Elements 11

A unique industry, with unique companies and unique news

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Elements Winter 2014

Chemicals Northwest Awards 2015 Buyers Guide Vertellus’ CEO Rich Preziotti interview

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CONTENTS AND MEMBERSHIP

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Contents 5 CNW News 6-7 Awards News 9, 11 Member News 16, 22 Skills 26-27 Big Interview 32 A Week in the Life of 33 Buyers Guide 39-42 New Member Profiles 43-45 CNW Events

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Contact details John Roche Operations Manager Email: RocheJ@CIA.org.uk Alex Heys Member Services & Events Manager Tel: 01928 515678 Email: alexandra.heys@ chemicalsnorthwest.org.uk Advertising John Neilson, Distinctive Group Tel: 0845 884 2343 Mobile: 07813 874970 Email: john.neilson@ distinctivegroup.co.uk Disclaimer

Distinctive Publishing or Chemicals Northwest cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that may occur, individual products or services advertised or late entries. No part of this publication may be reproduced or scanned without prior written permission of the publishers and Chemicals Northwest.

Sponsor

This edition is sponsored by ITAL Logistics

Front cover image Red Masterbatch for Injection Moulding Adrian Waine (Photography for Industry) – www.photographyforindustry.com

Chemicals Northwest are part of The Chemical Industries Association

Membership of Chemicals Northwest Would your company benefit from joining an organisation that supports and promotes the chemistry-using sector in the Northwest? Do you want to understand more and get more involved with the industry issues within the region?

If you are a manufacturer, chemical user or offer a service to the sector, why not join us today? contact: Alex Heys – Member Services and Events Manager, alex.heys@chemicalsnorthwest. org.uk, 01928 515678 or join online www.chemicalsnorthwest.org.uk/ membership/join_cnw/

Benefits and Rates...

Member Benefits... n Free/reduced entry to Chemical

Elements and Breakfast Networking events plus the opportunity to present n Discounted entry to co-hosted and other events n Feature opportunities in the quarterly Chemical Northwest magazine n Free access to the Chemicals Northwest REACH and Supply Chain user groups n Free website profile to promote your business n Speaker opportunities at Chemicals Northwest and other industry events. n Free entry into the annual Chemicals Northwest Sector Directory n Discounted advertising rates for Chemicals Northwest Sector Directory and Website n Support and assistance with regulation and other legislative issues n Discounted ticket/s for the Chemicals Northwest Awards Dinner

n Free/reduced rate exhibition

opportunities at Chemical Elements and Breakfast Networking events n PLUS - Access to additional member benefits including: • 25% discount off the REACHReady Gold Subscription • Chemicals Northwest Buyers’ Club on a no savings, no fee basis • Discounted Insurance Rates • Free and Discounted Recruitment Services • Discounted rates to attend the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Essential Skills Management courses.

2014 – 15 Rates...

Micro Corporate Membership (Businesses with 1 -10 employees) £373 + VAT Standard Corporate Membership (Businesses with 11 – 100 employees) £649 + VAT Large Corporate Membership (Businesses with 100+ employees) £825 + VAT Once your application is complete, you can benefit from being part of the community of chemistry-using industries in the North West.

Membership year runs from 1st April 2014 to 31st March 2015 and initial ‘part year’ terms apply.

For further details contact Alex Heys – Member Services and Events Manager, alexandra.heys@chemicalsnorthwest.org.uk or phone 01928 515678

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CNW NEWS

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Winter 2014/15 Awards 2015 has been a large part of the last quarter for Chemicals Northwest. We have been busy putting plans in place for the awards and the criteria to set for them, introducing 2 new awards for the 2015 dinner, sorting out sponsorship for the dinner and promoting the table booking form. Please take a look at our 2 page awards update on pages 6-7 for further details.

We have also been working on our quarterly Elements magazine plus our events programme for the last quarter.

These events included the November breakfast in conjunction with the High Growth Centre at the University of Chester, our REACH User group in November and an event on Competence and the Competence Authority which was held in December in conjunction with The Cogent Group. Details of all of these events can be found at the back of Elements magazine

Chain forum planned for the 11th February and an event on “Focus on water in the chemical industry” on the 18th February.

Not to mention our January breakfast event in conjunction with Aquilant Scientific planned for the 9th January.

We have a busy year planned and any suggestions and sponsorship for our events would be gratefully received www.chemicalsnorthwest.org.uk/events.

Member renewal letters will be coming out mid/late March and we look forward to working with you all over the next membership year. We wish to thank you all for your help and support over the last few years. Without your contributions

Please keep an eye on our events page to see what events are coming up for the rest of 2015 including our next Supply

A unique industry,

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we would not be able to offer the events and services we provide for the chemical industry of the North West.

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Elements

GREEN

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A Special Focus

G E M E N T, E N V I R O N M E N TA L E N E R G Y N O R T H W E S T G R E E N = G A S ( S H A L E ) , R E C Y C L I N G / WA S T E M A N A

Summer 2014

If you are not members of Chemicals Northwest but would like to be please contact alexandra.heys@chemicalsnorthwest. org.uk

Shale gas: opportunities and threats for the North West chemical industry and beyond

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CNW Summer Conference – REACH, A Time To Plan Big Intervie w – Dr Peter Jenkinson

REACH 2014 – a time to plan Security/Safety Feature

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AWARDS NEWS

Chemicals Northwest Awards 2015 – update and final call for entries With preparations now well underway for the awards on the 19th March 2015 and with the deadline for entries being extended to Friday 30th January 2015, we would like to make this a last call for entries. The entry form has been made simpler to allow companies to enter for more than one award using the same form. You do not have to be a member of Chemicals Northwest to apply, so if you have a good story or business case please fill in an entry form and see where it takes you!

To view the entry forms and the guidance document please follow this link www.chemicalsnorthwest.org.uk/events/chemicals_northwest_ awards_2015/2015_chemicals_northwest_awards-entry_form We would like to thank our sponsors who have signed up to the event.

Award sponsors Chemicals Northwest Innovation Award sponsored by ABB The demonstration of creative solutions that present major commercial opportunities for a business. This award is open to individual organisations or academic/industrial collaborations.

The winning recipient will be able to demonstrate how they have successfully invested in the research and development of a commercially viable new product, or enhancement to an existing product, or designed/modified and implemented a process that delivers demonstrable benefits to the business.

Chemicals Northwest Engineering Business of the Year Award sponsored by Warrant Group How strategic and operational improvements have been shaped to deliver a successful engineering business. The winner of this award will show excellence in any field of engineering products and services markets: project management, maintenance, consultancy, process engineering and products.

Chemicals Northwest Business Improvement Partner Award Through expertise in the areas of skills, commerce and business services, vital support given to chemical companies has led to significant business improvement.

Chemicals Northwest Operational Excellence Award sponsored by Siemens Successful practices in improving the efficiency and productivity of a chemical manufacturing process.

Chemicals Northwest Chemicals Service Provider Award How individual tailoring of a technical service and offering an effective range of solutions has lead to success in the chemical industry.

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ELEMENTS WINTER 2014

Award winners from the 2013 dinner

Chemicals Northwest Young Achiever/ Apprentice of the Year Award sponsored by Kelly Services The contribution made by a young person to the success of a chemicals business or service provider. The award will also recognise the learning of skills such as problem solving, teambuilding, task management and communication.

Chemicals Northwest Health & Safety Award sponsored by Witt O’Briens The winner of this award will have shown exemplary practices or services that have made a chemicals operation safer or improved its environmental performance. The winner will be able to demonstrate how a range of site improvements or the provision of valued expertise has significantly contributed to the sustainability of a chemicals business.

Chemicals Northwest International Trade Award supported by UKTI Innovative approaches to effective exporting involving the latest systems and thinking. This will be awarded to a company that is new to or experienced in import/export and who has significantly developed their business in new markets or achieved an outstanding international trading record.

AWARDS NEWS

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Chemicals Northwest Manufacturing Business of the Year Award sponsored by Wickland Westcott The winner of this award will show outstanding business performance of a manufacturing company. This award recognises the company that has demonstrated excellence in developing and bringing its products to market. One that has a clear plan for sustainable growth of the business and has also contributed to the wider chemical industry in the region.

NEW FOR 2015 - Chemicals Northwest Charity of the Year Award sponsored by FMC Lithium One of our newest awards will be awarded to the charity of the year. If you have entered your charity stories in any of the last few Elements magazines please submit your entry, or if you have any other charities which you think need recognition please enter them - the winner of the award will receive £1000 towards their chosen charity.

NEW FOR 2015 - Chemicals Northwest Sustainability Award sponsored by Bond Dickinson This new award for the 2015 dinner is to recognise an organisation which demonstrates an innovative and holistic application of sustainability principles across a project and/or its wider business practice, leading to measurable positive change.

Further sponsors We would also like to thank our other sponsors who are involved in the awards dinner; these include ITAL Logistics who are sponsoring the awards dinner drinks reception. The drinks reception will be located in the Deansgate Foyer bar outside the Deansgate Suite where the main awards dinner event will be held.

Mann-tek for sponsoring the awards dinner brochure which will be available on the evening.

Finally we wish to thank Solvay for sponsoring the awards dinner winner’s trophies which are again being designed by students at Wirral Met College, a member of Chemicals Northwest.

For further details on all of our sponsors please follow this link – www.chemicalsnorthwest.org.uk/events/chemicals_northwest_ awards_2015/sponsors_of_the_2015_awards/

Booking Places are still available at the event. Tickets can either be bought on an individual basis or tables of 10 for those wishing to bring clients or to show appreciation to the hard work of company staff. So please come along to what promises to be an evening to remember.

The event will be hosted by Lucy Meacock, one of Britain’s longest serving news and current affairs presenters. She’s won numerous awards from the Royal Television Society and was part of the Granada Reports team that made history by winning the 2007/8 BAFTA. To view the booking form please click the following link www.chemicalsnorthwest.org.uk/events/chemicals_northwest_awards_2015/ book_for_the_2015_awards/ We look forward to receiving your award entries and welcoming you to our event.

Thank you to our sponsors

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MEMBER NEWS

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Vertellus acquires Pentagon Chemicals Acquisition expands Vertellus’ role in the Agrochemical, Pharmaceutical and Industrial sectors, significantly boosting life science chemistries (November 5, 2014, Indianapolis, Ind., USA) Vertellus, the world’s leading producer of pyridine and pyridine derivative chemicals, today announced that it has purchased Pentagon Chemicals (Holdings) UK Ltd., a leading manufacturer of fine and specialty chemicals used in the life sciences industry. The acquisition significantly expands Vertellus’ manufacturing presence in the agrochemical and pharmaceutical sectors and positions Vertellus to complement its current chemistries with U.K.-based Pentagon’s strong capabilities inphosgenation, chlorination, Grignard and sodium dispersion, among others.

The transaction is expected to boost earnings of Vertellus Specialty Materials division approximately 20 percent, contributing to a 13 percent increase in total company revenue. The acquisition

of Pentagon is part of Vertellus’ vision to expand its Specialty Materials footprint in the life science sector through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Revenues from life science applications represent more than 65 percent of the company’s total revenue, and Vertellus expects the acquisition will significantly increase its agriculture chemical and pharmaceutical business.

According to Vertellus CEO Rich Preziotti, the company was impressed with Pentagon’s expertise in producing high value reagents used to produce complex intermediate and active molecules combined with Pentagon’s market leading position as a supplier of maleic anhydride derivatives that complement Vertellus’ alkenyl succinic anhydrides (ASA) business. He added that the complementary chemical expertise between the two businesses also aligns with their manufacturing locations. “Beyond the chemistry fit, Pentagon operates two UK manufacturing sites which build upon

Vertellus’ position in the UK. Having three sites in close proximity to each other will enable us to build a robust infrastructure to support additional growth,” Preziotti said.

Integration of the two business units is underway and company leaders jointly attended the Chemical Industries Association annual dinner in London, on November 20. “Given the complementary capabilities of Vertellus and Pentagon, we look forward to supplying life science companies with a high quality supply of actives and critical intermediates delivered by a team who understands both the complex chemistries and the business markets in which they are used,” Preziotti said.

Pentagon currently operates two manufacturing sites in the UK, Widnes and Workington.

Media Contact: Chrissy Walling cwalling@vertellus.com www.vertellus.com

Bond Dickinson advises on acquisition of Pentagon Chemical Holdings by Vertellus Specialties Bond Dickinson’s Chemicals & Manufacturing team has advised Vertellus Specialties Inc through its acquisition of privately held UK fine chemicals manufacturer Pentagon Chemical Holdings.

The acquisition significantly expands Vertellus’ manufacturing presence in the agrochemical and pharmaceutical sectors.

Vertellus will complement its current chemistries with U.K.-based Pentagon’s strong capabilities in phosgenation, chlorination and sodium dispersion, among others.

Vertellus is a specialty chemicals company focused on the manufacture of ingredients used in pharmaceuticals, personal care, nutrition, agriculture and a host of other market areas affected by trends favoring “green” technologies and chemistries. Vertellus is the number one global producer of pyridine and picolines, specialty pyridine derivatives, DEET, castor

oil derivatives and systems, and a world leader in vitamin B3 and citrate polymer additives and systems.

Vertellus has a UK site in Teesside and is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.

It benefits from a technically advanced global manufacturing base and employs approximately 800 employees.

Pentagon is one of the largest independent manufacturers of specialty chemicals in the UK. The Company has been operating since 1939 on its Widnes-based site and since 1975 on its Workington site, producing fine chemicals and intermediates for the crop chemicals, oilfield, paper and pharmaceutical industries.

Peter Snaith, partner and Head of Chemicals and Manufacturing at Bond Dickinson, said: “Deals of this nature in the chemicals sector require specialist knowledge due to the complex supply chains and infrastructure and the impact of the regulatory regime, amongst other things. Most chemical companies in the UK have been established for many years and several have changed ownership on numerous occasions which can give rise to a myriad of legacy issues that any purchaser must carefully navigate. Our chemicals team has a history of working with multinational corporations and SMEs in the sector and can provide the rare blend of experience and expertise needed to advise on projects of this sort.”

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For over 40 years K Home International has provided bespoke engineering design solutions to its clients nationally and internationally l

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K Home International Ltd For further information contact David Boxall on: tel: +44(0)1642 765421 fax: +44(0)1642 760721 email: david.boxall@khomeint.com web: khomeint.com

MEMBER NEWS

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Tradebe acquires two companies in the UK: Solvents with Safety Ltd (SWS) and Scotoil Services Ltd SWS is one of the leading distributors of packaged solvents in the UK. Scotoil is the leading provider of specialist environmental process and disposal services to the UK oil and gas industry.

On 30th October 2014, Tradebe were delighted to announce two acquisitions in the UK: Solvents with Safety Ltd (SWS) and Scotoil Services Ltd. SWS is one of the leading distributors of packaged virgin and recovered solvents in the UK. From their operating facilities in Harworth, Doncaster, SWS offer a

complete solution from solvent sales to blending and waste collection. In 2013 SWS distributed in excess of 7,500 tonnes of solvents, with total revenues of £7.7m, and employ 35 people.

Scotoil is the leading provider of specialist environmental process and disposal services to the UK oil and gas industry. Based next to Aberdeen Harbour, Scotoil provides efficient services to all of the UK operators, drilling, and service contractors covering equipment specialised decontamination, on and off-shore Radiological Protection Supervision (RPS) services

and sales, repair and calibration of radiological instrumentation. Scotoil revenues in 2013 were over £8M and employ 54 people.

The SWS acquisition enhances our presence within the European solvent market, whilst Scotoil increases our offerings to the oil and gas industry.

Overall, our position as UK leading providers of hazardous waste treatment, disposal and resource recovery services has further been reinforced with revenues in excess of £100m, 27 operating facilities and 825 employees.

Upbeat Nanoco Group looks ahead Chemicals Northwest member Nanoco Group, the Manchester developer and manufacturer of cadmium-free quantum dots for display screens such as LCD TVs, said it is looking ahead to 2015 with confidence as the mass production of its technology is set to begin.

The Manchester-based group said it is “pleased” with the progress made with its partnership with The Dow Chemical Company for the manufacture of its quantum dots for the display market.

Dow is set to begin mass production of its dots in South Korea next year, and Nanoco added it is “particularly excited” about 2015.

Chairman Anthony Clinch said: “We are currently producing quantum dots from our own production facility in Runcorn to satisfy demand from customers and potential customers ahead of Dow’s mass production facility in Choenan coming on line.

“We look forward with confidence to the year ahead, during which time we expect to deliver further substantial progress in the commercialisation of our technology across our key target markets including display, LED general lighting, solar and bio-imaging.”

Information from Insider media www.insidermedia.com/insider/northwest/129788-upbeat-nanoco-grouplooks-ahead

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PROVIDING LIQUID AND POWDER BLENDING SERVICES TO THE CHEMICAL INDUSTRY

Borregaard UK is an international chemicals company with extensive experience in liquid and powder chemical processing, supply and distribution. The company can now offer its well-proven capabilities to the wider chemical industry, offering savings in production costs, and simplifying logistics.

What we offer:

How we can help:

• Toll blending and contract packing

• An in-house quality control laboratory

• Small to medium batch capacities, with the facility to do liquid, powder and powder-to-liquid blending

• Production facility with experienced personnel

• Bulk powder handling, mixing and repacking into bags, drums, IBC’s and tankers • Bulk storage of blended products with the option to fill into tankers, IBC’s, drums and kegs

• Excellent relationships with groupage and bulk haulage companies, achieving very competitive rates for both national and international deliveries • Non-Disclosure Agreements can be prepared quickly if required

Borregaard UK Ltd, Clayton Road, Birchwood, Warrington, WA3 6QQ Tel: 01925 285400 Fax: 01925 818048 Email: enquiries.uk@borregaard.com

www.lignotech.com

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Providing solutions…it’s in our nature Here at Borregaard UK, we are the UK subsidiary of Borregaard LignoTech with a commitment to one mission - to continue to be the world leader in wood based specialty chemicals based on lignin.

Borregaard UK offers liquid and powder blending tolling facilities within an extensive supply and distribution network.

Having served customers for over 25 years we are proud to promote our extensive experience in these areas.

Ideally based in Warrington in the M62 corridor, we offer an in-house laboratory and production which combined with our experienced members of staff can always ensure products will reach our range of customer’s requirements. We pride ourselves on tailor making products in order to meet our customer’s requirement.

This is achieved with the flexibility to offer bulk road tankers, bulk silos, full container loads, IBC’s, drums and 25kg packs. The varieties of industrial application areas we serve include Ceramics, Construction, Agrochemical, Feed and General Speciality Chemicals.

Our factory offers the facility to blend both liquids and powders to liquid to any size required. Additionally, the factory offers bulk storage of liquid blended products. We also have the ability to carry out bulk powder handling in our factory with a capacity of 25MT/hour. Alongside this, there is the facility to perform powders mixing and blending utilising 2 x 250kg Tatham Forberg double shafted paddle mixers.

After production and quality testing we will ensure that there is an ample storage facility for toll manufactured materials.

This includes undercover storage for free standing and racked areas, external hard standing, loading and unloading dock and 50MT vehicle weighbridge. As well as this, we have a dedicated feed additive storage area.

Borregaard LignoTech Borregaard UK is proud to be a part of Borregaard LignoTech who in recent years has established itself as the world’s leading supplier of lignin based binding and dispersing agents and sole, global supplier.Borregaard LignoTech produces a wide range of Lignosulphonates and Biopolymers which can be utilised in a range of industries and applications many of which we operate here at Borregaard UK. These application areas include:

n General - eco-friendly surfactants n Construction – cement, concrete and

pigments n Ceramics – structural, decorative and

refractories n Gypsum board n Paper n Animal Feed n Industrial cleaners and water treatment n Industrial binders n Battery Additives; n Agriculture – AgChem, fertilisers,

micronutrients and plant nutrition n Road and soil dust control n Toll blending and manufacturing

Innovation Borregaard LignoTech and Borregaard UK believe innovation is the key to success and actively encourage staff in idea generation. Listening to and acting on our customers specific needs is key to this strategy. In order to be the world leader in binding and dispersing agent based on lignin technology we hold strong that innovation is based on expertise with a high level of service.

with the sales force, the production, the customers and external institutes and universities. It is also evident as Borregaard LignoTech has spent 20% of annual profits on producing new products over the last five years, signalling that development and innovation is a key requirement for future growth.

Sustainability Borregaard lignin products are used as dispersing and binding agents from a renewable, green and sustainable natural resource. Being used as a dispersing agent in concrete, agrochemicals, batteries and ceramic products they enhance flow and stabilisation. Lignin can also be used as a binding agent in animal feeds and briquettes as well as a variety of other application areas.

We believe, at Borregaard UK, as part of Borregaard LignoTech, we can enhance our customer’s existing products. We will continue striving for new applications to develop wood based, green, renewable products as sustainable alternatives to oil based materials.

This can be seen through the results of in-house research and development. The in-house Research and Development is conducted through working closely

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Loss Prevention Bulletin The leading source of case studies in process safety, with an archive spanning more than 40 years Subscribing to LPB will give you access to vital reference material which could help you avoid accidents in the future.

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ADVANC CHEMIC ING ENGINEEAL WORLDWRING IDE

ABB

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Doing our bit to tackle the skills gap The chemical industry is the UK’s biggest manufacturing exporter, so the sector’s health is key to the UK economy. According to the Chemical Industries Association ‘To operate safely and compete globally we need to employ a wide range of skilled people from chemical engineers to technicians and maintenance staff. In fact, there is not an unskilled job in the chemical industry. Even in times of an economic downturn, supply of skills is a problem that is hampering the competitiveness of the industry.’

The skills gap is not new and much good work has been done over the past years to attract more people into the industry, to improve apprenticeships, to focus on operator training and to develop recently graduated engineers. However much still needs to be done and the chemical sector is not alone in this, with 80% of UK firms having difficulty filling positions with competent people.

ABB Consulting is passionate about the ongoing success and sustainability of the UK process industries and one of the areas we focus on is the professional development of young engineers. Through ABB’s training courses and technical forums we help to develop over 3,500 engineers every year.

Successful manufacturing operations require effective management ‘Processes’, ‘Plant’ and equipment that is fit for purpose and competent ‘People’. Each of the 3’P’s must be effective in their own given on the course to realistic problems or case studies. All of ABB’s course tutors are practicing consultants or engineers in the subject matter of the course, so can share their experiences of using the new skills to solve real problems. This use of case study problems along with the expertise and experience of course tutors always comes out top of the many positive responses to our training courses.

right, but they must also be aligned and effective with each other. The solution to any engineering or operational issue will only be effective when the people involved are also effective. This approach is built into ABB’s consulting work, where transferring knowledge and skills to the manufacturing organisation can be a very important part of the solution. Technical training is one important element of this knowledge transfer but is also provided independently as a stand alone service.

ABB’s approach to training is to base the learning on real world examples and experience. This allows course attendees to gain some experience in applying the new knowledge which they have been

The programme of technical training courses that ABB runs annually is open to all and covers a broad range of topics and levels of experience; from process safety leadership and advanced hazard analysis to awareness level training for less experienced engineers in a number of fundamental areas such as the management of pressure systems.

Open training courses offer a flexible way to develop individuals within an organisation, but when it comes to making a big impact on the effectiveness of an organisation then in-house training courses are much more effective. The content of in-house courses can be tailored to the specific organisation; adopting internal procedures, terminology and most importantly examples. The use

of internal processes and applying them to routine problems helps to embed the learning and speeds up the beneficial application of the new knowledge by course delegates. Part of the course can be used to plan improvements or to agree how to overcome potential barriers to successful application of the new skills leant.

All of ABB Consulting’s tutors get a lot of satisfaction from delivering training and development. They enjoy sharing their real life experiences that are not easily passed on in other ways and in seeing the ‘light bulb moments’ when delegates suddenly see a way forward with some of their long term technical issues. The benefits to individual engineers, particularly to recently qualified ones, is pleasing and easy to see. However, the greater benefits that come from helping to close the skills gap, even in a small way, are much less immediate – but much more important Dai Richards Marketing Manager for ABB Consulting To find out more about ABB’s professional development training visit abb.com/uk/consulting/training

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SKILLS

Science at forefront of Powerhouse vision

Chancellor George Osborne has hailed Manchester as “perhaps the first great scientific city of the modern age” and said investment in science was at the heart of his plans to create a Northern Powerhouse.

He was speaking at the official launch of the European City of Science 2016 at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) when Rowena Burns, chief executive of Manchester Science Partnerships, confirmed a £40m life sciences fund for businesses in the region will open next year.

Manchester was officially named the European City of Science in June. The title is held for two years as Manchester builds towards hosting Europe’s largest general scientific conference ESOF - the EuroScience Open Forum - in summer 2016.

Osborne, who announced a £3m investment for new exhibition space at MOSI, praised the city’s strength as a hub for science and innovation, saying it formed a key part of his ‘Northern Powerhouse’ vision.

“This is not about the past but the future and the exciting things that are happening here in this city now and in the years ahead.”

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Reiterating his view that the combined strength of the north’s cities could allow them to compete on a global stage, Osborne said the £235m Sir Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials Research and Innovation announced as part of the Autumn Statement “cements the future for this great scientific city in one of its strongest fields”.

“I want to redress the imbalance in this country between north and south, London and the rest, and Manchester is leading the way in helping us a nation do that and science is at the forefront,” Osborne added.

ESOF is a biennial, pan-European convention that is dedicated to scientific research and innovation. It has just completed its 2014 programme in the city of Copenhagen.

The July 2016 event is expected to bring 4,500 delegates to Manchester, while generating approximately £8.3m for the economy.

Speaking at the same event, Rowena Burns confirmed a £40m life sciences fund would open in April 2015. It is expected to create 370 jobs and generate £340m in GVA. The fund will invest in start-ups and earlystage companies. It has been backed by MSP, AstraZeneca and local enterprise partnerships in the region among others.

MSP purchased AstraZeneca’s Alderley Park earlier this year in a deal funded

by Bruntwood, MSP and Cheshire East Council.

AstraZeneca is relocating most of its operations to a new location in Cambridge but will retain 700 staff in Cheshire.

Information from Insider Media on 9/12/14 www.insidermedia.com/insider/ north-west/129584-scienceforefront-powerhouse-vision?utm_ source=northwest_newsletter&utm_ medium=top_story_article&utm_ campaign=northwest_news_tracker

ELMET PROCESS TRAINING

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Consultancy launches new training courses for 2015

A range of complementary training courses for the Process Industries is being launched

by Elmet Process Limited new for 2015. Elmet process have been providing process engineering consultancy for a number of years, delivering valuable engineering and design expertise to a range of clients throughout the UK and beyond.

As an established, professional consultancy, EPL recognise the value of developing staff skills and are now able to share their knowledge and experience through their new training programmes: n HAZOP Team n HAZOP Leader n LOPA (Layer of Protection Analysis) n DSEAR and Hazardous Area

Assessments n Process Operations Awareness

n Fundamentals of Unit Process

Operations Packages customised for a client’s specific operating environment EPL have developed the courses to be applicable throughout the process industries for personnel at all levels. For example, they can be used for operations and non-technical staff to provide grounding in cross-disciplinary areas of chemical process engineering, such as HAZOP (Hazard and Operability Studies) or for providing Continuing Professional

Development (CPD) training for graduate and experienced engineers/technical staff.

All of the courses can be tailored to a client’s specific needs and can be delivered either from the EPL offices in Eggborough or at the client’s preferred location.

Please contact EPL on 01977 662429 or email enquiries@elmetprocess.co.uk to discuss your specific requirements. Further details can also be found on their website www.elmetprocess.co.uk.

When quality matters.

Nozzles Chemical and Pharma Hoses Expansion Joints Dry Disconnect Couplings 2013_Ad_When Quality matters_210x100mm.indd 1

ELAFLEX LTD. · Riverside House, Plumpton Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 0PA1 Phone +44(0)1992/45 29 50 · sales@elaflex.co.uk · www.elaflex.co.uk

12.06.2013 16:34:45

ELEMENTS WINTER 2014

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The aim of Ital Logistics is to provide a quality, reliable and personalised service.

European Road Freight Transport Specialists Ital Logistics was founded in August 2000 initially offering road freight transport services to and from Italy.

Since then, our service portfolio has increased beyond Italy to include similar road freight services to and from Spain, Portugal, and Greece, as well as offering freight forwarding services throughout Western, Central and Eastern Europe. And more recently, following customer demand, we also provide maritime and air freight services worldwide.

The aim of Ital Logistics is to provide a quality, reliable and personalised service, with openness, honesty and integrity. From the beginning this has always been our guiding philosophy, irrespective of client size or status.

Not every client is the same and each has particular needs. We pride ourselves on being able to listen and understand these needs, and work our model around our clients.

We specialise in the carriage of dangerous goods in scope of ADR and IMDG, and this specialisation is

spread through all services. Compliance is ensured by our two on-site DGSAs. In addition to our head office & warehouse, we also have third party receiving facilities in the South and the Midlands to complement our UK wide coverage.

We must be doing something right. Year on year we see increases in client base, turnover and profitability. In a fragile economic climate this has to be testament to the service levels provided, our vision, and how Ital Logistics is perceived to the outside world.

On three occasions we have entered the British International Freight Association Awards; firstly in 2002 when we were winners of the ‘European Services Award’; next in 2007 picking up the same winner’s trophy for a second time; and more recently in 2012 when we reached the finals. This, from the industry’s governing body, is praise indeed and vindication of our business ethic.

There is nothing pretentious about Ital Logistics. We have built our reputation by providing a reliable and competitive service to the very best of our abilities, and we will continually endeavour to do just that. The only way to evaluate if we do what we say is to try our service. As one of our clients who did sample our service quoted – “Your reputation as a ‘doer’ is refreshing by contrast to the plethora of suppliers I am burdened with who ‘can’t do’.”

Dangerous Goods Experts Around 25% of our total business is made up of the transport of Dangerous Goods. Many companies shy away from this niche market due to its complexity, so we find that many of our competitors make use of our specialism in this sector and utilise our services.

There are many differences between road, rail, sea and air regulations, even though with each revision the regulations come closer to alignment. In house we utilise a bespoke program designed in-house, called the HAZculator. This program collates all IMDG and ADR data,plus Eurotunnel and various other tunnel & port data, and returns correct Dangerous Goods Descriptions, including all associated regulations specific to the UN number or chemical name being searched. Additionally, it makes compatibility checks for up to 7 different UN numbers, as well as checking against other non-compatible items such as foodstuffs, for example.

The UK is an island. Therefore, even just to get into the closest European country, we must use a combination of

Opening New Doors On 1st December 2014, we opened the doors on our new purpose built facility in Heywood, just off the M60/M66 junction north-east of Manchester. Investing in excess of £0.5M on new offices and installation of dock-levellers, extensive CCTV, access & intruder systems to further enhance the security, the new facility will provide us with a platform for further growth and maintain our position in the forwarding world. The business park is also protected by 24/7 manned security with ANPR for controlling vehicular access.

Further development in bespoke freight software, due to be implemented by the end of the 1st quarter of 2015, will also incorporate our HAZculator to automatically assess compatibility of loads.

Our new warehouse is just over 16,000ft², with five access doors, two of which are dock-levellers capable of handling 10 tons.

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modes, and as the regulations are not completely aligned, there are often conflictions. If you require any specific information or advice on the movement of Dangerous Goods, please feel free to contact us, either by telephone, or email dgsa@Ital-logistics.com and we will be pleased to assist.

For Rates & Bookings call 01706 248 006 or visit www.ital-logistics.com

ACTA_ChemNorthWestFullPgAd copyayout 1 6/24/14 10:06 AM Page 1

ASIA EUROPE THE AMERICAS

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• Global Agent and Representative Services • Testing Strategy and Coordination • Toxicology & Ecotoxicology • Transport and Dangerous Goods • Dossier Preparation and Expert Review • Data Compensation

CONTACT OUR EU TEAM: Leslie S. MacDougall Director of Regulatory Affairs lmacdougall@actagroup.com

Emma Louise Jackson Regulatory Specialist ejackson@actagroupeu.com

Ruth C. Downes-Norriss Regulatory Specialist rdownes@actagroupeu.com

GyĂśngyi (Pearl) NĂŠmeth, M.Sc. Regulatory Specialist pnemeth@actagroupeu.com

Jane S. Vergnes, Ph.D., DABT Senior Toxicologist jvergnes@actagroup.com

Lara A. Hall, MS, RQAP-GLP Scientist lhall@actagroup.com

www.actagroup.com Beijing, China (86-10) 8453-4538

Manchester, U.K. +44 (0) 330 223 0610

Washington, D.C. +1 (202) 266-5020

PERRY PROCESS

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Perry demonstrate their commitment to the people and the planet Perry Process Equipment Ltd have recently become members of the Organisation for Responsible Businesses (ORB).

The ORB is specifically for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

Becoming a member demonstrates their commitment to operate in an honest and ethical manner, and to consider people and the environment when making business decisions. As well as this they endeavour to make a positive contribution to the local community and society at large.

Responsible activities of the ORB The ORB has grouped responsible activities in to 5 key areas, as follows: 1. Workplace Focusing on good working conditions, as well as providing staff development and training opportunities.

2. Environment Being aware of how much impact our business actions have on the environment.

Looking to make changes to improve such as recycling paper, waste disposal and water and heating savings.

3. Community Considering the needs of the local community and choosing local suppliers where possible to support the local economy.

4. The Marketplace Behaving responsibly towards suppliers and customers.

5. Values and Transparency Operating in an open, honest and transparent way with all stakeholders.

How Perry are contributing towards sustainability Perry joined the ORB because they are aware that business decisions can affect the planet and the wider society. It’s fair to say that Perry are just getting started, but they see joining the ORB as their first step in contributing towards a sustainable future.

All members of the ORB have taken and passed the Responsible Business Questionnaire. Perry found this process to be very thought provoking, and it helped to highlight the areas for improvement, and to set their agenda going forward.

More recently it has become apparent that due to the environmental impact of the manufacturing industry and the efficient management of raw materials, manufacturing companies are looking to change aspects of their process to help strengthen their commitment to sustainability.

Perry Process can refurbish equipment in-house and they also work with OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and Engineering companies to improve used equipment so that it is more energy efficient and meets environmental standards.

The removal and logistics of used equipment is another area Perry has been looking to improve on, transporting items as efficiently as possible to help reduce transport emissions. They stock their equipment globally in their many warehouse facilities, allowing customers to source equipment from the nearest site.

Further details on used process equipment and Perry can be found on their website www.perryprocess.co.uk

About the ORB ORB was established in 2009. It is committed to providing the following services to SMEs throughout the UK. n Information and signposting to

SUPPORT and SIMPLIFY participation in this new but now essential responsible business paradigm; n Helping members INCREASE PROFITS

- an added bonus of making voluntary responsible business improvements; n PROMOTING responsible business

members via its associated online directory - www.

TheResponsibleBusinessDirectory.co.uk Find out more on the ORB website www.orbuk.org.uk

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SKILLS

The Curiosity Project

www.siemens.co.uk/curiosity-project

Having spoken at the May CNW breakfast meeting, on the topic of skills and regional engagements Siemens has undertaken at Trafford College and Manchester University to inspire young people, I am delighted to highlight to CNW members Siemens ongoing support:

The Curiosity Project by Siemens encompasses the following: Sponsorship of: n British Science Festival n Manchester Science Festival n Edinburgh International

Science Festival n The Times Cheltenham

Science Festival n Sponsorship of Manchester

International Festival 2015 n Sponsorship of Royal

More than five million young people will benefit from a greater knowledge of the opportunities created by STEM subjects and the exciting career prospects engineering delivers.

The Curiosity Project is a three-year engagement programme by Siemens, broadening their existing investment to bring science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to life in the UK. Siemens will support five major science and related festivals throughout the UK, each with a clear ambition to reach out to parents, teachers and students to make the world of science available in a fun and engaging way. The investment is in response to engineering companies needing 1.86 million people with engineering skills from 2010-2020.

Therefore the UK needs to double the numbers of engineering related apprentices and graduates coming out of colleges and universities. The UK needs to double the numbers of young people studying GCSE physics as part of triple

sciences and grow the number of students studying physics A level to match those of maths.

Siemens will also increase its free online engineering education resources launched in 2013 as part of this project www. siemens.co.uk/education. Aimed at the UK’s 21,000 primary and 5,000 secondary schools, the resources have already been rolled out to 5,000 schools across the country aiming to reach 4.5 million pupils by 2016.

Sean.mcdonagh@siemens.com

with students, teachers and parents n Sponsorship of up to 1,600

state school teachers to benefit from The Prince’s Teaching Institute programmes, www.princes-ti.org.uk n Continuation of existing

sponsorship of The Big Bang Fair (75,000 school visitors over 4 days) sponsorship of Greenpower electric car challenge (600 schools and 10,000 students) n Continuation of existing

sponsorship of the Museum of Science & Industry, MOSI Sean McDonagh

11 - 14 March 2015

The Big Bang Fair

4 - 19 April 2015

Edinburgh Science Festival

2 - 7 June 2015

The Times Cheltenham Science Festival

2 - 19 July 2015

Manchester International Festival

ELEMENTS WINTER 2014

n 3 year research programme

n Continuation of existing

Upcoming key dates for events supported by Siemens

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Photographic Society “images for Science” competition and touring exhibition at locations throughout the year

n Continuation of existing

sponsorship of ‘atmosphere: exploring climate science’ at the Science Museum in London (until 2015) n Continued investment into

the interactive exhibition at the Crystal; London

IChemE training 2015 IChemE is committed to supporting the professional development of chemical and process engineers and related professionals.

Courses coming up in 2015 include: Fundamentals of Process Safety www.icheme.org/fps HAZOP Awareness www.icheme.org/hazopawareness HAZOP Study, Leadership and Management www.icheme.org/hazopstudy Human Factors in Health and Safety www.icheme.org/humanfactors Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) www.icheme.org/lopa Managing the Hazards of Flare Disposal Systems www.icheme.org/mfd Process Safety Awareness www.icheme.org/psa Creativity for Chemical Engineers www.icheme.org/creativity Effective Communication for Engineers www.icheme.org/interpersonal Effective Technical Writing www.icheme.org/etw Mentoring for Chemical Engineers www.icheme.org/mentortraining Chemical Engineering for Other Engineers www.icheme.org/chemeng Chemical Engineering for Scientists www.icheme.org/chemsci What Every Engineer Should Know About Contracts www.icheme.org/contracts Leading an ESOS Assessment www.icheme.org/esostraining

Visit www.icheme.org/courses to see our full training programme.

Contact courses@icheme.org to request our 2015 course catalogue.

RAS RISK & HAZARD MANAGEMENT

Understanding and facilitating the effective management of risk is our core business. Only when the risk facing an organisation is well understood can it be effectively managed.

Key to the successful identification, assessment and management of risk is engagement with the right people, using the right processes at the right time. We believe we are different to many of our competitors and that our approach is distinctive; we don’t always walk the well-trodden path but look at each client’s particular risk context and develop a tailored solution, working in partnership with our client.

Safety Risk Our safety risk assessment and management expertise covers risk identification techniques such as HAZIDs and HAZOP, predictive modelling advice and the facilitation of risk management techniques, particularly in the demonstration of ‘ALARP’. The area of Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) is a particular specialism within the company.

Environmental Risk Our services in the Environmental Risk area range from the assessment of the risks related to the environment in relation to Major Hazards, based on our Source, Pathway, Receptor risk assessment model, through to the preparation of Environmental Permits (PPC in Scotland) – full applications or variations of existing permits – particularly in relation to planning for new developments.

Business Risk It could be argued that all risk – whatever its label – can be defined as ‘Business Risk’. Ultimately, whatever risk is being considered, whether safety, environmental, commercial or financial, if it’s not understood and managed effectively, it becomes a risk that affects the whole organisation.

RAS RISK & HAZARD MANAGEMENT

T +44 (0) 1244 674 612 E jo.condon@ras.ltd.uk W www.ras.ltd.uk

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BIG INTERVIEW

CEO looks to the future Vertellus, the world’s leading producer of pyridine and pyridine derivative chemicals, has announced that it has purchased Pentagon Chemicals (Holdings) UK Ltd., a leading manufacturer of fine and specialty chemicals used in the life sciences industry.

The acquisition significantly expands Vertellus’ manufacturing presence in the agrochemical and pharmaceutical sectors and positions Vertellus to complement its current chemistries with UK-based Pentagon’s strong capabilities inphosgenation, chlorination, Grignard and sodium dispersion, among others.

Vertellus’ US-based CEO Rich Preziotti agreed to be interviewed for the Chemicals Northwest “Big Interview” feature.

Tell us about your background and how you reached your current position I have been CEO of Vertellus since December 2007. I worked with the current owners, Wind Point Partners (a middle market private equity firm based in Chicago), to acquire the company and became CEO after the acquisition closed.

Prior to Vertellus I spent close to 17 years working for AlliedSignal which later became Honeywell. My entire career there was in the Specialty Materials Sector – I had many roles across multiple functions (sales and marketing, finance, business development, etc.), with the bulk of my time there as a General Manager. For the last six years that I was there I ran Honeywell’s $1.2B Specialty Chemical portfolio including the Fluorochemicals business.

What skills do you bring to the job?

Close to 25 years of experience in the Chemicals industry, strong business acumen and process orientation learned through my experience at Honeywell.

Experience managing global businesses across North America, Europe and Asia – close to 60% of Vertellus revenue is outside of the US. Experience across a multitude of end markets and customer sets including Crop Protection, Nutrition, pharmaceuticals, Plastics and CASE (Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants and Elastomers), Personal and Consumer Care , etc. Above all the biggest attribute that I impart on Vertellus and its employees is leadership.

What is your view of the major challenges facing your company?

The overriding challenge that we have as a company – which is shared by many – is to deliver sustainable growth. We strive to

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The chemicals industry is a fluid and dynamic sector – not many people would have forecasted the impact that shale gas in north America is having on the relative economics and investment in capacity globally – I believe that the one constant that will be in the industry is continued change.

”

do this organically through new product development, market development, global growth of our products, etc. We also pursue acquisitions that support our growth strategies with complementary products and chemistries – Pentagon fit our acquisition criteria on a number of fronts. Vertellus is a supplier to the Life Science Industry with a focus on manufacturers of Crop Protection Chemicals.

We supply building block chemicals – such as pyridine, picolines and their derivatives (we are the largest manufacturer with the most diverse portfolio of products based on pyridine chemistry), complex intermediates as well as processing aids used by Crop Protection Chemical manufacturers. Pentagon also serves this

market segment through its fine chemicals contract manufacturing business which manufacturers a number of active ingredients including herbicides and insecticides and has excellent customer relationships with the major western Ag companies – as do we.

We feel that our scale and scope of resources combined with Pentagon’s assets and chemistry capability will enable the combined company to grow faster. We also recently announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire the Sodium Borohydride business owned by The Dow Chemical Company. That business is the global leader in sodium borohydride chemistry used as processing aids in fine chemical production as well as in bleaching applications. A substantial portion of the business serves pharmaceutical and agriculture with manufacturing process aids – complementary with process aids manufactured by Vertellus. This acquisition brings us further chemistry capability to serve Life Science customers globally. By the end of 2015 we plan that both acquisitions will be fully integrated into Vertellus and well on their way to helping to accelerate the growth trajectory at Vertellus.

You work in an ever-changing sector - where do you think it will be in five years’ time?

The chemicals industry is a fluid and dynamic sector – not many people would have forecasted the impact that shale gas in north America is having on the relative economics and investment in capacity globally – I believe that the one constant that will be in the industry is continued change. The global competitive landscape will continue to evolve and manufacturers will need to be nimble enough to adapt – to take advantage of the opportunities and to navigate through the threats.

BIG INTERVIEW

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Vertellus’ US-based CEO Rich Preziotti

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MAINTEC

Excitement about Maintec 2015 builds as it returns for its fortieth edition Maintec, the leading UK event for the maintenance, plant and asset management industry, returns to the NEC, Birmingham on 24-26 March, 2015, for its fortieth edition.

There is more on offer than ever before including a packed hall full of industry leading exhibitors, content rich seminars and two complementary co-locations.

Complementary Co-Locations Building on last year, which saw Maintec’s floor plan and visitor base expand massively, the organisers have confirmed that it will again run alongside Facilities Management - the UK’s only event for the facilities industry outside London.

It debuted last year and quickly proved to be a neat fit with Maintec as many maintenance professionals now also have a wider FM remit. The Health & Safety Event, which is run by a leader in the health and safety sector, Western Business Exhibitions, will also return for its second year, and rounds off the clever co-locations.

Visitors will be able to access all shows with one badge, offering hours of content in free-to-attend educational seminars, inspirational industry experts, masses of show floor entertainment and a wealth of exhibitors looking to launch new technologies and concepts to the UK market.

Industry Leading Exhibitors Exhibitors at Maintec 2015 include all the major names and show regulars such as Hörmann UK, Pruftechnik, Thermaflue, KeyTracker and AV Technology, many of whom will be using the show to launch new products to the market or unveil their very latest work. eMaint will be showcasing its new eMaint MX Mobile, a wireless version its

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computerised maintenance management software. It provides an easy-to-use, cost-effective solution for maintenance personnel in the field. Designed to run on smart phones, tablets, or any browserbased device, eMaint MX reduces the need for paperwork and frees technicians from their desktop computer.

Acutest will be displaying its HT MacroTest G3 Multifunction Meter, an innovative instrument capable of carrying out safety tests on domestic and industrial electric systems. The Cable Detection EZiTEX t100 Signal Transmitter and the FLIR E8 Thermal Imaging Camera will also be exhibited.

For all those looking for the latest in CMMS systems, the Ashcom Technology stand is a must see. The company will be showcasing its MaintiMizer BlackBox, which is an all-in-one CMMS/EAM solution created for businesses with small or non-existent IT departments. It contains everything needed to be successful wrapped up in a self-contained network appliance. Also on display will be its flagstaff product, the MaintiMizer Web Edition and its Software as a Service, MaintiMizer.com.

CEJN, the quick connect specialist, will be exhibiting its MultiFLOW Air & Fluid Gun, which effectively cleans surfaces with air or water, using an unparalleled blowing force. Also on display will be CEJN’s coupling series eSafe and its full range of hose and cable reels.

Show Floor Entertainment Visitors will have plenty of learning opportunities at Maintec 2015 too, including a return of The Exchange, a selection of free content-rich practical talks full of the latest research, new innovations and case studies exploring the hottest topics, challenges and trends.

There will also be a return for The Business Strategy Forum, which will include sessions from expert speakers and major industry names.

There will be additional showfloor entertainment in the form of show favourite, Lions’ Lair, which will once again be returning to Maintec with brave exhibitors presenting their new technologies, innovations and concepts to a panel of experts, in front of a live audience, in a bid to be voted best of show.

For further information about Maintec 2015 and to register for free entry, please visit www.maintecuk.com

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Plant Performance Improvement sols NEW Ad (185x110)_Layout 1 19/12/2014 09:10 Page 1

PLANT PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT SOLUTIONS Combining the expertise of Hosokawa Micron engineers and PC based analysis tools we can pinpoint weak points in your operations and identify practical actions to achieve improvement.

Hosokawa Micron’s Performance Improvement Solutions service can: l Troubleshoot process problems l Give you a heads-up on machinery issues l Unlock extra capacity in your existing plant l Understand complex interactions that create variations in plant performance l Highlight practical changes for immediate process improvements

Our low cost, phased approach to plant performance improvement can also help deliver improved product quality, energy savings, minimised downtime and reduced maintenance costs.

Rivington Road, Whitehouse, Runcorn, Cheshire. WA7 3DS. Tel: +44 (0) 1928 755100 Fax: +44 (0) 1928 714325 E.mail: Intellimill@hmluk.hosokawa.com

Reference site at Hosokawa Micron Ltd, Runcorn allows you to see live displays, alerts system, open and closed loop plant control opportunities.

PROCESS TECHNOLOGIES FOR TOMORROW SM

Partnering with a specialist search company When it comes to recruiting for professionals in the chemicals industry, different companies adopt different strategies. Most scour through possible internal candidates, utilise external advertising and referrals and engage the services of a number of recruitment agencies. If these agencies fail to find a suitable candidate, the company will often engage in more agencies who promise they can fulfil the assignment.

Sometimes, one of these agencies is successful, often they aren’t.

One thing is certain, the recruitment process becomes muddled, lacks quality and usually provides a headache for the recruiting manager.

There is, however, something that you can do to make the recruitment process a lot more effective and more efficient… partner with a specialist search company.

Let’s be clear what is meant by the term ‘partner’. To truly partner with a search consultancy, means to work together in a collaborative way to achieve a common result. This means working together as equal partners, allowing the search company the time to get to know the company, to manage the recruitment process, advise on salary levels and make offers on behalf of the client. This is truly a ‘partnership’.

As a specialist chemicals search company, we are able to effectively identify, target and approach high achievers in a professional manner, from both the passive and active markets. With access to all levels of the company, growth plans and company strategy, we also have the information needed to sell an opportunity to headhunted candidates.

We can then present a shortlist for our client to interview and manage the assignment through our globally proven ‘30 step process’.

If you believe your company could gain in forming an effectively, beneficial partnership with Antal International Warrington, please get in touch today.

Lee Narraway Managing Director Antal International Network 01925 747 712 lnarraway@antal.com

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KELLY SERVICES

Future-proofing the industry by combatting skills shortages Throughout 2014 there was encouraging growth in the jobs market for the chemicals industry. The market as a whole is recovering and is set to continue to expand with the industry forecast to reach a turnover of £56.8 billion in 2015 in the UK1. However, with this positivity come some challenges, the most notorious of which is the ongoing skills shortage.

By Justin Hines Manager, Kelly Engineering and Scientific Resources, Manchester & NorthWest

Simple rules of demand and supply indicate that in areas of greater demand the pressures on the supply chain will intensify.

This is apparent when looking to source certain skills sets in the chemicals industry.

As more jobs are created there is an uplift in the number of opportunities available and the fight for good, experienced candidates is intensifying. As the CBI recently revealed: “40% of firms looking for staff with STEM skills had difficulties recruiting, and about half thought the situation was only going to get worse.2” As a result, measures need to be taken by individual businesses and the wider industry in order to address these challenges.

Industry Initiatives Although there is no overnight solution, the industry has started to address the problem of skills shortages. As an example Manchester University, home of some of the country’s top science talent, has created a mock laboratory to allow students to experience hands-on learning.

So often graduates fresh out of university do not have the practical skills required in the workplace and the laboratory helps to overcome this issue.

To take this initiative further, academia and businesses need to collaborate more closely together to help train future graduates in the skills required by the chemicals industry before they leave university. This will take an initial upfront investment (and perhaps a leap of faith) on behalf of a business, but it could become

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recognised as a strong business model and a solution to some of the skills shortages.

It would also give these organisations an opportunity to see graduates perform in the workplace and offer them roles upon their graduation, securing future talent.

Another industry-wide initiative is that of apprenticeships. It has been well documented over the past few years there has been resurgence in the number of apprenticeships being offering by UK businesses. However the chemicals industry has somewhat lagged behind, with comparatively few apprenticeships on offer. One reason behind this is that many businesses have found it hard to find colleges or universities to offer the right training and assessment support for apprentices. This is often the result of a lack of demand for the course - meaning it is a vicious cycle. To break the cycle, there should be better dissemination of information about the availability of modules at universities and larger, established apprenticeship providers could look to help offer training for other, smaller firms. Greater collaboration between business and universities would also help improve this situation.

Talent Fuelling Business Competitiveness While the industry is addressing some of these challenges in the long term, businesses need to ensure they are competitive in the war for talent in the short term. In this candidate driven market, applicants don’t stay around for long and more often than not they will end up with several job offers on the table. Indeed, due to the lengthy interview processes of many

businesses potential employers are at risk of losing good candidates to competitors as timeframes are simply too long.

With these pressures in mind, what can businesses do to remain competitive?

Firstly, they can look to improve their recruitment process by ensuring a streamlined, efficient approach to hiring.

We advise meeting with good candidates as they become available rather than waiting for a full shortlist to be drawn up, in this way you can secure interest ahead of competitors. Once you have seen a strong candidate, don’t protract the process. Ensure all stakeholders are on board with the process and available to interview on the assigned day. Only second interview if necessary.

Candidate experience and how a business appears to prospective employees is another area we have talked a lot about previously, as a way to gain competitive advantage in the talent market. A poor experience will dissuade candidates, impacting future pipe-lines too and in a time of ever increasing skills shortages businesses must avoid this at all costs.

With the chemicals industry worth 1.5% of GDP, the sector represents an important component of the UK economy. It’s clear that while some initiatives are underway to address the skills shortages, more needs to be done, with businesses, industry and academia all working more closely together to solve the issues to ensure the sustainability of the sector.

1. www.cogent-ssc.com/research/Publications/ Chemicals.pdf 2. www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30224320

Laboratory and scale-up equipment Labtex supplies leading laboratory products including HUBER liquid temperature control systems, DIEHM glass reaction systems to 100 litres, PREMEX magnetic drives and high pressure autoclaves, POPE wiped film and short path evaporators, distillation systems, BOLA labware in PTFE and other technical plastics, PLANETROLL ATEX drive technology and ASECOS storage solutions for hazardous materials to BS EN 14470-1.

We specialise in scale up equipment for Process R & D in the chemical, pharmaceutical, defence, aerospace, biochemical and other industries.

In particular glass and steel reaction systems, distillation and evaporation techniques, liquid temperate control and hazardous material storage solutions.

We also offer a vast range of ‘general’ lab equipment in our 1400 page catalogue. In conjunction with LLG, the 3rd largest lab distributor in Europe, we can supply all your equipment needs.

Based in the North, we service the whole of the UK from our Headquarters in Huddersfield. With a team of sales professionals, highly competent administrative staff and trained service technicians you will find that talking to Labtex is a breath of fresh air.

To experience a fresh approach to problem solving please give us a call on 01484 600200 or visit www.labtex.co.uk

We pride ourselves on our customer service, quick response, accurate and informed advice and attention to detail.

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A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF

AWEEKINTHELIFEOF who will be exhibiting. Then there’s the earmarking of companies who might be potential buyers of photography. Who’s built a new factory or who’s installed a new processing line which needs photographing properly ? These are the ones I’m tempted to approach.

Tuesday

Adrian Waine Owner, Photography For Industry

Adrian Waine left Blackpool College in 1985 having spent three years studying commercial photography. In 1988 he was hired by the world’s greatest oil company Saudi ARAMCO to join their media team as staff photographer.

He returned with extensive knowledge of the oil, gas and petrochemical industries.

He’s spent the last twenty years creating a very high standard of photography for all sorts of companies who need a leg up with their marketing. Restricting his commissions to business and industry, he creates spectacular photographs to liven up brochures and reports and provoke visitors’ interest at trade exhibitions. “Quality” is always top of his agenda. Attention to detail and transforming very ordinary subjects into really great pictures.

Monday Being self employed is a bit like gardening. You have to work hard, sow lots of seeds and hope that some of them will bloom when the conditions are right. Business is just the same. I spend a lot of time prospecting for business, but commissions will only take place when there’s a need.

There’s a big exhibition on at the NEC tomorrow - The Waste and Recycling Show, this will be the eleventh year I’ve been. I spend today sifting through my portfolio swapping and changing suitable prints which have a relevance to the kind of machinery and businesses

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ELEMENTS WINTER 2014

As a regular swimmer, I’m usually in the pool for around 8am, but with an early train to Birmingham, this is a morning which I’ll have to skip. The first hour or so passes with me scouring through trade journals, trying to spot good news stories where I might find future commissions. It’s a long haul seeking out potential clients and I believe in the face to face approach where I can meet a multitude of people under one roof.

It’s a long day treading the boards around these large halls. I diligently work through my list and find I have a new spring in my step when someone tells me I’m just the chap they need at their expanding site. There’s a brand new compressor system going in which needs photographing and this needs to be featured in a forthcoming brochure.

Wednesday I did manage a dip this morning and made some useful notes about yesterday’s leads.

I’m due to be shooting down a working mine tomorrow. I need to check that a suitable power supply can be arranged for me. I need to load up as it’s a very early start tomorrow, so boots and overalls and hi vis all need to be ready for off.

A local chemical company is keen to spruce up their boardroom and entrance halls to impress visitors, so this afternoon is spent talking through the options of having a number of very large shots printed up and framed. I’m pleased to see that some of the images I created last summer have now been transferred into site safety posters and are visible to anyone entering the plant.

There’s a serious emphasis on informing drivers and contractors that protective clothing and equipment is mandatory.

These billboards provide an immediate demonstration to foreign drivers, so

its safety all round regardless of any languages spoken.

Thursday Today is ‘Down Under Day’. My first subterranean experience. It’s an early start too. I’m up before the birds, fully inducted and down the shaft before most people are even climbing out of bed. After a ten minute drive underground, I find a team of guys all beavering away on the assembly of a new cutting machine. It’s as big as a bus and almost dwarfed by the size of the cavern.

My job is to create a set of sparkling shots which will feature this activity on exhibition stands around the world. So it’s time to unwind some cables and start bringing this steelwork to life. Here I am 500 feet underground, it’s a cool and very calm atmosphere as I gradually create one set up after another. Having worked inside tanks and boilers on previous occasions, this seems spacious, just like a fabricator’s shop.

I spend the evening reviewing my frames and thoughtfully pondering all the unusual places I’ve been during my career. Inside million barrel oil tanks in Arabia, underneath cargo ships in Bahrain’s dry dock and wonder what might be coming next.

Friday After another early morning dip, I need to get my kit in order after all the muck it picked up yesterday.

Launching into next week I’m shooting organic chemistry at Runcorn. The client is aiming for a new directory of manufactured products and anticipates that some colourful shots will spice up his publication. We’ve already churned over numerous ideas to embrace his corporate colours. With a multitude of glassware to choose from and willing members of staff, it’ll easily be possible to create a set of dedicated pictures. So next week, it’ll be a lab coat instead of work boots and a makeshift studio on location. I wouldn’t have it any other way! www.photographyforindustry.com

Chemicals Northwest membership – Service Providers at a glance

Business Improvement Services

Environment, Health & Safety Risk Management

Ashton Chemicals

ABB Ltd

Axion Consulting

BakerRisk Europe Ltd

Blue Pea POD

Baytouch Ltd

FoCul Ltd

CRA Europe

KPMG

Emansys

Photography for Industry

FoCul Ltd

PICME

Haztech Consultants

Siam

HFL Risk Services

Terrington Data Services

Human Reliability

UK Trade & Investment

RAS Ltd Witt O’Brien’s

Engineering & Process Consultants

Higher Education

ABB Ltd

Manchester Metropolitan University

Aveva Solutions

University of Chester

Elmet Process Ltd

University of Manchester

Engenda Group

Wirral Metropolitan College

Haden Freeman Limited Haztech Consultants K Home International RSS Structural Inspections

Landlords, Facilities and other Business Services Chemquest Ltd

Engineering Products & Services Crane ChemPharma

M. Wyborn Consultants OAMPS SOG Ltd

CRR Ltd

STFC Innovations Technology Acces Centre

Elaflex

TW Languages

Hertel HTS Engineering Group Ltd LIS NW

Legal & Patents

Lokring

Appleyard Lees

Mann-tek

Bawden & Associates

Oranmore Environmental Services Ltd

Bond Dickinson

Oschatz

Brabners LLP

Perry Process Equipment

E3 Employment Law

Siemens

Eversheds

Simonswood Automations

Harrison Goddard Foote RW Legal

Engineering Project Management

Fichtner Engineering

Banner Chemicals Group UK Brenntag UK HW Coates Ital Logistics M&S Logistics Trade Europe Warrant Group

REACH/SDS Services Baytouch Ltd Dr Knoell Consult Ltd Global MSDS Ltd Intertek UK & Ireland Stewardship Solutions The REACH Centre

Recruitment Antal International Kelly Scientific RMG Recruitment Transitionplus Ltd

Sampling/Testing/ Analysis Aquilant Scientific CEHTRA UK Ltd Chilworth Technology Ltd Explosion Hazard Testing Ltd Intertek UK & Ireland LP Chemicals SampleRite Ltd SGS Siemens

Skills & Training CK Science Cogent TTE Training Ltd Witt O’Brien’s

Squire Sanders Hammonds Symmetry Law WP Thompson

ABB Ltd Bouygues

Logistics & Distribution

Local Councils

Stopford Projects

Cheshire West & Chester

URS Corporation

Halton Borough Council

Waste Management Services Avanti Environmental PJ Environmental Tradebe Ltd Xenon Technical Services Ltd

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The Human Factors Risk Manager Tools to Assess and Minimise Human Failures in Process Safety Following major accidents such as Macondo, Texas city and Buncefield, US and European regulatory authorities increasingly require that the human element is addressed in safety critical operations in the oil and gas sector. Human Reliability has developed innovative tools and techniques for predicting potential failures and their consequences. These tools provide vital inputs to meeting regulatory standards for the human factors requirements of COMAH and Offshore Safety Cases. The Human Factors Risk Manager uses a graphical user interface to provide the following capabilities: • Task Analyses of safety critical operations • Identification of potential errors using a structured ‘Human HAZOP’ • Evaluation of existing, and potential new, Risk Control Measures • Automatic generation of ‘Risk Aware’ procedures based on the task and error analyses • Provision of Risk Informed recommendations for user training • Graphical Root Cause Analysis of immediate and management causes of incidents • Quantification of error probabilities for use in cost effectiveness evaluations.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements or to arrange a demonstration of the HFRM software. www.humanreliability.com E: dembrey@humanreliability.com T: +44 1257 463121

Example Human Factors Risk Manager analyses

Extract from Graphical Task and Human HAZOP analysis for High Pressure Absorber draining task

Agent/ Person

ID

Description

1

Monitor absorber/respond CRO/Area to high level alarm Tech

Activity Type

Failure Mode

Error Description Consequences

Monitoring

MON1 Monitoring omitted

Failure to monitor absorber levels

High liquid level.

Ultimate plant trip leading to possible excess flaring

Monitoring

MON3 Monitoring incomplete

Monitoring of absorber levels interrupted

See 1.1

Monitoring

Do 1, Plan 1

1.1

IF HP absorber comes into alarm do 2-3.

Monitor HP absorber operation (1)

CRO

Example of Tabular Output from graphical Task Analysis and Human HAZOP

About Human Reliability Human Reliability has more than 30 years of experience in addressing the human factors aspects of safety in the Oil and Gas Sector and many other industries. Our tools and techniques for predicting and preventing human error are widely applied across the world. We work with world class organisations such as Shell, BP, Conoco Phillips, Murco and Exxon to support their risk and human reliability analyses in upstream and downstream operations.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements or to arrange a demonstration of the HFRM software. www.humanreliability.com E: dembrey@humanreliability.com T: +44 1257 463121

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CHILWORTH TECHNOLOGY

Chilworth Technology signs multi-million pound tenancy agreement with Southampton Science Park In March 2015, Chilworth Technology Ltd will be moving residence to Phi House on the Southampton Science Park.

The property will undergo considerable refurbishment in a multi-million pound refit project which will see it taken back to a shell in order to install improved electrical systems and more effective insulation, heating and air conditioning. At 16,600 sq ft, this new accommodation will also be equipped with a new state of the art laboratory wing, almost doubling the capacity of the facility for process safety testing compared with their current home at Beta House.

us to increase our testing and consulting capacity to support our continued growth in a modern, purpose built, state-of-theart facility.” He continued: “Our parent company, DEKRA, is fully behind us and we are delighted to have their backing for the next phase of our Evolution. Our choice to remain on the Science Park endorses the fact that the Science Park environment fits our brand exceptionally well. The new facilities that are being created at Phi House tick all the boxes.”

The deal was orchestrated by the Science Park team and its agent Vail Williams, along with Chilworth Technology’s agent BNP Paribas.

Peter Birkett, CEO of Southampton Science Park, said: “It’s always a pleasure to see Science Park companies achieve such significant growth. Chilworth Technology is a great example of a small start-up that has grown into a significant force whilst on the Park. This is a ten year lease, worth over £2 million, and is a great achievement not only for Chilworth Technology and the Science Park, but also the South of England at a time when the office market is struggling.”

Chilworth Technology has pioneered process safety in the UK while sharing its testing, consulting and training expertise worldwide. The Company has been a Southampton Science Park tenant for over 25 years and this is a big move for the business, as Managing Director Stephen Rowe explains: “Since starting in a single

“

Stephen Rowe

room in Chilworth Manor in 1986 whilst the Science Park was under construction, the Company has seen remarkable growth to become a globally recognised premium brand. This move will enable

This move will enable us to increase our testing and consulting capacity to support our continued growth in a modern, purpose built, state-of-the-art facility.

Stephen Rowe, Managing Director

www.cypartners.co.uk

0191 477 4733

”

info@cypartners.co.uk

science, engineering & technology recruitment

Talent Spotters, Head Hunters, Specialist Consultants, Executive Researchers…

Operating for over 25 years, our dynamic and experienced recruitment team provides dedicated, focused and quality staffing solutions to the scientific, engineering & technology community throughout the UK.

CY Partners – The company who delivers!

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ELEMENTS WINTER 2014

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Its all happening down under!

Smooth & Clean: ELAPHARM®

The demand for minerals around the world has increased significantly and the world of mining is big business whether you’re manufacturing the conveyor belts or providing the catering facilities.

In this instance, the substance is salt and it’s several hundred feet underground. Photographer, Adrian Waine has worked in a wide range of places - from docks to tank interiors - but this latest assignment has been a new and different experience.

Getting closer to the raw material is what this project has been all about, right up to the cutting face and to make matters more challenging... in the dark.

Riding down the shaft only took a minute or two, but the adventure really started 500ft down where a ten minute truck drive took us to the real action. A gigantic rock salt cutter, the size of a combine harvester, was being assembled in a construction zone somewhere deep beneath the Cheshire countryside. Having carted the usual lighting kit down under, the next stage was to arrange a variety of shots of electricians and engineers threading cables and coupling hydraulic hoses around the steel framework.

In this atmosphere of cool calmness I reflected on my good fortune - in being able to access yet another remarkable location by virtue of my profession. Lucky me!

Six hours later it was time for off…back up to the sunlight where the autumn colours of the trees looked much more vivid than they had earlier. But I was emerging from the darkness with dozens of great shots which will soon be seen around the world, illustrating literature and trade displays at major exhibitions.

ELAPHARM hose assemblies for the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industry: • ultra smooth lining of DuPont Teflon® PTFE • homogeneous elastomer hose construction to DIN 26055-3.

• Flexible and kink resistant, pressure and vacuum resistant.

• Nominal bores DN 13 to 50 mm • as ELAPHARM (non el. conductive) or ELAPHARM OHM (fully el. conductive) • FDA / USP Class VI • up to +150° C, vacuum 0,8 bar, PN 10 In-house hose assembling by Elaflex, straight from the reel for fast delivery of your assemblies.

Choice of fittings, eg. PTFE lining flared over ends, no entrapment, for highest media purity requirements.

This winter, when darkness falls and the flashing gritters take to the highways, I’ll feel a new found respect for the humble salt crystal. It’s chemistry after all!

Adrian Waine Photography for Industry www.photographyforindustry.com adrianwaine@btopenworld.com Tel. 0151 356 3855

ELAFLEX LTD. Phone +44(0)1992 452950 · Fax +44(0)1992 452911 sales@elaflex.co.uk · www.elaflex.co.uk

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SPECIALISTS SPECIALISTSIN INCHEMICAL CHEMICALINDUSTRY INDUSTRY INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTUREREPAIR REPAIR&&MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE • • Tank and Bund Cleaning and Repair Tank and Bund Cleaning and Repair • • Structural Rehabilitation Structural Rehabilitation • • Specialist Chemical Resistant Coatings Specialist Chemical Resistant Coatings • • Confined Spaces Confined Spaces • • Concrete Repair Concrete Repair • • Infiltration Engineering Infiltration Engineering • • Pipe Lining and Repairs Pipe Lining and Repairs • • High Pressure Water Jetting/Waste Tankering High Pressure Water Jetting/Waste Tankering • • Wet and Dry Grit Blasting Wet and Dry Grit Blasting

E: info@oranmore-esl.co.uk www.oranmore-esl.co.uk www.oranmore-esl.co.uk E: info@oranmore-esl.co.uk T: 0330 111 0007 T: 0330 111 0007

NEW MEMBERS

Eco FS Eco FS specialise in Degreasing, Metal Working Fluids, Membrane Filtration, and Short Path Distillation & Thin Film Distillation. The foundation of Eco FS since our formation in 2008 is a result of the increasing legislation surrounding the use of chemicals and the need for the manufacture of speciality chemicals.

Developments in recent years have seen our products used in many countries across the world in a diverse range of applications.

Degreasing Solveco Degreasing Technology degreases the toughest of metal working lubricants and is classified as a nonVOC solvent and conforms to REACH Legislation & the Solvent Emissions Directive.

Metal Working Fluids Eco FS have some of the most advanced cutting fluid in the market designed for specialist applications like magnesium machining and aerospace aluminium alloys.

n

Profile Short Path & Thin Film Distillation Eco FS is the UK and Ireland agent for UIC, offering almost six decades of experience and market leadership in vacuum distillation.

Lubricant Filtration Eco FS has developed a heated inline filtration system that can remove particles to a reusable specification according to ISO4406.

Nanofiltration

Eco FS Contact: Russell Lloyd Director Unit 42 Westbrook Trading Estate, Westbrook Road, Trafford Park, M17 1AY T: 0161 667 1503 E: info@ecofs.com www.ecofs.com specialist industrial chemical engineering company

Combined with specialist chemical resistant materials this process offers a robust and cost effective way of separating chemicals with similar boiling points but differing molecular weights.

Chemical Analysis & Validation Our experience in developing metal working fluids and chemical recycling techniques has resulted in a dynamic range of analysis and validation methods for many high spec markets.

FoCul

Profile

FoCul develop tailored and highly configurable off-the-shelf software solutions, using Information Technology to increase process efficiency and to harness and share knowledge.

We specialise in engineering, manufacturing and business processes, helping companies become more profitable.

FoCul Contact: Sean Cull, CEng MD & Lead Consultant PO Box 275, Leyland, Lancashire PR25 5WQ T: +44 (0)161 660 8226

Through our technical expertise real life industrial experience we are able to: n Reduce cost n Enhance control n Increase competitiveness

We have developed a number of offthe-shelf products based on best practices. These also allow us to deploy tailored solutions quicker and more cost effectively. These include : n Management of Change n Engineering Data Management n Skills and Roles Manager n Knowledge Library

All our products and software solutions are highly configurable. We are flexible in our approach and will engage with key users throughout the application life cycle to ensure maximum value is sustained from your investment. We understand that in order to deliver the right outcome, we must be driven by your requirements and feedback.

T: +1 (0)281 404 1507 (US) E: sean.cull@focul.net www.focul.net

Our aim will always be to give you the most cost effective solution. We are solution not commercially driven. We work on a fixed or subscription pricing structure depending on our clients’ needs.

Our applications are built to last.

n Action Manager n Workflow Manager n Shift Logs

ELEMENTS WINTER 2014

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NEW MEMBERS

Tracerco Tracerco, part of Johnson Matthey Plc, is a world leading technology company, providing unique and specialised detection, diagnostics and measurement solutions mainly to the Oil/Gas and Refinery and Petrochemicals sectors Strong customer relationships, innovative R&D and the delivery of high quality products and services has underpinned Tracerco’s growth and success for over 50 years.

Tracerco’s network of over 30 overseas offices and 400 employees, allows us to deliver local services to our customers, supporting our products and services anywhere in the world.

There are eight business units which include:

Process Diagnostics

Profile aid day to day production, pre-shutdown planning as well as commissioning.

Measurement Instruments Tracerco designs, manufactures and technically supports an extensive range of process level, density and phase control instruments. Our nucleonic instruments are always custom designed to the needs of the specific application, are nonintrusive and are easily fitted.

Subsea Technologies Our inspection services are used subsea to provide operators with assurance of the integrity of their assets, supply tagging / detection technology for pigging operations and to diagnose flow abnormalities

Tracerco Contact: Colin Smalley Technology Consultant ( Process Diagnostics) Tracerco Billingham UK T: 44(0)1642 375500 F: 44(0)1642 370704 M: 44(0) 7739 153713 E: colin.smalley@tracerco.com www.tracerco.com

Further details can be found at www.tracerco.com

Tracerco is able to offer scanning, tracer studies, and tracer characterisation technologies to operators of process plant. These on-line process diagnostics services give valuable information that can

CY Partners Recruitment Ltd CY Partners deliver recruitment solutions purely within the scientific, engineering and technology markets. Our top quality team has extensive knowledge of these industries in the UK.

Profile CY Partners Recruitment Ltd Contact: Anth Mckeown Business Development Executive T: 07557 026900

We work hard to understand our clients’ needs fully. Our partnership approach allows us to consistently deliver targeted solutions time and time again – from entry level through to senior management, on either permanent, interim or temporary contracts.

CY Partners’ specialist consultants come from scientific backgrounds and have sector specific knowledge & experience of the industry in which they recruit. As true experts in our field, CY Partners has excellent industry connections within commercial and academic institutes. This helps immensely when attracting the best candidates available in the marketplace.

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ELEMENTS WINTER 2014

We provide expert advice to all candidates by fully understanding their needs and matching those with the best opportunities in the sector.

CY Partners vision is to be the first choice and most trusted recruitment partner to its growing client base in the science, engineering & technology community.

Can we tailor a solution for you?

E: anthony.mckeown@cypartners.co.uk Dan Younger Director T: 07501 723 352 E: dan.younger@cypartners.co.uk Suite 2-3 Gateway West Business Centre Gateway House, Gateway West Newburn Riverside Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 8NX T: 0191 477 4733 www.cypartners.co.uk

NEW MEMBERS

Haztech Haztech specialises in providing integrated solutions for the Management of Risks associated with potentially hazardous processes & materials. This includes providing in-depth analysis and training for Regulatory Compliance with COMAH, ATEX & DSEAR, EPR & SED. We use a 6-stage Hazard Study process for HAZOPs, which includes Hazard Identification, from project conception to operation. This ensures that capital investment is safe and cost effective. We undertake Safety Cases, Human Factors studies, development of Basis of Safety criteria, SIL assessment to IEC 61508 & 61511 and Occupied Buildings studies. Our clients include SMEs, Power Generation, Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Oil and Gas companies.

Support for Your Safety, Health & Environmental Challenges in 2015

n

Profile changes to legislation, guidance, HSE & EA topics could affect you in the coming year, contact Haztech for a consultation on topics such as: n Environmental Risk Tolerability for

COMAH Establishments – CDOIF n DSEAR & CLP Harmonisation n SEVESO III and changes to the COMAH

Regulations n Human Factors for COMAH

establishments

Haztech Contact: Steve Kershaw Managing Director Meridian House, Road One, Winsford Industrial Estate, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 3QG T: 01606 553 840 F: 01606 594 144 E: info@haztechconsultants.com www.haztechconsultants.com

n Training & Competence

Haztech have effective solutions and capability in these topics and have supported major clients in the implementation of the guidance and legislation to ensure effective compliance.

This enables us to ensure that your business is not caught out in 2015.

You can’t predict the unknowns that may affect your business in 2015 but you can plan for what is foreseeable and what will be the focus of HSE and EA interventions this year. If you want to know how key

University of Chester – High Growth Centre Located at Thornton Science Park (the former Shell Technology Centre), the High Growth Centre is co-funded by the University of Chester and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Designed specifically for companies operating in the Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive, Engineering and Environmental sectors it offers SMEs (Small Medium Enterprises) and new startup businesses valuable advice and access to a wide range of specialist equipment for free. Alongside this flexible workspaces are available including hot desks, office space, laboratory and industrial workspace as well as access to high-end analytical equipment and services.

Services n Technical advice and research support

from our Faculty of Science and Engineering n Personalised Intellectual Property and

commercialisation advice

n Sales & Marketing tactics and strategic

planning n Bespoke business development

expertise n Supply Chain Advice n On-site IT Support n Funding advice with a network of

appropriate funding solutions

Profile University of Chester – High Growth Centre Contact: Louise Dolan Commercial Contact Manager Thornton Science Park, University of Chester, Pool Lane, Ince, Cheshire, CH2 4NU T: 01244 512347 E: highgrowth@chester.ac.uk www.thorntonsciencepark.co.uk/hgc

n Import & Export advice n Business Planning n Pitching for investment n Access to high-end analytical

equipment and services n Access to dedicated and multi-

user laboratories, workshops and prototyping n Competitively priced offices and hot

desks n Assitance to produce Health & Safety

policies and specialist H&S training for Engineering, Chemical Handling, Energy and Nuclear industries.

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We’re passionate about print!

Looking for a printer for your next print project? Then look no further, with Charlesworth Press you can expect …

• Competitive pricing on brochures, catalogues, magazines, corporate literature, & much more • Full colour printing from short runs up to thousands of copies • Wide range of binding options including soft bound, hard bound, wiro & spiral bound • Dedicated Account Manager to help & advise throughout the process • Accredited to ISO 9001 Quality standards • Environmentally friendly ISO 14001 & FSC production • PLUS lots of care & attention to detail!!

Working hard to support Chemicals North West members

Contact us to find out how we can make a difference to your next print project Tel: 01924 204830 Email: sales@charlesworth.com

Charlesworth Press ...evolution in print

www.charlesworth.com Charlesworth Press, Flanshaw Way, Flanshaw Lane, Wakefield WF2 9LP

CNW EVENTS

n

Remember, remember the 5th of November

On Wednesday 5th November Chemicals Northwest held a free breakfast network event at Thornton Science Park, the former Shell Technology Centre and a major research and innovation hub for the North West.

The event was sponsored by the High Growth Centre which is based at Thornton Science Park. The project is co-funded by the University of Chester and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is designed specifically for companies operating in the Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive, Engineering and Environmental sectors. It offers SMEs (Small Medium Enterprises) and new startup businesses valuable advice and access to a wide range of specialist equipment for free. Alongside this, flexible workspaces are available including hot desks, office space, laboratory and industrial workspace as well as access to high-end analytical equipment and services.

During the event more than 60 delegates listened to speakers cover a variety of topics of interest. Prith Rajendran, Managing Director of Stopford Projects gave an insight into the value of innovation in the green technology sector and how it serves to support large multidisciplinary consultancy projects across energy and environment sectors as well as an overview of the research collaborations with the University of Chester.

Steve Wilkinson, Head of Chemical Engineering at the University of Chester and a founding member of the new Faculty of Science and Engineering spoke about the academic and commercial

opportunities available at Thornton Science Park. He provided delegates with an insight into the plans for the site, the courses available and how businesses can benefit from working with the University of Chester.

Janet Perkins, Managing Director of TW Languages Ltd provided a behind the scenes look into the translation process for technical products and shared a real life case study to demonstrate ‘what’ and ‘who’ is involved in producing quality translations that are ready for publication.

Stephen Lloyd, Sales and Marketing Advisor for the High Growth Centre brought presentations to a close by sharing the opportunities available at the High Growth Centre before inviting delegates to join guided tours of Thornton Science Park which includes industry scale lab spaces, workshops and offices for commercial use as well as teaching rooms and an impressive library.

To find out more about the High Growth Centre or Thornton Science Park go to www.thorntonsciencepark.co.uk or contact Louise Dolan, l.dolan@chester. co.uk, 01244 512347.

Prith Rajendran, Managing Director of Stopford Projects

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n

CNW EVENTS

Mid Cheshire and Manchester cell say security does matter!

On 9 October, CIA’s Aila Bursnall, Responsible Care Executive met with the group for a well represented and lively discussion at The Heath , Runcorn.

This session had a special focus on security matters to correspond with the CIA’s update publication ‘Maintaining security in chemical businesses’, which we strongly recommend reviewing as part of your arrangements to manage security effectively.

were some themes related to intensive inspection programs to manage and maintain ageing plant and statutory inspections. Of particular interest here was experience of inspections for glass reinforced plastic tanks (GRP) and a risk based inspection programmes of plant.

Tim Atherton, Business Development Manager, G4S Security, gave a thought provoking presentation on ‘Managing Risk in today’s uncertain world’. With a number of practical examples, looking at the different aspects to consider in a range of areas from personnel, site, chemicals and cyber security. A number of site’s had some excellent examples of actions taken due to raised security awareness.

Regulatory feedback from Jane Durling, of the Environment Agency, updated on its reorganisation, and reported sites should not see any changes to EPR inspections. The EA charging consultation ended in November; being prepared for COMAH 2015; reclassification implications of Nitric Acid and Hazardous Substance Consent; and the Better Regulation Executive (BRE) timetable for sessions at The Heath on October 14th. Matt Lea, HSE, HID noted the role of the Intervention Manager; the launch of the HSE’s Asbestos Campaign for small

The normal round table discussions on intervention visits, injuries and incidents progressed as usual, but there

REACHReady briefs CNW members on CLP and COMAH On 16 October, Lisa Allen, Head of Technical Services at CIA’s REACHReady, participated in the Chemicals Northwest (CNW) REACH User Group meeting in Runcorn.

Making a presentation to outline the challenges posed by the 1 June 2015 deadline, Lisa stressed the importance of allowing sufficient time and resources to derive CLP classifications and re-design product labels. Lisa also provided an

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update on the proposed harmonisation of data requirements for submission of information to EU Poison Centres, highlighting the Commission’s cost/ benefit survey which closes on 21 October.

Finally in the presentation, Lisa elaborated some of the wider implications of the transition to CLP, in particular the COMAH 2015 Regulations and the consequent duties for affected sites.

The meeting closed with a round table discussion of current REACH and CLP issues faced by CNW members and on wider product stewardship concerns.

For further information contact Lisa, allenl@cia.org.uk

businesses which has an informative ‘app’ containing up to date risk information to ‘stop the job’; the new Chief executive of the HSE Dr Richard Judge; and the live consultations on the pressure systems regulations.

Aila noted some additional information related to asking companies to complete the online survey on the cost, time and resources involved in COMAH 2015 and CLP classification; being part of a psychosocial risk at work and stress survey; and the HSE/HSL research report RR103 on ill health in the chemical industry.

For more information please contact Aila Bursnall, BursnallA@cia.org.uk

CNW EVENTS

n

Cogent workshop shares best practice around Competency Management In recent times discussions with COMAH Site Operators suggested there was a degree of confusion about the approach taken by the Competent Authority when carrying out their Competence Audits.

Subsequent discussions between The Cogent Group and the Authority highlighted a number of issues principally around the perceived expectations of both parties regarding the focus and intent of competence reviews.

To alleviate any misunderstanding the Cogent Group decided to sponsor a workshop hosted by Chemicals Northwest, which was held on the 4th December, to update employers on the approach by the Competent Authority and to suggest appropriate ways for Operators to best prepare themselves for an audit.

Sixteen delegates from fourteen companies attended the workshop, run by Roger Langford from the Cogent Group, looking at the perceived issues around the auditing of Competence Management Systems by the Health & Safety Executive.

This session was highly interactive and provided attendees with: 1. Clarification of the Competent Authority’s approach to Competence Management Audits 2. An individual audit of their current Competence Management System mapped against Best Practice and the Authority’s approach.

3. An individual organisational action plan designed to address gaps and implement any relevant changes at their sites.

CNW Events All of our events can be found on the events page www.chemicalsnorthwest.org. uk/events

Feedback was very positive with many finding the event “thought provoking”, “challenging and “stimulating”. Ray Owens; Training Assessor, Pentagon Chemical Specialties added: “The event was very informative, in particular the sharing of experiences and best practice with regards to competence. As a result we will be reviewing our competence system to make sure we have captured the best practices “

Martin Griffiths; HSEQ Manager at Solvay Interox Ltd said: “The seminar provided a useful opportunity to meet other COMAH operators and share experiences of Competence inspections by the Regulator.

The interactive sessions identified a number of ideas for demonstrating competence and continual improvement.”

For more information contact Roger Langford on 07894 483 695

11th February 2015 – Heath Business Park, Runcorn

6th March 2015 - Heath Business Park, Runcorn (8.15am - 9.30am)

Supply Chain Forum

Chemicals Northwest Breakfast

18th February 2015 – Heath Business Park, Runcorn

Focus on water in the chemical industry

sponsored by The Royal Society of Chemistry 19th March 2015 – Hilton Manchester, Deansgate

Chemicals Northwest Awards 2015

ELEMENTS WINTER 2014

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SYMMETRY LAW

CCS - a step towards decarbonisation Carbon capture and storage (CCS) refers to capturing the carbon dioxide produced from combustion and storing it indefinitely to prevent it contributing to global warming.

The Government regards CCS as a vital intermediate technology between today’s fossil fuel energy and the renewable and nuclear energy that will supply most of our future needs. The UK is well suited to CCS because many industrial and power installations are near the coast and are proximate to offshore storage locations.

In North America CCS is reasonably well established, in part because carbon dioxide is already used there to enhance recovery from oil wells. The UK Government estimates that CCS enabled plant could help to provide more than 20% of our total energy by 2050. To help achieve this, £1billion of capital support has been made available for CCS commercialisation, with the aim of showing that large scale CCS is feasible while learning lessons that will drive down future costs. Two power sector projects, White Rose and Peterhead, have received funding to help pay for their FEED studies.

They may attract additional capital support in the future, including through Contracts for Difference (CfD). This new regime gives long term price certainty to low carbon power generators by providing top-up payments when the market price for electricity is below the generator’s costs, including the cost of investment.

Unfortunately CfD does not benefit manufacturing installations, and the current carbon price does not provide a sufficient incentive to drive CCS investment outside the power sector.

DECC published a policy paper last August to seek industry’s views on the next steps in the deployment of CCS, and formal consultations are expected to follow. In the meantime, expressions of interest had to be lodged by 19th December 2014 for up to £2.5m of funding for CCS-focused R&D projects.

For further information please contact; paul.bratt@symmetrylaw.co.uk victoria.joy@symmetrylaw.co.uk

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