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ISSN: 1365/7119 All contents © Abbey Publishing
NORTHERN IRELAND INFRASTRUCTURE MINISTER MEETS WITH LOGISTICS UK DELEGATION
Logistics UK and a delegation from the business group’s Northern Ireland Freight Council met with Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA on Wednesday 30 April to highlight the value of the logistics sector to Northern Ireland and ensure the sector is prioritised by policymakers at the highest level.
The meeting was led by Logistics UK’s Head of Trade & Devolved Policy Nichola Mallon and Minister Kimmins met with Maire-Claire Reid, Managing Director of TST Group and Chair of Logistics UK’s Northern Ireland Freight Council; Graham Patchett, Council Vice Chair and Depot Transport Manager Musgrave Retail Partners NI; Anthony McVeigh, Chief Executive Officer at S&W Wholesale and Clive Whylie, Head of Operations at S&W Wholesale.
During the meeting, which took place at S&W Wholesale in Newry, the delegation discussed the critical role logistics plays in the Northern Ireland economy and how, with the right infrastructure investment and support, it can drive growth.
Speaking after the meeting, Ms Mallon said, “We would like to thank Minister Kimmins and her team for making the time to meet with representatives from the Logistics UK Northern Ireland Freight Council. Logistics sits at the heart of all economic activity and in Northern Ireland
alone there are currently more than 65,000 people employed in logistics roles, in over 6,000 logistics businesses, making, selling and moving the goods that the economy relies on every day.”
“Without logistics, there is no trade. Logistics enabled Northern Ireland to export goods to the value of £19.56 billion in 2022. The contribution the sector already makes to the success of our economy cannot be understated but we also know significantly more opportunities could be forthcoming if our industry can realise its full potential, and that will be achieved by harnessing the power from prioritising the growth of logistics as a sector.”
Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses
which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk
SAPPHIRE WINS AT THE DOUBLE WITH TRUCKFILE DIGITAL SYSTEMS
Sapphire Vehicle Services is using Truckfile workshop management software not just to cut paperwork and boost efficiency – but to win new business too.
Sapphire is introducing Truckfile across its national network of independent, allmakes workshops and is using the system’s benefits as part of its pitch to potential customers.
“It’s a win-win situation for us,” said Sapphire Group Commercial Director Grant Tadman.
“We’re always looking for ways to work with like-minded partners to add simplicity to the way we operate. Using Truckfile makes life smoother for our technicians and managers, because the recording of work completed is so quick and easy
– that in turn means we can pass on cost and time savings to our customers, which is something we consistently strive to do.
“But there’s another two-way benefit too,” he continued. “We can now include Truckfile as part of our offering to new customers. If any operator signs up to a maintenance agreement with Sapphire, they can have access to Truckfile as part of the package. That’s an attractive proposal for the customer and a great selling tool for our business.”
Truckfile’s systems allow
all records to be created and updated in real time by technicians as they complete each job, using computer terminals, hand-held tablets – or, in the latest development, even voiceactivated software. Details are securely stored and easily retrieved. Nothing is ever mislaid,
everything is automatically filed in the right place and is always accessible with a few key strokes.
“Our technicians have adapted to the system very quickly,” said Mr Tadman. “The hand-held tablets are very intuitive and they can also use the same equipment to take and attach photographs if necessary. The process makes the crucial task of ensuring compliance for us and our customers very straightforward.
“Truckfile is a great aid for me, and our Depot Managers, too. It gives a comprehensive picture of what’s going on at each of our 19 sites across the UK. Managers can easily keep tabs on every job going through their workshop and find any specific detail on any particular vehicle quickly, without having to leave their desks. All the information our customers need for their own records is securely stored and made easily accessible for them, which allows us to help them operate at maximum
efficiency.
“We’ve been rolling out introduction of the system across our network over the last 12 months and will achieve full coverage soon. We’re confident this be a significant benefit to our teams and the operators who use our services, and we’re already to talking to potential new customers about the advantages this partnership of Sapphire and Truckfile can bring to the table.”
www. sapphirevs.com
Other Valves Fight Friction, We Designed it Out
Unlike other valves that seal with friction, Posi-flate’s unique butterfly valve uses an inflatable seat to seal with air pressure. Thus it requires less torque and a smaller actuator, resulting in lower cost. Plus, the seat automatically compensates for wear, providing longer life. Some users have reported over six million cycles and the valves are still going strong.
• Less friction
• Low torque • Low maintenance • Lower actuator costs • Longer valve life
• More reliable
DEVELON OPENS NEW PARTS DISTRIBUTION
CENTER IN BELGIUM TO STRENGTHEN CUSTOMER-CENTRIC SERVICES IN EUROPE
Develon, formerly Doosan Construction Equipment, has officially opened its new Parts Distribution Center (PDC) in Boom in Belgium, marking a major step in its strategy to enhance customer service and accelerate growth in the European market. The inauguration ceremony for the new PDC was attended by Develon CEO, Seung-Hyun Oh, key customers, logistics partners and other distinguished guests.
In his keynote speech, CEO Seung-Hyun Oh stated, “The opening of our Belgium PDC represents a critical first step in our customer- and market-oriented strategy. It is a strategic investment
to deliver faster, more stable and more responsive services for our valued European customers.”
Since the establishment of the first Europebased operation in the UK in 1994, Develon continues to build on this and expand its presence in the European market, with the region now serving as a vital hub for technological innovation and sustainable growth. The company previously operated a PDC in Germany, which played a key role in improving its on-time delivery rate and logistics efficiency.
With a storage area of 24,000 m² and an inventory of 47,000 stock units, the new Belgium PDC is designed to bring services closer to customers and to allow Develon to respond more swiftly to diverse and evolving demands in the European construction equipment market. With improved supply chain optimization and increased speed of parts delivery, the Center is expected to significantly enhance customer satisfaction and strengthen competitiveness for both Develon and its clients.
The Belgium facility will be operated in partnership with Fiege, a leading logistics provider with a long-standing relationship with the Develon
range. Leveraging Fiege’s deep expertise and innovative logistics solutions, the new PDC aims to deliver exceptional service quality and reinforce customer loyalty across the continent.
In line with Develon’s commitment to sustainability, the Belgium PDC was built with energy-efficient infrastructure and incorporates low-carbon operational practices. This reflects the company’s broader mission to pursue growth while fulfilling its environmental and social responsibilities.
“This achievement is the result of the hard work and dedication of our employees and partners,” said CEO Oh. “We deeply appreciate the trust and support of our European customers, and we will continue to build a better future together based on mutual trust and innovation.”
With the launch of this new facility, Develon is set to further strengthen its customer support network and deliver even more innovative solutions to meet the needs of the dynamic European market.
For more on DEVELON, please visit the website: https://eu.develon-ce.com/en/
AWARD WINNING ULTRA-FLAT ULTRASONIC SENSORS MAXIMISE
PERFORMANCE
The latest addition to the extensive and award winning range of BAUMER Ultrasonic sensors is the UF200, a fast, ultra-flat and highly adaptive ultrasonic sensor. The design of this new sensor is another example of how Baumer continues to move the boundaries in terms of what is feasible in object detection and distance measurement. With merely 20.5mm, the UF200 is the flattest ultrasonic sensor for front mounting with a very short blind range. With up to 2000mm detection range, the UF200 is ideal for applications that previously failed due to insufficient installation space.
The key features and benefits of this sensor have been acknowledged following a recent AutomationsBest award and another addition to Baumer’s impressive ultrasonic toolbox range which utilise NexSonic® technology. To optimise engineering freedom Baumer rethought the ultrasonic concept and fully exploited what is feasible in terms of electronic layout and
programmed algorithms.
The result of utilising NexSonic® technology is an innovative sensor design with specialised ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and dynamic signal evaluation that takes ultrasonic technology to the next performance level. This ensures the shortest blind range down to 10mm and the fastest response times up to 10ms, helping to ensure best-in-class performance. Add the smart filter functions via IO-Link and the choice of variable sonic cones (narrow, medium or wide) and you have a sensor which can be easily adapted for a wide range of ultrasonic sensing applications.
In point level detection applications, the intelligent disruption filter ensures that agitators or other interfering objects will not impair the measurement result. This means a single sensor will reliably fulfil several application requirements and reduce the number of variants.
PARKER INTRODUCES SCP10 AND SCP11
ATEX-CERTIFIED
PRESSURE SENSORS FOR CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTS
High Pressure Connectors Europe, a division of Parker Hannifin, the global leader in motion and control technologies, today announces the launch of two new intrinsically safe pressure sensors, the SCP10 and SCP11. These sensors are specifically designed for use in hazardous environments, particularly in applications involving hydrogen. Both sensors meet rigorous ATEX certification requirements, ensuring safety and reliability in critical settings.
The SCP10 pressure sensor is engineered for use with liquid and gaseous media in hazardous areas, while the SCP11 is specifically designed for hydrogen applications. Both sensors comply with ATEX certification standards for Zone 0 (II 1G Ex ia IIC T4 Ga) and Zone 1 (II 2G Ex ia IIC T4 Gb). The SCP10 additionally meets requirements for Zone 0 (II 1G Ex ia IIB T4 Ga).
Utilizing a digitally calibrated piezoresistive stainless steel measuring cell, the SCP10 sensor can detect pressures ranging from 1 bar to 1000 bar. The SCP11 handles pressures from 4 bar to 1000 bar.
A notable feature of the SCP10 and the SCP11 sensors is their monolithic design, which eliminates the need for internal seals, material mixes, and weld seams. This design reduces the risk of leaks, associated with material fatigue at internal seals, and enhances the durability of the sensors. Additionally, the sensors are vacuum-tight
and elastomer-free, contributing to longevity and reliability. The materials used in their construction ensure broad media compatibility, making them suitable for diverse industrial applications. Importantly, the SCP11 sensor’s construction is designed to prevent embrittlement of the metal surface due to exposure to ionized hydrogen.
Both sensors have a compact stainless steel housing that allows for space-saving installation, even in challenging environmental conditions. They offer a range of pressure options, output signals, and connectors, making them suitable for various industrial and mobile applications.
The introduction of the SCP10 and SCP11 pressure sensors aims to enhance measurement technology for hazardous environments. By combining safety, durability, and precision, these sensors provide users with reliable solutions for operating in demanding conditions.
This launch aligns with Parker’s commitment to advancing hydrogen technology, a key focus area, which is dedicated to developing innovative solutions that support the growth of clean energy.
For more information about the SCP10 and SCP11 pressure sensors, please visit:
https://ph.parker.com/gb/en/pressure-sensorscp10-sensocontrol
https://ph.parker.com/gb/en/pressure-sensorscp11-sensocontrol
BLEND DRY BULK MATERIALS WITHOUT MOVING
The Blendcon® air blender by Dynamic Air is a fast, efficient blender for mixing batches from 5 cubic feet to over 4000 cubic feet of dry bulk materials. The blender is unique in that it lacks moving parts required to displace the material in the mixing process. Instead of shafts, paddles, or agitators, compressed air is pulsed into the material in an upward circular pattern to lift, turn, and tumble dry materials. This makes the Blendcon air blender especially effective for abrasive blends such as glass batch, tile grout, and concrete mixes. Since the process area is a conebottomed vessel, the Blendcon air blender empties nearly 100%, making cleanup easy. Plus, the Blendcon air blender’s blending method is so effective, the ratio of horsepower to blended material is very low, resulting in high energy efficiency.
https://www.dynamicair.com/product/blendcon-airblender/
STAINLESS STEEL BUTTERFLY VALVE
The Series 486 inflatable seated butterfly valve from Posi-flate is suitable for many applications, such as food, chemical and pharmaceutical. The stainless steel valve features a fully machined 316L stainless steel housing and a single piece disc and shaft that is available in a number of materials including 316L stainless steel and Hastelloy. The disc may be polished to a mirror finish or coated with PTFE, nylon or other high-performance coating. The Posi-flate Series 486 butterfly valve is ideal for powders, granules, slurries and liquids and is available in sizes 2” (50mm) to 20” (500mm). Typical applications include loading and unloading of process material, sterile air control, and outlet valves for storage containers or hoppers.
The inflatable seat design of the Posi-flate butterfly valve provides a better seal by utilizing air pressure to expand the seat against the disc, providing more sealing area and an even pressure distribution against the disc every time. The seat automatically compensates for wear when it inflates against the disc, extending valve life considerably. Because the Posi-flate disc only makes casual contact with the seat during opening and closing, torque requirements are substantially lower. This ease of movement also allows the disc to come to a perfect 90-degree position every time. Additionally, the smooth profile of the disc helps material flow easier and reduces build-up. For unique fail-safe monitoring, a pressure switch can be utilized to verify a perfect seal.
Posi-flate
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom +44-1908-622366
E-mail: sales@posiflate.co.uk https://www.posiflate.com
AKONA TO SHOWCASE UNIFIED HANDLING SOLUTIONS AT CHEMUK 2025
Akona Process Solutions will debut at CHEMUK 2025, showcasing its integrated material handling and processing expertise on Stand H30, at the NEC Birmingham from 2122 May. This event marks the first time Akona will present its consolidated capabilities to the UK’s chemical supply chain audience.
A highlight of the stand will be a working demonstration of the Spiroflow flexible screw conveyor - affectionately known as the ‘Whirligig’. Compact, reliable and easy to clean, the unit will showcase Akona’s ability to handle bulk solids and powders with precision and care, a critical factor in the safe and hygienic transfer of chemical ingredients.
Visitors will also be able to engage with Akona’s team, who will be on hand to discuss how the company’s broad portfolio can help tackle complex process engineering challenges. Akona combines the strengths of four respected brands - Cablevey, Kason, Marion and Spiroflow - to offer tailored solutions for everything from conveying and mixing to drying, sifting and integrated automation.
With a footprint covering the UK, Germany and North America, Akona supports manufacturers with full lifecycle solutions, from initial process design to installation, controls integration and aftermarket service. Whether the goal is to improve product integrity,
increase throughput, or reduce waste, Akona’s systems are engineered to meet the exacting standards of speciality and fine chemical production environments.
CHEMUK provides an excellent platform to demonstrate how Akona’s unified approach can enhance operational efficiency and product integrity,” said Tom Finnegan, sales director at Akona Process Solutions. “We’re excited to engage with the industry and share how our equipment already supports innovation in critical chemical and high-purity applications.”
To learn more, visit www. akonasolutions.com.
MARTIN® X-STAND IMPROVES AIR CANNON EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY
The global leader in bulk material flow technology, Martin Engineering, has introduced a heavy-duty air cannon mounting system. The Martin® X-Stand is an organization system that safely keeps air cannons away from super-heated or potentially hazardous areas while offering easy service access. The result is clearer walkways, improved safety, and greater maintenance efficiency for a lower cost of operation.
“Though secure when held in place by pipework, air cannons can be precariously placed around preheaters, hoppers, and drop chutes, making them hard to get around or reach by maintenance crews,” said Sid Dev, Product Manager of Air Cannons at Martin Engineering. “Some of these applications can also be in high-heat environments in loading zones, so we worked with customers to formulate a more practical and long-term solution. The X-Stand ended up having more benefits than we initially thought!”
AIR CANNON X-STAND SPECS
The X-Stand is a rugged steel cube frame that comes in 3 sizes to fit the 35-liter, 70-liter, and 150-liter air cannon tanks. These fit Martin® Hurricane and Typhoon Air Cannons. The largest model measures 36x36x36 inches (91.5x91.5x91.5 cm) and weighs ~175 lbs (~80kg).
Each cube has a sturdy cross-bar frame designed to distribute weight and absorb vibration from the cannon’s firing. The central top hole allows easy access to the valve and attachments, while the bottom hole accommodates a standard 4-inch (~10 cm), 150 lb (~68 kg), 8-bolt ANSI (American National Standards Institute) flange to hold the cannon securely in place. The open sides allow easy access to the flange, hose connection, and tank removal. Solenoid boxes that enable manual firing and control the firing sequence can be conveniently mounted on the side of the rack.
The X-Stand is specially designed to fit different spaces and stack in several configurations for optimum space-saving, safer access, and ease of maintenance. The air cannons are still secured with a tether for added safety. X-Stands are delivered in assembled blocks with all the bolts and nuts required to secure them using standard tools. Air cannons are sold separately.
AIR CANNONS PREVENT DOWNTIME FROM CLOGS
Air cannons are the most effective way to clear material that’s adhered to preheater vessels or silo walls, as well as clogs in hoppers, bins, and drop chutes. Instead of exposing workers to extreme heat, having them beat vessel walls with hammers, or entering dangerous confined spaces, air cannons do the job safely and remotely.
They comprise a 35, 70, or 150-liter tank connected to a compressed air system that delivers a powerful shot triggered from a solenoid box up to 200 feet away. Pointed in the direction the material flows, the high-velocity air passes through a nozzle across vessel surfaces to dislodge adhered material and clogs, promoting efficient throughput with minimal downtime.
Martin Engineering just celebrated the 50th anniversary of inventing Air Cannon technology. It holds the intellectual property for low-pressure cannons and continues to work on incrementally improving the technology for greater efficiency.
THE X-STAND SOLVES SEVERAL ISSUES
Air cannons are commonly secured to a nozzle assembly next to the vessel. A wire tether ensures the tank doesn’t fall should it suddenly detach from the assembly. This positioning can make access a
challenge, particularly when the units are set close to a hot wall like a preheater or kiln.
The positioning also becomes an issue when air cannons jut into narrow walkways, or workers must step over 4-inch tubing to access maintenance areas. Since trips and falls commonly top the list of workplace injuries, proper headspace and unobstructed walkways help staff move through the area easily –particularly important when carrying large or unwieldy equipment or replacement parts.
Installing an X-Stand system allows air cannons to be placed in the optimum position and provides the opportunity to rearrange tubing leading to nozzles. Moreover, equipment can be moved away from areas of extreme heat. This reconfiguration ensures safe passageways and maintenance access, improving workplace safety.
“Through testing, we’ve found that there is negligible air blast power loss by extending the distance a few feet, and only about 5% power is lost with each elbow in the pipe,” Dev pointed. “With strategic placement, the X-Stand will deliver safety results that justify any increase in the number of shots per sequence.”
Some air cannon installations require mesh tubing to properly accommodate the tank’s position and handle vibration from firing. Although commonly made with metal strands, the mesh tubing is considered a wear part that needs changing after long-term exposure to the punishing production environment, heated walls, and constant vibration. The X-Stand promotes the use of hard pipes with a longer equipment life and less maintenance for added safety and a lower cost of operation.
USE EXAMPLES FROM FIELD TESTS
1) A cement plant operator sought to move cannons farther away from the super-heated kiln wall. The X-Stand construction moved the pipes overhead attached to Y-pipe assemblies with Thermo Safety Sheilds. The increased distance from the wall allowed for regular maintenance in a comfortable environment. Although nozzle replacement required workers to wear heat suits, the job could be done without downtime. The process was made faster and safer by merely closing the shield guard to prevent blowback, removing the flange in the Y-Pipe, and quickly replacing the nozzle – a 5- to 15-minute operation, depending on positioning.
2) To mitigate molten ash buildup that limited production along a superheated wall in a steel mill, four air cannons were placed to dislodge material and avoid downtime. To precisely place the air cannon shot, the tanks obstructed the
inspection doors, preventing them from opening fully. Moving the tanks to stacked X-Stands a few feet away from the hot wall reduced the heat exposure for maintenance crews and reduced the time and effectiveness of inspections.
3) One bulk material operation had a hopper/silo raised off the ground to load transport vehicles passing beneath. Seasonal changes would raise moisture levels that cause clogging in the downspout. A grated walkway around the vessel was partially obstructed by jutting air cannons. Rather than the standard configuration with the cannons on their sides and valves facing outward, installers set up the X-Stand with the valves facing upward. Holes were cut in the floor grating, and the pipes were run under the walkway toward the nozzle assemblies. This ensured the tanks were organized and the walkway was clear while optimizing production.
IMPROVING SAFETY AND ACCESS
After testing, participating operators said they liked the more organized approach in helping to keep congested operational areas as clear as possible. They were impressed with the cleaner look and the innovative solutions to pipe placement. Participants in field tests recognized no substantial change in performance from the original configuration.
“Martin is always listening to customers for ideas to improve safety and efficiency,” Dev concluded. “The X-Stand is a result of that and is the next step to a clean, safe, and efficient bulk handling operation.”
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