Alpine Views has regularly featured articles relating to compressed air and we are pleased to offer the updated publication from the Carbon Trust...GPG 385. This good practice guide covers the following:

• Managing a compressed air system
• Misuse and waste of compressed air
• Air distribution network
• Compressors
• Storage
• Air Treatment
• Condensate management

There is also a comprehensive appendices detailing leakage measurement test, determining pipe diameter and pressure drop and one for selecting a compressor.

We have 30 copies of this guide which we will supply free of charge on a first come first served basis. Send an email to info@alpine-components.co.uk or call 01424 437000.

We are very grateful to John Wilkinson at West Burton power station for the following contribution:

"I regularly use the Ultraprobe to track down condenser air inleakage in the lead bursting diaphragms on the low pressure turbine cylinders.

These consist of twelve three foot diameter lead discs at the bottom of a two foot high chimney with a top safety grill secured by twelve setscews.

Under normal operation the lead discs are subject to pressure fluctuations which cause fine cracking and air inleakage which reduces the performance of the turbine condenser.

Removing the hundred plus top safety grill setscrews had always been a chore until I hit on the idea of using the ultraprobe and focusing nozzle with an additional twelve inch tube pushed in the end (glass thermometer plastic storage tube).

The tube could be quickly inserted through the grills close to the suspect leakage areas. The leaking discs being quickly identified for repair without the time consuming exercise of safety grill removal.

Previously high levels of extraneous turbine noise caused leak detection difficulties unless close to the leak which required safety grill removal."

The ultraprobe is a very useful tool for tracking down those elusive air inleakage problems.

The upgraded data management software for the ultraprobe 9000 and 10000 is progressing nicely through beta testing and should be available shortly. The software will allow databases to be backed up on main servers rather than just local drives and will highlight readings where high and low alarm thresholds have been exceeded. Wizards permitting splitting groups and even whole plants are included in the new version of the software.

Ultrasound Level 1 Course 14th to 18th November 2005, National Fluid Power Centre, Worksop

For some time we have been looking for a venue for our level 1 ultrasound course which would offer delegates a mix of practical and classroom time. The National Fluid Power Centre in Worksop exceeded my expectations. Couple a tremendous conference / classroom area with an extensive practical laboratory all on the same floor and I think this years course will be outstanding. Rates will be the same as for previous years... please call us to reserve your places.

Keeping Electrical Switchgear Safe

These very succesful and informative events organised by EA Technology have been held countrywide. Two further events are planned on 28th and 29th June at Stansted and Maidstone.

Subjects covered include legal matters, health & safety issues, risk assessment and mitigation, condition monitoring and substation integrity. Alpine Components will have a small stand covering condition monitoring and will be able to demonstrate practical use of ultrasound, TEV and infrared techniques. Instruments will be available for delegates to assess. Please drop us a line if you would like to attend.

Introduction to Thermography 27th April 2005 at Brands Hatch

This short course is designed for new and existing users of Thermal Imaging cameras. However, it is equally appropriate for potential purchasers and new staff from existing installations requiring an overview of cameras and their practical applications. This course will also be run at Manchester Airport (22nd June) and Stirling ( 5th October) Click the link for more information:

http://www.alpine-components.co.uk/training/thermography/one-day/

It is always good to receive your feedback on any product we have sold or rented. If you have a success story that you would like to share with others in a future newsletter, then please do get in touch.

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Contact Us - Jeremy Lineham, Mike Trim, Toni Simmonds, Jon Hill