Plant Equipment 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
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06/09/2019
The wheel deal
Bucket wheel reclaimers/excavators are among the largest machines ever built, shifting vast amounts of stored solid material – and all at remarkable speed. Operations Engineer gets up close to these Leviathans to find out more
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06/09/2019
Getting Europe connected
The UK recently energised its latest power interconnector, this time connecting Britain with Belgium. It is just one of a swathe of new interconnector projects that are set to transform the UK’s generation portfolio – and that of our ...
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06/09/2019
Engineering excellence
Environment Agency engineer Ahmed Yusuf (inset) has been named ‘Professional Young Engineer of the Year’ by the Pump Centre. Here, the 27-year-old explains more about his work and plans for the future
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06/09/2019
A big step-change
Nereda technology was originally presented to the UK water industry in 2013. Since then, the technology has been tested and implemented at more plants
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06/09/2019
Motion picture
Typical conveyors used in industrial settings include belt systems and over-head systems. But what about static conveyor systems? OE looks at some non-moving conveyor innovations already on the market
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05/08/2019
Cushioned approach
The latest pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders feature improved cushioning systems for higher speeds with reduced stress and vibration. But what is involved in the technology, how does it work, and what maintenance implications are there?
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05/08/2019
Inching forward
While manufacturers are now using electro hydraulics to power all types of ancillary equipment, bringing it to market is a slow process. OE looks at the in-roads already made
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04/07/2019
Smart moves
Intelligent drives have evolved beyond simply providing high performance for a connected motor. They also offer detailed diagnostics information that can be an essential tool for maintenance. OE reviews the capability of standard equipment
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03/06/2019
Inside job
Manually-operated inspection vehicles are used to inspect pipelines and pipework. But the days of these vehicles may be numbered, as researchers look at truly autonomous inspection and repairs
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03/06/2019
Doing the dirty
Recent research has suggested that more than four in five Brits want robots to ‘do the dirty work’. Luckily, such technology is starting to become a reality, able to take over different tasks in various sectors of industry
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03/06/2019
Avoiding robo-flop
Make UK launched a course last year to retrain and up-skill employees, covering the knowledge and practical skills involved with robotic and automation engineering. Commercial manager Mark Farrant, and commercial maintenance tutor Gordon ...
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03/06/2019
Heart of the workhorse
Forklift trucks that run on electricity are common throughout industry. So, what operational and maintenance-related advice and products are out there for users looking to get the most out of their batteries?
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03/06/2019
Raising the bar
Two lightweight gantry cranes from Reid Lifting continue to play an integral role in ongoing construction and testing as the planet’s most advanced straight-line racing car, Bloodhound SSC, is prepared for its landmark world record attempt
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03/06/2019
Wet & healthy
Who knew the humble tap could kill? OE takes a look at water safety in healthcare and how it should be managed
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08/05/2019
Ploughing forward with safety
Industry bodies are pushing ‘best practice’ to improve health and safety on farms. So, what are the issues for off-road agricultural vehicles and machinery and what safety checks should operators carry out?
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08/05/2019
Comment: Give and take
Over the years covering industry, I’ve written a lot about nature and the environment. Usually I channel my inner Attenborough, reiterating how we need to do more to protect our lands and oceans, help wildlife, and minimise air and waste ...
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08/05/2019
Correct lubrication = longevity
Industrial equipment can fail because of inadequate lubrication maintenance and incorrect lubrication. Getting it right, first time, every time, is therefore vital
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08/05/2019
Cool pollution solution
The transition to new refrigerants is being driven by environmental impact, energy efficiency, safety and cost effectiveness, as well as legislative pressure. R32 refrigerant is set to become a huge part of the future in air conditioning ...
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08/05/2019
Tapping into nature
A Queen’s Quay regeneration project in Clydebank is set to be the site of one of the UK’s most exciting energy projects, creating Scotland’s first large-scale water source heat pump scheme to connect to a district heating network
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04/04/2019
Hydrophonical
Water supply utility Anglian Water has begun installing thousands of leak sensors across its network, as well as trialling a new kind of pressure sensor to stop a big cause of leaks; transient surges
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04/04/2019
A nuclear approach to seismic sensing
This article discusses the latest trends in seismic monitoring and protection systems for nuclear plants, including technologies adopted and current best practice driven by enhanced risk management demands
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04/04/2019
Turning up the heat
Heat networks and Combined Heat and Power (CHP) have gained in popularity, as legislators and developers recognise them as a way to meet energy reduction targets. However, technical and operational challenges, and user acceptance issues, ...
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07/03/2019
Wat-er decision
An extraordinarily cost-effective project at a UK theme park, involving the fitment of modern variable-speed drive electronics to existing pump motors, has won supplier Central Group an industry award
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07/03/2019
Where there’s smoke…
Recently-published HSE guidance has set the first UK limits for workplace exposure of nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen monoxide, as well as lowering the carbon monoxide value: that means that employers whose workers come into contact to ...
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07/03/2019
Dust busting
Exposure to dust and other particles can result in breathing and lung problems. Luckily there are different solutions available to employers and employees to reduce dust intake, and campaigns looking to shake things up
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