Industrial Insights
Industrial Insights
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 26th November 2025
- Year: 2025
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, has hosted two specialised workshops for representatives from Ghana and Poland’s nuclear energy organisations.
Held at both the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant and in Abu Dhabi, the sessions offered practical insights drawn from the development and operation of the Barakah facility. The workshops focused on risk informed cybersecurity for new nuclear builds, along with the fundamentals of nuclear quality, regulatory frameworks and safety culture essential for emerging nuclear programmes.
Participants engaged in two core learning streams: “Nuclear Quality for Emerging Countries” and “Cybersecurity for Nuclear Power Generation: Lessons Learned from New Program Implementation”. Together, these sessions provided hands on guidance on establishing robust governance, meeting international standards and preparing safe, secure and efficient nuclear infrastructure.
The initiative builds on ENEC’s longstanding collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, which was strengthened in 2020 through a Memorandum of Understanding on energy cybersecurity. It also forms a key part of ENEC’s broader strategy to advance global knowledge sharing, support countries launching new nuclear programmes and promote opportunities for international partnership and investment.
By enabling new build nuclear nations to access proven expertise and advanced technologies, ENEC aims to help partners strengthen energy security, enhance sustainability and accelerate the responsible adoption of peaceful nuclear power.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 25th November 2025
- Year: 2025
The hours spent training production and maintenance teams can lead to variable results. They might just tick the boxes without providing a return on investment, or they can enhance safety, foster team building, and develop a deep understanding of the equipment that boosts efficiency and uptime.
In-class sessions should transition to on-site, hands-on training, supported by online content for access afterward. Training should be robust and encourage problem-solving using modern methods and standards. Companies that prioritise safety experience fewer safety incidents, less regulatory oversight, and higher productivity and profits.
When it comes to conveyor belts, a one-day training session can serve as a refresher, but it is recommended that staff complete a comprehensive course lasting at least two days. Conveyors are as complex as they are crucial to operations, and training should include a mix of classroom and hands-on learning, followed by a pilot programme to encourage team building and gauge results.
The problem
A commitment to safety starts at the top with corporate culture. A production-at-all-costs approach means safety concerns are always present. Bad habits and injuries often stem from three things: lack of funding, an understaffed maintenance department, and a run-till-broke mentality. Good safety habits require training and the patience for extra steps. Cutting corners and calling it efficiency can lead to serious injuries, low morale, downtime, and lost production.
Basic training
Everyone who operates, cleans, or maintains conveyors should be trained on the hazards of bulk material handling. Basic training helps staff identify problems and resolve them safely. Appropriate safety training emphasises a basic understanding of conveyor design and operation, as well as the Lock-Out Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures required for working on and around the system.
Conveyor maintenance can be dangerous even when LOTO and other safety measures are in place.
Advanced training
Over time, production demands cause conveyor belt speed and capacity to reach beyond the original design specifications. Systems are incrementally modified to minimise problems associated with the demands. Advanced conveyor design training for engineers and mechanics is critical for diagnosis and the development of updated solutions. No two conveyors are identical, so adhering to standard design methods allows a technician to make adjustments that another can recognise and understand.
Day one
A walk down problem belts before the training helps the instructor focus on site-specific problems and management expectations. The first day starts in the classroom with the class reviewing typical problems, discussing challenges, and the best practices of safely addressing them. The class identifies a couple of problem conveyors and splits into small teams. Each team examines the same problem and brainstorms solutions.
Advanced conveyor training highlights the relationship between equipment, efficiency, and safety.
Day two
The class reviews and discusses root causes, solutions, and procedures. Once the teams reach an agreement, they prepare a short presentation using the knowledge they gained. The presentations may also include an estimate of the cost of the proposed solutions. Management is then invited to listen to the team presentations, ask questions, and show a commitment to safety and communication. By making the presentations, trainees display knowledge and support for the solutions. It is critical at this step that the managers who attend the presentations have the authority to act on the proposals and are willing to commit to a pilot programme to demonstrate that theoretical results can be translated into reality.
A conveyor system with safety engineered into the design maximises efficiency and productivity.
Pilot programme
One or more conveyors from the presentation are selected for a pilot programme. Usually, the results of the pilot programme are immediately noticeable. A lapse in maintenance affects the pilot results, so extend the test period to the next scheduled shutdown, with periodic inspections and adjustments made by the equipment manufacturer.
Third-party inspection ensures the integrity of pilot results.
It is incumbent upon management to take safety and maintenance training as seriously as the staff, listen to employees' concerns, and fix the problem correctly the first time. As research has shown, companies that prioritise safety, training, and updating equipment enjoy fewer safety incidents, less regulatory oversight, higher productivity, and greater long-term profits.
The online Martin Foundations Learning Center draws on the collective knowledge and expertise gathered over more than 80 years of solving bulk-handling challenges. Aimed at apprentice technicians and experienced engineers alike, the non-commercial information is offered at no charge and is accessible by computer, tablet, or smartphone. An extension of the Foundations training curriculum, the Learning Center uses a mix of text, photos, videos, webinars, online events, and live experts available to answer questions.
This article was written by R. Todd Swinderman, President Emeritus at Martin Engineering.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 24th November 2025
- Year: 2025
WakeCap, the sensor-powered project intelligence and controls platform used across major global construction and oil and gas projects, has announced its acquisition of Trackfy, a workforce safety and operational platform serving industrial companies.
The move reflects the Saudi company’s strategy to expand internationally, broaden its product capabilities, and strengthen relationships across the full construction and industrial lifecycle.
The expansion comes as global infrastructure spending accelerates, with Saudi Arabia alone investing nearly US$1 trillion in construction and urban development. In line with Vision 2030’s goals for safer, smarter and more sustainable built environments, WakeCap’s blend of Silicon Valley innovation, large-scale Saudi delivery and, now, Brazilian market access positions the company at the forefront of AI- and IoT-driven industrial transformation.
With Brazil set to serve as WakeCap’s LATAM headquarters, the acquisition extends the company’s reach beyond construction into long-term operations and maintenance. By integrating Trackfy’s industrial capabilities, WakeCap can now support clients from the build phase through day-to-day facility operations, offering a fully connected solution across an asset’s entire lifecycle. This creates significantly greater long-term value for customers.
The combined strengths of both companies will merge WakeCap’s leadership in global construction technology with Trackfy’s operational expertise. WakeCap provides live, site-wide visibility on workforce activity, safety, productivity and progress, helping protect workers and improving site reliability. With more than 150mn labour hours tracked and deployments across US$120bn worth of active projects—including Aramco, NEOM, Qiddiya, King Salman Park and international projects in the UAE, US, Brazil and Japan—WakeCap continues to set new benchmarks for data-driven performance, safety and accountability, enabling smarter decisions and lowering insurance costs.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial
- Date: 21st November 2025
- Year: 2025
Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), one of Dubai’s key aviation regulators, has wrapped up its participation at the Dubai Airshow 2025 with a strong international showing that reinforced the emirate’s status as a global centre for aviation excellence and technological innovation.
The event, staged at Dubai World Central from 17-21 November under the theme “The Future Begins Here,” marked another significant step in the rapid expansion of both the aviation and space sectors.
During the Airshow, DCAA achieved several important milestones, led by the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding with Dubai Police and Dubai Customs. These agreements are designed to strengthen institutional collaboration and align efforts to uphold the highest levels of safety, security and operational efficiency across Dubai’s airspace.
The partnerships will focus on creating new frameworks for operational coordination, sharing expertise and critical information, and developing joint initiatives that contribute to long-term sector sustainability. The move aligns with Dubai’s wider ambition to build a smart, unified and future ready aviation ecosystem.
Commenting on the occasion, H.E. Mohammed Abdulla Lengawi, Director General of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, stated: “The remarkable success of the Dubai Airshow 2025 reflects the Authority’s firm commitment to supporting innovation and enhancing the sustainability of the aviation sector. This year’s edition provided a global platform for knowledge exchange and partnership-building, demonstrating the sector’s resilience and its ability to evolve. The Memoranda of Understanding signed by the Authority represent an important step toward a more efficient and innovative future, further strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading global centre for civil aviation. This aligns with our continued efforts to elevate operational efficiency and enhance security and safety standards across the UAE’s airspace.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial
- Date: 20th November 2025
- Year: 2025
Across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, rapid urban expansion is reshaping economies at an extraordinary pace. With the United Nations forecasting that nearly 68% of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050, Africa in particular faces surging demand for housing, transport networks and large-scale urban infrastructure
As construction activity intensifies, industry stakeholders are turning to Big 5 Global (www.Big5Global.com) to source technologies and solutions that reinforce supply chains, boost efficiency and support sustainable development.
Welcoming participants from more than 165 countries, with 70% of solutions presented by international exhibitors, Big 5 Global serves as a gateway linking the region's construction community with a worldwide ecosystem of manufacturers, suppliers and technology providers.
Strengthening supply chains for project delivery
Big 5 Global hosts 2,800 exhibitors and showcases over 60,000 products, systems and services designed to enhance the reliability of construction operations. International pavilions from Germany and Italy return with advanced building materials such as high-performance concrete, cement, marble and stone technologies. India expands its presence with innovative MEP and smart construction systems suited for large projects across the Middle East and Africa. Austria and Pakistan also rejoin the event, displaying modular building solutions, interior systems and cost-efficient MEP technologies that streamline execution. Additional exhibitors from Armenia, Croatia, Hungary, Jersey, New Zealand, Norway and Serbia further widen procurement options for buyers seeking resilient and diversified sourcing channels.
With regional demand rising, digital technologies are rapidly transforming procurement and project execution.
Technology reshaping procurement and construction workflows
At Digital Construction World, leading companies such as Autodesk, Nemetschek Group, Odoo, Premier Construction Software, Procore Technologies, RIB Software and Trimble highlight digital tools that improve transparency and coordination across supply chains. Odoo offers an integrated suite linking procurement, HR and operations, while Premier Construction Software simplifies budgeting and project management. Trimble demonstrates automated solutions that reduce site rework by up to 25%, directly improving project timelines and profitability. Meter Technology showcases its fully integrated digital platform that modernises surveying and engineering workflows by removing long-standing inefficiencies.
Ahmed Al-Ansary, chairman, founder and CEO of Meter Technology, commented, “Meter transforms surveying and engineering from traditional to tech-driven. As the world's first fully integrated digital platform, we've eliminated decades-old inefficiencies. Our AI-powered system completes complex projects within 48 hours with exceptional precision across nine countries. Big 5 Global offers the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore sector development worldwide under ‘From the UAE to the World’, where geospatial and engineering digital innovation forms the foundation of real estate sustainability.”
Sustainable manufacturing and advanced material innovation
Several global exhibitors are also reimagining material production, transportation and reuse to reduce environmental impact. China introduces a new Eco-Friendly Zone built entirely from recyclable materials and dedicated to low-carbon construction solutions.
Grundfos Gulf Distribution highlights high-efficiency pumping systems designed to cut water and energy consumption. Deewan Equipment Trading LLC presents modular and precast manufacturing plants that reduce onsite waste and speed up project timelines. Hitech Concrete Products showcases precast hollow-core and insulated wall systems engineered for superior thermal performance and lower material use.
GF returns with advanced MEP and sustainable building technologies that support efficient construction and environmentally conscious project delivery. "The region is pursuing one of the world’s most ambitious development programs, where sustainable water management is key to realizing this vision. GF is uniquely positioned to support this progress through its comprehensive solutions portfolio, our local presence including manufacturing, offsite-manufacturing and customer experience facilities, long-standing regional partnerships and dedicated teams who understand the market’s unique challenges," said Michael Rauterkus, executive committee member of GF and president of GF Building Flow Solutions.
These collective contributions are helping the UAE build smarter cities aligned with long-term net-zero ambitions.
“As rapid urbanisation increases demand for project efficiency, quality and delivery, the global construction landscape must accelerate efforts toward net-zero goals and cross-sector collaborations,” said Josine Heijmans, senior vice-president, dmg events. “Big 5 Global continues to connect government entities, international manufacturers and regional stakeholders, helping strengthen construction supply chains and advance sustainable growth across the built environment.”
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 19th November 2025
- Year: 2025
Wärtsilä has successfully completed three major fire safety and explosion tests for its battery energy storage system, Quantum3
The tests included UL 9540A unit-level testing, Large Scale Fire Testing, and proprietary Active Ignition Mitigation System (AIMS) testing.
The three tests were designed to simulate worst-case fire and/or explosion scenarios, providing valuable data to manufacturers, first responders, customers, and regulators. Together, they confirm Quantum3’s ability to contain thermal runaway events, prevent fire propagation, and mitigate risks associated with flammable gas build-up, ensuring safety for surrounding communities. CSA Group, a leader in standards development and in product testing, inspection, and certification, witnessed the execution of all three tests for third-party verification.
“CSA Group was pleased to support Wärtsilä’s fire safety testing programme through close collaboration between our North American and Asian teams,” said Dana Parmenter, commercial vice president, Industry, CSA Group. "The strong coordination between teams helped ensure the testing was carried out smoothly and effectively.”
Quantum3 is the most advanced addition to Wärtsilä’s Quantum battery energy storage product portfolio, offering a fully integrated AC block solution with industry-leading safety, cybersecurity, energy density, and sustainability features. Quantum3’s enhanced fire safety features exceed the requirements of current global regulations, including advanced fire suppression and next-generation thermal management.
“These results reflect years of engineering innovation and safety-first design,” said Mishaal Syed Naveed, product manager - Fire Protection at Wärtsilä Energy Storage. “By completing all three tests, Quantum3 has proven its best-in-class safety performance, giving our customers and the general public confidence that Wärtsilä systems are ready for the most demanding applications.”
Wärtsilä will continue collaborating with first responders, customers, and regulators to ensure that fire safety keeps pace with the rapid deployment of battery energy storage worldwide.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 19th November 2025
- Year: 2025
Envac, the global pioneer of automated waste collection and creator of the pneumatic waste collection system used in residential developments, hospitals and airports, is set to return to Cityscape Global, which runs from 17-20 November at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre in Malham, Saudi Arabia.
The Stockholm headquartered company, whose EMEA operations are based in Madrid, will showcase its newest advances in automatic waste collection technology aimed at supporting smarter, more sustainable and more efficient urban environments.
Envac Saudi Arabia’s participation in Cityscape 2025 highlights the company’s adaptability and its capacity to meet the expectations of a rapidly evolving market. It also underscores Envac’s continued commitment to aligning its systems and projects with global trends in sustainability, modern waste management and forward looking urban planning.
“Participating in CityScape strengthens our growth strategy in the region and provides a valuable opportunity to connect with clients and stakeholders. It allows us to demonstrate our commitment to designing cleaner, more efficient and liveable cities,” states James Fullerton, managing director of Envac Middle East.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 18th November 2025
- Year: 2025
Leadership readiness, planning and preparation have become a mission-critical priority for how organisations plan, respond to, and recover from crises, as illustrated by the April 2024 record-breaking rainfall in the UAE
These will be among the key themes at the International Security Leaders’ Summit at Intersec 2026, where leaders from government, aviation, and national infrastructure will discuss how real-world experience influences their leadership strategies amid disruption.
David Warham, head of Response & Recovery Planning at Dubai Airports, stresses that effective crisis leadership is centred on preparation, and points to the event as a lesson in the value of pre-crisis planning, saying that the scale of coordination required extended far beyond the airport boundary.
At the Security Leaders’ Summit at Intersec 2026, taking place from 12–14 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Warham will discuss how challenges such as record rainfall have shaped his team’s approach to leading through disruption in one of the world’s busiest aviation environments.
“Effective crisis leadership is defined by calm decision-making, clarity of communication, and credible coordination under pressure. In aviation, where seconds matter and stakeholders span multiple agencies, leaders must translate uncertainty into direction,” said Warham.
“But effective leadership in a crisis begins long before the event itself. It’s built on preparedness, planning, and the discipline of regular scenario testing. True crisis leadership means projecting calm, inspiring trust, and making informed decisions even when information is incomplete.”
“Organisations in the Middle East operate in fast-growing, multicultural environments where critical infrastructure, government agencies, and private operators must work in harmony,” added Warham. “Building resilience here requires more than plans. It demands alignment, consistent joint training, and strong communication channels that transcend organisational boundaries.”
This approach is reflected in the airport’s oneDXB community, which brings together service providers, airlines, and government entities under a shared mission.
“It ensures that when disruption occurs, we respond as one team with clarity, trust, and collective strength,” Warham concluded.
Discussions on resilience, leadership, and collaboration will take place at the Intersec 2026 International Security Leaders’ Summit. Topics are likely to include the General Civil Aviation Authority’s (GCAA) Civil Aviation Regulation on Airport Crisis Management. Designed to shift how airports prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises, emergencies, and operational disruptions, the regulation has been developed in close collaboration with airports across the UAE and is based on international best practices.
PwC will host a closed-door roundtable discussion focusing on the significance of crisis management across various sectors and fields, with a white paper to be published after the event.
The International Security Leaders' Summit is one of Intersec 2026’s flagship knowledge platforms, tackling hot topics such as AI governance, human risk, cross-sector collaboration, and aligning national strategy with security innovation.
Dishan Isaac, show director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “The Security Leaders’ Summit brings together diverse voices from across government, aviation, and critical infrastructure to share lived experience and actionable insights. It reinforces Intersec’s commitment to advancing resilience, collaboration, and security leadership across the region.”
In addition to the Security Leaders’ Summit, Intersec 2026 will also feature the Fire & Rescue Conference, the Health & Safety Conference, the Access Control Theatre, the Control Room Innovation Theatre, the InCyber Briefing and the SIRA Forum.
The event is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and is supported by the General Command of Dubai Civil Defense (DCD) and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA).
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 18th November 2025
- Year: 2025
Bobcat has expanded its electric materials handling line up with the launch of the B16 to B20 NT series, the company’s first three wheel forklifts designed exclusively around modern lithium ion technology.
The new B16NT, B18NT and B20NT models are aimed at light to medium duty operations and combine compact design with zero emission performance. Bobcat says the series represents a future proof investment for manufacturing and logistics users seeking safer, cleaner and more efficient in plant transport.
The forklifts deliver load capacities between 1.6 and 2 tonnes at a 500 millimetre load centre and feature a 4.5 kilowatt dual drive motor alongside a 12 kilowatt hydraulic motor. Their small turning radius gives operators the ability to work confidently in narrow aisles without compromising on stability.
Bobcat states that the models’ manoeuvrability is matched by a significant emphasis on operator protection and comfort. The low access step, generous legroom and modern driver interface are designed to reduce fatigue and enhance visibility, while the intuitive colour display provides at a glance diagnostics to help avoid unexpected failures. The standard electric parking brake with ramp stop forms a central part of the safety package, ensuring secure stopping even on gradients.
Coinciding with the forklift launch, Bobcat has introduced its own lithium ion batteries for both the NT series and its existing electric range. Available in 400 and 600 amp hour capacities, the new batteries use lithium iron phosphate chemistry which is regarded for its high safety levels and thermal stability.
An integrated thermal management system enables operation in temperatures as low as minus 18 degrees Celsius, safeguarding performance in demanding environments. The batteries also connect directly into the machine’s CAN bus, removing the need for a separate display and allowing real time monitoring through Bobcat’s Machine IQ telematics. This visibility supports preventative maintenance, safer charging routines and a longer operational lifespan.
The company has also developed a dedicated charging infrastructure for the new energy packs. The fast chargers are built for efficiency and reliability, with a typical full charge taking around two hours depending on the model. Smart charging electronics continuously adapt output to the battery’s condition in order to prevent overheating and extend service life.
Their robust construction and flexible connectivity options make them suitable for both centralised charging rooms and distributed charging points across large sites.
According to Bobcat, the introduction of the NT series, the new batteries and the associated charging solutions demonstrates its commitment to safer and more sustainable intralogistics. The firm expects the lithium ion technology to deliver longer battery life, reduced maintenance requirements and greater operational control for users seeking an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional power sources.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 15th December 2025
- Year: 2025
Greece is facing a devastating surge in workplace fatalities, with 172 workers losing their lives in the first nine months of 2025, according to the Federation of Associations of Technical Works Employees (OSETEE).
This equates to one death every two days and marks a steep rise that places Greece among the worst performers in the European Union for worker safety.
Data presented by OSETEE at a recent seminar showed that 139 deaths occurred in the first seven months alone, averaging one fatality every 48 hours. Eurostat estimates that roughly 40 workplace incidents take place across the country each day, though gaps in official reporting mean the true extent remains unclear.
This year’s toll has already overtaken last year’s total of more than 150 deaths, setting a bleak new record. OSETEE links the sharp increase to the worsening conditions employees have faced over the past 15 years, including long hours, unsafe environments, and inadequate protections. The situation is compounded by the lack of robust tracking for occupational diseases, many of which go unreported despite being directly tied to workplace exposure.
Growing number of deaths
OSETEE has stressed that “workplace accidents have taken on epidemic proportions,” with annual incidents exceeding 14,000, according to the Independent Authority of Labor Inspectors. In 2023 alone, 14,920 accidents were recorded, up from 14,388 in 2022 and 11,957 in 2021. The economic impact surpasses €150mn each year, not counting the severe social consequences.
The latest data shows that incidents are concentrated in several key sectors, including retail trade, accommodation services, public administration, human health activities, construction, wholesale trade, and the food industry. In 2023, OSETEE recorded 179 workplace deaths and 287 serious injuries, a significant jump from the 104 deaths and 140 serious injuries reported in 2022. The hardest-hit groups included wage workers and labourers, farmers, construction workers, and personnel from the armed forces and security services.
A major concern highlighted by experts is Greece’s failure to formally monitor occupational morbidity, chronic illnesses, or deaths linked to long-term workplace exposure. Research conducted with the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work suggests that as many as 2,500 deaths each year in Greece may be caused by work-related diseases that never enter official statistics.
The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) has sounded the alarm over what it calls an “explosive escalation” in workplace fatalities, urging immediate reforms to tackle hazardous conditions, excessive working hours, and weak regulatory enforcement. As Greece continues to fall behind EU safety benchmarks, labour advocates stress the need for urgent intervention to prevent further loss of life.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 15th December 2025
- Year: 2025
AkzoNobel’s protective coatings brand, International, officially unveiled Chartek 2218E, the latest evolution of its renowned epoxy passive fire protection (PFP) solution, at ADIPEC 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
Building on over 50 years of innovation within the Chartek range, Chartek 2218E combines trusted protection with enhanced efficiency and performance. The coating sets a new standard in hydrocarbon pool fire protection, achieving a 2-hour rating in a single-coat application over Charlok mesh. Designed specifically for shop-applied steel, the boron-free epoxy intumescent offers the industry’s lowest UL1709-certified thickness and weight for a W10x49 steel section.
The streamlined application process allows for faster project completion, lower energy use, and reduced risk of delays while maintaining strict safety and environmental standards. Chartek 2218E reduces application hours by up to 50%, cuts shop-applied costs by up to 25%, and decreases material usage by a similar margin, delivering efficiency gains for fabricators and applicators. Its durability, corrosion resistance, and reduced energy demand contribute to sustainability goals and improved total cost of ownership, supporting AkzoNobel’s ambition to halve emissions across its value chain.
Customers can rely on Chartek 2218E’s technology platforms, which have demonstrated proven performance in real-world conditions. The coating provides UL 1709 120-minute pool fire protection, has been tested against ASTM D5894, and certified to UL2431, all without a prescribed topcoat. This ensures fire performance even after weathering and offers the flexibility to add a cosmetic topcoat without affecting long-term protection.
Launching at ADIPEC, one of the world’s most significant energy events, offered an ideal platform to demonstrate Chartek 2218E’s performance and efficiency. Attendees had the opportunity to view product samples and engage with experts, while a dedicated dinner on 5th November featured a presentation highlighting the coating’s value to projects.
Robin Wade, Global Fire Protection Manager at AkzoNobel, said, “Chartek 2218E represents the latest innovation in passive fire protection for the large two-hour pool fire market, which is critical for many oil and gas assets. Developed at our UKAS-accredited PFP facility in Felling, it reflects our continued commitment to investing in innovation and sustainability in structural fire protection. Chartek 2218E can be applied in a single coat with Charlok mesh, maximizing productivity without compromising robustness and durability. Its patented polysiloxane-modified epoxy technology means steelwork can be stacked with minimal damage, enhancing throughput and overall fire efficiency.”
Andy Holt, Business Development Manager for AkzoNobel Middle East, added, “Feedback from customers highlights that productivity and workshop efficiency remain some of the biggest challenges in oil and gas construction, and that’s exactly where Chartek 2218E delivers. Early demonstrations have been met with strong confidence from applicators and fabricators alike, who see the benefits first-hand in speed, consistency and ease of application. Maintaining that close collaboration with our customers is what drives continuous improvement and long-term trust.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial Insights
- Date: 13th November 2025
- Year: 2025
Flir’s acoustic imaging technology enables manufacturers to detect and repair leaks quickly, turning hidden losses into measurable energy savings and stronger safety performance throughout production.
Valued at more than US$120bn annually, the global glass industry has undergone profound change over the past 50 years. In the early 1970s, traditional sheet and plate glass methods dominated. By the mid-1970s, the rise of float glass across Europe, North America, and Japan revolutionised production, delivering better surface quality, lower costs, and the ability to manufacture larger panes that shaped modern architectural design.
By the 1980s and 1990s, the industry expanded into higher-performance products. Coated and insulated glass units emerged as demand for energy-efficient buildings grew. Low-emissivity coatings helped reduce solar heat gain without sacrificing transparency, paving the way for today’s energy-saving glass. Alongside this, manufacturers began modernising their operations. From the early 2000s onwards, automation, robotics, and digital controls dramatically improved consistency, reduced waste, and enabled real-time quality monitoring across production lines.
Acoustic imaging: fast, accurate leak detection
Amid these advancements, one essential resource is often overlooked, air. Compressed air powers actuators, pneumatic conveyors, tooling, and mould purging, making it indispensable yet costly. Even minor leaks can drain energy, reduce line pressure, and affect product quality. A single 3 mm leak at 6 bar running for 8,000 hours a year can cost around €2,800. Despite the industry’s progress in energy conservation, many facilities still use fossil-fuelled compressors only for that air to escape unnoticed.
The Flir Si2-LD can detect more than just compressed air. Its embedded software identifies and quantifies leaks of oxygen, nitrogen, ammonia, and other industrial gases.
In large production sites, leaks are often hidden and difficult to pinpoint. Fixing them is straightforward; finding them is not.
Flir, a global leader in thermal and acoustic imaging, has made the process far simpler. The handheld Si2-LD acoustic camera uses ultra-sensitive microphones to detect even the smallest gas or air leaks. Engineers can inspect equipment safely from a distance without interrupting production. Covering a wide frequency range from 2–130 kHz, the device ensures accurate detection in varied environments. Its powerful LED lights improve visibility in poorly lit areas, helping users quickly identify components and take action.
With Flir’s technology, manufacturers gain a practical, data-driven way to cut energy waste, enhance plant reliability, and improve safety across the entire operation.