had
taken part in an exhibition for some years said sales manager Mark
Thomson, who was enthusiastic about the response. He said that there
had been a lot of interest in the company’s ploughshare mixer, with over
15 leads on the mixer alone and another equal amount on dust collectors,
screw conveyors, vibrators and waste water treatment equipment. Russell Finex displayed a range of
machines, including a working totally enclosed Russell Self-Cleaning Eco
Filter unit, Blow-Thru Sieve, Compact 3 in 1, Finex Separator with
Vibrasonic deblinding system and an assortment of Russell Compact
Sieves. Newly introduced by John R
Boone is a horizontal helical blade mixer which features a novel
combination of rapid, gentle mixing with a tipping action to provide
complete discharge into mobile containers. The co-location of the exhibition with
Interplas is also said to have proved popular with many visitors. "The
reaction to this year's PPMA Show from both exhibitors and visitors has
been fantastic, particularly given the challenging economic events this
month," commented exhibition director Liz Finlay. "It is clear that there
were a lot of new developments for visitors to see and that this has
resulted in a good many sales and quality leads for our exhibitors." The next PPMA Show will take place from
29 Sept - 1 Oct 2009, again at the NEC in Birmingham. • Contact Graham Earl on 020
8910 7890 or graham.earl@reedexpo.co.uk. www.ppmashow.co.uk
| 21:03 12-10-2008
Distributor for protection technology UK. Orthos has been appointed sole UK distributor
for Rembe's range of explosion protection equipment which includes
venting panels, bursting discs and patented Q-Rhor and Q-Box flame
suppression systems which, in combination with a bursting disc, permit
indoor venting. The range also
includes elevator and transport line protection and explosion suppression
systems optimised for individual requirements. Venting panels include two
types of single layer units, designed to provide exceptional stability and
mounted directly on to a flat or curved surface without the need
for special torque adjustment of the mounting screws. Special sanitary bursting discs are
offered for food industry applications allowing processes to be completely
sealed by a smooth stainless steel membrane. • Tel: +44 (0)1858 464246
| 10:53 07-10-2008
Powtech positive
Germany. The three-day POWTECH/TechnoPharm 2008 exhibition ended on
2 October with over 1,000 exhibitors presenting the latest developments
and trends to some 15,000 trade visitors from around the globe - overseas
visitors accounting for well over 25 per cent of the audience. Despite shifting global economic patterns
over the past few years, the show has managed to steadily grow in size,
expanding its range by homing in on niche areas of interest like
pharma. “The two exhibitions have
achieved a steady high level again in 2008,” said Walter Hufnagel, Member
of the Management Board of NürnbergMesse, the exhibition organisers.
“Despite the slight drop in the number of visitors due to the date,
Nürnberg is more than ever one of the capital goods exhibitions that are
fully accepted,” he said. Significant trends at POWTECH and
TechnoPharm 2008 can best be described by the keywords quality
optimisation, efficient integration of process steps and traceability.
This reflects the fact that all industries that use mechanical processes,
like the pharma, cosmetic and health food industries, are having to meet
the global challenge of improving efficiency. The next POWTECH/TechnoPharm event takes
place in Nuremberg on 27 - 29 April 2010 and promises to be a unique
barometer of global industrial activity in the wake of the current
financial turmoil. The event will be bolstered by the accompanying
World Congress on Particle Technology (WCPT) which runs from 26-29
April 2010. www.powtech.de
| 15:29 06-10-2008
SHAPA - European dimension UK. John Whitehead, general secretary of SHAPA
(Solids Handling and Processing Association), said his impression of
POWTECH was that it was a well attended event, particularly in the light
of recent UK shows. It is the first
mainland European show that SHAPA has had a presence, with nine member
companies directly exhibiting, together with 17 other companies who were
either parent or daughter representatives of SHAPA members. Mr Whitehead said that the event was a
great opportunity to make contacts with other trade associations, media
and potential members and that the association is now giving serious
consideration to attending the next event, either on its own or with some
members on a larger SHAPA stand or pavilion. So watch this space. www.shapa.co.uk
| 15:31 06-10-2008
Another sphere of influence UK. Dr Graham Rideal, MD of Whitehouse Scientific,
fittingly celebrated the 25th anniversary of the business he founded by
providing the live entertainment for colleagues from both industry and
academia at the recent Particulate Systems Analysis 2008 event at
Stratford-upon-Avon. A regular
attendee and exhibitor at the conference, Whitehouse Scientific this year
marked its silver anniversary by sponsoring drinks at a reception. "As always the conference proved to be
highly thought provoking with many stimulating presentations,"
said Dr Rideal. "This is a significant time for Whitehouse Scientific
and it has been our pleasure to help sponsor an event with which we have
been associated for many years."
Whitehouse Scientific has been producing precision glass microspheres for
calibration for 25 years and is now regarded as the highest ranking
European certification laboratory for primary methods of particle size
analysis, and the world's leading manufacturer of single-shot glass
microsphere standards. The references,
nearly all NIST traceable, range in size from 0.1µm - 5.0mm and are
available as single sizes or broad distribution standards. Filter
apertures between 3 and 1000 microns can be traceably measured through
NIST references using a novel calibration procedure. www.whitehousescientific.com
| 15:52 30-09-2008
ITW purchases Avery Weigh-Tronix UK. Avery Weigh-Tronix has been purchased by
Illinois Tool Works (ITW) from its current owners, European Capital. Avery Weigh-Tronix, regarded as one of
the largest industrial weighing companies in the world, is based in the
West Midlands of the UK, with manufacturing facilities in Minnesota and
California, Montreal, Delhi and Suzhuo, China and representation in over
70 countries worldwide. Andy Caffyn,
CEO of Avery Weigh-Tronix expressed delight with the transaction saying
that ITW would be an excellent long term owner for the business and a
great fit to existing businesses within the ITW Test and Measurement
group. ITW is a Fortune 500, publicly
traded company based in Chicago, USA and a diversified manufacturer of
engineered products and specialty systems with over 825 operations in 52
countries. Steve Martindale, Group
President of ITW's Test and Measurement businesses said, "Avery
Weigh-Tronix is a high performing business, with outstanding management
and employees, as well as an excellent reputation in the marketplace. The
company will be a strong addition to the ITW's Test and Measurement group
and we are pleased to welcome them to the ITW family." Caffyn said that one of ITW’s guiding
principles is to allow each business to operate independently as a
standalone company. He added that there are no current plans for any
corporate restructuring or facility moves. "We will continue to monitor
closely our market and continue making decisions that are in the best
long-term interest of the business", he added.
| 10:41 27-09-2008
Innovation in bulk event Australia. The Australian Society for Bulk Solids
Handling and Australian Bulk Handling Review have announced the inaugural
Innovation in Bulk Materials Handling & Processing conference which
takes place in Sydney on 26 - 27 November 2008. The event comes at a buoyant time for
Australia's bulk commodity exports with record coal and iron ore volumes,
increased production of industrial powders and a rebounding grain market.
A pressing need exists to ensure high performance levels and provide cost
effective, efficient bulk handling and processing facilities to maximise
competitive advantage in global markets. The two-day conference programme,
developed in consultation with leading academics and industry
representatives, will provide an overview of latest technical developments
and industrial applications from a select panel of scientific experts. There will be the opportunity to get
specific information on the engineering and operational aspects of some of
the region's cutting edge projects from stockpile to ship and the chance
to network with industry leaders. The programme will cover areas such as:
environmental sustainability; conveying systems; feeders and transfer
chutes; dust control; silos and storage; heavy haul rail; and port
infrastructure. A site tour of the Cement Australia facility at Glebe
Island is also planned. Email:
registration@informa.com.au www.informa.com.au/bulkhandling/el
| 18:50 23/09/2008
IMechE
compliance seminar UK. The Process Industries
Division of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) is subject to
an ever increasing collection of regulation, legislation and codes of
practice, both statutory and industry-led. A forthcoming seminar organised by the
Bulk Materials Handling Committee of the IMechE is therefore aimed at
providing an overview, dealing with applicability
and mapping out the best route to compliance. Whilst there is a
strong focus on processing of bulk solids and powder materials, the
seminar is potentially of interest to other sectors. The event, entitled Compliance in the materials handling sector ,
will be held at IMechE headquarters in London on 11 November 2008. It is
intended that delegates will gain a greater awareness of regulations
within the area they work in, the legal requirements and best working
practice. Guidance will be provided on
where to find the relevant information and there will be the opportunity
to discuss delegates own process plant issues during workshop sessions.
Added to this is the opportunity to network with other professionals
facing the same challenge. The seminar
is aimed at engineers, maintenance staff and managers involved in the
design, manufacture and operation of process plant and equipment. There
are also exhibition and sponsorship options. • Contact: Aman Duggal on +44 (0)20 7973 1309 Email
a_duggal@imeche.org
| 21:26 11/09/2008
Benchmark in sustainability Switzerland. For the fourth year in succession,
Holcim has been named "Leader of the Industry" in the Dow Jones
Sustainability Index (DJSI), and once again acknowledged as the company
with the best sustainability performance in the building materials
industry. Holcim is a global leader in
cement and aggregates with further activities in readymix concrete and
asphalt. The award recognises
continued and further strengthened commitment to sustainable development
as an important part of the Group’s strategy. Its recycling strategy,
dialogue with stakeholders as well as its efforts in human resources
development also received top scores.
Launched in 1999, the Dow Jones Sustainability Index was the first of its
kind to assess the leading sustainability-driven companies
worldwide.
| 18:10 10/09/2008
New joint venture India. A joint venture between materials
characterisation company Malvern Instruments and Aimil, its long-term
distribution partner in India, has resulted in the establishment of
Malvern Aimil Instruments Pvt Ltd. The
new joint venture. which became operational on 1 May 2008, will
be headquartered in Mumbai, with staff operating from all eight offices
across the country, including two particle size centres of excellence in
Bangalore and Baroda. Paul Walker, MD
of Malvern Instruments, said that the company had enjoyed a highly
successful relationship with Aimil for more than 30 years and that the new
venture would enable the company to extend its market-leading position in
India and expand the applications support provided to customers. "India is now one of the most dynamic and
fastest-growing markets in the world and Indian companies are significant
global players in many industries. Together Malvern Instruments and Aimil
have built a strong reputation for the supply and support of systems for
particle characterisation, rheological measurement and chemical imaging to
a wide range of sectors", said Mr Walker. www.malvern.com www.malvernaimil.com
| 17:05 12/08/2008
Theory and practice courses USA. Jenike & Johanson are running two
ASME/AIChE sponsored courses on the theory and practice of bulk solids
handling in Las Vegas on 17 - 19 September 2008. Flow of solids in
bins, hoppers and feeders will help delegates learn about the
wide range of equipment types and the solutions to flow problems commonly
associated with them. The intention is to gain a better understanding
of how friction, cohesion, compressibility and other properties affect the
flow of solids through various types of feeders, chutes, reactors, bins
and hoppers. Specifying and selecting hardware to suit particular flow
problems and retrofitting existing equipment to correct flow
problems, is also be covered. Pneumatic conveying of bulk solids covers a wide
range of equipment types and common problems associated with them.
Delegates will gain an understanding of pneumatic conveying operating
principles, determine their effectiveness, troubleshoot the source of
problems and subsequently apply solutions to improve efficiency. The courses are aimed at design, project
and research engineers and personnel responsible for solving and
preventing flow problems or purchasing solids handling equipment. There
are also workshop sessions to enable participants to work out problems,
applying the theory they have learned. • Register online at www.asme.org/education or call
1-800-THE-ASME (1-800-843-2763)
| 17:14
12/08/2008
Energy efficiency uppermost Germany. UWT GmbH-Level Control, the solids level
measurement specialist, has started work on a new €2 m production and
office building. Continuous business success and a resulting increase in
employees are behind the expansion which is less than three
years after completion of the last office
building . MDs Peter
Schropp and Uwe Niekrawietz plan to double the number of employees over
the next seven years - currently there are 115 people in the UWT group
worldwide, with over 70 in Betzigau, Germany.The building will be
completed by the end of 2008. Cost
savings and climate friendly energy efficiency will be key features of the
development. This will be achieved by an airtight outer shell, a heat
recovery ventilation system, installation of an ultra modern pellet
heating system and a thermal solar energy system, requiring only 5 - 6 kWh
per square metre annually. The use of wood for the construction was
considered an essential element.
| 16:54 12/08/2008
Air treatment company acquisition Belgium. Munters has entered into an agreement to
acquire Belgian-based Toussaint Nyssenne, manufacturers of air
conditioning systems. Located in
Dison, Belgium, Toussaint Nyssenne manufactures customised highly flexible
and modular air conditioning systems, providing air treatment for a wide
variety of applications. Munters
Dehumidification Division, headquartered in Huntingdon, UK, specialises in
air treatment solutions. One aspect of its expertise involves the
elimination of mould, frost and bacterial growth in commodities. The acquisition is designed to
continue Munters strategic growth initiative in energy-efficient air
treatment solutions, strengthening its position and presence in Europe
through synergies in product integration, technology and distribution.
| 12:22 04/08/2008
New MD for Kemutec UK. Kemutec
Powder Technologies Ltd has announced the appointment of George
Tunnicliffe as new MD, effective 1 August 2008. Mr Tunnicliffe has 30 years experience in
the powder handling and processing Industry and was instrumental in
creating Kemutec Powder Technologies Ltd, formed in 2005 as part of a
management led buyout. More recently, Mr Tunnicliffe managed Kemutec's
acquisition of PPS in 2006. The
appointment is part of a management restructure at Kemutec, with Tony
Goodwin and Steve Bayley appointed operations director and technical
director respectively. They join Martin Thomson, sales director,
responsible for all sales activity outside the US and Rob Dallow,
president of Kemutec Powder Technologies Inc. Commenting on his appointment, Mr
Tunnicliffe said that he had spent the majority of his career at Kemutec
and was delighted to be given the opportunity to lead a talented board and
a company at the forefront of powder processing technology. “I am excited
at the prospect of being part of a management team that will take Kemutec
forward and build on it's leading position in the market", he added.
| 11:29 01/08/2008
Move to Swiss facility Switzerland. The K-Tron Process Group is to move
its pneumatic conveying production facilities from Stockport, UK to
Niederlenz, Switzerland. This will result in the formation of a new
European centre of excellence for vacuum pneumatic conveying systems based
in Stockport. The changes are said to
be a direct result of the success of K-Tron's pneumatic conveying
business since acquiring Pneumatic Conveying Systems Ltd in 2001 and
future business expansion expected from the recent purchase of Premier
Pneumatics Inc, Salina, USA. The
production facility at Stockport is no longer considered large enough to
handle current demand for the product line and the imminent introduction
of the Premier Pneumatics line into Europe and Asia is expected to put
further demands on production. Product lines will be manufactured
under ISO procedures using existing computerised manufacturing systems
designed to improve K-Tron's ability to serve the rapidly increasing UK
and international client base with documentation and after sales support
in different languages. There will be
heavy investment in the extensive Niederlenz test lab facility to provide
one-stop full scale material testing abilities. K-Tron’s sales,
engineering and after sales presence in the Stockport area will be
maintained with the office acting as the European centre of excellence for
engineering vacuum conveying and material handling systems. The number of
project engineers based in Stockport has been increased to facilitate the
initiative. www.ktron.com
| 18:06 17/07/2008
Investment in design software Ireland. GEA Ireland, Ireland's process
integration arm of the €4.5 bn GEA Group, is utilising AutoCAD P&ID to
enhance its design capability. At the
company's office in Naas, Co. Kildare, the process design team is using
the latest incarnation of AutoCAD which includes a dedicated tool for
Process & Instrumentation Design (P&ID), allowing designs to be
completed more quickly and providing a better flow of information about
each design within the organisation.
The team, seasoned users of AutoCAD, had a requirement to improve its
P&ID capabilities. Early demonstrations indicated savings in design
time, but, according to design team leader J P Brady, a major
consideration was the graphical legacy information created in previous
versions of AutoCAD. "We had about 350
standard GEA Equipment blocks - or objects as they now are - relating to
the components we use. Fortunately, importing them into AutoCAD P&ID
and attaching relevant information to them was really simple”. This is
said to save huge amounts of redrawing time, and is a bonus when dealing
with US clients who use different sizing conventions. "Process engineers are expensive," said
Brady. "The fact that they will no longer have to manually produce valve
lists, instrument or equipment lists, and they 'pop' out of the back of
the system through the excel or database links, is a worthwhile cost
saving”. The current process for updating even a couple of lines of text
on a P&ID involves a process engineer, a draughtsman and at least one
cycle of checking between the two. Giving the process engineer access to
the P&IDs through, say, a network front end, allows changes to be made
via a database immediately. Brady said
that maintenance engineers around the world can access current P&IDs
on a laptop via the web or email rather than having to refer to paper
drawings. Tel: +353 45 981 370
| 08:53 20/06/2008
Masterbatch facility for Dubai UAE. Cabot Corp has announced plans to build a
carbon black masterbatch manufacturing facility in the Jebel Ali Free
Zone, Dubai. Initial production capacity is expected to be 25,000 t per
year with provision to expand to 75,000 t in the future. A plot of land
has already been secured and construction will begin later this year, with
production scheduled to start in autumn 2009. The state-of-the-art manufacturing
facility will include the latest environmental and manufacturing
technologies to ensure high quality products. Laboratories, administration
offices, production and packaging will all be located within the
building. The plant will allow Cabot
to better meet increasing demand from customers in the Middle East, Europe
and Asia Pacific regions. The Middle East, now a major producer of
polyolefins and downstream compounds, is expected to produce one-fifth of
the world's polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) by 2010 . Cabot VP and General Manager for the
Performance Segment, Sean Keohane said, "Within the Middle East there is
already strong demand for PE and PP compounds for use in building
infrastructure for water supply, electricity, and telecommunications
projects. These are key markets for carbon black masterbatch". 17:51 03/06/2008
Second fumed silica plant China. Cabot Corp’s subsidiary, Cabot (China) Ltd,
has signed a joint venture agreement with China National Bluestar Group to
build a fumed silica manufacturing facility in China. The agreement represents an expansion of
the relationship between the two companies, which began with construction
of the first fumed silica facility in Jiangxi province in 2004. Cabot Bluestar Chemical (Tianjin) Co Ltd,
the new joint venture company, will invest around $40 m in the plant which
will have a capacity of approximately 7000 t per year. It will be located
in Tianjin, China and will be commissioned in early 2010, helping growth
in the Chinese silicone industry. 17:35 03/06/2008
Award recognises contribution UK. Prof Alan Reed of the University of Greenwich
has been presented with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers' Bulk
Materials Handling Committee's prestigious Solids Handling Award,
recognising his valuable contribution to the powder and bulk handling and
processing sector. Currently Director
of Regional Liaison (Kent and Medway) and Professor, Medway School of
Engineering at the University of Greenwich, his long and illustrious
career has been strongly associated at all stages with research projects
that are directly beneficial to industry, working with a long list of
industrial partners over the years. In
1989 he was instrumental in establishing the Wolfson Centre for Bulk
Solids Handling Technology, attracting financial support from the Wolfson
Foundation and developing it into one of the world's leading research
groups in its field. In excess of £3m of external funding has been
attracted to undertake research from organisations such as the EPSRC, DTI,
Department of Energy, the Wolfson Foundation, the Gatsby Charitable
Foundation, HEFCE, PCFC and NAB, as well as industry. One of the largest assignments that Prof
Reed has been involved in to date is the £1.4m EPSRC funded Quality in
Particulate Manufacturing (QPM) project, initiated to develop techniques
to preserve the quality of particulate materials, such as cornflakes,
muesli and sugars, during manufacturing processes. Carried out in
association with the Centre of Numerical Modelling and Process Analysis,
University of Greenwich and Chemical and Process Engineering, University
of Surrey, the project attracted an additional £1m of funding from
industrial partners that included GlaxoSmithKline, Unilever,
Tate and Lyle, United Biscuits, Borax Europe and Morgan. Particulate handling technology developed
during the project has already helped one UK-based multinational
pharmaceutical company to cut manufacturing losses by £1m at a new
processing plant. QPM is designed to effectively reduce problems that can
occur, such as lumping, breakage and separation, when handling particulate
materials. Greenwich University's Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling
Technology has also been highly commended for its work at an IChemE awards
ceremony for innovation. • Further information about the Wolfson Centre: Tel: +44
(0) 20 8331 8646 Email: wolfson-enquiries@gre.ac.uk
Website: www.gre.ac.uk/wolfson 09:02 02/06/2008
FLSmidth acquires pressure filter technology USA. FLSmidth has acquired the automatic pressure
filter business of US-based Pneumapress Inc, a global leader in fully
automatic pressure filtration and drying technology. The transaction is
valued at approximately $18 m. Pneumapress is headquartered in Richmond,
California, USA, with assembly and testing facilities in Antioch,
California. From a privately held
company founded in 1989 with a single module filter, Pneumapress has
developed into an innovator with its state of the art multi-module tower
press, rapidly capturing market share particularly in mineral slurries and
iron ore applications. The technology applies pressurised air and gases as
opposed to the more conventional approach of vacuum and mechanical
pressures, reducing moisture to near zero per cent and eliminating costly
dryer installations in many cases, says the company. The filter technology has potential
applications in nearly every flowsheet where filtration is required.
Combining Pneumapress with the recent acquisition of Dorr-Oliver Eimco and
Krebs Engineers is seen as advancing FLSmidth Minerals’ position as a
global leader in liquid/solids solutions for the minerals industry. 12:48 27/05/2008
ISO 14001 certification UK. Mono® NOV, leading designer and manufacturer
of pumps, parts, grinders, screens and packaged systems, has gained ISO
14001 certification.This follows the implementation of an Environmental
Management System (EMS), ensuring compliance with environmental legal
requirements, prevention of pollution and delivery of continuous
improvement in environmental performance. The EMS will be audited and
monitored by a UKAS certified body on an ongoing basis in accordance with
the requirements of the standards. Mono's MD, Paul Naylon, said
that certification is a positive step for the company, clearly
demonstrating its dedication to continually improving environmental
performance. "With the commitment of
the entire company, this EMS will enable Mono to address the delicate
balance between maximising productivity and reducing the impact that
Mono's activities can have on the local environment, as well as on a
nationwide scale", said Naylon. The
award is a double celebration for the company as they have also been
awarded the Investors in People Award (IPP). 21:53 22/05/2008
ACHEMA’s commitment to research and innovation Germany. ACHEMA 2009, the leading international
event for chemical engineering, environmental protection and
biotechnology, is underlining its commitment to research and innovation
worldwide by offering universities free exhibition booths within the
event's Research and Innovation area. This will enable establishments to
exhibit their research skills and capabilities to an anticipated 180,000
visitors from 100 countries. "At the
last ACHEMA event in 2006, three British universities were amongst the
more than 250 exhibitors from research-based establishments involved
predominantly in process engineering, measurement and control, materials
science and biotechnology," explained Mike Day, UK and Ireland
representative for the organising company. "The Research and Innovation
area will have a more centralised location in 2009 and we encourage many
more UK universities to make the most of this major opportunity to be at
the hub of 4000 global exhibitors from 50 countries." Greatly reduced stand costs are also
offered to any start-up companies established since mid-2006, providing
them with a low cost opportunity to showcase their skills and capabilities
in the same shop window as bigger, more established companies. The exhibition, which takes place in
Frankfurt am Main, Germany from 11 to 15 May 2009, is also hosting a
special show addressing the green theme of Chemistry and Biotechnology for Renewable Resources
and Energy. Special low rate tariffs are offered to potential
exhibitors at this event. The ACHEMA
Congress, running in conjunction with the exhibition, features more than
900 specialist lectures and offers exhibitors the opportunity to explain
and illustrate in more detail the benefit of their technologies. • Contact: Mike Day Tel: + 44
(0) 1256 329743 Email: MDayatACHEMAUK@aol.com www.achema.de 11:07
19/05/2008
Appointment to help
growth plan UK. Structure-flex has recruited
Richard Osborn as general manager, with responsibilities that are tied
into a demanding three-year business plan. Mr Osborn’s previous posts have included
working with family owned companies similar in size and structure to
Structure-flex, as well as experience of corporate businesses such as ICL
and The Ford Motor Company. Commenting
on the appointment, MD Ian Doughty said, "Richard is a manufacturing
professional, and I believe he is well qualified and experienced to take
responsibility for the day-to-day running of a company which is continuing
to develop as a result of growing world-wide sales." Structure-flex is a leading provider of
bulk packaging solutions to the global food, pharmaceutical, chemical, oil
and gas industries, and a leading supplier of vehicle tension curtains and
lifting products. Tel: +44
(0) 1263 863 100 21:34 14/05/2008
ASME/AIChE sponsored courses USA. Jenike & Johanson engineers are
presenting ASME/AIChE sponsored courses which are reviewed and approved by
the AIChE Education Services Committee. Flow of solids in
bins, hoppers, chutes and feeders takes place on 10 - 11 June 2008
in San Francisco, USA, and covers equipment types
and solutions to flow problems commonly associated with them. The aim
is to gain a better understanding of how friction, cohesion,
compressibility and other properties affect solids flow through
various types of feeders, chutes, reactors, bins and hoppers. Delegates will learn how to specify and
select the hardware best suited to solve flow problems, including
retrofitting existing equipment to correct flow problems and solving
problems associated with solids handling, such as lost production, plant
downtime, extra labour, poor quality control, spoiled material and
unreliable equipment. Pneumatic conveying of bulk solids is another
course that takes place on 12 June 2008 in San Francisco, USA, covering
different types of equipment and solutions to commonly encountered
problems. Here the objective is to provide a better understanding of
pneumatic conveying operating principles to help evaluate in-plant systems
and determine effectiveness. Delegates
will be given an insight into, troubleshooting conveying problems and
applying various solutions to improve efficiency, choosing a conveying
system layout based upon proper principles of operation and choosing
system components. Importantly, the course will provide critical design
methodology for dealing with bulk solids emergencies and planning new
installations or plant expansions which incorporate solids handling. Courses are targeted at design, project
and research engineers, as well as plant personnel responsible for solving
and preventing flow problems or purchasing equipment. Course fee for the
two-day session is $1,095 for ASME/AIChE members and $1,195 for
non-members. Fee for the one-day pneumatic conveying course is $745 for
ASME/AIChE members and $845 for non-members. There are also ‘early bird’
registration discounts. • Register online at www.asme.org/education or call
1-800-THE-ASME (1-800-843-2763) 10:24 14/05/2008
Why it pays to be an engineer! UK. New statistics published by the Institution of
Chemical Engineers (IChemE) indicate that chemical engineers have enjoyed
a 9 per cent pay rise since 2006. The 2008 IChemE Salary Survey reveals
that the median salary for chemical engineers in the UK and Ireland has
risen to £47,000 per year. Welcoming
the news. Dr David Brown, IChemE chief executive, said that there has
never been a better time to be a chemical engineer: “Not only are the
salaries of experienced chemical engineers on the up, the average chemical
engineering graduate salary is now £26,000 per year”, he said. Demand for chemical and process engineers
is growing and international concern regarding the impact of climate
change will mean that chemical and process engineers will be responsible
for finding solutions. The survey also
revealed that engineers choosing to work towards chartered status are
reaping further rewards. A chartered chemical engineer in their 30s can
expect to earn 17 per cent more than a non-chartered professional of the
same age, rising to 38 per cent for a chartered professional in their
50s. 22:33 07/05/2008
Irish agent appointed In a strategic move aimed at increasing new equipment
sales in the important Irish market, Nottingham-based Chronos Richardson
has appointed a new agent in Ireland.
Goliath Packaging Systems of Nenagh, Co Tipperary, will assume
responsibility for selling the complete Chronos Richardson range of
weighing, bagging and palletising systems. Working on a non-exclusive
basis and reporting to regional sales manager Martin Roe, the agent
will use its extensive industry knowledge to promote the product
portfolio. Commenting on the
development, general manager Peter Orme said that the company recognise
the importance of having a locally based company representing them in this
important market. “George O’Leary of Goliath Packaging Systems has many
years experience in the packaging sector and in the coming months he will
focus on improving new equipment sales for us in Ireland”, said Orme. “We believe that this exciting new
partnership will enable both new and existing customers in Ireland to
realise the benefits provided by our internationally proven weighing,
bagging and palletising equipment.” www.chronosrichardson.com www.goliath.ie 15:08 22/04/2008
Nationalisation plans Venezuela. Holcim Venezuela has been informed by
the Venezuelan government that it plans to nationalise all foreign cement
producers operating in the country. The acquisition of at least 60 per
cent of the share capital of the companies affected is to be instigated as
soon as possible, and Holcim Venezuela has been called on to nominate a
negotiating delegation. Holcim has
operated in the country since 1978, when the Group acquired a minority
holding in Cementos Caribe. Following the merger with another private
cement company, Holcim successively increased its stake in Holcim
Venezuela – a major national producer of building materials – to 99.9 per
cent. In the forthcoming negotiations,
the aim is to find a solution that is satisfactory to both sides, and
safeguard the interests of the Venezuelan Group company and its
employees. The company operates two
cement plants in Puerto Cumarebo and San Sebastián with an annual capacity
of 2.9 mt, producing exclusively for the domestic market at the request of
the Venezuelan government. There are also ready-mix concrete facilities
and aggregates plants and an average of $20m per annum has been invested
in efficiency improvements and environmental measures over the the past
eight years. 21:32
13/04/2008
Corporate name change Canada. Bulkflow Technologies Inc has changed its
name to Solex Thermal Science Inc to more accurately reflect the strengths
and value it offers customers. Founded in 1999 as Bulkflow
Technologies Inc, Solex Thermal Science Inc specialises in heating,
cooling and drying free flowing bulk solids such as sugar, salt,
fertiliser, chemicals, plastics, biosolids, minerals and other types of
granular, crystals and powder. The original cooler technology was invented
more than 20 years ago and was acquired by Bulkflow in 1999. Solex heat exchanger technology provides
direct heating and cooling of free flowing powders and bulk solids
utilising a vertical bank of closely spaced heat exchanger plates. As
product passes slowly downward under gravity, it can be cooled (or heated)
using conduction. A mass flow discharge feeder regulates product flow and
creates uniform product velocity. www.solexthermal.com 10:46 04/04/2008
Research breakthrough using powder tester UK. Researchers at the University of Bath,UK are
using Freeman Technology’s FT4 Powder Rheometer to understand and optimise
the performance of dry powder inhalers (DPIs). Recently published data
highlights a direct correlation between the flow properties of excipient
powders, measured with the FT4 under aerating conditions, and the
effectiveness of drug delivery of carrier based DPI formulations. Data will be presented at RDD Respiratory
Drug Delivery 2008 (11 - 15 May, Arizona, USA) by Drs Jagdeep Shur and
Robert Price of the Pharmaceutical Surface Science Group, Department of
Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath. Relatively coarse excipient particles are
used to improve the flow properties of micronised active pharmaceutical
ingredients (APIs) used in DPIs. In practice, a patient inhales, drawing
air through the device, fluidising the resulting blend and stripping API
from the excipient, for deposition in the lung - a process that is
promoted by including excipient fines.
Using the FT4 universal powder tester, samples can be characterised under
aerating/fluidising conditions. In this particular case the instrument was
used to measure aerated flow energy, bulk density, compressibility and
permeability for various DPI blends. A direct correlation was observed
between aerated flow energy and fine particle dose - the amount of
formulation deposited in the lung - which both increased with increasing
fines. Results suggest that higher
fines concentrations increase the resistance of the bed to flow,
ultimately subjecting the powder to higher aerodynamic drag forces during
fluidisation, the forces encouraging API removal from the excipient,
enhancing drug delivery to the lung. www.freemantech.co.uk 12:54 02/04/2008
Website update UK.
Following a move to new factory premises in Nottingham, UK, Chronos
Richardson has taken a step forward with its company development programme
by implementing the first in a series of updates to its website at
www.servicechronos.com The homepage
now reflects the full weighing, bagging and palletising product portfolio,
with the addition of a news page to update customers on a diverse range of
special offers and promotions. This includes a discount offer on service
and spare parts, a request to acquire surplus equipment from customers and
details of Chronos-Approved pre-owned machines. General Manager, Peter Orme said that
like many suppliers around the world, the company recognises the
challenging trading conditions that many customers face. The updated
website is therefore there to help customers ensure optimum production
from weighing, bagging and palletising equipment in challenging economic
conditions. www.servicechronos.com www.chronosrichardson.com 15:25 31/03/2008
Combustible dust program USA. A directive (CPL 03-00-006) from the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an agency of the US
Department of Labor, which initiates a Combustible Dust - National
Emphasis Program (NEP), will require OSHA offices to begin inspections of
sites that handle combustible dusts, specifically targeting dust explosion
hazards. Chilworth Technology has
produced an article, to help industry better understand the program, which
can be downloaded from their website. www.chilworth.com/articles/Focus2007-9-OSHAInstructionsonCombustibleDusts.pdf 12:14 28/03/2008
Wide range at Chinaplas USA. K-Tron Process Group has introduced a
new version of its Micro Cone low rate feeder to the Asian market at the
Chinaplas plastics and rubber industries exhibition in Shanghai, China. By
utilising a screw-less rotating tube or cone, the feeder is capable of
dosing at rates as low as 0.2 to 2 cu dec per hr. The latest version, which uses KCM
controls and a stepper motor, is available in volumetric and gravimetric
models and can also be incorporated into the K4G blender stand to offer
on-line feeding of very low rate additives. The exhibition booth featured a wide
range of equipment including: new extrusion control system; new K-Vision
feeder operator interface; Bulk Solids Pump™ (BSP) feeder family; K4G
blender with integrated Premier Pneumatics vacuum receivers for refill;
Quick Change Feeder; and smart weigh belt feeder. A computerised demonstration highlighted
the capabilities of the new gravimetric extrusion control system. The
K4G blender on display illustrated the significance of the weigh
hopper an integral part of the extrusion control system, receiving
material from the blender and weighing it on its way into the
extruder. Extrusion control gravimetrically measures extruder
throughput and adjusts speed to maintain the desired rate and provide
consistent end product quality. The
system is implemented in the KCM feeder controller and also in the K-Tron
Smart Commander (KSC) feeder operator interface for co-extrusion of
multiple layers. The package offers mass flow or weight-per-length
control, gravimetrically controlling the layer recipe and acting as a mass
flow sensor. Several product lines
from K-Tron's Premier Pneumatics brand were also displayed, including
heavy duty (HD) and maximum duty (MD) Aerolock™ rotary valves as well as
light duty (LD) and blow-through (BT) models - a line that includes over
150 styles and sizes. Since acquiring
Premier Pneumatics in 2006, K-Tron now uses the Premier Pneumatics brand
name for all of its pneumatic conveying lines. The Premier model P10 and
P30 vacuum receivers (formerly sold under the PCS brand name) are shown.
P-Series receivers can convey delicate materials and free flowing to
poorly flowing powders. www.ktron.com. 13:22 18/03/2008
Off-the-shelf ATEX solution UK. Braby, leading manufacturer of ATEX compliant
aluminium and stainless steel silos, has launched Vacatex™; its first
standard, low cost, fully ATEX compliant vacuum transfer and batch
weighing package for the food industry. The system meets DSEAR and ATEX
137 regulations for fire and explosion prevention in the workplace. Sales and Marketing Director, Paul Mayer
said that installing new equipment and ensuring it is ATEX compliant is a
major concern for the food industry, and, for many small to medium
companies, cost can be a big issue. The Vacatex™ storage and handling
system not only provides a cost effective solution, but enables companies
to become ATEX compliant more easily. It means that there is now an
'off-the-shelf' solution to replace non-ATEX compliant machinery for
companies who cannot necessarily afford expensive bespoke bulk handling
packages. Braby's in-house team of
experts designed and project managed the system and many advanced orders
have already been received. The system meets ATEX design criterion, which
includes a full design study, risk assessment and HAZOP technical file
identifying risk and solution. Some of the areas included are: shock
pressure, operating pressure, vent area and calculated design stress. An
EC declaration also accompanies the equipment. www.braby.co.uk 16:34 17/03/2008
New MD for
GEA Niro GmbH - Buck Germany. Roland Luchte has
taken over from Martin Koch as MD of GEA Niro GmbH - Buck in Müllheim,
Germany. The company is a member of the GEA Pharma Systems group and
manufactures high containment valves for safe transfer of active and toxic
ingredients during pharmaceutical processing. Koch will remain with the
company to focus on research and development operations. Luchte is a chemical engineer who has
been with GEA for over five years, previously working with GEA Jet Pumps
in Ettlingen handling sales of gas scrubbing equipment, and joined GEA
Niro GmbH - Buck on the 1 January. This coincided with GEA’s creation of a
separate H-Division to bring together all companies within the Group
specialising in the pharmaceutical industry (Buck, Courtoy, Niro, Lyophil,
Aeromatic-Fielder and Collette). Luchte said that the main focus would be
on increasing sales, looking for new applications within the
pharmaceutical industry. The high
containment valve range now includes the Buck®Valve MC, a new concept that
is designed to make the transfer of active ingredients or chemicals
between IBCs much easier and less expensive. HiCoFlex technology is a
self-locking coupling which allows highly sensitive or toxic powders and
granules to be transferred safely from flexible sacks into process or vice
versa. Recently introduced is Hicoflex ZL (Ziplock), intended for
non-dusty applications and a high containment version that combines both
the standard HiCoFlex SL and HiCoFlex ZL technology for additional
exposure protection. www.geapharmasystems.com 16:57 17/03/2008
Strong earnings growth France. Another year of strong earnings growth is
reported by Lafarge’s board of directors at a meeting to approve accounts
for the financial year to December 31, 2007. Sales were up 4 per cent to
€17,614 m, current operating income up 17 per cent to €3,242 m, and
operating margin up sharply to 18.4 per cent from 16.4 per cent in
2006. Worldwide cement demand has
experienced uninterrupted growth over nearly twenty years, regardless of
economic fluctuations, said Bruno Lafont, Lafarge Chairman and CEO. He
said that by building new capacity in fast growing markets and recently
acquiring Orascom Cement, the company is in a position to fully benefit
from this trend. There are still considerable construction needs in
emerging markets and Lafarge anticipate further growth in global demand in
spite of prevailing conditions of weak demand in the US and slowdown in
Spain. Highlights for 2007 included
the start up of new plants in northern Iraq and Algeria and the programme
to build 45 mt of new cement capacity by 2010 progressing. The company’s
gypsum business was also affected by the US residential market slowdown
with sales down 3 per cent, but there was an increase in other markets,
particularly in Western and Eastern Europe. 21:01 17/02/2008
Acquisition completed Lafarge and Orascom Construction Industries have
completed the acquisition of Orascom Cement by Lafarge, originally
announced on 10 December 2007. Orascom Construction Industries (OCI) was
established in Egypt in 1950 and is composed of two main groups - the
Cement Group and Construction Group.
It is one of the major cement producers and construction conglomerates in
the Middle East and North Africa and its operations extend into regional
markets that include North Africa, Gulf States, Afghanistan, Pakistan,
Nigeria and Iraq. As a cement producer it is collectively regarded as the
largest cement producer in the Middle East. 19:00 24/01/2008
Full order book Switzerland. The Buhler Technology Group has
reported that orders worth CHF 1,835m were booked in 2007, a figure 8.5
per cent above the previous year's level. Overall, the Group is said to have
benefited from a sound market environment, despite some customer segments
responding to rises in grain prices and stiff competition in the
automotive sector putting pressure on capital spending. Buhler says that
its powerful sales and customer service platforms proved to be of
strategic significance in all markets. Growth was sharp in the Group's
major market regions. In Europe, order
bookings were boosted by 15 per cent, with Eastern Europe in particular
achieving above average growth of 20 per cent. The region of North,
Central, and South America saw an increase in order intake by some 24 per
cent, but in other regions, the situation was more diverse. In Africa,
order bookings declined again and, despite political and economic turmoil,
business in the Middle East and China remained constant. India improved
markedly. The expectation is an above
average improvement over the previous year in terms of both sales turnover
and earnings. The Group started the new year with a large backlog of
orders. Buhler, a global leader in the
supply of process engineering solutions, especially production
technologies for manufacturing foods and engineering materials, is
present in over 140 countries and employs about 6,600 persons
worldwide. 17:00
24/01/2008
Opportunity for UK Solids sector UK solids handling companies now have the
opportunity to attend a two-part event in the Czech Republic on 9 - 12
September 2008. UK Trade and Investment in conjunction with the
International Solids Handling Advisory Board (ISHAB)* are organising local
industry visits and meetings coupled with attendance at the BulkEurope
Conference in Prague where over 200 international delegates are expected,
including many from developing countries. A comprehensive programme is planned,
including: • Local customer meetings prearranged
via UKTI OMIS scheme • Reception at the British
Ambassador’s residence • Conference dinner
sponsored by UKTI with keynote speech by ISHAB chairman Steve Clewley •
UK stand at the conference • UK Solids Handling
Sector Guide of suppliers • Mentoring of suppliers
to help secure meetings Those
attending will therefore benefit from developing market opportunities in
the country and surrounding regions and networking with international
conference delegates, fully supported by ISHAB/UKTI. • Contact: Oakley Associates Ltd, 3 The Meadows, Monk
Fryston, North Yorkshire LS25 5PJ Tel: 01977 682790 Email: Trevor@oakleyassociates.co.uk * ISHAB Ltd is an alliance of
MHEA (Materials Handling Engineers Association) and SHAPA (Solids Handling
and Processing Association) set up to promote and develop international
trade for the UK solids handling sector 15:32
23/01/2008
Valve challenge announced UK. Vortex Valves is celebrating a double success,
after gaining new accreditations in safety and quality. ATEX approval for
explosive environments and ISO9001 quality systems certification now
support the company’s range of valves.
The complete range is now ATEX approved for Group II, Category 2 - Zones 1
and 21 plus Group II, Category 3 - Zones 2 and 22. ATEX-approved
accessories and control packages are also available for Group II
categories and applications. Both achievements have come in little over a
year since Vortex Valves Europe was launched in the UK by its US parent
company, with MD Jon Naylor heading up the UK operation. He explained that in the first 12 months,
the company had focused on introducing the valve range to
industry using a mobile demonstration service. Now a challenge
has been issued, inviting anyone with a troublesome valve to have it
replaced by a Vortex valve, free of charge. A new website dedicated
to UK and European customers has also been launched detailing
accreditations and the replacement valve challenge. www.vortexvalveseurope.com 15:31 23/01/2008
Double boost for chem eng UK. Two new UK chemical engineering research
facilities have opened within the space of 48 hours, ahead of record
student intake figures. The opening of
the new multi-million pound DICE (Driving Innovation in Chemistry and
Engineering) research centre sets The University of Nottingham on a course
to become a world leader in ‘clean’ chemistry and engineering. The
centre’s dual role will be to discover new sustainable technologies while
inspiring youngsters at school and university, encouraging them to
consider chemistry or engineering as a career. DICE’s focus will be on rapid innovation
in environmentally friendly ways of making chemicals. The aim is to make
more efficient use of energy, safer chemical products, renewable raw
materials, ‘zero-waste’ processes and related research. The development follows hot on the heels
of a new research laboratory recently opened at Strathclyde University’s
Department of Chemical and Process Engineering. UCAS’ final 2007 UK
university admission figures indicate a record takeup of chemical
engineering undergraduate schemes. 11:58 16/01/2008
New company to focus on inorganic waste UK. SRM, one of Europe's largest hazardous waste
recycling companies, has formed a new company, Minerals Resource
Management, jointly owned and funded by Castle Cement. MRM says that it is looking for wastes
that contain oxides of calcium, silicon and aluminium which can be found
in many different types of waste, even washed eggshells - which consist
mainly of calcium carbonate - for use as a substitute for mined limestone
within the cement making process. MD Stewart McGown explains
that the formation of the new company brings specific focus onto organic
wastes that would otherwise go to landfill, now increasingly
environmentally and commercially undesirable. Castle Cement already claims
to be the UK's lowest emitter of carbon dioxide per tonne of cement. The
new company's aim is to help increase sustainability by utilising greater
amounts of waste instead of virgin raw materials. The list of materials that potentially
could be used in the cement making process is endless and includes foundry
sands, slag wastes, air pollution control wastes and ceramic tile wastes
to name but a few. MRM will initially analyse such material to ensure
compatibility with the cement-making process, both in respect of emissions
and cement quality. 22:03
09/01/2008
Call for papers UK. A
call for papers for the Bulk08 conference is announced. Organised by the
Materials Handling Engineers Association (MHEA), the event takes place in
Blackpool, UK on 17 and 18 April 2008.
Those interested in presenting a paper should send a 30-word synopsis to
Dr Harold Wright at hw@mhea.co.uk. Those requiring early registration
should also email hw@mhea.co.uk quoting "YES to Bulk08 at Blackpool". • Contact: Tel/fax: 01642 570045 Email:
hw@mhea.co.uk Website: www.mhea.co.uk 22:03 09/01/2008
Tyre recycling to be rubber stamped UK. With more than 100,000 used tyres removed from
UK vehicles daily, a new initiative launched by WRAP (Waste &
Resources Action Programme) and the Environment Agency is designed to help
businesses come to grips with the value of this resource. Termed The Quality
Protocol for the production and use of tyre-derived rubber materials
and launched to consultation today, it could make it easier and cheaper
for industry to reprocess used tyres into valuable products like flooring,
road surfacing, aggregates and footwear. Martin Brocklehurst, Head of External
Waste Programmes at the Environment Agency, said that if the entire annual
tyre waste of England and Wales was placed end to end it would stretch
from London to Cardiff more than 100 times. There is apparently the
potential to access more than 40,000 t of recycled rubber. Mr Brocklehurst explained that such a
Quality Protocol could save businesses the time and costs associated with
meeting waste regulations, by clearly defining the standards required to
collect, transport, store, recycle and reuse rubber tyres, importantly
without harming human health and the environment. Under such a regime,
processed used tyres would no longer be classified as waste, making the
recycled rubber more marketable and guaranteeing customers that material
they buy would meet agreed quality standards. Dr Richard Swannell from WRAP, said that
the arrangement could potentially stimulate growth in the reprocessing
sector, providing easier access to an important resource with a
significant number of applications. 10:27 08/01/2008
Engineering department doubled USA. Flexicon Corp, the US-based bulk solids
handling specialists, have doubled the size of its engineering department
and increased engineering personnel by 50 percent at its 8361 sq m
manufacturing facility and world headquarters. Vice president John Simonof stated that
“Engineering is the heart of Flexicon” and the latest
development responds to the fact that US engineering staff had
outgrown available space, limiting the hiring of additional personnel.
Inventory space was therefore converted to a purpose-built engineering
department which became operational in October 2007, providing space for
additional staff while improving workflow efficiency. In addition to the engineering of
equipment and systems, engineering staff are also responsible for new
equipment designs, for which numerous patents have been awarded in 32
countries, and for designs that comply with evolving certifications
required by governmental and industry associations for chemical, food,
dairy, and pharmaceutical applications worldwide. The space previously
occupied by the department has allowed a corresponding expansion of the
technical service and applications engineering departments. To date, the engineering department has
compiled performance data on over 10,000 installations that engineers, at
its manufacturing sites in the US, UK, Australia and South Africa, can
reference when designing equipment and systems for specialised
applications. It was in 2002 that the
US headquarters doubled the combined area of separate manufacturing
facilities it previously operated in Phillipsburg, NJ and Easton, PA. www.flexicon.com 14:04 07/01/2008
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