http:// 2013-05-27T01:05:52Z 2013-05-27T01:05:52Z grundfos-magna3-circulator-pump-captures-danish-design-award

Perth, WA, May 27, 2013 - For years, heating, cooling, and air conditioning systems have been well known for their excessive power consumption. Air conditioning and cooling in particular consume a lot of power and cost consumers a lot of money. Until the MAGNA3 series was introduced for 2012, there hadn't been much evolution in the category of water circulator pumps.If the comments of the jury at the Danish Design Awards at the Danish Design Centre in Copenhagen are any indication, though, the circulator pump industry has seen its first serious evolution in years. The MAGNA3 series was voted the Danish Design Award in the business-to-business, Industrial Design division.Grundfos executives and employees are proud of the award, but even more proud of the feedback they got from the jury. The jury referred to the MAGNA3 line as “designed to (determine) efficiency and output figures, which are (unprecedented).” They would go on to refer to the pump as proof that Grundfos “translates their focus on innovation, sustainability, and design into action.”Peter Røpke, who is the Group Executive Vice President of Grundfos, was pleased with the award, but more pleased with the feedback of the jury, especially when it called the MAGNA3 a “very concrete contribution” to the field of energy reduction in the pump industry. Røpke deflected praise, and passed it on to his employees, saying that he wanted to “send a big thanks” to everyone who contributed to the effort.Røpke feels that the award has both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards. Intrinsically, the award helps to motivate the staff by providing recognition as a reward for all of their hard work. He feels that the award will help the staff in its efforts to further the evolution of pump design in the future.Extrinsically, the award provides publicity for the company, and helps its already-sterling reputation within the industry and among potential customers. In addition, it serves as proof that Grundfos is “walking its talk” in terms of corporate mission, vision, and values. Røpke has stated on many occasions that Grundfos' mission is to “raise the bar” industry wide, and to constantly evolve the field of performance and design.The MAGNA3 series consists of pumps of all sizes, from the smallest to the largest, that are connected to a communication device that allows users to change the settings from outside of the pump assembly. These settings can be manually changed with a smartphone or similar device.For those who want the benefits of flexible settings without the constant monitoring, the MAGNA3 series is equipped with AUTOADAPT. AUTOADAPT does exactly what it sounds like; it automatically adapts the pump settings to ensure maximum performance with minimum energy consumption.AUTOADAPT can be used straight out of the box as a default setting. After it is turned on, it analyses exactly what is needed, and adjusts settings accordingly. As the demands change, the settings are changed automatically.The MAGNA3 is virtually maintenance-free; once it is installed, the user can “set it and forget it.”Mike Hurlbatt, owner of Pump Solutions Australasia, is happy for Grundfos: “We are very happy for Grundfos, but we aren't surprised that they are winning design awards. Grundfos is responsible for a lot of advances in the industry, but the MAGNA3 line might turn out to be the biggest yet.”Pump Solutions Australasia imports and distributes virtually all kinds of water pumps from its Perth location, including Grundfos pumps. For more information, call 1300 922 973 or visit their website: http://www.pumpsolutions.com.au/.

2013-05-26T14:11:51Z rothenberger-awarded-for-design-and-innovation

ROTHENBERGER Australia New Zealand, May 2013        FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Rothenberger Awarded for Design and Innovation   ROTHENBERGER ANZ has received international recognition by being awarded two Good Design® Marks from the Australian International Design Awards for their Kibosh Pipe Repair and Roflare Revolver tools.  The Awards which recognise form, function, quality, safety and sustainability of a product are judged by leading Australian and international experts in design. ROTHENBERGER, which has a strong commitment to design, innovation and engineering, only entered these two products in the awards.  Created by Scottish plumber Ross Dickinson the, recently released, Kibosh Pipe Repair is a unique patented device which provides a professional, affordable, quick and easy emergency repair for burst or perforated pipes, or leaky fittings.  This quick-fix solution saves the distress and damage of flooding, allowing the pipe to remain in use, while waiting for a plumber to reach the site, locate the isolator or gain access to the pipes (underground/behind walls). It requires no tools or plumbing experience to operate. The Roflare Revolver employs patented mechanisms to ensure a leak-proof norm-flare can be assured, making it the only flaring tool on the market that can guarantee a norm-flare inside relevant industrial standards. The compact design of the Roflare Revolver means it is suitable for working in tight areas like ceiling suspended indoor units.“As a leader in product engineering and pipetool innovation we see it as our duty to deliver the most effective, well thought through, products possible to the market”, said Oliver Taylor Managing Director ROTHENBERGER ANZ.  “I see the Good Design® Marks as proof we are walking our talk.”  “The Australian International Design Awardsassessment process is recognised as one of the most thorough of all international design recognition programs" explains Brandon Gien, Managing Director of Good Design Australia.  “By today's standards, quality alone is not enough to differentiate a product from its competitors.  “Consumers are concerned about performance, value for money, ease of use, safety and environmental impact; this is why both ROTHENBERGER products received this recognition.” ~end~  About ROTHENBERGER ROTHENBERGER has been one of the world’s leading manufacturers of innovative, technologically sophisticated pipe tools and pipe machining equipment in sanitary, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, gas and environmental technologies for more than 60 years. With more than 5,000 items ‘Made by ROTHENBERGER’, the portfolio includes a complete product range for professional users. ROTHENBERGER regards itself as a partner of specialist retailers for tradespeople and industry. Their own production rate of approx. 60%, and more than 180 patents and trademarks are proof of the innovative strength of the ROTHENBERGER products. About Good Design Australia and the Australian International Design Awards Good Design Australia is an international design promotion organisation responsible for running the Australian International Design Awards, one of the oldest and most prestigious design awards in the world.  The Design Awards recognise products and services that do not just look good, but work better and provide improved solutions on previous offerings, incorporating and epitomising all aspects of good design. Good Design® recipients are in the running to receive a coveted Australian International Design Award and the prestigious Australian International Design Award® of the Year (given to the best product or service in the overall Awards) will be announced at the 2013 Australian International Design Awards Presentation Ceremony on 30 May in Sydney. 

2013-05-23T06:26:20Z master-perth-photographer-provides-blueprint-for-success

Perth, WA, May 23, 2013 - Geoff Fisher is the owner of Fisher Photography and is a Master photographer in Perth. He has been a professional photographer for over 35 years. He has been awarded the status of Master Photographer by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography. He has personally trained many other professional photographers, including everyone currently on his team.Fisher finds himself in a position where he is an authority and a role model to many aspiring photographers. He is often asked how to become a professional photographer. Earlier this month, Fisher posted a virtual roadmap to success on his blog. The post displays a depth of knowledge and understanding that is far beyond what the casual observer would expect for photography.The hobby photographer usually thinks that taking great photographs is simple: buy a good camera, aim it, and push the button. While this is a good way to get good amateur pictures, there is much more to professional photography.Fisher identifies six skills that any professional photographer must have to be successful. The first essential skill is the “eye” of an artist. A professional photographer must have an innate understanding of what makes a great picture. Literally one second too fast or too slow can make the difference between a mediocre photo and a lasting memory.The second skill involves managing people. This skill can also be seen as “rapport.” If the subjects aren't comfortable in the presence of the photographer, they will never “loosen up” enough to allow their natural personalities and beauty to shine through and be captured on camera. Fisher notes that it is rare when someone has both the artistic and managerial characteristics, and that most people only have one or the other trait, thus making it difficult to be a professional photographer.The next necessary skill is the ability to take full advantage of technology. This includes exposure speed, lighting, camera angles, timing, and lenses, among many other particulars that must be right. A photographer must also be teachable; they must have the ability to learn many divergent skills. They must also be willing or motivated to learn.The last skill or trait is patience. As the saying goes, “Rome wasn't built in a day” - neither are professional photographers. Becoming a professional photographer is difficult, and becoming a Master Photographer and an authority takes even longer.According to Fisher, there is no substitute for professional experience: “Ultimately, to be a successful professional photographer, you must take a lot of pictures in a professional setting. Despite what many of the camera companies say in their advertising, there is no camera that will take perfect pictures every time, simply by pointing and shooting.”“As for becoming an authority, it almost seems to happen by accident, if you work hard enough. As I became more experienced, I noticed that people naturally gravitated to me and asked questions about photography. When I attained Master Photographer status, though, it seemed to kick everything into high gear.”Fisher concluded, “To me, it is a pretty simple formula; I learned as much as I could, and I took as many pictures as I could, until I knew what I was doing. Then, I started teaching others. But I will never stop learning.”Geoff Fisher is an AIPP Master Photographer, and is the owner of Fisher Photography in Perth. He offers family photography, baby photography, corporate photography, and more. For more information, call 08 9381 2233. To view some of his work, please visit his website: http://fisherphotography.com.au/.

2013-05-23T03:16:59Z emeritus-profess-grant-steven-joins-the-board-of-clean-tech-startup-company-intresto-developers-of-the-world-first-rocksolver-software

Emeritus Professor Grant Steven of Sydney University has joined the Board of the Clean Tech software firm Intresto. Intresto is developing the Rocksolver software application which uses optimisation algorithms to solve the jigsaw puzzle when building with irregular-shaped blocks of unprocessed rock. By taking on the hard part of building with rock rubble Rocksolver removes the obstacle to using this resource of local, cheap and sustainable building material. Emeritus Professor Steven is a world renowned authority in structural and computational mechanics with over 40 years experience in this field and works closely with industry on many large scale engineering projects. He is also the founder of Strand7 one of the world’s leading Finite Element Analysis software companies with about 4000 commercial users. Emeritus Professor Steven said: “I am delighted to join the board of Intresto, the inventors of Rocksolver. Rocksolver is a highly innovative solution to the optimum arranging of irregular shaped tiles for paving and rocks for walls, it is bound for commercial success, and I am looking forward to helping to enable this”. Intresto founder Malcolm Lambert commented: “Having Emeritus Professor Steven on board is a big bonus for us. He will add significantly to the technical competence of the company and is highly regarded in industry and he has started up his own software company in the past. We are delighted he has chosen to join the Board”. In May 2013 Intresto released the first beta version of Rocksolver for optimising the layout of irregular-shaped stone pavers. See http://malbertsinvention.wordpress.com/ for details.

2013-05-06T05:01:17Z rothenberger-new-local-appointments

In April ROTHENBERGER ANZ appointed Trent Carter to the newly created position of Sales and Marketing Director, while long serving marketing coordinator Jimmy Santos has taken on the role of Marketing Manager.“As a leader in product engineering and pipetool innovation we are always looking for ways to refine and improve what we do”, explains Oliver Taylor Managing Director ROTHENBERGER ANZ. “These new appointments mean we can better service our local customers as we implement many exciting new projects over the coming years.”Trent Carter brings significant industry experience to the team, most recently being the New Zealand National Sales Manager with Heatcraft for 5 years and prior to that with BOC. Trent has great all round experience across sales and key account management in trade markets with market leading brands. Trent has solid technical trade product knowledge across refrigeration and industrial market segments.Jimmy Santos has been with ROTHENBERGER for 4 years and has been an integral part in the successful execution of many large mid-year tool sales and promotions with Reece and Tradelink. Most recently he has been behind the improvements to both ROTHENBERGER & Super Ego catalogues and the implementation of a more focused marketing approach overall.Global AppointmentsIn September last year THE ROTHENBERGER GROUP appointed a new global Chief Operating Officer, Michel Moulin. Michel’s primary role will be to drive even greater product and service quality initiatives through the business at every level.~end~About ROTHENBERGERROTHENBERGER has been one of the world’s leading manufacturers of innovative, technologically sophisticated pipe tools and pipe machining equipment in sanitary, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, gas and environmental technologies for more than 60 years. With more than 5,000 items ‘Made by ROTHENBERGER’, the portfolio includes a complete product range for professional users. ROTHENBERGER regards itself as a partner of specialist retailers for tradespeople and industry. Their own production rate of approx. 60%, and more than 180 patents and trademarks are proof of the innovative strength of the ROTHENBERGER products.

2013-04-30T06:36:57Z professional-perth-photographer-warns-don-t-trust-your-cherished-memories-to-an-amateur

Perth, WA, April 30, 2013 - In a recent blog post on his website, Perth photographer Geoff Fisher gave a long, detailed answer to a frequently asked question: “Why should I hire a professional photographer?” Fisher, who has been the owner of Fisher Photography for the past 35 years, holds “Master Photographer” status, awarded by the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP). In addition, he has won a Gold Award, and many Silver Awards, and has been named AIPP Western Australian Portrait Photographer of the Year. In the post, Fisher explained some of the pitfalls of hiring an amateur photographer, and described some of the factors that differentiate professional photographers from amateurs. Since the advent of digital cameras, amateur photographers have had access to much better equipment than they used to. Unfortunately, this has inspired many amateur photographers to buy the most expensive camera at their local department store, take a few pictures, and offer their services to friends and acquaintances as photographers. While some of the more expensive digital cameras on the market do, indeed, take great pictures, they are still, by nature, point and click devices. The amateur photographer simply points the camera, waits for it to focus, and snaps a picture. While this can produce the occasional good picture, professionals view the default settings on any camera to be a starting point: not a finishing point. Professional photographers use equipment that is far more expensive and elaborate than the cameras at the local department store. Professional photographers use their own lighting. Their studios are designed to allow for perfect lighting, and their cameras allow for more adjustments. Professionals pay close attention to variables such as angles, exposure time, distance, and different lenses. Professionals undergo extensive training, and then add experience to that training. Fisher, for example, has personally trained everyone in his studio, regardless of their past experience. Professional photographers leave nothing to chance. Their protocols ensure that there’ll be no surprises, such as cameras without batteries, or lights that don’t work. Amateur photographers, even those who mean well, are simply lacking in the equipment and experience to provide a product on the level of a professional photographer. Fisher believes that the risks are too high and the rewards are too low for anyone who needs professional photos to trust them to anyone but a professional photographer. According to Fisher, “Your photographs are extremely important. While amateurs are certainly capable of taking decent photos, they cannot come close to producing the kind of quality your professional photographer can. Professional photographers have years of training and experience, and they have access to equipment that outclasses anything an amateur can buy.” Fisher continued, “We have been taking professional photographs for over 35 years. We have seen every situation, and have taken photographs for all kinds of people. All of this experience has taught us how to consistently uncover the best of anyone’s inner qualities, and allow them to come to the surface to be photographed. When those photographs are taken under controlled conditions with professional equipment, they always turn out perfect.” Fisher concluded, “Professionals have the best training, the best equipment, and the most experience. If you want professional results, hire a professional photographer.”Fisher receives a lot of testimonials; a recent one comes from CJ Halvorson, who is Vice President of Strategic Accounts in Asia, Pacific, and Japan for a major IT Company: “Hi, Geoff: Love the photo and getting great reviews already.” Fisher Photography provides professional photography in Perth and the surrounding area. They offer many services, including portrait photography, family photography, and corporate photography to their Perth area clients. For more information, call (08) 9381 2233 or visit their website: http://fisherphotography.com.au/

2013-04-24T01:42:46Z rothenberger-anz-brings-back-more-innovation-to-make-plumbing-easier

Continuing its drive for technical expertise, a team from ROTHENBERGER ANZ recently supported its European counterparts at ISH – the world’s leading trade fair for The Bathroom Experience, Building Services, Energy, Air Conditioning Technology and Renewable Energies.   While engaging with the European retailers and end users, the team also investigated the latest offerings in sustainable sanitation, environmentally sound and efficient air conditioning, heating, cooling and ventilation technologies; and future-orientated building solutions.   “We see a big part of our local responsibility being to take advantage of our global network in order to find the best, most innovative products to help the local plumbers by making their jobs easier, work faster and results better” explained Oliver Taylor, Managing Director, ROTHENBERGER ANZ.   Resulting from this expedition, ROTHENBERGER ANZ will launch a number of innovative new tools this year, including the ROLOCK EXPANDER Power Torque tool. The result of 40 years of development, this tool uses ROTHENBERGER proprietary expansion and calibration engineering technology for installing pipelines without fittings. This technology allows pipelines in the sanitation, heating, air conditioning, freezing and gas sectors to be connected cost-effectively without fittings. It also features a new, quick-change system for screw and quick-change heads. Naturally being ROTHENBERGER, it is constructed from the highest quality materials to stringent German engineering guidelines.   ~end~     About ROTHENBERGER ROTHENBERGER has been one of the world’s leading manufacturers of innovative, technologically sophisticated pipe tools and pipe machining equipment in sanitary, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, gas and environmental technologies for more than 60 years. With more than 5,000 items ‘Made by ROTHENBERGER’, the portfolio includes a complete product range for professional users. ROTHENBERGER regards itself as a partner of specialist retailers for tradespeople and industry. Their own production rate of approx. 60%, and more than 180 patents and trademarks are proof of the innovative strength of the ROTHENBERGER products.

2013-04-24T01:04:42Z aerator-pumps-play-important-role-for-australians

Perth, WA, April 24, 2013 - In a recent blog post, Pump Solutions Australasia explained how aerator pumps work and how important they are to our way of life in Australia. Aerator pumps are crucial to waste treatment and to aquafarming. Since fish farms and adequately processing our sewage are important parts of modern society, it can safely be said that Australia would have to make some pretty big adjustments if there were no aerator pumps available. Aerator pumps are used to provide oxygen as part of the sewage treatment process, and for water whose oxygen has been depleted, compromising its ability to support aqueous life. Their primary applications are in sewage treatment and aquafarming. Small aerator pumps are used for aquariums, and provide a miniature model of what larger aerator pumps accomplish. In sewage treatment plants, aerator pumps are used to provide oxygen for the second stage of the treatment process. In the second stage of the waste treatment process, microorganisms are used to remove organic waste material from sewage. Those microorganisms must have oxygen to live. The aerator pump provides oxygen to the microorganisms, allowing them to consume the organic waste material and thus remove it from sewage. In aquafarms, aerator pumps provide oxygen to water where oxygen has been depleted due to too much demand. A fish farm, for example, produces too many fish for the amount of oxygen that would naturally be present in the water supply. When the oxygen becomes depleted, it is then necessary to supplement the oxygen in the water, or the fish will die. Aerator pumps provide oxygen by drawing air from above the surface of the water, and releasing it at the bottom of the water, where the bubbles rise to the surface. On their way to the surface, the bubbles interact with the water, and oxygen is transferred into the water. This process is known as subsurface aeration. Pump Solutions Australasia carries a full line of Tsurumi submersible water pumps, including their line of water aerator pumps. Tsurumi, located in Kyoto, Japan, has manufactured pumps since 1924. Since their first submersible pump, produced in 1953, Tsurumi has been responsible for many innovations and advancements, and have developed an impressive resumé in the field of submersible pumps. Tsurumi now manufactures 500,000 pumps per year, with a capacity of as many as one million if the demand arises. They currently make submersible pumps than any other manufacturer in the world, and export them to every major international market. Mike Hurlbatt, owner of Pump Solutions Australasia, is proud to be Western Australia’s distributor of Tsurumi pumps: “Tsurumi is an old, respected name in submersible pumps. It is not a stretch to say that almost everybody’s way of life has been influenced, either directly or indirectly, by a Tsurumi pump. You don’t notice them, but they are the most popular option for submersible aerator pumps in waste treatment facilities and fish farms everywhere.” Hurlbatt continued, “Aerator pumps fill a vital role in treating waste and in making sure that anything produced in aquafarm has enough oxygen to live. The smaller pumps are also great for small ponds that need a little oxygen boost to keep the marine life alive.” Hurlbatt concluded, “If you need an aerator pump, large, small, or in between, we have exactly what you’re looking for.”  Pump Solutions Australasia is Western Australia’s foremost distributor of Tsurumi submersible water pumps. For more information, call 1300 922 973 or visit their website: http://www.pumpsolutions.com.au/.

2013-04-12T03:04:31Z thermamax-panel-modular-innovation-in-visual-heat-and-noise-control-for-the-mining-amp-energy-sectors

ThermaMax Panel: Modular Innovation In Visual, Heat And Noise Control For The Mining & Energy SectorsWith increased urbanisation, environmental and OH&S concerns, mining and energy companies in general have faced augmented regulation with regards to visual amenity, heat and noise emission, OH&S compliance and carbon footprint reduction.In direct response to exacting requirements for a multi-million dollar gas extraction project, Modular Wall Systems developed ThermaMax Panel to provide a modular thermal heat control solution that was not previously available. The client, who had been considering the use of shipping containers at the start of the project, required a pre-finished, 10 meter high modular enclosure that could be built quickly and that would take 180 trucks off the road. A modular construction methodology and composite insulation panel solution was particularly desirable, for the increased project efficiency this ensures.In addition, the solution needed to be capable of:stopping direct visual sighting of the flare flame from surrounding ground positionscontrolling heat radiation emissions for personnel working in and around enclosurescontrolling heat radiation to the immediate area of influencereducing noise emissionsreducing the environmental impact resulting from transportation of the solution to project sites. Stated aim: 180 trucks off the road as compared to the shipping container solution.Omitting wildfire entering the area.Easy integration with existing beam & girt structures widely used in the mining and energy sectorThermaMax Panel has been precision engineered and extensively tested to provide the answer to the all of the challenges mentioned above.ConstructionThermaMax Panel provides an innovative, one-step modular insulation solution which represents a major improvement on traditional, multi-step installations. ThermaMax cleverly combines existing materials in an all in one composite panel and sits in conventional beam and girt structures that are widely used in the mining & energy sector. ThermaMax is lightweight, rigid, easy to install and transport using existing skill and machinery. The composite nature of the ThermaMax Panel, combined with the modular construction ability of the overall solution, results in significant time, cost and environmental efficiencies.Application ThermaMax Panels can be used and adapted for curtain walling, free standing walls or any other developments or projects that require a solution for sites exposed to high temperatures. ThermaMax is also ideally suited as a solution for combustible environments.Why the ThermaMax Panel is a better alternative to traditional enclosure solutionsBefore the ThermaMax solution, shipping containers were the preferred option to meet height, heat, insulation and finish requirements. This bulky solution is typically characterised by:a significant environmental footprint: a large amount of trucks is required for transportation to site. Also, extensive concrete pad footings are constructed as a foundation for the containers. They typically remain in the ground after the containers are removed.higher transportation costhigher staff costs: a larger team is required to install a wall comprising of shipping containerslonger installation and deconstruction timeslack of customisation of the finish colour or overall look of the enclosureThe ThermaMax Panel innovation sets a new standard in the industry by providing a modular, lightweight and rigid solution that meets current and future exacting requirements.ThermaMax Panel sets the environmental standardModular wall Systems is current involved with a large gas upstream project comprising of multiple flare enclosures. If shipping containers were used to contain these enclosures, 180 trucks would have been required. By using the ThermaMax Panel solution instead, the amount of trucks required was reduced to 6. For 7 sites, this represents a 1000 truck reduction.ThermaMax Panel has been precision engineered to be the easiest product to handleTo ensure that The ThermaMax Panel meets all the exacting requirements of the mining, energy and commercial sectors and is also OH&S compliant, the design of the product features:Manageable, lightweight componentsDesign that allows for thermal movementLimitless configurations due to modular natureThermaMax Panel provides proven noise mitigationThe pre-finished ThermaMax Panel is designed to be extremely robust. It is manufactured out of Australian corrugated steel, which is damage resistant. With superior acoustic performance one can typically expect up to a 25dB reduction in noise to surrounding areas. This translates to a four to five fold reduction in audible noise.www.modularwalls.com.au

2013-03-12T02:30:22Z austmine-2013-conference-reinforces-need-for-safe-workwear

On 20th to 23rd May 2013, Perth will host the Austmine 2013 International Conference and Exhibition. The event will be co-produced by Mining IQ and Austmine, and will attract a virtual who’s who of the mining industry. Top executives from every major mining company are scheduled to attend. The theme will be “Australian Technology: Inspiring Global Mining Innovation.”So far, presentations are scheduled to address a range of topics. Presently scheduled topics include the following: Western Australia as a mining hub, the future of mining technology, the globalisation of the mining supply chain, using automation to improve performance, improving operations in spite of the tightening economy, ensuring the safety of your workforce, and breakout sessions which will focus on emerging markets, such as Southern Africa, Russia, Brazil, and Mongolia.Confirmed speakers include: the Managing Director of Rio Tinto Australia, David Peever; Head of Innovation for Rio Tinto, John McGagh; VP of Mine Optimisation, Group Resource and Business Optimisation for BHP Billiton, Gavin Yeates; VP and Group Head of Organisational Effectiveness for Goldfields SA, Dr Shane Hodgson; Business Development Manager for Russell Mineral Equipment, Brett Morgan; Chairman of the Board of Geological Survey of Finland, Tom Niemi; CEO of the Minerals Council of Australia, Mitchell Hooke; and Chris Hinde of IntierraRMG.Australia, especially Western Australia, is a hub for some of the world’s most advanced mining practices. Since mines are now deeper, and it takes more work to produce minerals, it is paramount that the mining industry continues to embrace technological advances. Austmine 2013 provides an opportunity for mining executives to meet and keep abreast of developments in the industry.One of the most important factors in keeping a mine safe and efficient is the use of appropriate clothing and uniforms for those working in and around the mines. Corporate workwear for the mining industry must be perfect to promote safety and efficiency. Mining uniforms must provide visibility, while allowing employees to maximise their efficiency. In addition, their clothing cannot be too loose, because clothing that sticks out away from the body can easily become caught in machinery.In other words, mining uniforms must fit within a much smaller tolerance than clothing in more casual industries. In addition, mining uniforms must be durable, and they will ideally provide the first layer of protection from the elements or from any debris.According to Jarrod Wojtowicz, Director of JP Promotions, properly fitted mining uniforms can have a huge impact on a company’s bottom line: “In mining, as in many other industries, the stakes are high and the margin for error is low when it comes to safety in the workplace. The presence or absence of well-fitting, well-conceived workwear can make the difference between a slipshod, accident-prone workplace, and a workplace which is safe and well-organised.”Wojtowicz continued, “We carry a full line of workwear, not only for the mining industry, but for many other industries. Our uniforms can be customised with a company logo, by embroidery or screen printing. Our mining industry uniforms are sharp but rugged, and are designed for maximum safety and maximum production.”Wojtowicz concluded: “If you want your employees to look sharp, your workplace to be safe, and your production to be high, our mining uniforms can give you the edge you need.”JP Promotions provides corporate gifts, promotional products, corporate clothing, and workwear in Perth and across Australia.For more information about their extensive product line, please call 08 9248 6300, or visit their website: http://jppromotions.com.au/.

2013-03-07T04:57:39Z what-are-our-motivations-to-conserve-energy-and-why-it-is-important

What motivates you to conserve energy, and if you don’t, why not? Are you an eco-warrior whose home runs on renewable energies, do you make an effort to buy energy efficient appliances, is energy saving simply a matter of switching off the light when you leave a room, or does energy conservation not enter your consciousness at all? What are the factors that influence the decisions you make about your energy usage? These are all questions that a number of governmental think-tanks and research groups have been pondering as we face a potential energy crisis. The central question is, what drives people’s behaviour when it comes to energy consumption and how can that be influenced? FinancialThere is no doubt that the more energy you conserve, the more money you will save. It’s simple economics - consume more, pay more. There are two sides to this - conserving energy by making behavioural changes (e.g. only switching on the dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load or turning your thermostat down by a degree or two in the winter months) and achieving the same result but through using energy efficient appliances. A combination of both will save the most energy, and therefore the most amount of money.Environmental Knowledge and ValuesThe more we understand how our unquenchable thirst for energy is affecting our planet, the more likely we might be to change our behaviour and want to strive to conserve energy for the greater good of us mankind, Earth and our collective future. Of course, some people don’t believe in climate change, but the majority of us can see that human impact has at least to some degree contributed towards global warming. Perhaps, in this way, education is key. HabitIf you were raised in a household which actively conserved energy, and that behaviour was instilled in you as a child, you are far more likely to conserve energy in your home as an adult and set that example for your own children. Habits are hard to break so it is vital to raise our children to conserve energy - that way it will be a natural and unforced behaviour and we might just help to bring up a generation for whom saving energy is a way of life. Visual and Tangible ChangeBecause the benefits of energy conservation are sometimes not always visible straight away, and many behavioural changes seem to make such little impact, it can be useful to be able to see tangible results. In this way, energy monitors can be hugely motivational when it comes to energy conservation as they allow you to view your electricity usage in units, cost and even carbon emissions in real time. Designed to help you keep track of the amount of electricity you use and how much different appliances use, they can be incredibly beneficial in setting goals and having the satisfaction of reaching targets.There are a number of motivations to conserve energy, all of which can be further encouraged by energy suppliers themselves. As we start to truly understand just what our current global energy consumption means for us and our planet, more people are motivated by doing the right thing for the environment. The fact that there is also a financial incentive for doing so is an added bonus!

2013-02-28T02:23:45Z pump-solutions-australasia-warns-homeowners-don-t-electrocute-yourself-trying-to-pump-flood-water-from-your-basement

In the wake of the Queensland floods, homeowners all across Australia are asking themselves, “Could this happen to me?” Pump Solutions Australasia has received numerous enquiries from homeowners concerning water pumps for their basements in case of flooding in their areas.Consequently, Pump Solutions Australasia devoted a blog post to instructing homeowners how to safely pump water out of their basements. The post focused on how to safely avoid two dangers of pumping water out of a basement after a flood: electrocution and causing the basement walls to collapse.The main hazard associated with pumping water out of a basement after a flood is electrocution. Most people are in a distressed state after a flood, and often forget that water conducts electricity. If the electricity in a house is turned back on, but flood waters are covering a “live” electrical outlet, anyone who steps into the water can be electrocuted.Pump Solutions Australasia recommends that all electricity in the basement is turned off, and that the homeowner doubles their protection by wearing heavy rubber boots and gloves, thus preventing their body from coming into direct contact with any flood water. They also recommend using a submersible pump that is plugged in somewhere outside of the basement.The optimum situation is a submersible pump that runs on a 12-volt marine or car battery, which is outside of the house or a petrol / diesel driven pump.The submersible pump transports water from the basement, a base, and into a discharge hose. That hose must be pointed away from the house, or the water can flow right back into the basement.Another danger is pumping the water out too fast. The flood waters can recede above ground, but the water table is often still up to the very top of a homeowner’s basement in the days immediately following a flood. This creates tons of pressure from the outside of the walls, and the flood water in the basement is actually helping to keep the walls from caving in.The standard recommendation is to only pump out a foot of water the first day, mark the water level, and see if the water has gone back up the next morning. If it has, that means it is too early to pump water, and it is recommended to wait another day before pumping out another foot and taking the same test.Once it is okay to pump water, the homeowner should never pump more than three feet of water out in any one day. This ensures that water isn’t pumped out faster than the groundwater recedes. If the water is pumped out too fast, the basement walls can cave in, causing severe damage to the foundation of the house.Mike Hurlbatt, owner of Pump Solutions Australasia, urges homeowners to be careful: “The most important thing to remember is to keep from electrocuting yourself over a basement full of water. In the aftermath of a flood, a lot of people forget how dangerous it is to mix water and electricity. The second thing to remember is to go slow. It simply isn’t worth the time you gain by pumping the water out fast if you put your entire house at risk.”Pump Solutions Australasia is Australia’s leading importer of submersible pumps, water pumps, and carries a full line of pumps for residential, commercial, and industrial uses. For more information, call them at 1300 922 973 or check out their website: http://www.pumpsolutions.com.au/.

2013-02-14T01:10:00Z eaton-blackout-tracker-reports-human-error-storms-vehicles-and-animals-contribute-to-94-power-outages-affecting-half-a-million-people-across-australia-and-new-zealand

One in four power outages and four of the five most significant blackouts occurring in Australia and New Zealand during 2012 were the result of severe weather. The causes included once-in-a-decade storm winds in Perth that left 161,000 people without power, severe winds that damaged poles and brought down lines in Taranaki, North Island, and damaging winds and torrential rain storms in Sydney. Other common causes of power outages included human error and/or faulty equipment, vehicles, accidents involving vehicles, planned outages and animals. In total, 94 power outages were reported during 2012, down from 112 in 1211. The number of people affected dropped by almost half to 487,242. The average duration of each blackout was vastly improved, reducing from seven hours in 2011 to just under one and three quarter hours. The findings are contained in the Australian and New Zealand Blackout Tracker Annual Report for 2012, an annual compilation of reported power outages prepared by diversified industrial manufacturer, Eaton Industries. One of the year's most unusual causes of a blackout occurred in January in Auckland, North Island, when an out-of-control hot air balloon crashed into power lines, sparking a catastrophic fire and cutting power to 3,800 homes. Other vehicle accidents included a milk tanker truck that crashed into a power pole in Mataura, South Island, cutting power to 150 customers and spilling more than 12,000 litres of milk into a nearby river, and a crane that struck a power line while being carried on a barge near Swansea in New South Wales. The incident left 18,000 people without power. The report once again confirmed that animals and power lines are a bad combination for both humans and animals. A February power outage that affected some 12,000 customers in Sydney was caused when a small, rogue possum came contact with electrical equipment at a substation, resulting in a short circuit and the possum's demise. Two outages were reported at data centres during the year. One, at Google's data centre in Sydney in June, briefly derailed services across Australia and New Zealand. No explanation was given for the outage. The second, at Equinix in Sydney during November, caused up to three hour delays for thousands of passengers flying with three major airlines from Australian airports. Equinix said the incident occurred after the facility experienced a short interruption to power that affected HVAC systems. “It's almost impossible to ascertain the financial impact of such outages but it is reasonable to expect that the effects were significant. In addition to lost revenues and disruption for the businesses and their clients, outages frequently involve costs for detection, containment and recovery. There may be equipment and third party expenses to be met,” says Michael Mallia, Marketing Manager, Eaton's Power Quality division. “Given the importance of the data centre to business continuity, every organisation should actively mitigate risk by ensuring their centre is properly equipped with surge protectors, uninterruptible power supplies and generators.” In total, the North Island of New Zealand reported the greatest number of outages (30), followed by New South Wales (18), the South Island of New Zealand (16), Queensland (12), Victoria (9), Western Australia (5), South Australia (3) and the Northern Territory (1). For the second year running, no outages were reported in the Australian Capital Territory. About the report Eaton's Blackout Tracker is an annual report based on reported power outages. The sources for data include: news services, newspapers, websites (including those of newspapers and TV stations) and personal accounts. To download the entire annual report, please visit www.eaton.com/blackouttracker <http://www.eaton.com/blackouttracker> . To learn about Eaton’s line of power quality products and services, visit Eaton’s web site at www.eaton.com/powerquality About Eaton Corporation Eaton is a diversified power management company providing energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power. With 2012 sales of US$16.3 billion, Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical products, systems and services for power quality, distribution and control, power transmission, lighting and wiring products; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton acquired Cooper Industries plc in 2012. Eaton has approximately 103,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com

2013-01-24T02:09:30Z action-sheds-australia-warns-farmers-protect-your-farm-sheds-from-bushfires

Summer is here, and with it comes the heat: and with the heat comes bushfires. Not only are farm sheds susceptible to bushfires, but they can also endanger any building within 20 meters. Newer sheds are built of Zincalume or ColorBond steel, and are very safe from fires. However, the steel can radiate heat that causes the contents inside the shed or wood buildings within 20 meters to catch fire.The most common way for a bushfire to burn a home or shed is by what are called “ember attacks.” Embers are transported through the air and find gaps within buildings, where they then ignite the materials inside. They can be transported under eaves, in roof cavities, or through air vents. The embers can sit for hours, but once the fire starts, it is extremely difficult to extinguish.Since this summer has been a brutal one for bushfires, Action Sheds Australia recommends that those who have farm sheds immediately take precautions to protect both the sheds and their houses.First, remove all flammable materials from the shed. Next, install weather stripping around the insides of all windows and doors. This will eliminate any gaps, including those that aren’t normally visible. Then, put leaf guards on gutters; this will prevent a build-up of leaves.Also, external skylights should be covered by non-combustible firescreens. Then, cut the flashing to the profile of the roof sheets with a scribing tool. Last, remove firewood from both the shed and house areas. During a bushfire, nothing can guarantee that any house won’t be one of those that burn, but simple precautions can decrease the likelihood of a fire.Max Italiano, owner of Action Sheds Australia, has a strong commitment to safety, and hopes that all unnecessary fires can be avoided: “We have erected a lot of farm sheds, both in the Perth area and outside of it, and we always go out of our way to provide our customers with the utmost in safety. Usually, that comes in the form of very strong, well-moored sheds, but bushfire season brings a different set of variables into play.”Italiano continued, “We are ShedSafe certified, which means that we only handle sheds that are built to the most stringent standards of safety in Australia. That guarantees that they are sturdy. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make them, their contents, or the surrounding buildings fireproof. In fact, the very thing that makes our sheds so sturdy, the steel construction, can make them dangerous to nearby buildings in a bushfire.”Italiano strongly advocates paying diligent attention in a year that has seen more brushfires than usual: “There’s no way around it: this has been a terrible summer for bushfires. Under normal circumstances, this wouldn’t even be an issue for most people. Usually, the wind and rain are much more of a threat to safety and structural integrity of a shed or house than bushfires. This season, though, has made fire prevention measures crucial.”Italiano concluded, “There is a point where your house and shed are going to go up in flames no matter what you do. Fortunately, though, there is a lot you can do to prevent your house or shed from catching fire if the bushfire is far enough away. We want to see everyone stay safe.”Action Sheds Australia, based in Perth WA, can erect quality barn or farm shed anywhere in Australia. Visit their website for more details: http://www.actionsheds.com.au/about-action-sheds-australia/ or call them at 1300 778 628.

2012-11-12T05:25:06Z partnership-results-in-turn-key-remote-environmental-monitoring

Madison Technologies and CoastalCOMS have partnered in developing a turn-key environmental and security monitoring solution.  The solution incorporates the latest Madison hardware technology (Rapid Deployment Camera) and CoastalCOMS’ core platform (federated cloud solution), which are designed to be deployed anywhere in the world without the need for any fixed cabling infrastructure. Environmental monitoring consists of two main components, video collection and data sampling (water or air). The main benefit being that these can be performed in real-time, remotely (via 3G and solar) and continuously rather than single samples per day.  CoastalCOMS core platform then fuses the collected data from the Madison Rapid Deployment Camera with other real-time data sampling and weather information to provide an overall view of the environment and its changing conditions. The solution incorporates real-time video streaming and storage saved locally or in the cloud – with secure viewing via a user’s computer, or smart device, such as a Samsung galaxy tab/phone, Apple iPhone & iPad. CoastalCOMS has been using the solution to perform environmental coastal monitoring and shoreline detection for the Gold Coast City Council where the Madison Rapid Deployment Camera continuously monitors the movement of sand on its pristine beaches.  The same hosted camera platform is also preforming a vital surveillance job for the Queensland Fisheries Patrol by monitoring whales as they travel up the Gold Coast coastline for any entanglements. For more information, contact a Madison Networking Specialist on 1800 72 79 79 or via our website www.madisontech.com.au