Industrial Factory Automation

An Air Control Industries (ACI) Jetblack personnel de-duster has replaced a dangerous compressed air cleaning process at a Steetley Dolomite works. The Whitwell Works of Steetley Dolomite quarries and produces magnesium limestone products for the steel, refractory and agricultural industries. After the limestone is quarried, it is crushed, sized and processed to produce various products for applications such as steel furnace manufacture and repair, steel production, refractory products and agricultural soil improvement. The processing of the limestone to produce these products results in the creation of a lot of dust around the plant, which gets deposited on the overalls of workers on site. To de-dust themselves, although advised frequently not to because of the very real danger that it poses, many of the staff would clean their overalls down with compressed air. Posters about the risks and verbal warnings from the safety leader for compressed air, John Collins, seemed to do little to...

SMC has introduced its Series LLB clean air module, which is available in 23 various options. The LLB modules can combine a number of components such as a digital flow switch, a regulator, a regulator and pressure outlet port, an on/off valve, a restrictor and a filter. This modular approach offers space and installation time savings, plus removes the need to select and purchase individual components for a specific application. With a nominal filtration rating of 0.01mm, the LLB is grease-free - for fluid contact space - and its cleanroom assembly and double packaging meet Clean class 10 accreditation. Designed for use with clean air or N2 gas, the LLB is available in flow range options of five to 100l/min (ANR) or 100 to 500l/min (ANR).

The TTxGP will provide an opportunity for innovators in racing and clean emission technologies to compete and prove to the world that being green does not mean being slow. The Institution Of Engineering & Technology (IET) is set to take part in a new chapter in racing history as it becomes the exclusive institutional partner involved in the world's first clean emissions Grand Prix The TTxGP, which will take place in June 2009 on the famous Isle of Man TT motorcycling circuit, will provide an exciting opportunity for leading global innovators in racing and clean emission technologies to compete and prove to the world that being green does not mean being slow. According to Robin McGill, IET Chief Executive: "The Isle of Man TT race is famous across the world and we are delighted to be part of this new chapter of racing history". "The IET is a global organisation, representing 150,000 members in 127 countries across the world and through this partnership we can co...