Gas monitoring capability expanded.

Responding to a growing demand for portable Ashtead Technology has announced a new partnership with Gas Data. The deal will significantly expand the range of applications for which Ashtead is able to offer gas monitors for either purchase or rental.

Josh Thomas, Senior Sales Manager at Ashtead Technology, says: “We’re excited to be kicking off the new year with a new distributor agreement. The portable, ATEX certified Gas Data instruments perfectly complement and expand our range of gas and emissions monitors for applications such as site investigation, risk assessments, landfill gas control, environmental compliance monitoring, and more.”

The new Gas Data portable gas analysers include the GFM 400 series analysers, the Gazoscan and the Inspectra. Combined, these instruments will provide Ashtead’s customers with a complete choice of technologies for the measurement of methane and other gases in applications such as landfill, biogas, contaminated land, petrochem, gas leaks, gas utilities and wastewater.

All of these instruments are able to measure methane, which is a powerful greenhouse gas, (around 30 times stronger than CO2), and the subject of urgent global initiatives to lower emissions. Methane is the main component of natural gas and biogas, so it is essential for leaks to be identified and prevented. The Gazoscan employs a laser to identify leaks and sources over long distances, and the Inspectra fulfils a similar function but with a sampling rod and/or wheel for surveying and pinpointing gas leaks.

The GFM 400 series are able to measure a wider range of gases and enable users to choose the instrument that best suits their application. For example, the GFM 406 has an option for hydrogen measurement, which is increasingly being introduced into natural gas supplies. Other options include LEL, O2, CO and H2S; the latter being useful in odour investigations at petrochemical and wastewater plants.

With a fixed configuration measuring and logging CH4, CO2, O2, H2S and CO, the GFM 426 is ideal for landfill applications. The GFM 436 offers similar capability with the additional capacity to analyse VOCs; offering the versatility of use in both landfill and contaminated land applications.

Graham Sanders, Sales Director at Gas Data, says: “We are delighted to be partnering with Ashtead Technology. By combining the knowledge and expertise of our companies we will enable customers worldwide to optimise their operations by accessing market-leading products and solutions for monitoring pollutants and greenhouse gases.” 

@AshteadTech @GasData @_Enviro_News #PAuto #Environment #Rental

Air quality monitoring capability more comprehensive!

Ashtead Technology has announced the launch of the TSI BlueSky™ 8145 air quality monitor which measures additional gas and weather parameters compared to the standard BlueSky™.

The newest monitor in the low-cost BlueSky™ range has been designed to meet the needs of those looking to undertake gas monitoring (CO, CO₂, NO₂, SO₂, O₃), in addition to measuring particulate matter (PM) mass concentrations, temperature, relative humidity (RH) and barometric pressure (BP). The latest model can work in conjunction with two optional solar power and cellular accessories that are also new to the range.

By growing its equipment range, Ashtead Technology has enabled its clients to expand their air quality monitoring projects by measuring more parameters to help make informed decisions regarding air quality. The BlueSky™ 8145 provides accurate data that can be used to compare with exposure levels and as part of risk analyses.

“This is a major addition to our equipment fleet,” says Senior Sales Manager Josh Thomas. “The latest 8145 model has new gas sensors that clients can use to measure common pollutants Ozone, Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen Dioxide, and Sulfur Dioxide, plus the ability to measure barometric pressure – meaning that clients can get an all-round stronger picture of air quality within and around their buildings. In addition, the latest model still simultaneously monitors particulates PM1, PM2.5, PM4 and PM10, ambient temperature and relative humidity.”

While specifically designed for outdoor environmental monitoring, the BlueSky™ can also be used by anyone interested in air quality - including inside buildings, homes and manufacturing facilities to measure indoor air quality.

The BlueSky™ 8145 has two power options: AC mains and Solar if used with the new solar panel system. It also has two connectivity options: WiFi or Cellular if used with the new cellular accessory. The optional accessories can therefore be used to provide peace of mind for constant, reliable access to the cloud.

The BlueSky™ 8145 and optional accessories are available to rent or purchase from Ashtead Technology.  Ashtead Technology is a  Gold Channel Partner with TSI.

@AshteadTech @TSIIncorporated @_Enviro_News #Environment

Survey and inspection.

Ashtead Technology has joined The Survey Association (TSA) as a supplier of rental equipment to the survey and inspection industry.

The TSA is the trade association for commercial survey companies in Great Britain. It promotes best practise in the survey industry, provides guidance on new methods and techniques, and lists suitably qualified and experienced companies who carry out surveying or who supply the survey industry.

This comes as Ashtead Technology has grown its suite of survey and inspection equipment which includes GNSS systems, levels, pipe lasers, scanning systems, total stations, utility locators and CCTV drain inspection cameras.

Ben Travis, Regional General Manager, says: “We are delighted to have been accepted by The Survey Association as a Supplier Member in recognition of the rental equipment we offer to the survey and inspection industry. We are looking forward to all of the opportunities our membership will create.

“Further to this, we are excited to be attending GEO Business where we’ll be showcasing our growing range of survey equipment (Stand GA49-18th-19th May 2022 - London GB). We’re looking forward to meeting and talking to plenty of experts in the geospatial field.”

Survey and inspection companies hire this equipment when their own is unavailable, or when they need more during peak demand. Hiring survey and inspection equipment is also an excellent way to try new technologies before committing to purchase, and it offers significant cost savings. Ashtead Technology offers market-leading rates and is currently offering generous discounts on rental quotes to new customers.  

@AshteadTech @surveyassoc @_Enviro_News #TandM #Britain

Flurry for noise and dust measurement!

Responding to a flurry of recent customer requests, Ashtead Technology has developed a remote monitoring solution for the continuous measurement of both noise and dust.

“These are two of the most important pollutants – especially at construction and demolition sites,” explains Senior Sales Manager Josh Thomas. “So it made sense to develop a single system that could accurately monitor both parameters simultaneously and deliver continuous data remotely. Our engineering team therefore developed a solution that combines the key advantages of two separate TSI technologies, and I am delighted to confirm that it is now available to all of our customers for rental or purchase.”

Dust and noise monitoring are required at sites where they present a potential hazard to site workers and the local community. Consequently, these monitors will be employed for health & safety purposes, in environmental investigations and in compliance with planning requirements stipulated in a site’s permit.

The TSI DustTrak & SoundPro remote dust and noise monitoring system is supplied in a weather-proof, lockable enclosure, complete with the EnviroNet software platform which enables users to access the data with any web-enabled device. This wireless, cloud-based management system provides secure access to data at any time from anywhere, and enables the configuration of text and email alerts when noise or dust levels meet user-set conditions.

The TSI DustTrak complies with the MCERTS performance standards for measuring PM2.5, PM10 and total PM across a broad range of 0 - 150mg/m3. The TSI Quest SoundPro offers class/type 2 noise monitoring with 1/3 Octave Band analysis.

The unit can be powered via mains, solar panels or leisure battery, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor monitoring requirements.

Summarising, Josh says: “This is a great example of Ashtead Technology responding to customer needs; utilising its experience and expertise to deliver a solution that will be ideal for a wide variety of applications.

“With this technology, our customers will be able to quickly and easily deploy the latest monitoring technology in almost any location, with immediate access to continuous data, which will reduce the requirement for site visits and save costs. However, the greatest benefit will be the confidence and assurance that the site is in compliance with noise and dust regulations.

@ashteadtech @_Enviro_News #Environment #Construction

Remote visual inspection.

Ashtead Technology has recently invested in a major upgrade to its fleet of instruments for the advanced remote visual inspection of assets such as engines, turbines, aircraft, vehicles, processing plant, buildings and locations with poor or limited access.

“These investments are part of an ongoing strategy to continually acquire new technologies; so that our customers don’t have to,” comments NDT Market Manager Steve Drake. “By offering a wide range of technologies, we can ensure that each customer employs the most appropriate instrument for every job, without a frequent requirement for capital expenditure.

“When customers contact us they expect us to have the solution they need, so we are constantly adding to and refining our rental fleet. For example, recent investments include upgrades of the Olympus IPLEX videoscopes to the highly portable G-Lite, and upgrades to the IPLEX NX models to include 3D modelling.”

Lightweight and rugged with powerful imaging capability, the G-Lite is the latest videoprobe from Olympus, delivering excellent image quality by employing the same technology as much larger systems. Steve says: “Better quality images provide better reports, which inform better decisions, and with image streaming from videoprobe to tablet / mobile, it is possible for users to share live inspection results with colleagues and quickly gain a second opinion.”

By upgrading the IPLEX NX systems to include 3D modelling, Ashtead has enabled its rental customers to create 3D models of inspection areas for intuitive flaw visualisation. This means that they will be able to see the precise shape of flaws in critical components and thereby make better decisions on repair requirements.

There are no minimum or maximum rental periods for the IPLEX systems; they can be hired for one day or one year. Depending on availability and location, they are normally available on a next or same-day delivery to support urgent inspection requirements.

#PAuto #NDT @ashteadtech @_Enviro_News

Inspection of drains.

Ashtead Technology has been appointed as the Preferred Rental Partner for the CCTV inspection equipment needs of Drain Doctor, Britain’s largest drain clearance and emergency plumbing company. With over 57 locations across the territory, the deal will ensure that all Drain Doctor’s plumbing and drainage engineers are provided with quick and easy access to the latest inspection tools including crawlers, push rods and ATEX systems, from leading brands such as MiniCam, iPEK, Pearpoint and Wohler.

Drain Doctor’s Purchasing Manager Steve Pickwell, says: “With Drain Doctor franchisees spread across England, Scotland and Wales, and engineers serving both residential and commercial customers, every job is different, and the equipment requirement varies accordingly. Access to Ashtead’s fleet of inspection tools will therefore help to avoid significant investment costs and ensure that we are able to quickly solve customers’ plumbing and drainage problems.”

Drain Doctor has been providing professional plumbing and drainage services in Britain since 1994, and CCTV drain surveys form an important component of the services provided. This is because remote visual inspections help to identify the cause of problems quickly and cost-effectively, without having to dig holes or trenches. Typically investigations are undertaken in response to the problems caused by blockages, leaks, displaced joints, tree root ingress, pipe corrosion, scale, debris or fat accumulation, cracked or collapsed drains, or even poor installation. In addition, drain inspections are required for pre-tenancy, homebuyer and vendor surveys, as well as build over surveys at construction sites.

Expressing his delight with the announcement, Ashtead Technology’s Regional General Manager, Ben Travis said: “We have invested over £198k in our CCTV inspection rental fleet in the past 12 months which demonstrated to Drain Doctor our ability to serve all of their franchisees. Our partnership with Drain Doctor will help them to deliver peace of mind to customers, by ensuring that their engineers have access to the most appropriate CCTV equipment for every job.”

#Environment #Waste @ashteadtech @_Enviro_News #Britain

Composting efficiency.

Ashtead Technology has been appointed as the exclusive distributor in Ireland & Britain for two innovative products that help waste managers improve composting efficiency; protect staff and site safety from waste fires; avoid odour complaints; protect the environment, and comply with the latest regulations.

Freeland's George Longmuir with Ashtead's 

Ben Travis

Developed by Freeland Scientific, ‘CompostManager’ is a complete system for managing the composting process, and ‘smarTprobe’ is a temperature monitoring system for compost and other wastes where overheating and fire represent a potential hazard.

Freeland Managing Director George Longmuir says: “This is an extremely exciting time for our business. CompostManager has been proven at over 85 sites around the world, and the smarTprobe system was launched for waste management licence holders seeking to demonstrate effective fire prevention plans. Both systems employ the Best Available Techniques (BAT) required by the (British ed) Environment Agency.

“As a small company our focus has been on the development of technologies that precisely meet the needs of the waste management sector, so this new partnership with Ashtead Technology will raise our profile enormously and provide a broader spectrum of waste managers with access to products that will benefit their businesses immediately.”

Probes in compost heap!

CompostManager consists of a portable probe and measurement system that records the key factors affecting composting efficiency: temperature, moisture, oxygen and carbon dioxide. Representative batches are measured in situ with a test that takes about one minute to perform, and barcoding ensures traceability of data. Collected data is then transferred to a PC and uploaded to a website which provides suggested management instructions such as ‘Turn’, ‘Irrigate’ and ‘Leave Alone.’ This ensures that unnecessary turning is avoided and that composting is as efficient and fast as possible, whilst minimising the production of bio-aerosols and odours. As well as demonstrating effective management practice, the system also produces PAS100 reports.

The smarTprobe system consists of robust temperature probes that are inserted into piles of bulk materials that have the potential to catch fire. The probes communicate wirelessly with a central server which displays continuous readings via a secure, password-protected website. A colour-coded display enables users to check the temperature profiles of their waste piles at a glance, and the system automatically issues warnings before dangerous conditions arise.

British fire and rescue services attend around 300 significant fires at waste sites every year, so the potential for the smarTprobe system is enormous if these fires are to be prevented.

Commenting on the business benefits for customers, Ashtead’s Ben Travis says: “The Freeland products employ best available techniques to provide traceable data, which demonstrates that a site is being managed properly and is in compliance with both fire safety and environmental regulations. This dramatically reduces risk, which will be of great interest to business owners and insurers. As a further benefit the systems also deliver operational efficiency, so we foresee enormous potential for these products.”

 #Safety #Environment @ashteadtech @Freeland_Sci @_Enviro_News

Dust monitoring and alarm.

Following advice from the British Health & Safety Executive (HSE), a large manufacturer was required to monitor airborne particulates in and around its paint shop, and to automatically raise visual and audible alarms when potentially dangerous conditions arise. Ashtead Technology was contacted, and Jay Neermul, Environmental Sales Manager, visited the site to assess the requirements.

With remote communication and the ability to measure all of the key dust fractions simultaneously, Jay concluded that the most appropriate instruments would be the TSI DustTrak Environmental 8543 MCERTS Outdoor Dust & Aerosol Monitors (TSI DTE). “By continuously monitoring total PM, PM10, PM2.5 and PM1, these instruments provide a complete picture of the particulate levels that represent a threat to staff health,” he comments. “With MCERTS certification these monitors also have the proven levels of performance that are required to operate continuously and reliably.”

The TSI DTE instruments continuously monitor particulate levels and transmit data to a cloud-based system which can be accessed via PC or mobile APP. This provides an opportunity to view secure monitoring data 24/7 from any location, which means that staff will be able to correlate process conditions with aerosol levels so that opportunities for operational improvements can be identified. The system is also able to issue alarms via text or email, however, this application demanded visual and audible alarms so that staff can be evacuated immediately. The TSI DTE does not provide this function, so Ashtead’s engineers developed and trialled a solution that incorporates the advantages of the monitoring system with a bespoke audible and visual alarm capability.

The resulting monitoring system demonstrated full compliance with the site’s monitoring requirements, so three systems were ordered in July 2019 and delivered in the first week of August.

“This project exemplifies Ashtead’s ability to develop a monitoring solution that meets the precise needs of a client,” comments Jay Neermul. “Our website details the wide range of standard products that we stock, but a quick call to our technical staff allows customers to ensure that they buy or rent the best equipment for their specific application, even if that requires systems engineering on our part.”

#Environment #Safety #Britain @ashteadtech

Keeping pipelines safe and clean.

In order to cope with growing demand, Ashtead Technology has invested more than €223k (£200k) in its CCTV pipe inspection rental fleet over the last 6 months.

“We are continuously buying new technology,” reports Regional Sales Manager Jay Neermul, “but with more long-term national contracts in place, we have had to increase the number of cameras in stock, so that customers can choose the best and most appropriate equipment, wherever and whenever they need it.”

Recent examples of Ashtead Technology’s acquisitions include the iPEK Rovion ATEX crawler cameras and a range of MiniCam systems such as the iCam SOLOPro+ push-rod cameras with axial, pan & tilt and duo options, as well as the Proteus crawler cameras.

Eliminating the need for man-entry, a new floatation raft with EX Zone 2 certification has also been added to the fleet for applications with flowing water. With three powerful, angled, auxiliary LED light modules, the raft can be lowered in most manholes for the inspection of pipes from 60cm to over 200cm diameter.

A new portable trolley is also now available to store and transport all of the necessary equipment for pipe inspections. The trolley has been designed for Proteus inspection systems, and is particularly advantageous in applications with difficult access where inspections are undertaken at some distance from a vehicle. Jay says: “The raft and trolley were purchased in response to specific customer requests, and are good examples of the way in which we respond to customer needs by investing in the fleet and expanding equipment options for all of our customers.”

Commenting on the growth in long-term rental contracts, Jay says: “Many larger organisations have re-evaluated their instrumentation fleets and decided that rental represents a more attractive option – avoiding heavy capital investments and depreciation costs, whilst retaining access to the latest technologies.”

@ashteadtech #Environment @_Enviro_News 

Elbow leaks!

Ashtead Technology has added the Olympus FlexoFORM™ pipe elbow scanner to its rental fleet of Non Destructive Testing equipment. “This is part of a major investment in our NDT fleet,” says NDT Market Manager Steve Drake. “The FlexoFORM is an extremely important addition because it complements our other pipe inspection equipment and provides a solution for many particularly challenging applications.

“Pipe elbows are susceptible to damage from issues such as flow-accelerated corrosion (FAC), but they can be difficult to inspect because their shape changes from convex to concave, and of course pipe diameters vary widely.”

To address these challenges, FlexoFORM integrates flexible phased array probe technology in a scanner. When combined with a water column, this solution can be used to collect easy-to-interpret data on elbows with diameters ranging from 4.5" OD upwards. The instrument also provides 100% elbow coverage, intuitive 2D C-scan imaging, high-resolution data (1 mm × 1 mm) and fast elbow wall thickness measurement.

The scanner can be used with an OmniScan® MX2 or SX instrument to measure remaining wall thickness, and detect corrosion pitting and mid-wall laminations or inclusions. High-density data combined with the multiple views available on the flaw detector or OmniPC™ software, provide clear images of the elbow’s condition and make data interpretation faster and easier.

For pipes that are smaller than 4.5 inches, the FlexoFORM can be rented with the small-diameter wedge series, which allows users to manually scan the curves or elbows of pipes from 1.3" to 4" OD, and can be fitted with a Mini-Wheel™ encoder to create an encoded one line scan.

@ashteadtech  #NDT #PAuto @_Enviro_News 

IS dust monitor!

TSI’s latest personal aerosol monitor, the SidePak™ AM520i has been added to Ashtead Technology's fleet of instruments available for both rental and sale.

“This is a major addition to our equipment portfolio,” according to Senior Sales Manager Josh Thomas. “Many workplaces include areas that contain or produce explosive or potentially explosive atmospheres, and a high proportion of these zones contain risks associated with particulates. So, an intrinsically safe monitor is required to test these areas, and the launch of the TSI AM520i makes that possible with a lightweight instrument that is ideal for personal monitoring.”

Potentially explosive atmospheres exist in locations where work activities create or release flammable gases or vapours, such as petrochemicals, VOCs from paint spraying, or in workplaces handling fine organic dusts such as grain flour or wood. Applications for this new intrinsically safe personal dust monitor therefore include a wide variety of workplaces within the oil and gas, petrochemical, manufacturing, processing, aerospace, and bulk material handling sectors, as well as those with confined spaces such as mining and wastewater.

Employers are responsible for the classification into zones of areas where hazardous explosive atmospheres may occur. Each zone’s classification and its size and location, depend on the likelihood of an explosive atmosphere occurring and its persistence. Schedule 2 of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) contains descriptions of the various classifications of zones for gases and vapours and for dusts.

DSEAR requires employers to eliminate or control the risks from dangerous substances, so monitoring is essential in ATEX zones, and the AM520i is certified for dust measurements in Zone 0. ATEX is the name commonly applied to the two EU Directives for controlling explosive atmospheres; the 'ATEX Workplace Directive' and the ATEX Equipment Directive' which necessitates the use of intrinsically safe monitoring equipment for example.

The SidePak™ Personal Aerosol Monitor AM520i is a small, single-channel, battery-operated instrument that provides real-time aerosol mass concentration readings of dusts, fumes, mists, smoke and fog within a worker’s breathing zone. Typically, the monitor is fitted to the wearer’s belt, or left in a location of concern. Alternatively, it can be used as a portable monitor providing real-time readings in survey mode.

With a built-in pump and internal datalogger, the instrument can provide continuous measurements, which provide extremely useful temporal information in comparison with gravimetric methods.

Operators are able to select from a choice of inlet conditioners providing size fraction cut points for PM10, PM4 (Respirable), PM5 (China Respirable), PM2.5, PM1 and 0.8 μm Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM).

Summarising, Josh says: “The non-intrinsically safe version of this instrument has been hugely popular for many years, so the technology is well proven, and the launch of this new EX version will mean that anybody with a potential requirement for monitoring in explosive atmospheres, can rent or purchase an instrument that can operate in all areas.

“We are also a TSI Gold Partner, so customers can be assured that we have the resources to ensure that TSI equipment is supplied and maintained in perfect condition.”

@ashteadtech  #Safety, _Enviro_News

Environmental monitoring instrument fleet.

Ashtead Technology has significantly increased its fleet of equipment for environmental and occupational safety monitoring with the addition of the TSI QUEST range of instruments. As a TSI Gold Channel Distributor, Ashtead will offer these advanced instruments for both hire and sale; providing customers with both instrumental and financial flexibility.

“This is a major boost to our instrument fleet," comments Senior Sales Manager Josh Thomas. “With a comprehensive range of options for toxic gases, dust, noise and heat stress, the QUEST instruments will help us to ensure that customers employ the best possible monitoring equipment for every application.”

Ashtead Technology has already invested heavily on the resources and training necessary to provide a high level of customer support for TSI products, so Josh says: “There will be a smooth transition into our range and we are delighted to be able to offer customers even greater choice.”

The new range includes key products such as the TSI QUEST EVM-7 for monitoring toxic gases and dust, the SE-400 sound level meters and the TSI QUEST Heat Stress Monitor.

“By monitoring dust as well as toxic gases, the EVM-7 will enable some customers to use one instrument where previously two were necessary, and the sound level meters have an option for ATEX certification when working in potentially explosive atmospheres.”

@ashteadtech  #PAuto 

NDT in smaller pipes.

Ashtead Technology has added the Phoenix Bracelet Scanner and the latest custom phased array probes to its fleet of rental NDT instruments as a response to an increased demand for the ability to inspect smaller diameter pipes.

“At just 13mm the Bracelet is an extremely low profile scanner for phased array or ToFD weld inspections of small bore pipes,” says NDT Market Manager Steve Drake. “Quick and easy to set up and run with one of our Olympus OmniScans or other PAUT units, the Bracelet can be used manually on pipes ranging from 0.5” upwards by simply adding extra links.”

The scanner comprises a series of links to make a flexible chain which wraps around the pipe, and a strap secures the Bracelet to the pipe once the axial position is established. The Bracelet can hold either one probe for single-sided inspections or linked with a second probe for dual-sided inspections. The ultrasonic probe and profiled wedge are fixed to one end of the Bracelet in an adjustable clasp.

To scan, the Bracelet is rotated around the pipe with rubber tyres providing axial grip to prevent slippage. A miniature encoder (42 steps/mm) is attached to the opposing end of the Bracelet with the encoder wheel running around the pipe surface collecting data from the circumferential axis.

Steve says: “The addition of the Bracelet to our rental fleet is yet another example of our determination to provide Ashtead Technology customers with access to a comprehensive range of the latest market-leading NDT technologies.”

@ashteadtech  #PAuto 

Monitoring hazardous gas threats.

In response to customer demand and increased awareness of the threats posed by both indoor and outdoor pollution, Ashtead Technology has added the ‘AreaRAE Steel’ to its fleet of air quality monitors.

“With the ability to either rent or sell instruments, we are often the first point of call when customers have a new or expanded monitoring requirement,” says Ashtead’s Josh Thomas.

“Increasingly, we are being asked for devices with multiparameter capability, so that their use is not restricted to one specific job. As a portable battery-powered monitor with EX certification, the AreaRAE Steel is ideal for indoor, confined space and outdoor applications where users need to be able to start monitoring quickly and simply.” 

The AreaRAE Steel provides measurements for a range of potential threats with a PID sensor for VOCs, an LEL sensor for combustible gases, an oxygen sensor, and two toxic gas sensors for Nitrogen Dioxide (0-20ppm) and Nitric Oxide.

Housed in a rugged, stainless-steel enclosure and capable of running for up to 18 hours on a single charge, the AreaRAE Steel has a built-in logger that can store up to 20,000 readings, which helps staff avoid excessive exposure to potentially hazardous locations. In addition, the instrument is able to issue audible, visual and remote alarms for %LEL (lower explosion limit), TWA (time weighted average) and STEL (short-term exposure limit).

The rental units are fitted with sensors for VOCs, LEL, O2, NO and NO2, but customers wishing to purchase a new AreaRAE Steel are able to select from a wider range of sensors, including Carbon Monoxide, Hydrogen Sulphide, Sulphur Dioxide, Chlorine, Hydrogen Cyanide, Ammonia, Phosphine, Hydrogen Chloride and Hydrogen Fluoride. It is also possible to purchase a model with a built-in modem to enable remote connectivity for up to 2 miles.

 @AshteadTech #PAuto @_Enviro_News 

Investment in gas detection!

Following a move to new premises with custom built service facilities, Ashtead Technology has extended its RAE/Honeywell servicing capabilities to help customers ensure the accuracy and reliability of their gas detection activities.

RAE Systems products are used in more than 120 countries by many of the world's leading corporations and government agencies. As such, enormous numbers of people rely on these instruments in a wide range of personal and plant safety applications. However, Will Russell a Technician from Ashtead Technology, warns: “There is a danger that investment in monitoring equipment can create a false sense of security. All instruments require regular health and calibration checks to ensure that readings remain accurate, because incorrect data can mislead users into believing that conditions are safe, with potentially disastrous consequences. Instrument maintenance might not seem like a life and death issue – but if you think about it; it actually is.”

The service and calibration of gas detection equipment requires specialist skills, equipment and gases, so it is vital for the operators of these instruments to implement appropriate procedures to ensure that they remain in optimal condition.

“Many Ashtead customers undertake routine calibration themselves and only return their instruments to us for service. However, the proportion of clients that prefer to rely on us for all of this work is constantly growing. This is because we have the equipment and skills required to undertake the work, and loan instruments available to rent with a rapid turnaround, so we are able to ensure that monitoring is not interrupted and safety is protected.”

Ashtead Technology has invested heavily in its new dedicated service facility, which is fully equipped with all the necessary service and calibration tools, including specialist gases and Honeywell approved parts. The service team benefits from regular Honeywell training courses and the company is certified to ISO9001.

A wide range of gas detection instruments are available for hire or purchase from Ashtead. Customers can also purchase instrument calibration and health check with the additional option of a full service. Employing courier collection/delivery, typical turnaround time is just 5 days.

The products covered by this service include the BW GasAlert, MiniRAE 3000, MiniRAE 3000 Lite, RAE Systems UltraRAE 3000, RAE Systems ppbRAE and the AreaRAE Steel.

In summary, gas is only potentially fatal when it is either not monitored, or monitored by equipment that has not been correctly calibrated and maintained.

@ashteadtech  #PAuto 

Air quality training!

Reflecting the level of support and expertise that Ashtead Technology has been able to provide for its sales and rental customers over the last year, TSI has renewed Ashtead’s Gold Partnership status. The achievement of this level of support triggers higher levels of engagement with TSI, resulting for example, in joint activities such as free air quality training events.

One such event took place in January, focusing on both indoor and outdoor air quality. “Previous training days have taken place at TSI’s headquarters in High Wycombe, but this year, to give our customers in the north of the UK the same opportunity, we moved it to the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham,” explained James Carlyle, Ashtead Technology General Manager. “We were delighted with the level of enthusiasm for the day, and feedback from delegates was extremely positive,” he added.

Two of the attendees from WSP, a 7,640 strong British engineering consultancy, travelled to the Magna Centre from their Cardiff office. Luc Porter, a Principal air quality consultant at WSP, said: “It was great to gain some practical hands-on experience with a variety of technologies, and to see the latest TSI models. We also found it useful to engage with the other delegates; sharing knowledge and experience.”

The day began with a presentation by Ashtead’s Josh Thomas, who outlined the reasons for monitoring particulates; including the management of indoor air quality and regulatory compliance. He explained which instruments are most appropriate for specific applications, citing examples in applications such as cooking, soldering, construction, manufacturing, animal husbandry and even smoke management during the filming of feature films.

The next speaker was Nicholas Baxter from the Health & Safety Laboratory (HSL), which is the science division of the Health & Safety Executive. He described the requirements for Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE), including an explanation of the terms ‘adequate’ and ‘suitable’ with respect to RPE. He also highlighted the importance of the CE mark, correct storage of RPE, and Fit Testing, as well as employer and employee responsibilities. This was followed by a practical demonstration of FFRED (HSL's Face-Fit Respirator Demonstrator) which highlighted the problems caused by badly fitted masks.

Technical presentations were also provided by TSI – Maxine Dolloway described the DUSTTRAK and SIDEPAK range of particulate monitors, and Nick Brown outlined the advantages of the Environmental DUSTTRAK. The participants were given numerous opportunities throughout the day to work with all of these instruments.

 @ashteadtech #Pauto @TSIIncorporated #Britain

New rental partnership for NDT prods.

Ashtead Technology has been appointed as the preferred rental partner in Britain for all Silverwing products, a line of NDT inspection equipment by Eddyfi Technologies. The agreement represents another new partnership with Eddyfi Technologies; Ashtead recently signed a five-year collaboration agreement for TSC products – also by Eddyfi Technologies.

Steve Drake, Jim Costain & Allan Pirie

As part of the agreement, Ashtead will be extending their rental fleet to include the Silverwing Floormap 3DiM Tank Floor Scanner, Handscan Mini Tank Floor Scanner and Vacuum Boxes. “The addition of these instruments demonstrates our commitment to support the technologies that meet our customers’ asset integrity inspection requirements,” says Ashtead Technology Regional Sales Manager, Steve Drake.

Jim Costain, VP Sales for Eddyfi Technologies adds: “The Silverwing products are well designed, high quality instruments and following a long relationship between our two companies, we are happy to recommend Ashtead Technology to customers, confident in the quality of service and support that they are able to deliver.”

@ashteadtech  #Pauto @eddyfi #NDT

Asset Management Solution.

Ashtead Technology has launched a new ‘Asset Management Solution’ for a number of major brands in the occupational safety and environmental monitoring sectors. Under the new scheme, customers with certain emissions monitoring, gas detection and particulate monitoring instruments will be provided with a complete calibration and maintenance service to ensure that their instruments are kept in optimal condition.

“The risks associated with the use of equipment that is out of calibration can be very serious,” explains Ashtead’s Josh Thomas. “Uncalibrated readings are potentially dangerous or can render monitoring data invalid. A planned approach is therefore preferable - the last thing users need is to find that their instruments are out of calibration just when they need to use them.

“With a comprehensive rental fleet of instruments, Ashtead Technology is in the perfect position to provide this asset management service because we have highly trained staff and all the necessary calibration equipment, spares and gases to undertake the work. Our gases include isobutylene, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and methane. In addition, we are also able to supply instruments from our rental fleet when necessary, so that customers can avoid down-time and enjoy continuous access to accurate and reliable equipment.”

The manufacturers’ products already covered by the scheme include: TSI, Testo, Inficon, RAE and GES, with more brands to be included in the future. Customers with these instruments simply provide a purchase order for individual instruments and the details are then registered on Ashtead’s ERP system, so that an automated email is issued to the customer one month before a calibration/service. A follow-up telephone call from Ashtead then ensures that the instrument is collected in a timely manner. All software and firmware is updated as part of the service, and the objective is to return the fully serviced and calibrated instrument by courier within one week.

Summarising, Josh says: “This service is all about delivering peace of mind; it is quick and easy to set up and once underway, customers can rest assured that their instruments will be maintained effectively without any hassle.”

 @ashteadtech #PAuto #Safety #Environmental

Gas leak detectors.

Ashtead Technology has been appointed as the preferred distributor and rental partner for the GES Gas-Tec (Mk4 & Mk5) FID Hydrocarbon Gas Detectors.

“We are delighted with this partnership agreement,” says Matthew Herrick, General Manager at GES. “Ashtead Technology selects the best products for its instrumentation fleet and has a reputation for the highest levels of service, so we believe that Ashtead is the ideal company to sell and rent the Gas-Tec products.”

Incorporating an FID, the Gas-Tec instruments respond to almost all volatile hydrocarbons which makes them ideal for leak detection including natural gas surveys, landfill surveys, contaminated land, environmental surveys and methane sniffing.

Lightweight, rugged and portable, the Mk5 has an internal battery that will run for 22 hours from a single charge, and the unit’s small 400ml hydrogen bottle is sufficient for 45 hours of operation. With the ability to log 21 million entries over a 700 day period combined with satellite GPS, the Mk5 is able to automatically assign latitude, longitude and sea level to all data readings enabling the user to pinpoint any areas requiring further investigation – in addition to demonstrating traceability, confirming that the survey has been conducted.

“The Mk5 is the latest in a line of FIDs that have dominated the market for many years,” comments Ashtead Technology’s Josh Thomas. “By incorporating GPS and datalogging, results are automatically linked with the monitoring location when they are transferred to a PC and viewed in Google Maps. Both versions are available for purchase, but renting would be the better solution for anyone with an occasional or project-specific requirement for methane or VOC monitoring. This is because the instruments are easy to use and delivered pre-calibrated, so they can be deployed immediately after delivery.

“The addition of the Gas-Tec FID range to our product portfolio is yet another example of our determination to offer customers a flexible choice of technologies and financial packages to meet their specific needs.”

Winning Gold!

Following a highly successful collaboration stretching over five years, the global instrumentation manufacturer TSI Inc. has awarded Ashtead Technology the prestigious title of ‘Gold Channel Partner.’ Commenting on the award TSI’s UK & Ireland Sales Manager Nick Brown said: “As an instrument sales and rental partner, Ashtead Technology has demonstrated a high level of commitment to our indoor and outdoor air quality monitoring equipment. Heavy investment in stock and staff training has paid dividends in the rapid business growth that Ashtead has generated.”

Gold Channel Partners have access to a wider range of products and as a full service provider Ashtead Technology will deliver calibration, service and repair work on TSI products that are available for both sale and rental.

Josh Thomas received the award on behalf of Ashtead Technology. He said: “TSI is an ideal partner for us; their instruments are rugged and reliable, producing good quality data, and TSI provides excellent training so that our staff are able to offer customers the highest levels of support.

“With occupational health and environmental monitoring as key applications, TSI’s products fit comfortably in two of our main markets, and with the benefit of a formal partnership we are now moving into new markets with products such as TSI’s mass flow meters which feature high accuracy and a fast response. This makes them ideal for medical, industrial and laboratory flow monitoring applications.

“Since we began working with them five years ago, TSI has launched a number of new products and technologies, and we are looking forward to the next five years with great anticipation!”

• These products will be on display on the Ashtead Stand at the AQE Exhibition in Telford (GB) during the week.

@ashteadtech  #PAuto @TSIIncorporated