Study Finds "Natural Plastics" Not Very Green

University of Pittsburgh students performed a study on 12 kinds of plastics to determine how green their life-cycle is. Biopolymers, plastics derived from natural elements, were the most biodegradable, with low toxicity, and used the most renewable resources. But, because of the natural components that make up Biopolymers, fertilizers and pesticides used in creating the material for the plastics those components pollute more then other plastics during their production.

Eric Beckman, Professor of Chemical Engineering, says that when designing Biopolymers engineers worked to make them as green as possible, but when it came to production they missed the mark. He also says that the most surprising aspect of the research was that Polypropylene, a fossil fuel based plastic, tested well, polluting less during manufacturing.

Beckman says the main improvement the chemical industry can make after the study is using less material during plastic production. "If you look at the guidelines we give to people to be more environmentally benign we always say 'reduce, reuse, and recycle'...And I think the key lesson for this study is that if your going to try to be greener in the future no matter what you make, is to just less stuff when you make it."

The bulk of the research was done by a group of undergraduate students at Pitt in the School of Engineering. More research is planned on the polymers by examining the plastics environmental impact during disposal.

Woodcock & Wilson MD selected as association chairman

Leading industrial fan manufacturer, Woodcock & Wilson Limited, is pleased to announce that Mark Jones, the company’s managing director, has been elected chairman of the UK’s Fan Manufacturers Association (FMA). Mark Jones brings over 30 years experience as an industrial fan manufacturer to the role.

The appointment is a change for the FMA, whose chairmen in recent times have all been from the commercial sector. Whilst the industrial and commercial sectors have their own different interests, there are many issues and topics that have a bearing on both.

Recently, energy efficiency has become the main focus for FMA members, in particular the new EU regulations on fan efficiency and the ISO standard on efficiency classification of fans.

Mark Jones commented, “I am honoured to have been elected as chairman of the FMA. These are interesting times for everyone in the industry but also challenging whatever the size and type of fan manufacturer. Given the fact that fans are essential to almost all industries, raising the profile of the FMA and the members will be a priority. I am also very much looking forward to progressing matters on the energy efficiency agenda, which will have an impact on all our members.”

Woodcock & Wilson specialise in high quality bespoke designed fans for an extensive range of applications, including heating and ventilation, air pollution control, petro-chemical, offshore and process engineering. Renowned internationally for their quality our fans are exported all over the world. Woodcock & Wilson is one of Britain's premier manufacturers of high quality industrial fans.

Woodcock & Wilson

Established in 1973, Woodcock & Wilson has evolved into one of Britain's premier manufacturers of high quality industrial fans. The company manufactures both centrifugal fan and axial fan designs.

Their centrifugal fan range includes; backward laminar, backward curved, flat backward, radial paddle blade, forward curved multi-vane, and radial blade high pressure blowers.
Their axial fan products include; direct driven axial, belt driven axial, spun bifurcated, and fabricated bifurcated fans.

Woodcock & Wilson also provide a comprehensive range of support services, not only for their products, but for any make of fan or blower. Their dedicated onsite maintenance and servicing team can inspect, service or repair any make of industrial fan. Their wide range of services includes: Onsite Servicing & Repair; Installation Inspection & Start-Up; Fan Refurbishment and Performance Testing.

www.fanmanufacturers.com

Yorkshire company EMSc powers up for demand

Yorkshire company EMSc (UK) Limited, has reported on a year of exceptional growth as demand for Powerstar, its innovative voltage optimisation system, increases throughout the world. In the past 12 months alone the company has increased turnover by 166% to almost £8m, and has employed an additional 20 people, an increase of 75%.

Due to the company’s continued success it has also relocated its manufacturing facility on two occasions. The company quickly outgrew the first facility after under a month and has recently moved again to premises double the size on the same Rotherham site.

In the UK, Powerstar customers include large blue chip companies like ASDA, Punch Taverns, ASSEAL, government departments, local authorities, the NHS and growing Small Medium Sized Enterprises.

Internationally the company is also expanding its presence with the signing of distribution agreements to supply Powerstar in Australia, South Africa , UAE and Greece supported by the commencement of operations in the companies Cyprus based premises.

Powerstar designer and Managing Director of EMSc Dr. Alex Mardapittas said;

“This has been an outstanding 12 months for us. We are extremely excited by our future prospects, not only here in the UK but throughout the world. The interest in Powerstar is putting us on track to significantly increase turnover once again in the current financial year.”

Powerstar provides an instant solution to businesses and organisations, enabling them to save money by reducing energy consumption and at the same time cutting their carbon emissions. 
Voltage optimisation is a cost efficient way to control a buildings incoming voltage in order to maximise energy savings.

The company has also recently been short listed for two awards in the Barnsley & Rotherham Business Awards 2010 in the Innovation in Business & Excellence in Manufacturing categories.

Powerstar:

Can save up to 26.1% of electricity consumption.

Is fully designed and manufactured in the UK. All Powerstar components, including even minor items such as the paint, are sourced from UK manufacturers. The Powerstar design and any associated software are designed by EMSc UK Limited.

Requires no maintenance and has a 15 year warranty.

Is an approved energy savings system and may qualify for an interest-free Energy Efficiency Loan from the Carbon Trust.

Comes with guaranteed savings.

Will improve the life expectancy of electrical equipment.

Will improve the power quality (reduce harmonics and improve the power factor).

Has the highest efficiency and provides better savings than any other voltage optimisation system sold in the UK. This has been proven in independent tests (on the same load and same voltage reduction), head to head with similar competitive systems. In these tests Powerstar achieved:

• Significantly higher energy savings (up to 13% more)
• Reduced harmonics by 88% more than competitive systems
• Running significantly cooler than competitive systems. (While Powerstar operated at normal ambient temperatures, competitive systems were operating at nearly 70°C).

The EMS team has over 150 years combined experience in designing and manufacturing special transformers and the Powerstar design is a direct result of this experience.

2010 - Winners of the Yorkshire Forward Innovator/10: Innovation in Action Award
2006 - Winners of the CARE4AIR AWARD

For more information visit: www.powerstar.co.uk

Free seminar for technology-based companies

Electronics Yorkshire is continuing its valuable programme of free informative events by organising a networking seminar at its headquarters in Leeds on Thursday 11th November 2010. The ‘Beyond Production – there’s a market out there’ half-day seminar will help companies look at their business beyond the process of production.

Reaching out to the right market can sometimes prove to be problematic for some technology-based companies, which is why Electronics Yorkshire is bringing together industry experts who understand how to overcome the issues. Along with marketing awareness, the event offers companies the opportunity to better understand how to make the most from their R&D investment, protect what they have created and to determine appropriate insurance cover; all issues that can seriously impact a company’s survival.

Tim Jarvis of RadioCAD will provide a practical introduction on delivering a product to market, which will include the seeming mine-field of compliance. Whilst John Wild of Gloucestershire-based GatleyHall, will explain how to take practical steps in prioritising the correct marketing activities for profitable growth.

Intellectual Property (IP) is another confusing area for many small business owners. Rob Lucas, IP Law Solicitor at Shulmans in Leeds, will be explaining how to identify and retain your IP. Ensuring ‘balance sheet protection’ for technology-based companies will be discussed by Mark Dutton, from insurance brokers W Denis, and Richard Wilson, from tax and accountancy firm Baker Tilly, will consider R&D tax credits, focusing on how to present claims to maximise the amount you receive.

Registration for the event takes place from 9:30am and the seminar concludes at 12:30pm when delegates will have the opportunity to network and discuss the programme over a buffet lunch.

For more information and to book online, visit the events pages at www.electronicsyorkshire.org.uk or alternatively telephone Electronics Yorkshire on 0113 274 4270.

Electronics Yorkshire is a not-for-profit organisation part funded by Yorkshire Forward and European Union ERDF.

Powerstar installed by Met Police

Paddington Green Custody Suite, in West Central London, is to become ‘greener’ with the installation of a Powerstar voltage optimisation system.

The installation will be part of the second contract awarded by the Metropolitan Police to EMSc (UK) which will see voltage optimisation systems fitted into an additional 13 police stations across the UK’s capital. Installation of the first Powerstar system commenced in October 2010.

Powerstar will enable the police stations to run more cost-effectively by reducing the amount of energy used, also cutting the level of carbon emissions emitted.

Powerstar designer and managing director of EMSc (UK) Dr Alex Mardapittas commented, “Whether you are running a custody suite like the Metropolitan Police or something less sensitive in the manufacturing or retail sector, you still need the electrical supply to plant and equipment to be secure. By delivering only the voltage that is actually needed and through smoothing out the harmonic distortions that’s exactly what Powerstar delivers.
Voltage optimisation is a cost efficient way to control a building’s incoming voltage in order to maximise energy savings. Powerstar is the most efficient voltage optimisation system in the world. It can save up to 26.1% of total electricity consumption and related CO2 emissions, all without compromising the supply to electrical equipment.

Powerstar:

• Can save up to 26.1% of electricity consumption.
• Is fully designed and manufactured in the UK. All Powerstar components, including even minor items such as the paint, are sourced from UK manufacturers. The Powerstar design and any associated software are designed by EMSc UK Limited.
• Requires no maintenance and has a 15 year warranty.
• Is an approved energy savings system and may qualify for an interest-free Energy Efficiency Loan from the Carbon Trust.
• Comes with guaranteed savings.
• Will improve the life expectancy of electrical equipment.
• Will improve the power quality (reduce harmonics and improve the power factor).
• Has the highest efficiency and provides better savings than any other voltage optimisation system sold in the UK. This has been proven in independent tests (on the same load and same voltage reduction), head to head with similar competitive systems.
• In these tests Powerstar achieved:

1. Significantly higher energy savings (up to 13% more)
2. Reduced harmonics by 88% more than competitive systems
3. Running significantly cooler than competitive systems. (While Powerstar operated at normal ambient temperatures, competitive systems were operating at nearly 70°C).

The EMS team has over 150 years combined experience in designing and manufacturing special transformers and the Powerstar design is a direct result of this experience.

2010 - Winners of the Yorkshire Forward Innovator/10: Innovation in Action Award
2006 - Winners of the CARE4AIR AWARD

Visit the Powerstar website

Making a noise – celebrating 30 years in business

West Yorkshire noise control specialists Wakefield Acoustics Ltd used the occasion of its 30 years in business anniversary celebration to recognise the huge contribution its staff has made to the success of the company by presenting a number of long service awards and announcing a series of new appointments.

Wakefield Acoustics Ltd which was established in 1980 and took its name from its original location has been based in Cleckheaton, near Bradford, since 2000. The company is a leader in the design, manufacture and supply of industrial and environmental noise control products to customers throughout the world.

The company, which was founded in 1980 by John Pickard, was acquired in 2005 by current managing director, Jane Dawson. Since Mrs. Dawson took control, the company has invested heavily throughout the business including, new manufacturing equipment, a new IT infrastructure and the latest 3D AutoCAD computer system. It has also continued to grow, recruiting and appointing new personnel to key roles, despite the current recession.

Staff, management and the company’s original founder John Pickard joined together at Ripon Races to recognise the contribution staff has made throughout the company’s history.

New appointments included Steve Watson, who has been with the Company for over 14 years and in the industrial noise control industry over 32 years. Mr. Watson takes up the role of technical director, with responsibility for spearheading the company’s technical innovation. Matthew Shard, a Huddersfield University graduate, who worked with the company during his sandwich year, has now joined the as trainee project engineer, to assist with the company’s sales growth.

Wakefield Acoustics prides itself on the experience of its staff and was delighted to present four employees, who have over 74 years combined experience, with long service awards in recognition of their long service with the company.

Ian Fisher (senior contracts engineer, 25 years), Ian Hargreaves (sheet metal worker, 20 years), Robert Furniss (contracts engineering manager, 20 years) and Steve Watson (technical director 14 years service).

About Wakefield Acoustics:

Wakefield Acoustics Ltd, based in Cleckheaton, designs, manufactures and supplies a wide range of noise control products, solutions and services for industrial and environmental applications. The company is one of only a small number of UK companies which provides a complete noise control solution, from initial noise audit, assessment and diagnosis through to design, manufacture and installation, recommending the most appropriate products and implementation strategies.

The company’s products and services include noise assessments and audits, silencers, acoustic enclosures, acoustic doors, louvres, cabins and sound havens, all of which are helping companies to comply with increasingly stringent health and safety requirements on exposure to noise in the workplace following the introduction of recent European Noise legislation, as well as eliminating noise pollution from manufacturing sites.

For further information about Wakefield Acoustics please visit Wakefield Acoustics Ltd.

Video Highlight Foundation's New Website

The Pittsburgh Foundation is looking to be a bit more transparent in what it does and do a better job of telling the foundation’s story by launching a new web design. Foundation Marketing Manager Christopher Whitlatch says, “the Pittsburgh Foundation is the community foundation for the area so we definitely wanted to put the community back into the foundation.” Chief among the changes is a new section of videos produced by groups that have received grants from the foundation. Whitlatch says the foundation gave video cameras to a pilot group of grantees in September and the videos were posted last week. He says the videos underwent very little editing by the foundation. “In some cases we might edit it for time but we wanted to give the organizations the freedom tell their story as they see fit,” says Whitlatch, “at times you might see some bouncy video but we think that is all part of the story telling process.” The foundation plans to expand the program to additional grantees throughout the year. A camera was sent to Westmoreland County for use this summer. The Pittsburgh Foundation and the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County announced plans this spring to merge operations later this year. Donors to the foundation may also be given cameras to tell their stories but for now Whitlatch says those stores are being told in writing.
At the same time the Pittsburgh foundation launched a new site “Pittsburgh on Video.” Individuals and organizations can upload videos about their community to the site where other can view, comment and rate the video. The Pittsburgh Foundation moderates the site for content.

Study on Banning Cell Phones While Driving

A possible ban on cell phone use while driving is one of the high-profile measures before the General Assembly this year.
A research institute that examined the impact of cell phone bans in other states has concluded the laws have shown mixed results.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released several studies on cell phone bans in recent months. One report shows the laws successfully reduce the number of people who talk on hand-held phones while behind the wheel.
But another study, which analyzed collision claims in cities and states that had recently enacted bans, led to a surprising conclusion, according to researcher Ann McCartt.

"Our finding, which was somewhat unexpected, was that these bans seem not to be affecting crashes. So they effect hand-held phone use, but they do not affect crashes."

Crash rates before and after the cell phone bans went into effect were essentially the same. McCartt says the rates were also similar to neighboring states and cities that did not have a ban in place. The report focused on New York, Connecticut, California and Washington, DC.
The Institute is a non-profit organization funded by insurance companies.
Both the state Senate and House have passed bills in recent months that would restrict cell phone use for drivers. The two chambers differ on how stiff they want penalties to be, but leaders in both parties say they support the idea of a ban.

Former Connelly Tech Gets New Life

A former school building in Pittsburgh's Hill District is going green. Plans have been unveiled to turn the old Connelly Tech building, which was erected in 1929 but vacant for the last 6 years, into a lab for future technology.
The group Pittsburgh Green Innovators is in the process of purchasing the building from the school district and will begin renovations this fall. Green Innovators Vice President Deno de Ciantis says the building's power infrastructure will be deeply retrofitted...
"We're looking at geothermal, solar, wind and micro-turbines using different kinds of fuel. The integration of all those different energy systems will allow for a tremendous educational opportunity....as well as dealing with higher performance glazing and high performance materials."
Green roofs and wastewater treatment projects will also be employed.
De Ciantis says much of the infrastructure will remain in the open and control panels will be installed to allow all of the building's energy production and consumption to be monitored. The plan is for the building to become a lab for teaching sustainable building and maintenance techniques. Funds are in place to build out 80,000 of the building's 188,000 square feet of space. As more money becomes available, the other floors will be refurbished and rented to tenants.
Pittsburgh Gateways will do the work on the building with most of the money coming from grants and Gateways financing some of it. Pittsburgh Gateways Vice President Bill Miller says they will use all of the greenest construction practices available and strive for the greatest women and minority participation possible.

Filter Devised at Pitt Could Help with Gulf Oil

A filter with a polymer coating that allows water to flow through while capturing oil is being touted as a tool that could be used in the Gulf. Di Gao created the filter and is a professor with the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Engineering. He says it only costs about 10¢ a square foot to produce and is hydrophilic, meaning it bonds with hydrogen molecules in water and oleophobic, meaning it repels oil. Gao says he envisions long trough-like filters that are attached to boats and would skim the oil off the water's surface, collecting oil while allowing the water to move through. He says they've successfully tested the reusable filter and it's an environmentally friendly alternative to the chemical dispersants as well as other mop up materials that have to be disposed of. Gao is trying to get in contact with officials who make the clean-up decisions regarding the filter.

A video demonstration of the filter is linked below.

"Perspectives" thwarts hackers

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have a new way to help keep internet users safe from people who want to steal your private information. The new application known as “Perspectives” helps users of the web browser Firefox know when a web site should be trusted. Increasingly hackers are tricking internet users into thinking they are at a secure website in an effort to get credit card and account numbers and passwords. Researcher David Anderson says right now warnings given by web browsers are often ignored. Perspectives takes those warnings, compares them to the security certificates seen by other users of the same website and then either lets you through with a mild warning or gives you a much more stern warning to stay off the site. Anderson says with more people taping into free wi-fi services at hotels and coffee houses the potential for hackers is growing. Anderson hopes the Firefox version will be popular enough to encourage Microsoft to work with CMU in developing the application for the much more used internet explorer.