Industrial Insights
Industrial Insights
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Date: 2024-09-26 13:04:20
- Year: 2024
At InnoTrans, HIMA Group will present its digital safety solutions for the railway sector, including the Independent Open HIMA Safety Platform.
These solutions are designed to meet the needs of light, urban, and high-speed rail networks, focusing on safety, flexibility, and cost reduction.
HIMA will showcase its RaSTA implementation, which has been integrated into the Open Safety Platform, offering a cost-effective approach for SIL 4 railway automation solutions. The company will also feature solutions beyond safety, such as rail electrification and secure ecosystems.
Chris Elliott, global head of rail at HIMA, stated, “At InnoTrans, we are presenting holistic solutions based on our Independent Open Safety Platform, which avoids being tied to proprietary systems.”
HIMA’s solutions for traction power control, demonstrated through TrackLink SCADA, will also be on display. The company will highlight its mobile safety systems, including the TrackLink Overspeed Prevention System for tramways, and discuss cybersecurity challenges in collaboration with genua to ensure secure ecosystems for railway operations.
A new safe HMI (SIL 3) will be introduced, providing an advanced, touch-enabled solution for displaying critical safety information.
“At this year’s InnoTrans, we are presenting various new products and solutions with added value for our customers by enabling maximum flexibility, integration and cost efficiency,” said Jörg de la Motte, CEO of HIMA Group.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Date: 2024-09-25 08:02:35
- Year: 2024
Each year, nearly three million people lose their lives due to work-related accidents or illnesses, with industrial and manufacturing plants posing significant risks from chemicals, explosives, and heavy machinery.
To address these hazards and enhance safety protocols, companies are increasingly adopting Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) software as a key tool to reduce workplace incidents.
According to global technology intelligence firm ABI Research, the EHS software market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.7% over the next decade, reaching US$2.2bn by 2034.
“Safety is an integral part of companies' Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, and it’s become a board-level priority. Businesses must demonstrate improvements in safety metrics, which can foster a stronger safety culture throughout the organisation. However, many industrial and manufacturing sites still rely on outdated paper-based data collection. EHS software allows companies to collect data, analyse it to establish a baseline, and track progress with visualisation tools,” said Michael Larner, analyst at ABI Research.
Employees urged to be part of the conversation
The chemical industry was among the first sectors to recognise the importance of refining safety processes, given the severe consequences of mistakes. However, other sectors such as oil & gas (CAGR 7.0%) and mining (CAGR 7.1%) are beginning to invest heavily in EHS solutions.
“EHS software is no longer limited to safety professionals. With innovations like capturing images via mobile devices, annotating them, and logging potential risks, more employees are encouraged and empowered to take an active role in improving safety within their facilities,” Larner said.
Companies such as Alcumus, ComplianceQuest, Cority, Dakota Software, Enablon, Ideagen, Intelex, IsoMetrix, SafetyCulture, Secova, TenForce, and VelocityEHS are helping businesses digitise their safety protocols and improve overall safety practices.
These insights are part of ABI Research’s analysis report Ensuring Worker Safety with EHS Software. This report is included in the company's Industrial & Manufacturing Markets research service, which provides analysis, data, and expert insights into key market trends.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- HSE
- Date: 2024-09-24 13:28:18
- Year: 2024
Seadrill, a global leader in oil and gas offshore drilling, is to equip its high-spec fleet of floating drilling vessels with Oil States' managed pressure drilling (MPD) technologies, in a new collaboration aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency while simplifying and standardising MPD systems in offshore operations
Oil States’ field-proven MPD Integrated Riser Joint (IRJ) improves the safe handling of gas influx while significantly reducing nonproductive (NPT) time typically encountered with deepwater MPD operations, and is specifically designed to enhance MPD operational efficiency. This riser joint is more compact, allowing for safer and easier handling with greater functionality, which enables the rig to remain over the well while testing the retrievable seals within the joint. All features of the IRJ can be function and pressure tested while on deck. The IRJ is equipped with twin retrievable annular seals, a passive rotating control device (RCD) bearing assembly and hard-faced bore that eliminates the need for a wear sleeve. Together, these advances reduce NPT and unnecessary trips while promoting longer bearing and seal life. This contributes to seamless and streamlined MPD operations, supporting Seadrill’s MPD standardisation efforts while delivering safer, more efficient operations to their customers.
Cindy Taylor, Oil States president and CEO commented, “We look forward to a long-term relationship with Seadrill as we supply them with multiple MPD IRJs for their fleet of high-performance vessels. While supporting Seadrill’s adoption and integration of our MPD system, we endeavour to optimise our equipment to allow for oil and gas reserves to be unlocked safely and efficiently to meet growing global energy demands.”
Samir Ali, executive vice president, chief commercial officer, Seadrill commented, “This technology places Seadrill at the forefront of safe, cost-effective deepwater MPD services, offering our customers an unrivalled simplicity of MPD drilling while providing the highest levels of drilling efficiency and safety.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Technology
- Topic: Technology
- Date: 2024-09-19 06:43:27
- Year: 2024
As the global perimeter security market expands, with projections estimating it will reach US$89.82bn by 2027, mobile credentials are emerging as a key element in shaping the future of access control and security management across the Middle East.
At Intersec 2025, scheduled for 14-16 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), AMAG Technology, a leading provider of security technology, will showcase the increasing integration of mobile credentials into regional security frameworks. This technology offers enhanced protection and flexibility for managing security across large organisations or multiple locations.
James Clark, director of sales – EMEA & APAC at AMAG Technology, explains how mobile technology is revolutionising security by reducing costs, improving convenience, and streamlining operations.
“Everyone carries a mobile device to manage their bank accounts, monitor and control their home, so it makes sense to use a mobile device or a mobile Wallet to unlock doors in the workplace. Organisations eliminate the expense of physical cards, printers and the administrative burden of managing physical cards. Meanwhile, security leaders can distribute credentials remotely, which creates operational efficiencies because there is less to manage,” said Clark.
Digital revolution
At the Commercial & Perimeter section of Intersec’s 26th edition, AMAG Technology will present its visitor management solution. The event, hosted in Sheikh Sa’eed Halls 1 and 2, and the Trade Centre Arena, will feature other prominent exhibitors such as Assa Abloy from the UK and IDEMIA from the UAE.
According to the UAE Government portal, the country leads globally in information and communication technologies (ICT) usage, government efficiency, and mobile network coverage. With 100% smartphone penetration, the UAE's digital transformation strategy, bolstered by the UAE PASS digital identity platform and its 5 million registered users, reinforces the adoption of mobile credentials.
Grant Tuchten, portfolio director at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, noted, "As security leaders prioritise user-friendly and future-proof solutions, mobile credentials are poised to transform access control. The Commercial & Perimeter Security sector at Intersec 2025 will be the premier platform for showcasing cutting-edge technologies and services that enhance convenience for consumers and organisations and elevate security with scalable and data-driven innovations.”
Intersec 2025 is set to be the largest edition to date, with over 1,200 exhibitors from 60 countries and an expected 52,000 visitors. In addition to the Commercial & Perimeter Security sector, the event will also feature Fire & Rescue, Safety & Health, Cyber Security, and Homeland Security & Policing product sections.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Date: 2024-09-18 06:20:25
- Year: 2024
ENOC Group has won the World of Safety and Health Asia (WSHAsia) Award 2024 in the Environmental Sustainability category for its Service Station of the Future, located at the Dubai Expo 2020 site.
The award highlights ENOC's efforts to integrate sustainability into its operations through innovation.
The Service Station of the Future employs biomimicry, drawing inspiration from natural processes to design materials and structures. It is the first service station globally to achieve LEED Platinum certification, meeting high standards in energy efficiency, water conservation, and CO2 reduction.
The WSHAsia Award acknowledges companies contributing to environmental sustainability within the Occupational Safety and Health industry, focusing on innovative products or services that tackle current and future environmental challenges.
His Excellency Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO at ENOC, said, “Sustainability has always been a core brand mission for us at ENOC. Our multi-award-winning Service Station of the Future at the Expo 2020 site serves as a symbol of our aspirations to further drive innovation to meet the requirements of the future. World of Safety and Health Asia (WSHAsia) Award underscores our commitment to lead the way in energy savings and water efficiency in alignment with UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050.”
The Service Station of the Future uses solar, wind, and traditional hydrocarbon energy. It is equipped with 283 solar panels generating 140MWh of solar power annually and a 25m wind turbine producing 12.7MWh of wind energy each year. Since its launch, the station has been recognised for its innovative design and sustainability features.
ENOC’s continued focus on sustainability aligns with the UAE’s goal of transitioning to cleaner energy sources and contributes to the country's economic growth and diversification.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 2024-09-17 06:26:29
- Year: 2024
From protective gear to cutting-edge technology, MSA Safety offers expertise and solutions that help firefighters and fire brigades safeguard both themselves and their communities. These comprehensive MSA Safety fire protection solutions will be showcased at the upcoming Emergency Services Show (ESS) in Birmingham taking place on 18-19 September.
A highlight of this year’s ESS will be MSA Bristol Managed Services, part of MSA Safety’s Services & Solutions portfolio. This end-to-end offering promotes first responder safety by providing full management and logistical support for the care and upkeep of fire protective clothing (FPC) and personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighters. The Bristol Managed Services team has developed specialised repair routines based on extensive experience and proven outcomes, all while adhering to essential UK standards for cleaning and inspection.
“We help to keep our customers and their teams safe, here in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe and the Middle East,” said Dave Howells, president of MSA International. “We've been leading the way in driving advancements in safety solutions by focusing on customer-driven innovation. Throughout our history, this has been one of our main focuses. We remain committed to this and will continue working alongside our customers to help find or develop the solutions that address their challenges effectively.”
MSA Safety will also feature its full line of Bristol fire protective clothing at ESS, including:
- MSA Bristol Rescue Stretch: The latest addition to Bristol’s range, this design incorporates the innovative, lightweight GORE-TEX CROSSTECH PYRAD stretch fabric, offering flexibility, waterproofing, windproofing, and blood-borne pathogen protection.
- Bristol X4 Wildland Garment: Designed for long-term use in hot conditions, this lightweight garment is ideal for firefighters in scenarios where a structural suit may be less efficient.
- Bristol X4 TRW-Hybrid Suit: Tailored for the evolving needs of technical rescue teams and wildland firefighters, this suit can transition between technical rescue and wildland firefighting roles.
Products at display
ESS attendees will also get to explore the latest advancements in MSA’s Connected Firefighter Platform, a suite of hardware and software solutions designed to help fire departments manage PPE and related data for usage and maintenance. This includes the M1 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), the MSA HUB, a cloud-connected wireless gateway for on-scene and remote monitoring, and FireGrid software.
MSA Safety will emphasise the benefits of the data generated by the Connected Firefighter Platform and how information transmitted from the M1 SCBA to the cloud integrates with FireGrid to enhance safety, improve on-scene decision-making, and simplify remote monitoring and post-event analysis. This year, MSA will also showcase FireGrid Inventory Management, highlighting how it can digitise tasks like equipment checks and inspection scheduling for SCBA and fire helmets. Inventory Manager helps fire departments better track equipment usage, locations, and maintenance needs, ultimately extending the lifespan of their gear.
“With our Connected Firefighter Platform, we’re continually working to provide valuable insights to firefighters and fire brigades without adding complexity or getting in the way,” said Bob Apel, MSA Safety executive director of fire service and digital experience. “At ESS, we’re looking forward to having conversations with our customers and showcasing how our solutions can help them make progress toward their safety goals and make compliance easier. We know the fire service market and environment are constantly evolving, and we are continually looking at ways to enhance our capabilities to bring innovative solutions to the fire service to help keep firefighters safe and ready to go.”
MSA Safety will also be presenting its Gallet range of fire helmets at ESS, including the GALLET F2XR Rescue Helmet. Designed to meet multiple challenges, the GALLET F2XR helmet is certified for wildland firefighting, technical rescue, urban search and rescue, climbing, and water rescue, offering firefighters a versatile option to enhance safety during operations.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- HSE
- Date: 2024-09-16 10:58:48
- Year: 2024
ENOC Group wrapped up its 2024 Summer Safety Campaign, aimed at providing retail employees with the knowledge and tools needed to safely navigate the summer season.
The Group conducted a workshop on electrolyte drinks, with the aim of raising awareness among employees about the importance of hydration and getting enough water during the summer.
The campaign also comprised the distribution of over 9,000 essential summer supplies across its three company-owned accommodations. These supplies included, water bottles, fruits, cooling bags, vitamin water, ice cream and mini sunblock.
The campaign concluded with a recognition of key partners, including Sharjah Police, Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital, and the Occupational Health Services Centre, for their contributions. In line with the UAE's mandatory midday break from 15 June to 15 September 2024, the initiative highlighted ENOC Group's commitment to employee safety and wellbeing.
Additionally, ENOC honoured 55 employees during its annual HSE Excellence Awards as part of the World Safety and Health Day at Work 2024 celebrations.
His Excellency Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO at ENOC, said, “The safety and wellbeing of our people is of paramount importance to us at ENOC. Our proactive approach to ensuring all our retail staff is equipped with the necessary know-how during the summer season is reflective of our commitment to employee safety. Our Summer Safety Campaign 2024 is an integral aspect of our core brand value to enhance and ensure a safe working environment for our people across all operations.”
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial
- Topic: Industrial
- Date: 2024-09-13 11:42:37
- Year: 2024
Crescent Petroleum, based in Sharjah, has rolled out a specialised Oil & Gas solution tailored to its operations, provided by global technology firm SAP.
This implementation is part of Crescent Petroleum’s broader solutions roadmap, which began in 2020 with the initial phase. At that time, it became the first company worldwide to deploy SAP S/4HANA Oil & Gas Model Company 1809, integrating essential functions such as plant maintenance, procurement, project systems, finance, human resources, and health, safety, and environment (HSE).
Achieving operational efficiency
The second phase was delivered through a hybrid approach, where activities such as solution workshops, user acceptance testing, and cutover were conducted on-site, while the build phase was managed remotely.
Ravi Kumar, chief corporate officer of Crescent Petroleum and board member of the Crescent Group, said, "Having completed the Phase 1 of the SAP roadmap in a record eight months, we set out to integrate Crescent Petroleum's operations, providing a seamless flow of data, from Wellhead to Customer, in Phase 2. The benefits are significant as we have integrated data across disparate parts of the plant, allowing us to seamlessly integrate plant systems with SAP systems and ensure a single source of truth across the company."
Kumar added that digitising the processes has accelerated Crescent Petroleum's broader objectives of determining real-time visibility of information across the entire company and providing insightful data for a range of digital initiatives planned for the future.
Sergio Maccotta, senior vice president of SAP Middle East & Africa - South, said, "We enjoy a strategic relationship with Crescent Petroleum, which is a strong advocate of 'best practice adoption' in the Oil & Gas industry, as confirmed when it won the SAP Quality Gold Award for best implementation in 2021 for Phase 1 of this project.
"A large part of the success of Phase 2 has been due to the close collaboration of all the team members involved. The result is an integrated solution delivering relevant and reliable data, streamlined processes, enhanced operational efficiency and easily managed reporting for compliance purposes. This plays a crucial role in the next phase of Crescent's digital transformation."
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Technology
- Topic: Technology
- Date: 2024-09-12 11:29:43
- Year: 2024
In the UAE, Dubai’s Roads and Transportation Authority (RTA) is committed to the safety of construction machinery through stringent regulations and advanced technology.
To explore these efforts, Technical Review Middle East spoke to Kaleemuddin Khan, senior sales and business development executive at Tajdeed Vehicle Testing Centre, an RTA-affiliated facility.
The centre is instrumental in inspecting a wide range of construction equipment, including wheel loaders, excavators, backhoe loaders, bulldozers, boom loaders, and cranes. According to Khan, “RTA prioritises safety through various measures designed to protect road users and enhance overall transportation and vehicle safety.”
Digitalisation for added safety
Tajdeed employs cutting-edge vehicle testing equipment to ensure precise inspections. This includes a fully equipped, state-of-the-art mobile inspection unit. Tajdeed uses the latest and most advanced testing equipment, such as roller brake testers, emission testers, and side-slip testers, among other tools. In addition to this advanced technology, Tajdeed’s well-trained inspectors conduct thorough visual inspections of the equipment.
“Inspections are tailored to customer needs, including registration, renewal, export, and transfer tests,” Khan noted. “Proper maintenance of machinery is critical for the safety of workers who depend on these vehicles. Regular inspections and timely repairs are essential to prevent accidents, breakdowns, and other hazards associated with poorly maintained equipment.”
To ensure adherence to safety procedures, the RTA has installed cameras inside mobile testing units to monitor the inspection process. A control room also oversees inspections to maintain compliance with RTA standards and international regulations.
“Inspections are conducted following strict RTA parameters and international standards, with a primary focus on machinery safety and operator well-being," Khan explained. “If the equipment meets RTA criteria, a pass report is issued. However, issues such as faulty parts, oil leaks, or worn-out/expired tires will result in a failed inspection.”
Read the full article in the latest issue of Technical Review Middle East.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Fire Safety
- Topic: Fire Safety
- Date: 2024-09-11 14:15:11
- Year: 2024
Kevin Killeen, global product line manager for Flame Detection at MSA Safety, outlines how advanced diagnostic technologies help minimise false alarms in flame detectors
In industrial environments where flammable materials are handled, flame detection systems are crucial for safety. They serve as an essential layer in safety programmes, helping to prevent fires and explosions by detecting the presence of flames early on. However, false alarms can be a significant issue, disrupting operations and potentially desensitising personnel to real alerts. Different flame detection methods exhibit varying false alarm profiles depending on the application, which is why advanced diagnostic technologies, like artificial neural networks (ANNs), have been developed to enhance these systems and reduce false alarms.
Traditional flame detection systems rely on sensors such as infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) detectors to identify flames. These sensors, however, can be prone to interference from sources like sunlight, arc welding, and hot surfaces, which may lead to false alarms. Environmental factors like dust, smoke, and fog can further limit the effectiveness of flame detectors, making it challenging to distinguish between genuine threats and false alarms.
Addressing the challenges
ANNs are a powerful solution to these challenges. They are computational models inspired by the structure and function of the human brain, capable of learning complex patterns and making decisions based on vast datasets. When applied to flame detection, ANNs can discern subtle differences between actual flames and potential sources of interference, significantly reducing false alarms.
ANNs are trained using extensive datasets of spectral data from both real flames and common sources of interference. Through supervised learning, the network adjusts its internal parameters to optimize its ability to accurately classify input data.
Once trained, the ANN can quickly analyse incoming sensor data and determine whether a detected anomaly corresponds to a genuine flame or a false alarm. Since 2005, MSA has been at the forefront of using artificial neural networks in flame detection technology.
Numerous industries, including oil and gas, chemical processing, and manufacturing, have adopted ANNs for flame detection with remarkable results. By integrating ANNs into their safety systems, companies have reported significant reductions in false alarms, leading to enhanced operational continuity and improved worker safety.
Additionally, the scalability of ANNs allows them to be deployed in diverse environments, from offshore platforms to industrial plants, highlighting their versatility and effectiveness.
Key advantages
The key advantages of using ANNs in flame detection include:
1. Adaptability: ANNs can handle varying environmental conditions and sources of interference due to their extensive training library, making them robust in real-world applications.
2. Accuracy: ANNs leverage sophisticated pattern recognition capabilities to differentiate between genuine flames and false alarms with high precision.
3. Efficiency: ANNs can process large volumes of data in real-time, enabling rapid decision-making and minimizing response times in critical situations.
4. Reduced maintenance: With fewer false alarms, flame detection systems that incorporate ANNs require less frequent maintenance, resulting in cost savings and improved operational efficiency
The FL5000 Multi-Spectrum Infrared (MSIR) Flame Detector is our latest generation flame detector. It builds on the foundation set by the FL4000H, with increased neural network capabilities that further reduce false alarms. The proprietary MSIR flame algorithm ensures that the detector verifies the presence of a legitimate flame before initiating an alarm, protecting both assets and budget.
Additionally, the FL5000 is the first flame detector to incorporate Bluetooth technology. With the exclusive Flame Connect App, users can easily set up, configure, and download event logs from mobile devices.
Advanced diagnostic technologies, especially artificial neural networks, offer excellent accuracy and efficiency in flame detection while minimizing false alarms. By harnessing the power of ANNs, industries can mitigate risks, protect assets, and safeguard personnel. As technology continues to evolve, the integration of next-generation ANNs is poised to set new benchmarks for excellence in industrial flame detection.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Industrial
- Topic: Industrial
- Date: 2024-09-10 11:27:40
- Year: 2024
The Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (ASRY), the Bahrain-based ship and rig repair yard, has recently announced the launch of the first phase of the Bapco Refining Self-Propelled Fuel Oil Bunker Barges Project
The project, scheduled for execution in the final quarter of 2024, was announced during an official launch ceremony held at the company’s headquarters in Hidd, in the presence of senior officials from both companies, led by Dr. Ahmed Al-Abri, chief executive officer of ASRY, and Bapco Refining representatives.
This strategic project comes as part of a strategic alliance between ASRY and Bapco Refining, with a view to positioning the Kingdom of Bahrain as a key maritime hub in the region. The project consists of the delivery of two self-propelled fuel oil bunker barges to one of the biggest national industrial corporations.
Extensive experience
ASRY's extensive experience and high competency in the field of marine asset optimisation, being a leading maritime repair and fabrication facility in the region, were key factors in being awarded the project. ASRY operates in four sectors – Ship Repair & Conversion, Rig Repair & Conversion, Naval Repair & Conversion, and Fabrication & Engineering – which together cover all types of vessel repair including jack-up rigs and other offshore assets, as well as fabrication of onshore and offshore industrial components.
Dr. Abdulrahman Jawahery, chief executive officer of Bapco Refining, stated, "We acknowledge the advantages of leveraging the distinguished expertise at ASRY in executing this strategic project. This approach will allow us to meet the advanced and diverse requirements of the energy sector in alignment with international standards and specifications, ensuring compliance with the dual framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) MARPOL agreements."
Dr. Ahmed Al-Abri, chief executive officer of ASRY, commented, “Bapco Refining’s Fuel Barges Project is one of the largest projects secured for implementation by ASRY for one of its most important national clients in the regional energy sector. Efforts are devoted to completing this project and ensuring smooth operations, where the long-standing expertise of the company will undoubtedly contribute to the project’s success and the achievement of its desired goals.”
"Our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality work on schedule while maintaining safety reinforces our position as the preferred global yard of call for ship, rig, and naval ship repair and maintenance, along with being a destination for engineering, industrial construction, and fabrication projects.”