Maintenance, Repair and Operations Feature Library

Operations Engineer's library catalogues editorial features going back five years.

Access to all archive material is free to all, including non-members of IPlantE (the Institution of Operations Engineers) or BES (Bureau of Engineer Surveyors), under the umbrella of SOE (Society of Operations Engineers). However, to discover the many benefits of becoming an SOE member, please click here.

11/11/2021 PPE: Up close and personal In the wake of supply failures and often mediocre quality PPE equipment during the pandemic, a new conformity assessment process is now in force for placing all forms of such protective wear on the market. By Brian Wall » Read More

11/11/2021 Energy ratings for commercial and industrial buildings The government is proposing a new scheme to log energy consumption and carbon emissions in large buildings that will come into play in 2022. By Tom Austin-Morgan » Read More

04/11/2021 Virtual protection: cybersecurity and IECD 62443 The IECD 62443 standard is becoming well-known as instructing operators on how to protect themselves from digital crime. Now, there are certification schemes for equipment and companies against this. By Jody Muelaner » Read More

04/11/2021 Four steps to better electrical resilience Manufacturing sites depend on a reliable, failsafe power supply. Too many businesses use outdated and potentially unsafe electrical assets for their critical power needs, putting people, operations and their bottom line at risk. When it ... » Read More

28/10/2021 From drinks packaging to process management: an interview with Tetra-Pak Tetra Pak was originally a packaging company, making liquid food brick packs. Through acquisitions and mergers, it has acquired process capability for almost any kind of liquid food product, including cheese. It is also marketing its ... » Read More

28/10/2021 Charging towards gigafactories The supply chain is currently building big on batteries, with many gigafactory construction projects gathering pace in the UK and across Europe. By Steed Webzell » Read More

22/10/2021 Who does what? A SAFed guide to lift testing Revision of the SAFed LG01 Guidelines on the supplementary tests of in-service lifts prompted a joint webinar with LEIA on 19 March 2021 for lift managers and duty holders » Read More

18/10/2021 Hosed & home If poorly administered, flexible hydraulic hose failures can damage machinery and the environment, and even endanger life. An effective hose management scheme is key to their long-term success. By Brian Wall » Read More

18/10/2021 (Don’t) blow me down Emergency shutdown valves may be the last line of defence against a major incident occurring in a pressurised system. Little wonder specifications and maintenance are tightly regulated. By Toby Clark » Read More

14/10/2021 Drone detection Drone technology is being utilised to detect leaks in gas pipelines and storage facilities; it is quicker and more accurate than manual methods » Read More

14/10/2021 Surveying the whole scene Laser scanning technology has evolved beyond its original use as a high-end surveying tool and is now being used for various jobs in industrial settings. Tom Austin-Morgan reports » Read More

05/10/2021 Tracking carbon in construction product manufacturing At the Energy Management Exhibition (24-25 November), SOE is presenting a panel discussion on reducing energy consumption. It features members working across industry. Also speaking is Matthew Jenkinson, Tarmac Alfreton senior site ... » Read More

05/10/2021 Fire risks in AD facilities Anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities are becoming ever more common in the UK, as a means of generating energy, in the form of biogas, from agricultural waste products that would otherwise contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. But as the ... » Read More

30/09/2021 Overhead crane maintenance Electric overhead travelling cranes are a staple tool in many industrial facilities. A thorough inspection and maintenance regime is essential to keep them in prime condition. By Brian Wall » Read More

30/09/2021 Could batteries replace generators? The supply shortages caused by COVID have focused the mind on threat scenarios. Critical infrastructure which depends on electrical power, such as water treatment, hospitals and data centres, typically require backup power to enable ... » Read More

23/09/2021 She who watches the watchers Jane Nash is Allianz Engineering’s new health, safety and quality manager for its 600 engineering surveyors in engineering, construction and power business that inspect plant and equipment across industry for safety and compliance ... » Read More

23/09/2021 Asbestos in the rail network As with any other sector, it is essential that sufficient information regarding the potential location of asbestos is recorded prior to carrying out any demolition, repair or refurbishment work. It is equally important for rail workers to ... » Read More

16/09/2021 The biggest pumps in the world? Among the largest pumps made for industry are the reactor coolant pumps used in modern PWR, pressurised water reactor-type nuclear power plants such as Sizewell B in Suffolk, and Hinkley Point C, currently being built. Each 10m-tall ... » Read More

16/09/2021 Pump retrofit beyond the bearing housing Sulzer examines pump retrofit options outside of the bearing housing for single-stage overhung pumps to improve reliability and reduce operating costs » Read More

09/09/2021 PLM for automation components Purchasing criteria for automation products should not only include performance and price. Buyers should also ensure they ask suppliers how long their product will be supported and their position in the product lifecycle. By Jonathan ... » Read More

09/09/2021 Walking the high wire How do you balance replacing older or already-obsolete drives and controls against maximising their service lifespan – and what are the other key influencers at play? By Brian Wall » Read More

26/08/2021 An overview of force and pressure sensing The methods used to measure force in a range of applications and how these can be related to pressure sensing. By Jody Muelaner » Read More

26/08/2021 Virtual testing becomes reality The COVID-19 pandemic is preventing in-person visits, forcing many solution providers to introduce virtual factory acceptance tests. By Steed Webzell » Read More

18/08/2021 Keeping your compressor in tip-top condition Portable diesel- and petrol-powered compressors play a critical role in providing the air that drives pneumatic tools. But why do they suddenly fail sometimes, bringing a project to a grinding halt – and what can be done to prevent this ... » Read More

18/08/2021 More powerful power tools With a selection of high-power cordless power tools recently coming to market, why does voltage make a difference and how does it affect battery management? » Read More