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Day: 1 December 2020

Clean Air System via Fans Explained

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Ions are particles that carry an electrical charge as a result of induced energy to the particle that has caused it to gain an electron, resulting in a negative charge, or to lose an electron, resulting in a positive charge. Ions can exist in all mediums; in the air, they are specifically referred to as positive air ions (PAI) or negative air ions (NAI), depending on their charge. Air ions are able to follow airflows to be distributed but their lifespan (effectively, the time before they find something to stick to) is less than 60 seconds in most environments. This makes it imperative to generate air ions as close to the occupied breathing zone as possible.

Big Ass Fans’ Clean Air System (CAS) products generate ions using needlepoint bi-polar ionization (NBPI) modules. These modules use very little electrical power (less than 1 watt) and are able to generate more ions with elevated air speed across the module needle points, making them a perfect match for integration on the worlds’ best ceiling and directional fans. A further advantage of needlepoint bi-polar ionization is its inherent safety for occupants. No ozone is generated by BAF NBPI products and there are no known negative impacts of occupant exposure to positive or negative air ions – some occupants even report improved mood.

Critically, air ions have a germicidal effect on microbial organisms that are in the air and on surfaces exposed to the ion-rich air. The mechanism of inactivation can be physical, as air ions can cluster to a microbe until its weight is increased to the point where it falls out of the breathable air zone. The mechanism can also be biological, where the surface proteins that microbial pathogens use to bind to target cells are disrupted, preventing the pathogen from infecting other cells. The imparted charge differential of the air ions can also cause a breach in the cell membrane, resulting in oxidation and inactivation of the pathogen’s ability to replicate and further infect new cells.

Using air ions from BAF CAS via these mechanisms has been proven in a third-party laboratory to rapidly reduce the effective concentration of a wide variety of microbes. The ion concentration level present in the target area is also important. Figure 2 shows the response of SARS-CoV-2 in the presence of 10, 40, and 150 thousand air ions per cc. As evident, higher concentrations of ions increase the rates of inactivation, but there is a point of diminishing returns at very high (above 100,000 ions per cc) levels. As such, BAF believes the minimum air ion concentration for a germicidal effect to be around 10,000 ions per cc, with optimal levels being around 40,000 ions per cc. This testing response closely follows the anticipated target theory collision model – that the rate of collisions (inactivations in the context of air ions and pathogens) is proportional to the number of free targets (pathogens) and colliders (air ions) such that inactivation rates are highest initially and increase with larger concentrations of both elements.

Clean Air System via Fans Explained

Posted on by David Priestman

Ions are particles that carry an electrical charge as a result of induced energy to the particle that has caused it to gain an electron, resulting in a negative charge, or to lose an electron, resulting in a positive charge. Ions can exist in all mediums; in the air, they are specifically referred to as positive air ions (PAI) or negative air ions (NAI), depending on their charge. Air ions are able to follow airflows to be distributed but their lifespan (effectively, the time before they find something to stick to) is less than 60 seconds in most environments. This makes it imperative to generate air ions as close to the occupied breathing zone as possible.

Big Ass Fans’ Clean Air System (CAS) products generate ions using needlepoint bi-polar ionization (NBPI) modules. These modules use very little electrical power (less than 1 watt) and are able to generate more ions with elevated air speed across the module needle points, making them a perfect match for integration on the worlds’ best ceiling and directional fans. A further advantage of needlepoint bi-polar ionization is its inherent safety for occupants. No ozone is generated by BAF NBPI products and there are no known negative impacts of occupant exposure to positive or negative air ions – some occupants even report improved mood.

Critically, air ions have a germicidal effect on microbial organisms that are in the air and on surfaces exposed to the ion-rich air. The mechanism of inactivation can be physical, as air ions can cluster to a microbe until its weight is increased to the point where it falls out of the breathable air zone. The mechanism can also be biological, where the surface proteins that microbial pathogens use to bind to target cells are disrupted, preventing the pathogen from infecting other cells. The imparted charge differential of the air ions can also cause a breach in the cell membrane, resulting in oxidation and inactivation of the pathogen’s ability to replicate and further infect new cells.

Using air ions from BAF CAS via these mechanisms has been proven in a third-party laboratory to rapidly reduce the effective concentration of a wide variety of microbes. The ion concentration level present in the target area is also important. Figure 2 shows the response of SARS-CoV-2 in the presence of 10, 40, and 150 thousand air ions per cc. As evident, higher concentrations of ions increase the rates of inactivation, but there is a point of diminishing returns at very high (above 100,000 ions per cc) levels. As such, BAF believes the minimum air ion concentration for a germicidal effect to be around 10,000 ions per cc, with optimal levels being around 40,000 ions per cc. This testing response closely follows the anticipated target theory collision model – that the rate of collisions (inactivations in the context of air ions and pathogens) is proportional to the number of free targets (pathogens) and colliders (air ions) such that inactivation rates are highest initially and increase with larger concentrations of both elements.

New Rugged Tablet for Harsh Environments

Posted on by David Priestman

A new powerful, fully rugged tablet has been specially developed to meet the requirements of transport and logistics. Innovative manufacturer of industrial IT and communication solutions, WEROCK Technologies GmbH, has announced the release of the Rocktab L110.

Whether in warehouses and logistics or in retail and gastronomy – user-friendly, powerful and flexibly deployable mobile computers are the prerequisite for smooth processes. With the release of the L110, the manufacturer is expanding its range to include a 10″ tablet for adverse working environments for precisely these requirements.

The tablet offers the possibility to use both a barcode scanner and an RFID reader simultaneously. The scan module scans all common 1D and 2D barcodes at high speed, while the RFID module can be used with a range of up to 3 meters. Active and passive vehicle mountings are available for the use of the tablet on vehicles.

Designed for maximum robustness, the Rocktab L110 can withstand even the most adverse environmental conditions. The MIL-STD-810G and IP65 certified tablet can be used reliably in ambient temperatures from -20°C to +60°C and can withstand falls from a height of up to 1.20 metres.

“More and more tablets are being used in industry and logistics, but they are often not designed for outdoor use and harsh environments,” says Markus Nicoleit, managing director of WEROCK. “The Rocktab L110 is ready for all requirements thanks to its convenient logistics functions and a bright display that can be read under sunlight,” Nicoleit continues.

Like all of the company’s products, the tablet’s carbon footprint, which is inevitably created during production and transport, is fully offset through WWF Gold Standard climate projects.

The Rocktab L110 is available immediately and can be purchased directly or through distribution partners. To expand the distribution network, interested system houses can contact WEROCK for partner registration. WEROCK offers its partners an exclusive premium service covering the entire range of services as well as competitive conditions. In addition to the L110, the company presented the Rocktab X550, a fully rugged notebook, in November.

New Rugged Tablet for Harsh Environments

Posted on by David Priestman

A new powerful, fully rugged tablet has been specially developed to meet the requirements of transport and logistics. Innovative manufacturer of industrial IT and communication solutions, WEROCK Technologies GmbH, has announced the release of the Rocktab L110.

Whether in warehouses and logistics or in retail and gastronomy – user-friendly, powerful and flexibly deployable mobile computers are the prerequisite for smooth processes. With the release of the L110, the manufacturer is expanding its range to include a 10″ tablet for adverse working environments for precisely these requirements.

The tablet offers the possibility to use both a barcode scanner and an RFID reader simultaneously. The scan module scans all common 1D and 2D barcodes at high speed, while the RFID module can be used with a range of up to 3 meters. Active and passive vehicle mountings are available for the use of the tablet on vehicles.

Designed for maximum robustness, the Rocktab L110 can withstand even the most adverse environmental conditions. The MIL-STD-810G and IP65 certified tablet can be used reliably in ambient temperatures from -20°C to +60°C and can withstand falls from a height of up to 1.20 metres.

“More and more tablets are being used in industry and logistics, but they are often not designed for outdoor use and harsh environments,” says Markus Nicoleit, managing director of WEROCK. “The Rocktab L110 is ready for all requirements thanks to its convenient logistics functions and a bright display that can be read under sunlight,” Nicoleit continues.

Like all of the company’s products, the tablet’s carbon footprint, which is inevitably created during production and transport, is fully offset through WWF Gold Standard climate projects.

The Rocktab L110 is available immediately and can be purchased directly or through distribution partners. To expand the distribution network, interested system houses can contact WEROCK for partner registration. WEROCK offers its partners an exclusive premium service covering the entire range of services as well as competitive conditions. In addition to the L110, the company presented the Rocktab X550, a fully rugged notebook, in November.

Height-adjustable Trailer Order

Posted on by David Priestman

Manchester, UK-based logistics specialist Polaris Logistics & Distribution, a division of the Polaris Group, has returned to Schmitz Cargobull with the delivery of five new S.CS MEGA curtainside trailers featuring VARIOS Top Technology, praising the versatility of the company’s range.

The tri-axle trailers replace older assets from a rival manufacturer and have been carefully specified to make the most efficient use of the interior load space on each job.

Schmitz Cargobull’s VARIOS Top Technology allows the driver to easily adjust the trailer’s roof height in 50 mm increments – with hook and loop fasteners on the curtains enabling easy adjustment for different body heights.

This means the roof can be raised when extra load space is required; or lowered to make the trailer as aerodynamic as possible when carrying compact loads, helping to optimise fuel efficiency. The new trailers also offer all of the advantages of a regular curtainsider, combined with a lifting roof which can be raised on one or both sides for forklift loading, or slid open for time-saving crane loading through the roof.

Adam Barry, Managing Director at Polaris, says: “We weren’t completely happy with our previous supplier so when we needed to upgrade the fleet, we looked carefully at our options. We’ve operated Schmitz Cargobull trailers in the past and have always been impressed with how robust they are; when I approached the team again, they worked closely with us to achieve the perfect specification.

“Our work varies day to day, so the added versatility these trailers bring is fantastic. By adjusting the roof height to suit the load, we are seeing instant fuel savings of up to £150 a week – reducing our running costs and improving our sustainability. Plus, being height-adjustable helps to set us apart from our competitors and gives us the opportunity to work on a far wider range of jobs.”

Built on Schmitz Cargobull’s high-tech modular chassis, which features a mix of galvanised steel and aluminium, each trailer offers excellent corrosion protection and is provided with a 10-year warranty against rust-through.

Barry adds: “The fully galvanised chassis was a really strong selling point for us. It gives us the confidence we’ll get a long life out of the trailers; plus they’ll continue to look good even after clocking up hundreds of thousands of kilometres.”

The trailers will be in use five-days-a-week, travelling UK-wide on general haulage work. For all maintenance requirements, Polaris will benefit from the aftersales support provided by Schmitz Cargobull’s authorised network of 1,700 workshops located across the UK and in Europe.

Height-adjustable Trailer Order

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Manchester, UK-based logistics specialist Polaris Logistics & Distribution, a division of the Polaris Group, has returned to Schmitz Cargobull with the delivery of five new S.CS MEGA curtainside trailers featuring VARIOS Top Technology, praising the versatility of the company’s range.

The tri-axle trailers replace older assets from a rival manufacturer and have been carefully specified to make the most efficient use of the interior load space on each job.

Schmitz Cargobull’s VARIOS Top Technology allows the driver to easily adjust the trailer’s roof height in 50 mm increments – with hook and loop fasteners on the curtains enabling easy adjustment for different body heights.

This means the roof can be raised when extra load space is required; or lowered to make the trailer as aerodynamic as possible when carrying compact loads, helping to optimise fuel efficiency. The new trailers also offer all of the advantages of a regular curtainsider, combined with a lifting roof which can be raised on one or both sides for forklift loading, or slid open for time-saving crane loading through the roof.

Adam Barry, Managing Director at Polaris, says: “We weren’t completely happy with our previous supplier so when we needed to upgrade the fleet, we looked carefully at our options. We’ve operated Schmitz Cargobull trailers in the past and have always been impressed with how robust they are; when I approached the team again, they worked closely with us to achieve the perfect specification.

“Our work varies day to day, so the added versatility these trailers bring is fantastic. By adjusting the roof height to suit the load, we are seeing instant fuel savings of up to £150 a week – reducing our running costs and improving our sustainability. Plus, being height-adjustable helps to set us apart from our competitors and gives us the opportunity to work on a far wider range of jobs.”

Built on Schmitz Cargobull’s high-tech modular chassis, which features a mix of galvanised steel and aluminium, each trailer offers excellent corrosion protection and is provided with a 10-year warranty against rust-through.

Barry adds: “The fully galvanised chassis was a really strong selling point for us. It gives us the confidence we’ll get a long life out of the trailers; plus they’ll continue to look good even after clocking up hundreds of thousands of kilometres.”

The trailers will be in use five-days-a-week, travelling UK-wide on general haulage work. For all maintenance requirements, Polaris will benefit from the aftersales support provided by Schmitz Cargobull’s authorised network of 1,700 workshops located across the UK and in Europe.

Dock Slot Booking

Posted on by David Priestman

An easy-to-implement smart booking function can eradicate inconvenience and inefficiency at the warehouse unloading dock. Paul Hamblin reports.

Here’s the scenario. You’re running a warehouse with several trucks arriving every day. Trouble is, you don’t know exactly when a certain truck is coming and exactly what’s on it when it does. You can’t match it to the specific equipment that might be needed to unload it and you don’t know how many people from your side you need physically to perform that task, whether a small amount of pallets or whether a full truckload.

From an efficiency perspective, it would be very helpful if you knew that sort of information for the day in advance – approximately how many lorries are coming, how big they are, what they’re carrying and when to expect them. Are they carrying bulk goods or packed goods or something in between? You need to know these things so that you can be properly prepared with the equipment and people necessary to process the arrival quickly and cost-effectively. Vice-versa with an outbound pickup – you can have the goods ready to be loaded at the right dock at the right time.

Then think of the carrier – waiting patiently in line, the driver twiddling thumbs until their turn comes up. Not the best use of time for all parties. What you all need is something to plan and coordinate this effort, a single source of information available to all stakeholders, making life more efficient and cost-effective for shippers and transport and warehouse managers alike. With such a facility, speed and cost are both optimised, to the benefit of shipper, carrier and warehouse.

Step forward transport software specialist Alpega TMS with a slot management and dock scheduling software solution that is both quick and easy to implement. Carolyn Hunt, Alpega’s Brussels-based Director of Go to Market TMS, explains how it works: “It starts by creating a virtual twin of the inbound/outbound facility. It shows how many docks they have and what type of goods are loaded into those docks.The warehouse then sets up its schedule, to include working hours. Once that’s set, the carrier actually goes into the system with its proposed truckload. The system will
then automatically choose the right dock for that carrier to book, and the most appropriate available time slot for that location based on specific product requirements.”

Realtime warehouse visibility is enhanced by an easy-to-use, customisable interface. Jean-Yves Lemelle, Product Manager for Alpega TMS Smart Booking Solution, explains that user experience has been key to the success of the product (developed from the former Transwide solution) which was launched last year and which already has several blue-chip companies, including Maersk, onboard. Admin for shippers and carriers is reduced. “We try to provide an interface for warehouse users which gives them as many configurations as possible, so that they have inbound and outbound options available matching exactly what they wish. Then we focus on the experience of the carrier so that they have the least information possible to provide, yet giving them the most
optimal dock and time slot.”

A familiar USP of Alpega TMS is its modularity. It enables customers to move at the pace they wish on the digital journey. The tool can be bought as a stand-alone or as part of a complete suite of end-to-end TMS solutions. “A lot of shippers want to get started on that path of digitalization, and I think this is a good tool to get started with, because it can be implemented very quickly,” points out Carolyn Hunt. “It’s quite self explanatory and easy to use, and it shows immediate benefits, to both the shipper and the carrier.”

Jean-Yves Lemelle adds: “I think it’s also important to highlight that we’re committed to making this tool as self service as possible, enabled by having configurations that other competitive
products are not able to offer.”

Dock Slot Booking

Posted on by David Priestman

An easy-to-implement smart booking function can eradicate inconvenience and inefficiency at the warehouse unloading dock. Paul Hamblin reports.

Here’s the scenario. You’re running a warehouse with several trucks arriving every day. Trouble is, you don’t know exactly when a certain truck is coming and exactly what’s on it when it does. You can’t match it to the specific equipment that might be needed to unload it and you don’t know how many people from your side you need physically to perform that task, whether a small amount of pallets or whether a full truckload.

From an efficiency perspective, it would be very helpful if you knew that sort of information for the day in advance – approximately how many lorries are coming, how big they are, what they’re carrying and when to expect them. Are they carrying bulk goods or packed goods or something in between? You need to know these things so that you can be properly prepared with the equipment and people necessary to process the arrival quickly and cost-effectively. Vice-versa with an outbound pickup – you can have the goods ready to be loaded at the right dock at the right time.

Then think of the carrier – waiting patiently in line, the driver twiddling thumbs until their turn comes up. Not the best use of time for all parties. What you all need is something to plan and coordinate this effort, a single source of information available to all stakeholders, making life more efficient and cost-effective for shippers and transport and warehouse managers alike. With such a facility, speed and cost are both optimised, to the benefit of shipper, carrier and warehouse.

Step forward transport software specialist Alpega TMS with a slot management and dock scheduling software solution that is both quick and easy to implement. Carolyn Hunt, Alpega’s Brussels-based Director of Go to Market TMS, explains how it works: “It starts by creating a virtual twin of the inbound/outbound facility. It shows how many docks they have and what type of goods are loaded into those docks.The warehouse then sets up its schedule, to include working hours. Once that’s set, the carrier actually goes into the system with its proposed truckload. The system will
then automatically choose the right dock for that carrier to book, and the most appropriate available time slot for that location based on specific product requirements.”

Realtime warehouse visibility is enhanced by an easy-to-use, customisable interface. Jean-Yves Lemelle, Product Manager for Alpega TMS Smart Booking Solution, explains that user experience has been key to the success of the product (developed from the former Transwide solution) which was launched last year and which already has several blue-chip companies, including Maersk, onboard. Admin for shippers and carriers is reduced. “We try to provide an interface for warehouse users which gives them as many configurations as possible, so that they have inbound and outbound options available matching exactly what they wish. Then we focus on the experience of the carrier so that they have the least information possible to provide, yet giving them the most
optimal dock and time slot.”

A familiar USP of Alpega TMS is its modularity. It enables customers to move at the pace they wish on the digital journey. The tool can be bought as a stand-alone or as part of a complete suite of end-to-end TMS solutions. “A lot of shippers want to get started on that path of digitalization, and I think this is a good tool to get started with, because it can be implemented very quickly,” points out Carolyn Hunt. “It’s quite self explanatory and easy to use, and it shows immediate benefits, to both the shipper and the carrier.”

Jean-Yves Lemelle adds: “I think it’s also important to highlight that we’re committed to making this tool as self service as possible, enabled by having configurations that other competitive
products are not able to offer.”

Supply Chain Pallet Movements for Customers

Posted on by David Priestman

James Jones & Sons (Pallets and Packaging) Ltd (JJPPL) has announced that its sites are some of the first in the country to achieve accreditation to repair wooden pallets and packaging using ISPM15 components, after the government approved measures to build up stocks of ISPM15-compliant pallets in the lead up to the end of the Brexit transition period.

Under the ‘easement’ and ‘exemption’ measures, accredited businesses can repair, respectively, white pallets and pool pallets with heat-treated ISPM15 boards and blocks. It avoids the need to completely re-treat a pallet after a repair, as usually required under the UK Wood Packaging Material Marking Programme.

The company says its Stretton site is the first in the country to be accredited under the exemption provisions, with its Golborne and Greetham sites also being approved under the easement provisions. It is also in the process of accrediting its sites in Wrexham, Workington and Gateshead. In addition to gaining accreditation at its own sites, the company has also been working closely with several of its customers, lending its expertise in this area to assist them by developing processes and procedures for also gaining accreditation.

Gil Covey, JJPPL Chairman said: “With the Brexit transition period ending on December 31, demand for ISPM15 wooden pallets and packaging has increased significantly. Accordingly, we have moved quickly to ensure we increase our capacity to supply businesses with the maximum possible number of compliant pallets and packaging before and after the deadline.”

Supply Chain Pallet Movements for Customers

Posted on by David Priestman

James Jones & Sons (Pallets and Packaging) Ltd (JJPPL) has announced that its sites are some of the first in the country to achieve accreditation to repair wooden pallets and packaging using ISPM15 components, after the government approved measures to build up stocks of ISPM15-compliant pallets in the lead up to the end of the Brexit transition period.

Under the ‘easement’ and ‘exemption’ measures, accredited businesses can repair, respectively, white pallets and pool pallets with heat-treated ISPM15 boards and blocks. It avoids the need to completely re-treat a pallet after a repair, as usually required under the UK Wood Packaging Material Marking Programme.

The company says its Stretton site is the first in the country to be accredited under the exemption provisions, with its Golborne and Greetham sites also being approved under the easement provisions. It is also in the process of accrediting its sites in Wrexham, Workington and Gateshead. In addition to gaining accreditation at its own sites, the company has also been working closely with several of its customers, lending its expertise in this area to assist them by developing processes and procedures for also gaining accreditation.

Gil Covey, JJPPL Chairman said: “With the Brexit transition period ending on December 31, demand for ISPM15 wooden pallets and packaging has increased significantly. Accordingly, we have moved quickly to ensure we increase our capacity to supply businesses with the maximum possible number of compliant pallets and packaging before and after the deadline.”

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