Replying, John Bowman, Anglia’s Marketing Director added: “It’s an honour to receive this prestigious award. At Anglia we work very hard to build and grow real, effective partnerships with our supplier partners, and this award is a vindication of this philosophy.”
@eatoncorp @angliaComponent @angliaLive @BWW_Comms #Electronics #Pauto #Britain
Focused on driving industrial efficiency through combination of automation, software, AI and electrification; strengthening collaboration with customers and ecosystem partners to maximise impact.
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| Alex Richards |
David Hall, Zone President UK & Ireland at Schneider Electric, commented: “Alex’s appointment will help us advance innovation and deliver meaningful automation, digitalisation and decarbonisation initiatives across the UK and Ireland, helping customers turn ambition into practical outcomes.”
In his new role, Alex will lead Schneider Electric’s Industrial & Process Automation business across the territories, helping customers across key industrial sectors modernise operations by combining software-defined automation, AI, robotics, electrification and digital intelligence. This enables organisations to use energy and resources more efficiently, accelerate decarbonisation initiatives, and build more resilient and competitive operations.
Having joined Schneider Electric in 2008, Alex brings extensive experience across Energy and Sustainability Services, Global Field Services, Digital Services and Segments & Strategic Accounts. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Segments & Strategic Accounts for Europe Operations and prior to that Vice President, EMEA, for Mining, Minerals and Metals.
Commenting on his appointment, Alex Richards shared: “Industry is entering a defining period in which the convergence of automation, digitalisation and electrification will be essential to driving productivity, resilience and long-term sustainability. Schneider Electric has the technology, expertise and partner ecosystem to help organisations translate this opportunity into practical progress.”
“I am excited to lead our Industrial & Process Automation business and to work alongside customers and partners across the UK and Ireland. Together, we can accelerate industrial transformation, unlock greater efficiency and agility, and build more competitive and sustainable operations.”
@SchneiderElec #PAuto #Ireland #Britain
SWIG (Sensors for Water Interest Group) has announced the appointment of Angus Fosten as Director. Angus is Sales Lead for the Ott, Partech and In-Situ brands in Britain and has over 35 years of experience in water measurement instrumentation.
Angus Fosten -
'Measurement technology geek.'
“We are delighted to welcome Angus to the SWIG board,” says SWIG Chair Dr Mike Strahand. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and is well known in the water sector, its supply chain and in academia. More importantly, he is passionate about bringing the benefits of measurements to processes and to environmental protection, so SWIG will be the ideal place for him to help exchange knowledge on water monitoring.”
Describing himself as a ‘measurement technology geek’ Angus is fascinated by the latest developments in sensors that improve accuracy, stability, sensitivity, repeatability, ease of use and connectivity, while lowering costs, reducing maintenance requirements and extending calibration intervals. However, he says: “Everybody knows that you can’t manage what you don’t measure, but that does not mean measurement for measurement’s sake. It is vitally important that we monitor parameters that provide useful insights for actions, and that is why SWIG plays such an important role; bringing together stakeholders from all corners of the water sector.”
Mike Strahand agrees: “Sensors play an essential role in process control, checking compliance with performance targets and regulations, and providing insights for process optimisation and environmental protection.”
The cost of measurement instrumentation is generally negligible in comparison with most project costs. However, as Angus explains: “AMP8 includes over £104 billion of planned expenditure on water industry assets, and AMP9 is likely to be even higher. Sensors will therefore perform a critical role in maximising the value of this investment, and I hope that the water industry and other stakeholders will engage proactively with SWIG to share their knowledge, experience and best-practice.”
#SWIG #OTT #Water @_Enviro_News
European customers no longer need fear being dictated to by ‘big brands.’
A distribution deal with 3PEAK Incorporated, semiconductor company focusing on high-performance, high-quality, and highly reliable ICs, including signal chain, power management, and mixed-signal front-ends has been agreed with Anglia Components. 3PEAK’s wide range of analog parts which are cost-effective, drop-in alternatives to devices from big brand US semiconductor makers will be attractive to customers.
Stella Duzsar, Senior Sales Director, EMEA at 3PEAK adds: “We are delighted to be working with experienced supply chain partners such as Anglia, who know the market and who demonstrate their commitment to offering technical design-in support by employing talented FAEs.”
3PEAK is leading fabless semiconductor company, offering a broad analog and mixed signal IC portfolio that includes thousands of replacements for parts from established competitors at the lowest 1000-off price points. However, 3PEAK is also committed to innovation and invests over 50% of its annual revenue in R&D, leading to the introduction of many ICs with performance benefits over other suppliers. The company partners with independent top-tier fabs in every major region, resulting in a robust supply chain, and most devices are still available on an 8 to 12 week lead time.
@angliaLive @BWW_Comms #3PEAK #Electronics #PAuto #Europe
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| Dan Thombs |
“I consider it a privilege to have been appointed to this position,” said Dan. “There is a whole world of possibility around what this organisation can and should do to advance the industry. Our ambition is to make Automate UK the leading force for automation adoption, helping manufacturers unlock productivity, competitiveness and sustainable growth. Through stronger collaboration between technology providers, integrators and end users, we can drive innovation that benefits manufacturing in the UK and beyond.
“As a not-for-profit organisation, Automate UK is a neutral body and trusted partner to the industry, with no vested or commercial interest of its own. My role, and that of Automate UK, is to support our members and UK industry as a whole by helping to drive productivity and growth through the adoption of automation.
“We are committed to making a difference to everyone working across all the industries we support, building on the excellent work that my predecessors Peter Williamson and James Causebrook, and the wider Automate UK team, have delivered to date. As part of that vision, we will be introducing a new End-User Membership programme, bringing manufacturers closer to the automation community, giving them a stronger voice in industry discussions, and helping shape the future direction of UK manufacturing,” he said.
Dan said the organisation, which continues to unite a whole spectrum of industries across the machine vision, automation, manufacturing, robotics, and processing and packaging sectors via its exhibitions, events, collaborations and government programs, aims to further maximise its lobbying powers to partner with other trade associations, funding bodies and government agencies to grow the economy through increased productivity..
“By partnering with senior leaders and other associations, we can create the momentum to build representation across industry, but I want more than that, I want to build a voice that delivers change: it will be easier to create an environment where we can grow the economy if all the stakeholders share a common objective.
“If end users adopt more automation, they will become more competitive and more profitable, which will help members sell more technology, creating growth and more jobs. But to do that, we need to understand our end users’ objectives and the roadblocks to achieving them. Only then can we identify the solutions, create the equipment and systems to meet their needs and drive the economy forward,” he said.
Building on recent momentum – including the launch of the UK Automation Forum, new BSI standards, integrator certification programmes, government-funded projects such as Robot Adoption for Business Leaders and Cobot Safety Guidance, and growing international reach through the Automate UK Pavilion, Preparations are underway for the organisers’s biggest step yet: Automate UK Week 2027.
This landmark event, which will unite the UK’s processing and packaging, robotics, industrial vision, drives and controls, and warehouse automation communities, will take place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 28-30 September 2027.
@theautomateuk #Britain #PAuto #Automation
Mclennan is celebrating 50 years of supporting automation, manufacturing and science sectors in Britain, with precision motion control technology, engineering expertise and responsive technical support. Founded in May 1976, the company has established itself as a specialist partner to OEMs, machine builders, systems integrators and specialist equipment designers requiring dependable motion solutions for demanding industrial and research applications.
Over five decades, Mclennan has built its position in the market by combining component supply with in-house design, development and manufacturing capability. That model allows the company to move beyond catalogue distribution and support customers with application-led motion systems tailored to performance, precision, footprint, duty cycle and cost targets. For automation engineers, this means access to both proven products and the technical resource needed to integrate them effectively into production equipment, laboratory automation, medical devices and specialist machinery.
One measure of Mclennan's success is the longevity of its relationships. The company's very first customer, Metham Engineering - now part of the Will-Burt Company - remains a customer almost 50 years later. The same continuity can be seen in its supplier partnerships. Mclennan has supplied motors from the Impex range since 1976, through its transition to Premotec and today as part of Allient group. In addition, the company has represented Portescap products for almost five decades, providing customers with continuity of supply, technical expertise and application support across multiple generations of motion-control technology.
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| A McLennan advert in 1977 (Wireless World) |
Mclennan’s portfolio includes stepper, servo and brushless motors, drives, motion controllers, gearboxes, encoders and complete bespoke mechatronic assemblies. Alongside product supply, the company provides system design, electrical and mechanical integration, commissioning and ongoing support - capabilities that are increasingly important as manufacturers look to reduce development risk, improve machine efficiency and shorten time to deployment. Its experience in miniature and medium-power motion applications, combined with stockholding and flexible supply support, has helped customers maintain project momentum in a market where resilience and responsiveness remain critical.
The company credits its longevity to long-term customer relationships, strong engineering knowledge and a consistent focus on quality. As an ISO 9001:2015 accredited business for the design, manufacture and distribution of precision motion control products along with ISO 45001:2018 and ISO 14001:2015, Mclennan has continued to invest in the processes, technical skills and supplier partnerships needed to meet evolving industry expectations. Whether supporting a one-off development programme or a repeat production requirement, its approach has remained centred on understanding the application, mitigating integration challenges and delivering reliable performance across the equipment lifecycle.
Looking ahead, Mclennan is focused on expanding its contribution to next-generation automation through continued investment in advanced motion technologies, engineering capability and supply-chain strength. As manufacturing becomes more connected, compact and performance-driven, the company sees significant opportunity to help customers specify and deploy motion solutions that improve precision, throughput and reliability. Reaching the 50-year mark is both a celebration of past achievement and a platform for continued support of Britain and international machine-building innovation.
@mepaxIntPR #McLennon #PAuto
January’s extreme weather initiated serious flood risk in the Somerset (GB) Levels. However, the British Environment Agency (EA) and partners were able to manage potential impacts by implementing flood resilience strategies that included the rapid deployment of many additional transportable pumps. The EA hired 16 portable clamp-on pipe flowmeters from Nivus to measure water volumes being discharged by emergency pumps to support operational monitoring during the event.
Pump performance in the field can differ from theoretical values, which is why clamp-on flowmeters were used to measure actual pump rates during the flood response. This provided operational data to support flood management activities and informed the sharing of updates with stakeholders and the public.
The EA manages a large number of both static and transportable pumps in the area, with additional portable pumps brought in during exceptional events. To support the emergency response, around half of the required flowmeters were supplied the following day, with the remainder delivered within 1–2 weeks. Each flowmeter was connected to telemetry which facilitated the provision of real-time data as well as remote diagnostics.
In order to appreciate the role of pumps in Somerset flood management, it is first necessary to understand the particular challenges presented by the region.
Flood management in the Somerset Levels and Moors.
The Somerset Levels are known for their low-lying land, tidal rivers and regular winter flooding. The county was originally known as ‘Sumersata’, which means ‘the land of the summer people’, but today complicated networks of channels, ditches, sluices, spillways and pumps have been established to minimise flood risk. This infrastructure is continuously monitored so that flood management staff at the Environment Agency can respond quickly and effectively to any increase in flood risk.
In Somerset, the ‘Levels’ are the higher areas of coastal clay, and the ‘Moors’ are low-lying inland basins into which the rivers overspill. The Moors therefore provide vital storage capacity during periods of high rainfall.
Some of the key Somerset rivers sit on perched embankments, which are higher than the land around them. To safeguard these banks from overflow damage, spillways have been constructed to allow floodwater to flow into the floodplain of the moors. When flood risk is high, these rivers take water from the high ground to the sea by discharging into the Severn Estuary. After a storm has passed and flood has receded, water is pumped back over the embankments into the river channels.
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| Extent of 2013/4 Flood (BBC) |
2026 flood event.
In late January 2026, Storm Chandra brought exceptionally wet weather to the south-west of England, north-east Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland. Somerset recorded its second wettest January on record with around 1.2 million m3/hr of water rushing though the Parrett and Tone river catchments and overspilling into the floodplain of the Somerset Levels and Moors.
Somerset Council, the Environment Agency and Local Resilience Partners declared a major incident on 27 January. Flood risk was exacerbated by further wet weather in early February, so exceptional circumstances prompted the need for exceptional measures such as the utilisation of a number of transportable pumps, to supplement the EA’s existing stationary and portable pumps.
The value of monitoring data.
Alongside pump deployment, the EA continued to operate its network of telemetered sensors and remote cameras across the region to help provide level and flow data. During the event, funding from the Somerset Rivers Authority also supported the establishment of a Community Flood Hub, providing public access to live operational data.
The provision of transparent, real-time data delivers a number of important benefits. For example, in an age when Social Media can rapidly disperse both accurate and inaccurate information, there is a risk that a lack of information can induce a sense of panic. So, access to live data, particularly where accompanied by live imagery, can provide high levels of reassurance.
The Nivus clamp on flow meters were used to monitor transportable pumping operations and contributed to the EA’s operational updates throughout the event. For example, on Thursday 29 January 2026, the EA published a Briefing assuring local residents that “Pumps can now remove water from the moors quicker than the system takes to fill the moors with water from further up the catchment.”
Pump health and status in the EA’s stationary pumps are continuously monitored and connected to the Agency’s telemetry system. However, transportable pumps needed to be monitored as soon as they were installed, so the requirement for flowmeters was extremely urgent.
“Conscious of the need to respond very quickly, we immediately dispatched every portable flowmeter in our UK stock,” explains Nivus Managing Director for Britain, Alistair MacKinnon. “The remainder were rushed to the UK from Germany, in time to meet the EA’s requirements. Given the operational pressures during the flooding event, rapid deployment was an important consideration. As an existing Framework Supplier to the EA, Nivus was able to provide NivuFlow Mobile 600 portable flowmeters to support temporary pumping operations during the flood event.”
The flowmeters were connected to the Nivus Web Portal allowing data to be directly provided to the Community Flood Hub website via an API. This also provided Nivus support engineers with remote access for configuration and performance checks. Consequently, it was not necessary for Nivus engineers to undertake site visits, which reduced risk in a busy active flood zone and also helped to reduce the carbon footprint of operations.
Summary.
In the days before Storm Chandra, advance weather information allowed the EA to prepare for its arrival. This included, for example, draining the Moors to increase capacity. However, increased flood resilience had already been established in the area, and a key feature of the plan was the provision of measurement data – to inform flood management operations, and to provide reassurance.
Climate change has resulted in more extreme weather in the UK. For example, 6 of the 10 wettest years on record (since 1862) have occurred since 1998. It is likely therefore, that events currently regarded as exceptional may not be regarded as such in the future, so the EA and its partners in the Somerset Rivers Authority are planning accordingly.
@_Enviro_News @EnvAgency @SRAnews #Nivus #Wastewater #Environment #Britain
Power Jacks Limited is an engineering specialist known for designing and manufacturing high-performance linear actuation systems. Serving demanding industries such as aerospace, renewable energy, civil engineering and industrial automation. Power Jacks has built a reputation for precision, reliability and bespoke engineering solutions. Their systems are often used in safety-critical and heavy-duty applications where accuracy and dependable performance are essential.
As Power Jacks continues to develop advanced mechanical systems, the need for robust, precisely specified braking solutions has become increasingly important across multiple projects.
Enhancing design efficiency.
To support these requirements, Power Jacks has been working closely with Mayr Transmissions, a global leader in safety brakes, torque limiters, and power transmission solutions. Central to this collaboration has been Mayr’s online product configurator, a powerful digital tool that allows engineers to quickly select, customise and download detailed 3D models of braking systems tailored to specific application needs.
The configurator enables design teams to:
For Power Jacks, this has translated into faster design cycles, improved accuracy in system layouts and smoother progression from concept through to prototype orders.
The value of both the technology and the technical support behind it has been clear throughout the collaboration. As one Power Jacks representative shared: “I’m really pleased with Mayr level of service and ease of 3D models downloading. Currently we are working on a few projects where brakes are required and a couple projects have now turned to the orders of prototype systems. I would like to say thank you to Mayr team for ongoing excellent support. Their technical support and design flexibility makes our design process much easier and makes Mayr our primary choice when it comes to brakes.”
From digital design to real-world results.
By combining Mayr’s advanced configurator with responsive technical expertise, Power Jacks has been able to confidently specify braking systems that align perfectly with their demanding engineering standards. The ability to download ready-to-use 3D models has not only accelerated internal workflows but also reduced risk during the design and prototyping stages.
What began as digital configuration has already progressed into prototype system orders. A clear demonstration of how smart engineering tools, backed by expert support, can drive real-world project success.
Supporting engineering teams.
The success of the collaboration between Power Jacks and Mayr Transmissions reflects a wider commitment to helping engineers work smarter, faster, and with greater confidence. Through intuitive digital tools such as the online configurator, combined with expert technical support, Mayr enables customers to rapidly specify reliable braking solutions tailored to their exact application needs.
Whether supporting early-stage design, accelerating prototyping or optimising final system performance, Mayr works closely with engineering teams to remove complexity from the selection process. The result is shorter development cycles, reduced risk and solutions that perform in the most demanding environments. For companies facing tight timelines, evolving design requirements and the need for dependable safety components, this technology and expertise can turn ideas into proven engineering outcomes.
@mepaxIntPR @PowerJacksLtd #mayr® #TandM #Manufacturing #Britain
Ideagen has been named one of the ‘Best UK Software Companies’ for the third consecutive year in the G2 2026 Best Software Awards. The company also earned the Best Enterprise Resource Planning Products award, specifically noted for excellence in the Quality Management (QMS) and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) categories - reflecting the high esteem Ideagen solutions are held in the eyes of their customers.
Standout results in 2025 include Ideagen Quality Management being recognised as a Leader in 49 reports and Ideagen Quality Control winning 77 badges in 2025 - the highest number of total badges in the entire product suite. Across the portfolio, solutions achieved an impressive 125 number one rankings.
John Molamphy, Chief Technology Officer at Ideagen, said: "Being recognised in G2's Best Software Awards for the third consecutive year is a powerful validation of our AI-first approach to solving the complex challenges facing regulated industries.
“This honour reflects the trust more than 18,000 customers place in our platform to deliver the clarity and confidence they need to protect their people, operations and the world around them.
"What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it comes directly from our customers - the safety managers, quality directors and compliance officers who rely on our software daily. Their feedback drives our innovation and reinforces our commitment to being the most insightful and enabling platform for organisations managing critical risk, quality and safety challenges."
This point was echoed by Godard Abel, co-founder and CEO at G2: "As buyers increasingly shift to AI-driven research to discover software solutions, being recommended in the 'answer moment' must be earned with credible proof. Our Best Software Awards are grounded in trusted data from authentic customer reviews. They not only give buyers an objective, reliable guide to the products that help teams do their best work, but they're also the proof AI search platforms rely on when sourcing answers. Congratulations to this year's winners, including Ideagen. Earning a spot on these lists signals real customer impact."
Customer feedback influenced the success including:
Flir thermal cameras are helping scientists at the University of Sussex (GB) to undertake groundbreaking stress studies in great apes. These advanced thermal cameras help ecologists see fluctuations in nose temperature, a known metric of stress levels. It is hoped the studies will aid researchers in a number of ways, including the identification of sanctuary chimpanzees and gorillas most suitable for release into the wild.
One factor shared across ancestral species is stress, in particular the way the biology of individuals reacts to stress.
“If we are stressed, overwhelmed or in fear, our face experiences a change in blood flow. Our nervous system reroutes the blood in our face to other sensory organs such eyes and ears - a physical reaction designed to help individuals look and listen for danger. A consequential side effect sees our nose get a little colder as blood moves away. We call it ‘nasal dip’ and it’s become an interesting avenue to explore in stress response and recovery.”
Assessing nasal dip using the translational capabilities of Flir thermal technology allows ecologists to overcome current scientific limitations. At present, assessing stress typically requires connecting subjects to heart monitors, blood pressure gauges or pulsometers, which is not only stress-inducing in itself but also clearly unsuitable for chimpanzees and gorillas.
In-field research.
The research team is working with wild animal parks in Britain and rescue sanctuaries for chimpanzees and gorillas in Africa. Most individuals housed at these sanctuaries have experienced previous trauma at some level.
“Evaluating their stress levels could allow us to better manage rehabilitation, identify suitable candidates for release and target those who aren’t so we can think about new kinds of interventions,” she explains. “It might even help identify a good adoptive mother for an incoming infant ape, for example.”
Beyond the visible.
Right from the start, Flir thermal cameras have proved to be the facilitating technology of this crucial research. The University of Sussex team initially used a Flir T450sc portable, easy-to-use infrared science camera. However, in early 2025, the ecologists migrated to the Flir T1020 (T1K), largely for its HD-quality thermal images, packing more detail than ever before into each image.
The research combines Flir’s uncooled TK1 and highly sensitive cooled A6301 cameras, each selected for different environments from field observations to controlled sanctuary studies.
“We’re going to use the two different types of sensor technology - uncooled and cooled - to suit certain data collection activities,” reveals Professor Forrester. “Both sensors have advantages, but we’ll use the highly sensitive, cooled MWIR sensor of the Flir A6301 to achieve an extra level of image detail in static studies.”
At the sanctuary, a screen next to the enclosure will play videos that elicit either a negative (stress) or a positive response. If an individual ape voluntarily wanders forward to watch the video, the research team will have a static Flir A6301 cooled camera set up to study nasal dip.
Region of interest.
Notably, the Flir cooled thermal cameras also allow Professor Forrester and her team to create a region of interest on the face from which to collect data. To ensure suitability, the ecologists require a threshold of at least 50 pixels per area of interest, which is where the high resolution of the Flir A6301 proves vital. Furthermore, the higher sensitivity (3-5 µm) of these cooled cameras enables researchers to detect breathing/respiration as a thermal image, providing another biological measure of interest.
Along with static studies using cooled thermal cameras, the ecologists in Sierra Leone will undertake ‘focal follow’ research, looking at the normal behaviour of individual apes as they move around the sanctuary throughout the day.
“Here we’ll use the uncooled Flir T1K thermal camera because we can walk around with it, reach different sides of the enclosure and climb observation platforms,” says Professor Forrester. “It has a highly effective zoom, which will definitely prove useful in 2026 when we visit Uganda to work with our first group of habituated wild chimpanzees. We’ll track them through their natural habitat with the Flir T1K and capture samples of their stress levels.”
Thermal Ecology Kit.
To bring even more advantages to research of this type, Thermal Vision Ecology - sister company to Flir distributor Thermal Vision Research - recently began developing its Thermal Ecology Kit, a mobile thermography system designed specifically for ecological surveys. The kit features a Flir cooled or uncooled camera with multiple lens options connected to a tripod and battery pack offering six hours of power. The entire system connects to a Windows tablet pre-installed with Flir Research Studio, an advanced thermal analysis software suite offering a simplified workflow for displaying, recording and evaluating data.
The kit proved successful in bat studies and was duly recommended to Professor Forrester and her team for the great ape research. Alongside easier wildlife recording, faster post-survey reporting times and increased field safety, there is no need to hold a camera for hours at a time. With its backpack design and plug & play functionality, the system is convenient to transport and use.
“Using the Thermal Ecology Kit allowed us to replace bulkier and more inflexible kit that we used for a previous field study in Gabon,” says Professor Forrester. “We use the kit with the addition of a GoPro camera because, alongside the thermal image, we need synchronous natural-light RGB video to identify individuals. Whether using a Flir cooled or uncooled camera, we mount the GoPro on top to attain the same vantage point and provide synchronous data.”
As for the next challenge, the ecology research team at the University of Sussex hopes to work with Flir experts again to develop specific software tools for data sampling. This activity will bring even more benefits to ecologists as they continue to seek greater understanding about the role of biological determinants in monitoring stress.
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| Professor Gillian Forrester and her team |
@flir @mepaxIntPR #Research #TandM
The main production facility for a British fertiliser company produces ammonium nitrate which is subject to the that country's Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) regulations. This organisation ensures that businesses take all necessary measures to prevent major accidents involving dangerous substances such as this one and is enforced by the British Health & Safety Executive (HSE). A review of the emergency shutdown system under IEC61508 Functional Safety Standard revealed an urgent upgrade was needed of electrical, control and instrumentation to satisfy SIL2 System designation.
One of the main areas needing attention was the critical temperature monitoring of the reactor process and the requirement for hardwired alarms on selected safety loops because alarms were being generated by a combination of the diverse technology being used and the alarm software of the DCS. Modern safety standards do not allow combining control and shutdown systems in the same DCS.
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| Temperature-Reactor-Alarm-Repeater-email Open Application in Browser |
The Moore Industries STZ and STA were chosen by the company and HSE to provide a hardwired shutdown system meeting the requirements for SIL2 system capability. The highly accurate STZ temperature transmitter features sensor backup and failover capability along with a flexible configuration to accept a range of existing thermocouples. The STA trip alarm, which is the company’s plant standard for SIL hardwired trip alarms, features highly reliable relays and configuration software that is easy-to-use yet robust.
The STZ accurately measures redundant temperature sensors and provides measurement and sensor diagnostics. Should the primary sensor fail, the backup/failover sensor's reading will seamlessly continue to be transmitted to the STA, Safety Trip Alarm. The STA relays trip when conditions exceed the temperature high and low limits for process safety, triggering an alarm and emergency shutdown. The STA also retransmits, or repeats, its temperature input back to the DCS, via its 4-20mA analog output.
Two dates for the Rhode + Schwarz Navigating Test & Measurement seminars have been announced for Cambridge (GB) on 3 February 2025 and Bolton (GB) on 5 February 2025. With hands-on sessions guided by Rohde & Schwarz test experts, the purely educational events show engineers how to get the best from commonly used benchtop equipment. The Navigating Test & Measurement seminars offers the opportunity to discover practical approaches for addressing design validation and optimisation challenges.
The schedule for the seminar allows delegates to navigate between two learning streams according to their interests.
Throughout the day, Stream 1 introduces vector network analysers, signal and spectrum analysers, and signal generators, used for tasks such as optimising RF components and high-frequency designs.
Stream 2 focuses on ensuring robust and reliable performance with Oscilloscopes and delving into applications such as Power Electronics and Signal Integrity.
A new chapter is opening with Laser Components's move from Goldlay House, Chelmsford, to their larger, purpose-built offices in Braintree. The relocation offers an ideal environment for further growth and even closer cooperation with customers and partners in Britain.
"Our new office not only offers more space, but also a modern working environment that is perfectly tailored to our requirements," says General Manager Dan Barlow. "We look forward to welcoming our customers here and continuing to develop innovative solutions in the field of photonics."
The move marks another milestone in the success story of Laser Components in Britain. Founded in 1993, the company was the first location outside Germany. Today, the Laser Components Group comprises seven companies worldwide that specialize in development, manufacturing, and sales of components and systems for laser technology.
@lasercomp_uk @PresseBox #Automation
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| Carl Ramsden |
As CEO of Sella Controls, Carl Ramsden will assume overall responsibility of the company and will lead it alongside Chris Parr (CTO) and Eddy Turnock (CSO). Carl will also take on the responsibilities previously held by John Blackwell, who will retire as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) on October 31, 2025 after many years of service.
Jörg de la Motte, CEO of HIMA Group, said: "We are delighted to have Carl Ramsden, an experienced and strategic manager, join us in this key position. With his expertise and clear value-driven leadership style, Carl Ramsden will further accelerate growth in the process and rail industries in the UK and Ireland and help us to further expand our global position as a solutions provider."
#Hima #Sella #Safety #PAuto #Britain
Photon Design is expanding its Oxford-based team, in Britain, to include Application Engineers. This is to support growth and meet the increasing demand for its wide range of photonic simulation products.
Photon Design will initially apply this approach to their laser simulation products, PICWAVE and HAROLD. By allowing engineers to concentrate on design and product enhancements, new product introductions will be accelerated. The laser simulation products which have already benefited from this approach include the new Quantum Dot gain model for entire laser waveguide cross sections; high-power VCSELs, for multi-junction devices; and extending quantum dot simulation functionality to include a full, 3D, time domain.
Meteor provides a maintenance and calibration service for many of its customers, either as a service contract or as part of its ‘Water Quality as a Service’ offering. “This means that we have staff operating all over the UK, managing hundreds of multiparameter water quality sondes that mostly have to be swapped for recalibration on a monthly basis,” Matt explains. “We have therefore developed a highly efficient process in which large numbers of sondes can be cleaned, serviced and calibrated as quickly and as effectively as possible. However, such has been the demand for these services that we have invested in this new, much larger facility at Andromeda House in Aldermaston.”
The company’s remote water quality monitors, known as ESNETs, were initially developed to meet the requirements of the British Environment Agency for continuous river water quality monitoring. However, in recent years ESNETs have become popular with a much wider group of organisations, all of which are seeking to enhance the protection of the countries rivers.
Looking forward, the demand for ESNET systems is set to grow further: in compliance with the Environment Act 2021; to provide monitoring data for the baseline, construction and operation phases of development, and as water and sewerage undertakers find new ways to exploit the benefits of real-time multiparameter water quality data - in final effluent for example.
Summarising the investment justification for Andromeda House, Matt says: “Accurate continuous water quality data is extremely important for many different stakeholders including regulators, water companies, farmers, consultants, engineers, researchers and members of the public such as wild water swimmers, anglers and paddle boarders. However, reliable measurements can only be achieved if the monitors are maintained and calibrated correctly, so Meteor is making the necessary investments in staff, training, equipment, vehicles and a highly efficient calibration and service laboratory. The development of the new Aldermaston facility means that we will be able to meet the demand for remote water quality monitoring for many years to come.”
Off-grid monitoring solution for remote Cornish location.
The Loe Bar in Cornwall is a shingle and flint bank that separates the sea from Loe Pool, presenting an unusual set of challenges in both flood risk management and environmental protection. In the following article, Rob Rhyder from Nivus explains here how a bespoke monitoring solution was developed for the Environment Agency (EA) to meet the specific requirements of this unique location.
Background.
Situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in Cornwall, Loe Pool is fed by the river Cober and a number of smaller streams. Both the pool and the bar are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to their unique wildlife and habitat.
Historically, Helston’s flood risk resulted from backing up in the Loe Pool and the River Cober, so alleviation measures primarily included the emergency creation of a relief channel in the bar. However, this was obviously a hazardous operation, so in the 1980s and engineered outflow was created in the form of a concrete pipe, installed to operate as an overflow for the pool. The pipe allowed excess water to drain from the pool through the bar, but was overwhelmed by river flows during high flow events. This necessitated expensive and invasive over-pumping operations that also had a significant lead-in time to bring all the equipment to such a remote site. In addition, as a result of high tides and extreme weather, the outfall of the pipe was largely blocked by sand and shingle, which had to be removed during periods of flood risk. This process was inefficient, costly and time-consuming, so a second engineered outfall was developed.
Engineered outflow solution.
The second, more advanced outflow was built in 2020 to largely eliminate the requirement for over-pumping. The additional capacity provided by the second pipe meant that the pool drains by gravity rather than costly and carbon-intensive pumping operations. “The new outflow featured penstocks, pumps, flow monitors and remote communications, and was developed to provide a number of important advantages,” says Will Hancock, Project Lead at the EA.
Level and flow monitors were installed in the River Cober, the Loe Pool and in the new outfall pipe. “This provided us with the ability to monitor the site remotely,” Will explains, “which meant that less site visits were necessary, lowering project costs and carbon footprint, and enabling us to respond to flood risk in a faster and more timely manner.”
The new monitoring system was designed to detect the excessive accumulation of water in the pool, so that the second outflow could be implemented when necessary. Under such circumstances, an excavator is used to expose and open the outfall cover before the sluice gate is opened and the pumps are allowed to remove water from the pool, for discharge to the beach. Over the last 5 years, the second outfall has been opened on two occasions.
New flow monitoring technology.
Prior to the installation of the new monitoring system from Nivus, flow was measured in Helston and in the discharge pipes with a traditional Doppler flow meter, and the failure of one of these units provided the EA with an opportunity to review and upgrade the monitors.
Explaining the evaluation process, Will Hancock says: “These measurement instruments perform a critically important function. Not only do they help manage the Loe Pool to lower flood risk, they also feed data into our flood forecasting model, so it was essential that we utilise accurate, reliable instrumentation.”
The EA has extensive experience with flow measurement technologies, including the cross-correlation method from Nivus, so it was determined that this would be the appropriate solution for the discharge pipes and the river monitor. The key advantage to this area velocity flow measurement technique over the instruments which it replaced is that it provides a 3-dimensional flow profile that is calculated in real-time to provide reproducible and verifiable flow values in full or partially filled channels or pipes. Older Doppler methods are less accurate because they only measure 2-dimensional flow.
The method utilises particles, minerals or gas bubbles which act as reflectors within the water body. Reflections are saved as images or echo patterns, and compared with a further scan which is conducted a few milliseconds later. Velocity is determined by measuring the beam angle of the positions of unambiguously identifiable reflectors. The method produces highly accurate readings without the need for additional calibration.
Explaining the background to the decision to invest in a cross-correlation solution, Will says: “The Nivus equipment has been assessed by the EA, and we now run both fixed and portable versions of the technology. Nivus is also a Framework Partner, so the procedure for implementing this solution was relatively simple, despite the specific challenges that this site presented.”
Uniquely challenging environment at Loe Bar.
Special low-power versions of the Nivus equipment were also deployed. For example, a Nivus NF750 transmitter employs low-power electronics, and consumption is minimised by setting the monitor to sleep, then wake up after 15 minutes to take a measurement, and then return to sleep mode.
For redundancy purposes, two Nivus CS2 bed-mounted, cross-correlation sensors were fitted in each of the discharge pipes, and the same dual-sensor redundancy arrangements were established in the river flow monitor at Helston, albeit in a cross-channel configuration.
The EA’s standard remote communication equipment was installed inside a kiosk along with the transmitter, a multiplexer, rechargeable batteries and a solar power regulator.
Access to the monitoring site is also limited. The closest that EA vehicles can access is 200m away, so any site visits would necessitate manual portability for any necessary equipment. Access to the monitoring locations within the pipes is also potentially hazardous – necessitating breathing apparatus and other PPE. Fortunately, therefore, the newly installed monitoring system does not require regular service or calibration.
Summary.
Nivus installed the new monitoring system in March 2025, and Will says: “The performance to-date has been good – there have been no outages and there have been no requirements for a site visit. We performed manual checks on the monitors using a portable NivuFlow Stick and they are monitoring very accurately, representing a significant improvement on their predecessors. It is also comforting to know that we have the redundancy measures in place.”
Looking forward, Will says: “Given the importance of the Loe Bar as an ecological asset, and of flood management in Helston, we are delighted with the performance of the monitoring system, and will be applying for the Loe Pool and Bar to be recognised as a ‘Strategically Important Asset’.
“At the EA, we are accustomed to managing remote sites, but Loe Bar is probably one of our most challenging locations, so it has been gratifying to be able to establish a robust, reliable, and off-grid solution to meet the twin goals of environmental protection and flood risk reduction.”
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| Dr Sebastian Beck, Festo, John Pearce, Made in Britain, Ben Blackledge, CEO Worldskills UK and Professor Mike Wilson, MTC, |
Skills shortages and an aging workforce are challenges that automation can solve, according to Professor Mike Wilson, Chief Automation Officer, Manufacturing Technology Centre. He emphasised the transformative potential of automation as a means to revitalise productivity and stimulate growth, drive innovation and efficiency, and encourage a more dynamic and progressive approach to change. “We must invest in more automation if we want to retain our competitive edge,” he told the audience. “Britain is still the world’s 12th largest economy, but we only average 119 robots per 10,000 employees. We must treble this figure just to stand still, let alone catch up with countries like the U.S. and Denmark. If we matched the levels of automation that exist in our competing countries, we could increase UK productivity by 22 percent.”
Festo’s Dr Sebastian Beck then explained how the company’s original motto, “one mission, many hands”, had set the foundation for a business based on teamwork and collaboration. He traced Festo’s early interest in internationalisation and enthusiasm for technology that resulted in the development of many unique automation solutions, from a semi-automated cylinder-valve combination in 1955, through to modern valve terminals, electric automation and the adoption of piezo technology to improve energy efficiency.
He then announced that Festo is close to launching its next innovation, an open architecture automation platform.
@FestoGB @festo_global @MadeinBritainGB @worldskillsuk @Publitek #MTC #Automation #PAuto #Manufacturing
ABB’s Ability™ System 800xA® Integrated Control and Safety System (ICSS) will be deployed to manage the automation, telecoms and cyber security project scope for the transportation and storage of the captured carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted by heavy industrial plants in the North West of England and North Wales, to four depleted gas fields in the Irish Sea off the coast of Liverpool.
The project aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 10 million tons a year by 2030, the equivalent of taking four million cars off the road and a quarter of the carbon dioxide currently emitted across the region.
“CCS has an important role to play within the current energy transition but navigating the complexities of operating an industrial cluster is highly technical and challenging,” said Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB Energy Industries. “We are proud to support Eni on the exciting HyNet project by applying our integrated automation technology to accelerate decarbonization in the UK and enable industries to outrun, leaner and cleaner.”
“The HyNet project is clear evidence of how business and government can combine to implement pragmatic and effective industrial policies to accelerate the energy transition,” said Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni who is leading the multi-partner consortium. “ABB’s automation expertise will be invaluable in providing an integrated and end-to-end common control solution spanning all main EPC providers involved in HyNet.”
The British Government has announced almost $29 billion of funding over the next 25 years for two industrial cluster projects, which set out to decarbonise industry and make them a competitive global market for CCS and support 50,000 long term jobs.
@ABBgroupnews @ABB_Energy @ABBelec @abb_automation @HyNetNW #PAuto #Sustainability
This designer and manufacturer, part of Sumitomo Heavy Industries Ltd, has demonstrated remarkable international growth. Exports now represent 95 per cent of total sales, reinforcing its position as a leading innovator in energy efficient motor control solutions. The company has doubled in size to 420 employees since 2018 at its headquarters in Welshpool (GB).
The award acknowledges Invertek's impressive 149% growth over a six year period - achieved despite global challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, BREXIT, and electronics supply chain disruptions.
Shaun Dean, Chairman of Invertek Drives, Executive Vice President of Sumitomo Heavy Industries, and Managing Director of SHI (Europe), added: "This King's Award demonstrates how Invertek has successfully expanded its global footprint while maintaining the technical excellence and innovation that have always been its hallmarks.
“The impressive international growth is a testament to the strategic alignment between Invertek's capabilities and the increasing global demand for energy efficient solutions. As part of the Sumitomo Heavy Industries group, Invertek continues to strengthen our collective position in key markets worldwide, since its acquisition in 2019. The ability to utilise UK based talent on a global platform is a key driver of our success."
Invertek has developed a multifaceted international trade strategy combining a global network of sales partners with strategic wholly-owned subsidiaries in key markets including the USA, Spain, Germany, and Poland. This approach has enabled the company to effectively penetrate diverse markets and establish strong footholds in various regions.
Demonstrating operational resilience, Invertek strategically stocked critical components before Brexit and the pandemic, enabling uninterrupted manufacturing capabilities when competitors faced production challenges due to supplier issues. This foresight allowed the company to fulfil record global orders and strengthen its international market presence even during industry-wide delays.
The company has reinforced its commitment to long-term growth with a major expansion of its UK production, warehouse, and distribution facility, completed in 2024. This investment has increased capacity to meet growing international demand for its Optidrive range of VFDs, which are renowned for their versatility across manufacturing, HVAC, water treatment, and renewable energy applications.
"Our success in international markets stems from our customer-centric, partnership driven approach," added Adrian. "By prioritising adaptability, innovation, sustainability, and digital engagement, we've been able to navigate the complexities of the global marketplace while delivering exceptional value to customers worldwide."
