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.

09/08/2023 Using recovered waste heat The presence of spare heat is a necessary but not sufficient condition to turn it to a good use, explains Jody Muelaner » Read More

08/08/2023 Solar panel potential With more plants becoming interested in adopting renewable energy, how easy or complex is the task of integrating solar panels to reduce mains supply dependency? » Read More

08/08/2023 Dealing with cyberattacks Ransomware is a type of malware which prevents access to devices and the data stored on them, usually by encrypting files, the key to which requires paying a ransom. How can organisations resist such attacks, and respond if the worst were ... » Read More

08/08/2023 Fostering a maintenance culture Our society has become a throw-away one, and part of the problem is a lack of knowledge and capability in repair » Read More

08/08/2023 Switching from copper landlines We’ve been making telephone calls over copper landlines since the days of plummy-voiced Post Office operators plugging cables into exchange switchboards. Now the deadline’s finally looming for the copper network’s retirement party. And ... » Read More

08/08/2023 Hydraulic motors Rotating assemblies apply the movement of incompressible fluids to mechanical advantage in many different ways, reports Toby Clark » Read More

08/08/2023 Comment: Hello from me Thanks to David Young, my predecessor in this role, for steering the BES over the last few years into the great position we find ourselves today. I am excited to have the opportunity to continue his work, and hopefully grow the sector in ... » Read More

08/08/2023 Technology trends Equipment supplier ystral has published a white paper (www.is.gd/iyuvoc) exploring some of the trends that it believes will shape the future of mechanical process technology. This is an edited summary » Read More

08/08/2023 Cyber round-up ?Cyber attacks resulting from vulnerabilities within the supply chain can result in devastating, expensive and long-term ramifications for affected organisations, their supply chains and their customers. But despite these risks, many ... » Read More

13/07/2023 Green is growing Environmental issues run through this month’s magazine like a stick of rock. The cover feature addresses coming regulation of so-called ‘forever chemicals’ used for their waterproofing and non-stick properties, and many other consumer and ... » Read More

21/06/2023 Avoiding hump instability Hump instability is a type of unstable fluid flow that can result in increased drag, vibration or buffeting, similar to vortex shedding, stall or cavitation. It is a flow phenomenon typically occurring at high flow speeds or pressure ... » Read More

21/06/2023 The vertical farming solution How we feed eight billion people – and growing – is a challenge the world is now grappling with. Could vertical farming be part of the solution, asks Brian Wall » Read More

21/06/2023 Understanding EMC Understanding EMC obligations can be challenging, but is essential for machinery manufacturers and end-users, explains TÜV SÜD chief engineer Ian Wright » Read More

21/06/2023 AM materiel While still in its infancy, the use of 3D printing technology by the UK’s armed forces is rapidly gaining momentum, reports Peter Shakespeare » Read More

21/06/2023 Growing with technology Sensor supplier Vaisala explains why measurement and control technology will be key to the success of this rapidly growing sector » Read More

21/06/2023 Less persistent chemicals New policies are being proposed for the control, disposal, and eventual replacement of ‘forever chemicals.’ Tom Austin-Morgan investigates what this could mean for industry » Read More

21/06/2023 PFAS restriction impossible - BPMA Wayne Rose of the marketing commission Secretariat of trade association Europump, and newly-appointed CEO of the BPMA, offers insight into the pump sector’s position in relation to the restrictions on using per- and polyfluoroalkyl ... » Read More

21/06/2023 All about PI Process intensification (PI) is an approach to chemical engineering that can have a transforming effect, reports Toby Clark » Read More

21/06/2023 Specifying a precision motor Gerard Bush of motion control equipment supplier INMOCO discusses the principles of motor selection for precision motion applications » Read More

19/06/2023 Introducing mediation to resolve workplace disputes Mediation is being actively encouraged as a way of resolving employment disputes. It is cost-effective and should produce a better outcome if both parties fully commit to the process, reports Wright Hassall legal director and mediator Mali ... » Read More

09/06/2023 Peak pack For a while I have been concerned with the amount of unnecessary and excessive packaging I receive from online retailers. » Read More

09/06/2023 Details really do matter Dominic Dawson, chief engineer, Zurich Engineering, the new chair of SOE subsidiary BES, discusses the safety and compliance issues raised in last month‘s article ‘Details Matter’ » Read More

31/05/2023 New efficiency rules New efficiency rules for electric motors will take effect in the EU from July 2023. The aim is to reduce electricity consumption and therefore strengthen climate protection. Daniel Lehmann, product manager at KEB Automation, explains what ... » Read More

31/05/2023 ION sensors for hazardous vapours Businesses that handle hazardous vapours have a duty of care to protect workers from overexposure to harmful gases. ION Science contends that its sensors serve as an alternative to the unproven and low-cost alternatives that could increase ... » Read More

31/05/2023 DROPS reaches its 25th anniversary DROPS (Dropped Objects Prevention Scheme) has steadily been gaining traction around the world as the campaign marks its 25th anniversary. Ben Spencer gets an insight into the milestones, opportunities, and plans for future » Read More