Invensys Operations Management has partnered with Codelco to improve the performance and longevity of Codelco's processing assets. This will increase the overall economic value of the company's business through the use of advanced process and regulatory control, real-time business performance measurement, simulators and operator training systems.

After a consultation in which Invensys Operations Management experts and Codelco senior management examined all aspects of Codelco's operations in the smelter process, Invensys Operations Management is implementing a range of multivariable advanced process control (APC) solutions targeted at generating optimal value from Codelco processes. The current implementation has so far improved product quality and consistency, reducing variability and shutdown frequency, thereby increasing Codelco's asset utilisation.

The programme began with operations at the Codelco Norte Division's concentrate smelter complex. There, APC has been implemented at the CT Converter to reduce slag temperature variability, reduce copper concentration variability in white metal and control other parameters more precisely. Invensys Operations Management will implement the solution at other Codelco facilities as part of Codelco's asset improvement programme, which was adopted by Codelco senior management to support the company's broader business objectives.

The SI1000 series of panel-mount display/controllers from Solartron Metrology has a compact design and is intended for use with the company's displacement and gauging transducers. The display/controllers are suitable for a range of laboratory and industrial linear position monitoring and control applications. The three models in the range offer plug-and-play operation and have a seven-digit red light-emitting-diode (LED) display that can be updated at up to 10 readings per second.

The SI1100 model provides up to 0.1um resolution when used with Solartron's LVDT displacement and gauging transducers. With 4-20mA and DC inputs, the SI1300 is appropriate where long cable runs are required. A two-wire loop-powered 4-20mA connection to Solartron's S or SR series displacement transducers, for example, produces a high-performance system that it said to be simple to install. DC/DC operation is also standard for use with the DC versions of the S and SR models.

The SI1500, meanwhile, is designed for use with digital probes, in particular Solartron's high-performance Orbit-based digital probes, linear encoders and modules. Communication with PLCs is claimed to be simple, with DC and 4-20mA outputs and alarm relay outputs provided across the range. RS232 and RS485 serial communications ports are also standard on all models. With a case size of 48mm x 96mm x 137mm, the SI1000 range is now available from stock.

One example of the interesting nature of the mini films is from France focusing on a vineyard that uses a variable speed drive compressor with integrated dryers for traditional uses such as the bottling process, while also embracing advanced technology by utilising Atlas Copco's nitrogen generation units to chase oxygen from the bottles before filling and corking. Alongside the films from Turkey, Russia, Switzerland and India are several applications from the UK.

The first, filmed on a dairy farm, looks at how oil-free air compressors deliver ISO 8573-1 Class 0 air to ensure all products are fit for consumption with zero spoilage attributable to compressed air. The second clip, filmed at Knauf in Liverpool, illustrates how the Atlas Copco Airconnect online monitoring system allows the system pressure band to be regulated remotely as part of an effective energy saving installation.

Co-investment from Axion Consulting and European logistics company TDG will see more than a million HDPE (high density polyethylene) chemical drums and containers recycled every year. The fully integrated take-back scheme involves TDG collecting waste cleaning agent containers, which are then recycled back into high-grade HDPE resin at Axion's processing facility. Launched in May, the scheme offers genuine environmental and economic benefits to both partners who hope it will inspire other companies to follow their lead.

Axion Consulting, a division of plastics recycler Axion Recycling, developed the technical solution and provided technical support for the design, layout and project management for a shredding and washing unit within TDG's existing tanker cleaning and effluent treatment plant at its Batley site, near Leeds. End-of-life 25 and 200 litre detergent drums and 1,000 litre IBCs (intermediate bulk containers) are shredded and washed to reduce volume and remove any residues, before being shipped to Axion's Salford processing plant. Here the polymer is recycled into high-grade pellet and clean chip for reuse in new products, such as drums or applications for the automotive industry. The plant went live in May - around 18 months after Axion first approached TDG with the integrated collection and recycling concept - with the first batches of material currently undergoing processing and testing at Axion's specialist facilities.

The agreement is structured on a joint-venture basis, so both companies share in returns from the project. Axion director Roger Morton says tracking individual drums using TDG's computer system is key to making the whole 'responsible recycling' scheme work. 'This means we can be certain of what's been in the drums before they get shredded so we can ensure the polymer is safe when it's recycled,' he said. 'Demand is high for HDPE and we've had a lot of interest from the packaging sector, which is keen to minimise its carbon impact and reduce cost by using high grade recycled content in new containers,' he added. For TDG, recycling its end-of-life containers offers a significant environmental and alternative disposal route, as well as an added-value service to its customers.

Rotron SW Minispiral regenerative blowers provide low-noise solutions for developing ideal air pressures and vacuums in office equipment and other applications with small design envelopes. These instrument-grade blowers perform quietly (to NC-47 office equipment specifications), feature lightweight construction at 1.9lb (0.86kg), and measure 106.2 x 46.5mm.

Their regenerative air technology generates pressures or vacuums using a spinning, non-contacting, oil-free impeller. Blower design and simple operation contribute to cleaner, safer, more reliable, and virtually maintenance-free pneumatics. These blowers can be specified in three DC versions offering maximum flow variability and in AC versions available in voltages ranging from 24-230AC, depending on model. They incorporate a glass-filled moulded phenolic blower housing, cover, and impeller and a shaded pole motor with ball bearings promoting up to 30,000h of service life.

SE Minispiral blowers can achieve maximum flows up to 9 SCFM and pressures and vacuums up to 20 IWG, depending on blower style. All versions are ISO 9001 and CE compliant and can be customised as sealed units or with a range of options and accessories to satisfy application requirements.

Perkinelmer's 16-element thermopile array features increased sensitivity, providing improvements in temperature resolution, thus enhancing energy conservation by up to 30 per cent in HVAC applications. The company claims that Cool Eye offers greater flexibility as a result of microcontroller integration and is easier for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to integrate into their overall system.

An online construction information management system is helping JS+P Architecture manage its project information processes. JS+P developed the system in conjunction with ICON, a provider of a software system available online that ensures construction management information is accurately recorded, including surveys, health and safety and CAD libraries.

The ICON system - which is used by John Lewis, Boots, Waitrose, Sainsbury's and Asda - has a range of utilities to help with the management and collation of data for large building projects, ensuring a seamless link throughout a project; from the roll-out phase to ongoing property management. Nic Williams, director of JS+P Architecture, said: 'We needed to develop a management information system that would create confidence in the accuracy of the information being accessed, amended and transferred by everyone involved in a project. 'The ICON system - upon which our own information exchange is based - was an ideal platform upon which to build.

'We have made amendments, such as directory structures, but it is incredibly versatile and we can use the system as we would like it. 'Our information exchange has made it faster and easier to update vital information and keep our customers constantly informed.' The JS+P information exchange enables viewing and transfer of detailed material for specific projects. It also helps the design team collaborate more easily, share information and keep administration to a minimum, while improving cost control.

Williams added: 'Key benefits include improved communication, updated information, round-the-clock accessibility for everyone concerned, reduced risk, audit trails and improved delivery timescales. 'Anyone with internet access and an approved log-on code can use our exchange and we provide it as a complementary service to our clients on appropriate projects.'.

From the softest shimmer of colour to brighter and deeper tones, this new and carefully researched collection answers the call for understated, contemporary colours with a light, bright, spring-fresh appeal. All these colours are finely grained with a subtle, polished finish. This new series also offers a more feminine counterpoint to the masculine shades of the original Concrete Block collection. Earth Brown is the first of a new collection from DuPont Zodiaq made with 50 per cent pre-consumer recycled glass. It is a natural shade of brown with the option of an accredited proportion of SCS-certified recycled content.

A rich and sparkling matrix offers intrigue and sparkling light play, with a sophisticated sheen and the easy-care of a polished finish. Midnight Black is a finely grained texture with a sleek, polished gloss. DuPont Zodiaq has also added a touch of gloss to six best-selling matte shades. The new choices are: Silver Grey, Espresso Brown, Slate Grey, Terracotta, Olive Green and Tornado Blue. DuPont Zodiaq is a premium decorative surfacing material that combines the strength and beauty of natural quartz in a palette of creative and versatile colours with superior consistency of structures and tones. It lends itself to a wide range of horizontal and vertical applications.

EMKA's 1000 series of quarter-turn insert locks now includes many long-term technical developments and a large number of variant types. The 1000 series offers IP65 and IP54 protection levels against dust and water for applications ranging across steel/GRP/plastic/multi-layer enclosures, cabinets, lockers, machine guards, access panels, covers, roadside cabinets, industrial desks, workstations and secure waste containers.

The 1000 quarter-turn series features a range of different lock inserts including triangle, square, double bit and key type. Key lockable options include barrel locks, wing handles, T and L handles as well as a key captive version. Tamper and vibration-proof specifications are met by a 'safety' variant with a number of insert options. Special inserts may be provided throughout the range to suit custom requirements with standard housings in a variety of lengths to suit material thicknesses or door depths.

Many locks permit padlock operation and there are also a number for high-security applications or to suit specific key requirements; for example, automotive and railway applications where ASSA and KABA standards are specified. A selection of standard cams is another feature of this series, which combined with various housing lengths can offer standard configurations to suit applications up to 92mm long. Special cams are also possible as are specific custom designs.

These 1/4 turn locks are suitable for many situations and have finishes to suit outdoor or hazardous environments; for example, stainless steel for salt spray and polyamide for wet environments. All key barrels have front plates in stainless steel and are shuttered to reduce ingress of dust and water. While originally introduced to offer a single-point locking solution, multi-point locking has also been introduced in the 1000 series to enable two-point or three-point closure using heavy-duty latches and cam-operated rods. Other developments include powder coating in custom colours and the addition of customer logos on certain housings.

ABB has extended its suite of low-voltage AC drive service contracts, allowing further options for end-users seeking to plan and budget their maintenance during the life of the drive installation. One of these options is Drive System Analysis, which helps uncover hidden faults by determining the condition of the drive.

Another is Drive Total Care, which provides all the materials needed for preventive maintenance and repair. The suite is built around an entry-level Basic Service Contract which includes 24/7 support via telephone, guaranteed on-site response times for a field service engineer to visit, and spare parts support. Customers can then add a further six bolt-on options to this Basic Service Contract, each offering a different level of support.

These options are: Upgrade, which includes drive commissioning and retrofit options; Advanced Service, which comprises three options: Drive System Analysis, which helps uncover hidden faults by determining the condition of the drive, Lifecycle Management, which provides an audit that highlights the exact condition of the equipment and its revision status, and Harmonic Surveys, whereby ABB can provide a detailed harmonic survey, detailing recommendations on corrective actions; Spare Parts, which allows spare parts to be stored at a location convenient to the customer, thereby avoiding the need to tie up capital; Repair and Reconditioning, which covers inspection, cleaning, fault finding and repair to help maintain control of costs while offering an efficient spares supply service; Maintenance, which covers planned preventive maintenance, telephone support and training; Drive Total Care, a fully inclusive materials option that provides all preventive and repair materials within the contract scope.