ALPINE C O M P O N E N T S

On behalf of everyone at Alpine Components, thank you for taking the time to look through our company brochure and see what we do. We’ve been selling equipment and related services to companies all around the world since 1991. The majority of our customers are involved in research and development, oil and gas, textiles, chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, transportation, papermaking, steel production, power generation and food processing. Our products help engineering, maintenance and facilities departments to lower operating costs and prevent unscheduled downtime, and we support our customers with technical advice, presentations, seminars and training courses.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can be of any assistance to your organisation: E-mail Address info@alpine-components.co.uk Postal Address Alpine Components Ltd Innovation Centre, Highfield Drive Churchfields St. Leonards-on-Sea TN38 9UH United Kingdom Telephone 01424 858118 Website Address www.alpine-components.co.uk

We’re one of the UK’s most respected and successful suppliers of equipment for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance, and we take great pride in being friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

ABOUT US

The products and technologies in this brochure are used for a bewildering number of applications across every type of industry, which empower companies to identify issues at an early stage before they become serious. We realise that every plant has different challenges so we’re always keen to arrange site visits to assess the customer’s applications in person and make tailored recommendations. New applications are forever being discovered by inquisitive engineers and pioneering organisations, but here’s a list of assets and components that we’ve proven capable of monitoring and troubleshooting effectively in the past using the equipment that we supply:

▪ Boilers ▪ Buildings ▪ Compressors ▪ Condensers ▪ Electrical Switchgear & Transformers ▪ Furnaces ▪ Gearboxes ▪ Heat Exchangers ▪ Motors & Pumps ▪ Pipelines ▪ Printed Circuit Boards ▪ Steam Traps ▪ Storage Tanks ▪ Turbines ▪ Valves

Our products and services cover a wide range of applications applicable to the majority of industry and help companies to prevent expensive repairs, health and safety risks, unscheduled downtime, etc.

APPLICATIONS

On the following pages, we’ve included an overview of the different types of equipment that we supply, which we would be happy to discuss on the phone or demonstrate in person if of interest.

PRODUCTS

Carrying out visual health checks of equipment is a simple but effective way to find problems, and we sell a few specialist video cameras that can be used to inspect hard-to-reach areas. Our customers will often use this type of equipment to identify blockages or damage in drains, ducts, engines, gearboxes, motors, pipework, storage tanks, turbines, etc. We have a couple of basic models that ship with a 1m semi-rigid probe, 320 x 240 image resolution and 3.5” LCD display, which can be detached and used wirelessly up to 10m away. Additional inspection probes can also be bought, which are resistant to dirt and water, and come in lengths up to 5m and diameters as thin as 4.5mm.

Our more expensive configuration is both waterproof and 2m drop tested, and increases the image resolution to 640 x 480 and screen to 5.7”, which can make inspections a little clearer. A larger selection of probes are available this time, which offer different lenses (macro or long-focus), lengths (up to 30m), diameters (as small as 4mm), connections (wired or wireless), articulation, etc. Both models save thousands of images and hours of video on to a removable SD memory card.

We have a range of affordable video inspection cameras that make it easy to visually inspect areas that are otherwise difficult or perhaps impossible to reach using traditional methods.

BORESCOPES & VIDEOSCOPES

Choose from a selection of digital cameras and smartphones that are all intrinsically safe for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Our cheapest offering is a standalone camera that captures images using a 3.1 megapixel sensor and voice annotations using the built-in microphone. We then supply a premium model that records 1080p video and captures 8 megapixel images, which also supports third-party Android software as well as video conferencing over Wi-Fi. A smartphone version is available with the exact same core functionality, but enables data transfer and wireless audio and video communication over cellular networks, which keeps staff connected wherever they are on-site.

We also have a lightweight camera that can be mounted on hard hats or surfaces for hands-free communication, photography and video recording. Our high-end devices are crafted from aluminium, strengthened with Gorilla Glass and built to withstand dirt and dust, drops and knocks, exposure to water and extreme temperatures. And yet, despite all of this protection and the aforementioned Ex certification, the products remain very small and refined, which makes them easy to operate one-handed and keep in a pocket. All of the cameras connect to computers via USB, which doesn’t require any proprietary drivers.

All of our cameras and smartphones are designed and built for use in hazardous areas, and enable wireless audio communication, video conferencing or access to important applications and documents.

CAMERAS & SMARTPHONES

Vacuum leaks are notoriously difficult to find and engineers will often need to dismantle complex machinery in order to locate them. Condensers, distillation columns, freeze dryers and turbines are prone to leakage, and even small and seemingly innocuous leaks can greatly affect efficiency, product quality, safety and uptime. One of the solutions for this type of leak detection is a hand-held helium sniffer, which detects the presence of helium molecules in the atmosphere. Operating this equipment is really straightforward: as one person sprays helium over areas suspected to contain a leak (the gas will only be drawn in if there’s a hole in the vacuum), another person uses the instrument to check for helium exiting the system at the exhaust, which confirms the leak.

We believe helium is a good choice of gas as it’s small atomic size allows it to fit through tiny holes, but it’s also inert, non-flammable and non-toxic. The equipment that we distribute has a sensitivity of 2 parts per million, a response time of 2 seconds and 2 sensitivity modes, which help to conserve battery life or increase performance. We supply a lot of these portable helium detectors to people that already use mass spectrometers, which are obviously more sensitive but also time-consuming to deploy, cumbersome to use and expensive to maintain.

Some of our customers use helium as a “tracer gas” to locate very small leaks, and our battery-powered helium sniffer only weighs 2.6kg and is sensitive to helium concentrations as small as 2ppm.

HELIUM SNIFFERS

Thermal imaging cameras have become commonplace in industry as the technology has significantly improved and reduced in cost, which has sped up adoption and awareness. Our customers use the equipment to check buildings, busbars, fuses, motor control centres, pipework, pumps, steam traps, storage tanks, switchgear, transformers, valves, etc. The selection of cameras available is very diverse, which includes basic hand-held toolbox devices, powerful cameras for professional thermographers and fixed-mounted solutions that continuously monitor critical assets in real-time. Our most affordable camera is small enough to fit in a pocket but can still capture 4,800 pixels of temperature information in every image.

As the cameras get more expensive, they improve in terms of accuracy, ergonomics, functionality, image quality, performance and sensitivity. Our mid-range cameras can save 76,800 pixels, which is usually suitable for most applications, although we also offer high-end cameras that save 307,200 or 786,432 pixels to facilitate inspections of small components really close-up or far away. The included software is equally impressive and enables inspectors to carry out post-processing of radiometric images and videos, as well as create detailed reports for colleagues or clients. Some of our cameras also support remote control, high-speed video recording, macro lenses and temperature measurements up to 2000°C.

FLIR Systems are the global leader in infrared technology and set the benchmark for portable and fixed-position infrared cameras and PC software for any application and at every price point.

INFRARED CAMERAS

Intrinsically safe, non-contact IR thermometers are a cost-effective way to check the condition of electrical panels, motors and pipework situated in hazardous environments. We have a basic thermometer that can measure temperatures between -18°C and +400°C with an accuracy of +2°C or 2% (whichever is greater). Absolutely no training is required to use this product as it only includes 1 button and just uses the LCD display to show the temperature reading and remaining battery life. Our more expensive model can measure between -40°C and +800°C with an accuracy of +1°C or 1% (whichever is greater), and includes an adjustable emissivity setting to increase accuracy further.

This model also comes with a Type K thermocouple probe and protective carrying case, and can store 99 readings on internal memory. Although both products are very compact and light, they’re equally robust due to their Ex certification and use non-proprietary batteries that can be purchased from any retailer.

Measuring the surface temperature of assets in zoned areas is an important job for some engineers, and we sell a couple of intrinsically safe thermometers that make it easy to collect this data.

INFRARED THERMOMETERS

As many thermographers know, IR cameras can’t measure the temperatures of components behind walls and solid objects. We therefore recommend specialist “viewing ports” that utilise a unique multispectral optic to allow visible light and infrared radiation to pass through, which makes routine electrical inspections a lot quicker and safer to carry out. All of these infrared windows are designed to be used indoors or outdoors and fitted to low, medium and high voltage equipment. Some of the windows use an aluminium frame but a tougher stainless steel option is also available, which improves durability in harsh environments.

Once fitted, these ports are designed to withstand moisture, vibration, the effects of UV exposure, extreme pressures and high temperatures, as well as maintain the panel’s arc blast test ratings up to 63 kA (for 30 cycles). A flip-open hinge design makes them easy to use and the protective cover on the front remains attached to ensure that it can’t be dropped and damaged, lost or mismatched. And finally, the manufacturer guarantees to replace any defective window during its lifetime.

We recommend installing thermographic inspection windows when using an infrared camera to view live electrical components in cabinets, which increases worker safety and speeds up surveys.

INFRARED WINDOWS

Bridges, communication masts, cranes, pipelines, railway infrastructure, ship hulls and storage tanks are just a few examples of assets that companies need to monitor regularly to ensure continued safety and compliance. Any internal damage caused by corrosion or erosion in the above examples is usually difficult to detect with just a visual inspection. With that in mind, we sell a range of products that use ultrasound to measure material thickness, which works by calculating the time it takes for a short pulse of high frequency sound to travel through the material and bounce off the back wall. Readings are taken by contacting on to the surface using a probe, which often needs a little couplant to help with the transmission of sound energy.

Almost every material used in industry is vulnerable to corrosion, which can lead to costly repercussions and is why we supply a range of ultrasonic thickness testers to carry out these essential checks.

THICKNESS GAUGES

Our basic range of thickness testers all use a single-echo measurement technique, which makes them more affordable but also less accurate. However, we tend to recommend more advanced models that take multiple-echo measurements, which bypass the surface coating of the material under test for better accuracy and repeatability. This equipment also comes in various form factors that permit inspections in hazardous areas or make it easier to take measurements hands-free. A few of the models also include internal memory, which allows engineers to define inspection routes, store thousands of measurement points and compile test data using report templates.

Ultrasound technology can help businesses to increase uptime, lower energy consumption and reduce maintenance costs, which makes it an essential part of any condition monitoring or troubleshooting programme. We supply 10 hand-held instruments, which can be used for the following applications: ▪ Find argon, compressed air and nitrogen leaks, and use PC software to calculate the costs. ▪ Prevent excess lubrication of bearings. ▪ Trend the condition of rotating equipment and diagnose defects using spectrum analysis. ▪ Identify damaged or inefficient steam traps, passing valves and small vacuum leaks. ▪ Detect electrical discharge on HV equipment and establish the severity and root cause.

All of our instruments come with 5 years warranty and 2 of them are ATEX certified, which means they can be used in explosive atmospheres without the need to organise a hot work permit. Some of the models also include PC software, which enables operators to manage assets and inspection routes, collect and trend test data, generate reports to highlight problems or savings and analyse electrical or mechanical waveforms. An extensive range of accessories can also be purchased for every model, which extend the capabilities of the technology and aid technicians working in challenging plant environments.

Ultrasonic inspection equipment is used across industry to locate pressure leaks, identify passing valves and faulty steam traps, troubleshoot mechanical components and detect electrical discharge.

ULTRASONIC DETECTORS

Collecting vibration measurements is a common way to maintain expensive plant machinery, and our range of affordable vibration meters are perfect for quickly checking the condition of bearings.

VIBRATION METERS

The units also have an AC output that can be used to connect a signal analyser or additional filters. Our newest model comes with a battery charger, built-in audio output, colour LCD display and internal memory that stores up to 100 readings, which are automatically timestamped. And although these vibration meters are small, they’re extremely solid and robust and ship with sturdy carrying cases to keep them protected.

Vibration analysis is a technology that’s well established in industry today and typically needs a high level of expertise and knowledge to interpret test data and spectrums. We don’t get too involved in this type of equipment, but we do offer 3 basic vibration meters that take crest factor, peak, peak-peak and RMS readings in acceleration, displacement or velocity modes. Operators can also reduce broadband noise on all of the models by using the built-in low pass filter, which has 3 settings that vary by model. All 3 models provide between 15 and 20 hours of battery life and either display a “low battery” indicator on the screen or a “battery status” icon.

In addition to selling new equipment, we also offer a range of complementary services that includes calibration and repairs, on-site services, rental, seminars and training courses.

SERVICES

After extended usage and long periods of time, the accuracy and reliability of any instrument can naturally decline, which is why we send customers’ equipment back to the manufacturer every year for calibration. Only the original manufacturer has the tools, parts, software and expertise to calibrate and repair their products without voiding the warranty. Their trained technicians carry out an exhaustive series of tests and adjustments that ensure measurements are correct and consistent in many types of environmental conditions. Components showing signs of wear and tear are often replaced at no extra charge during a service, but substantial repairs are quoted separately and only carried out with the customer’s approval.

The firmware is also updated to the latest version, which will normally fix bugs, increase performance or implement new features and functionality. After all of this work, a new calibration certificate is issued by the manufacturer, which verifies that the equipment conforms to its original specifications, which is critical for any organisation that’s periodically audited by an independent body.

Most of the manufacturers that we work with recommend an annual calibration, which verifies that results are accurate and repeatable, and helps to maintain the condition of the hardware.

CALIBRATION & REPAIRS

We’ve decided to expand our business with the introduction of on-site services for companies in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Starting immediately, we can book leak detection surveys using ultrasonic inspection equipment, which identify argon, compressed air and nitrogen leaks from long distances in noisy plants. Although these gases are very costly, a lot of companies struggle to carry out regular checks and repairs due to a lack of manpower, equipment, training or support from senior management. Our surveys are conducted by skilled and qualified personnel that are used to working in difficult conditions and adhering to strict safety guidelines.

As we identify each leak, the engineer will tag the location to make it easy to find again later and take a photograph to accompany our final report. In addition to photos, our report will also include estimated costs for every leak, which are based on UE Systems’ patented cost calculation formula, along with descriptions and recommended actions. We’re excited about this new direction for the business and we’re planning to further extend our services in 2017 to cover alternative uses of ultrasound as well as introduce technologies such as thermography and vibration analysis.

With our new on-site services, companies have the opportunity to outsource specialist jobs to one of our experienced engineers, which allows them to allocate their internal resources to other projects.

ON-SITE SERVICES

We understand that some companies have a requirement to hire equipment occasionally, which is why we rent out a number of popular products on a weekly or monthly basis. Some companies like to hire a product on a temporary basis in order to fully evaluate its merits before making a purchasing decision. On most occasions, customers want to rent because they don’t have immediate access to their own equipment due to a prearranged calibration, unexpected repair or work that wasn’t planned for. However, a few people only need to use a specific product or technology a couple of times a year, which makes hiring much more cost-effective.

All of our rental stock is kept in good condition and is checked, charged and cleaned before dispatch, which ensures that it’s ready to use on arrival. We can normally squeeze in rental requests at pretty short notice, but it’s always helpful to have advance warning to guarantee that everything is available for all of the dates specified.

Although we’re mostly known for selling products, we do also hire out a few items, which can help companies to free up existing equipment to be sent in for service or cope with an unexpected workload.

RENTAL

One of our responsibilities as a company is to help educate customers on topics relating to maintenance and reliability that have been proven to lower costs and reduce breakdowns. Our seminars, which we run quite often, give us the perfect opportunity to bring together likeminded businesses that want to better understand the challenges they face and how to tackle them more effectively using proactive strategies. We hold these events around the country to offer everyone a chance to attend, and we line up professional speakers with many years of industry experience to both excite and enlighten our audience on their chosen subject.

Over the years, we’ve covered many technologies including motor circuit analysis, oil analysis, thermography, ultrasonic thickness testing, ultrasound and vibration analysis, as well as more generalised topics about condition monitoring or predictive maintenance. The seminars take place at terrific venues that are easy to find and include lunch and refreshments, and we only charge the minimum amount needed to cover our costs organising everything.

We run events every 1 or 2 years that bring together a group of passionate and knowledgeable speakers to educate industry professionals that want to improve maintenance procedures on-site.

SEMINARS

We offer a variety of excellent training courses, which are ideal for maintenance professionals that use different techniques to proactively uncover mechanical and electrical problems. Our offerings usually cover either thermography, ultrasound or vibration analysis, but we also organise courses that combine 2 or more of these technologies together, which gives attendees a wider appreciation of different concepts, strategies and terminology used in industry. Some of these courses can be held on the customer’s premises for a big group of engineers, which often includes a strong emphasis on instrument operation, on-site data collection, software and practical exercises in the classroom.

However, the majority of courses are held around the UK at different venues and give apprentices, consultants, technicians and managers the theory and knowledge they need to do their jobs. A few of these off-site courses are also certified and give participants the opportunity to earn a qualification that’s recognised internationally. Our in-house trainer is certified to Level 2 in both thermography and ultrasound, and we partner with a few external organisations that use instructors certified to Level 3 in their chosen profession.

Understanding how to operate a product, set-up software, interpret data and create reports is vital, which is why we arrange industry-leading courses for thermography, ultrasound and vibration analysis.

TRAINING

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