Wherever there is lifting equipment there will be safety issues. In December 1998 the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) came into force to help reduce the risk and...
Manual HandlingThere are many viable ways to provide heat for processing: these can be divided into direct and indirect systems. A direct heating system is one where heat is released directly into the product - for...
Heating SystemsEvery piece of process machinery is purchased to be installed, operated, and play its part in making a profit for the plant operator. When a problem arises with a piece of equipment that causes...
Machine Safety/ProtectionA machine tool spindle condition monitoring unit (CMU) at car manufacturer BMW's plant at Steyr, Austria, has reduced the number of bearing failures from 21 per year to zero. The Multilog CMU,...
BearingsBy very carefully selecting the layers of material in a graded bed filter, it is said to be possible to catch 99.7% of bacteria and other micro-organisms down to 0.2 µm in diameter. A newly...
Filtration and SeparationTemperature changes, static requirements, liquids, impact, abrasion and chemicals can all affect a floor's performance. Add static electricity to the mix and the result can be potentially explosive.
FlooringThe UK's leading waste management event will see over 300 leading manufacturers and service providers promoting the latest products, technologies and concepts. The Chartered Institution of Wastes...
Waste ManagementWhen Maureen Kingman began her career as a factory inspector for the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) 25 years ago, the health and safety picture in factories was quite different from that seen today....
Health and SafetyA new laboratory in a leading research institute in the UK has just been dedicated to improving the welding working environment and making it safer.
Fume ExtractionFactory services like compressed air and steam systems are classic examples of functions that are only noticed when they go wrong. Nowadays, like - thankfully - modern cars, these systems can be...
CompressorsAs this issue of Plant Engineer goes to press, a design services manager for Barrow Borough Council is facing seven charges of manslaughter over an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in August 2002. A...
Water TreatmentAs the complexity of systems, machinery and equipment continues to grow, it is important for plant technicians, engineers and managers to keep up to speed. In a climate of increasing demands and...
Continuing Professional Development