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Leading the industry in pressure management innovationIndustrial Process News is proud to present

the highly prestigious Pressure Management Solutions Company of the Year Award to Elfab

Ltd.

Founded in 1936, Elfab Ltd is a global manufacturer of rupture discs, explosion vents and associated detection systems. With some of the most technically advanced products on the market, the company delivers unique design, testing and consultancy services for pressure management. Elfab’s intelligent pressure relief systems protect people, plant processes and the environment across the globe.

Upon receiving the award, Jennifer Reeves, Marketing Manager at Elfab Ltd, commented, “This is a great achievement – being selected for this award is a credit to our global workforce, who have supported the business in achieving our goals and forecasts in challenging economic circumstances.

“Saying that, the last 12 months have been extremely good for Elfab, with double-digit growth and several new product developments that have been shortlisted for a number of global innovation awards. Elfab now has a global salesforce who are available to meet customers at their facility irrelevant of location, whilst further improvements to Elfab’s in-house manufacturing capabilities have ensured the company’s efficient operations go from strength to strength.

“We have also welcomed the return of Russell Trotter from sister company Texecom, in the new role of Business Development Director. Russell originally joined Elfab in 2000 as Operations Director and was instrumental in the design and development of new pressure relief products, including Elfab’s Opti-Gard™ range of reverse-acting rupture discs, and its non-intrusive rupture disc detection system, Flo-Tel™. Russell’s expertise and experience will support the company’s expansion into new geographical markets, helping us secure a strong brand presence and increase our market share.”

Based in North Shields, Elfab is the only manufacturer to offer a complete line of pressure relief solutions benefiting from some of the best technical characteristics and non-invasive detection systems on the market. Combining state-of-the-art equipment with over 75 years manufacturing experience, the company works with a range of blue chip organisations across the globe. Elfab’s customers are predominantly found in chemical, pharmaceutical, oil and gas and food processing industries. However,

Elfab’s technology is also used in a wide range of OEM applications, from launch systems in space rockets and air bags in cars to cryogenic systems in body scanners.Jennifer commented: “Our product range provides some of the best technical characteristics on the market and our lead times represent the industry best.

“This year Elfab further developed its already industry leading Opti-Gard™ rupture disc making it the only reverse-acting disc on the market to benefit from a 3% tolerance and an improved 97% operating ratio.

“The financial and operational benefits of this design to customers are extensive. The 3% tolerance combined with an operating ratio of 97% increases the service life of the rupture disc and can reduce stock holdings by up to 65%. Elfab are the first rupture disc supplier to increase an operating ratio from 95% to 97% while maintaining its unique 3% tolerance.

“The Opti-Gard system comprises a reverse-acting rupture disc, a single design holder suitable for a wide

range of flange specifications and industry leading, non-invasive ATEX-approved burst detector Flo-Tel™.”

Integral Flo-Tel is Opti-Gard’s non-invasive ATEX approved detection device. Unlike

traditional membrane detectors, Flo-Tel is reusable and so only requires a one off installation.

Since it’s isolated from downstream pressure fluctuations or aggressive media, it will not cause unnecessary downtime though spurious failure indication.

Another recent development from Elfab is the industry’s first Ex d-approved rupture disc burst detection system, Flo-Tel XD. For over a decade Flo-Tel™ has offered customers across a wide range of industries the unique features of ATEX Zone 1, non-invasive, failsafe and re-useable detection when using rupture discs. Working with key customers, Elfab’s engineers have sought to offer a more cost-effective system for certain applications, such as LNG. Flo-Tel™ is now fully Exd approved, negating the need for intrinsically safe barriers and interfacing directly with the customer remote terminal unit, all of which

reduces installation costs considerably.

Jennifer explained: “As with all of Elfab’s Flo-Tel™ products, Flo-Tel XD is a one-time-only installation unit. The system has no moving parts and is therefore exceptionally reliable. Its method of operation is specifically designed to be fail-safe. Any periodic maintenance checks specified by customers can be carried out by a non-electrically-qualified fitter using the Test-Tel™ installation tool.

“The Flo-Tel™ sensor fits into the rupture disc holder while a magnet is attached to all Elfab rupture disc products. When the disc bursts, the magnet arcs away from the sensor and produces an open circuit signal. After functioning, only the disc needs to be replaced, saving on both costs and downtime.”

To enhance its customer service and technical support, Elfab has also expanded the resources available to customers through the ElfabTech website. This user-friendly information portal allows members to benefit from a wide range of engineering tools, such as ISO API520 product sizing calculations, NACE tables and installation instructions. New facilities include easy-to-use size calculation tools and additional product downloads.

Asked to discuss plans for the future of the business, Jennifer concluded, “Elfab plans to continue its geographic growth to support our customers in all their worldwide operations. We will continue to develop our technology to be at the leading edge of pressure safety management and will develop our team to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations.”

Jennifer continued, “Elfab believes investment in people is key to securing its long term success and demonstrates this in a number of ways. Firstly, Elfab takes pride in its Apprenticeship programme, which took on six apprentices in 2012 and a further six in 2013. The Company topped the Ernst & Young Manufactures’ League for apprenticeships in the North East in both 2012 and 2013.

“Apprentices undertake training in a number of disciplines within the operations area and get involved in project work to enhance their skills. One apprentice from the 2012 programme is now studying full time

for a Mechanical Engineering degree at Newcastle University, sponsored by Elfab. Apprentices from the 2013 intake will be given the opportunity to specialise in maintenance/engineering/operations and from September 2014 will study on a day release basis for ONC/HNC qualifications.

“Elfab also runs a graduate development programme recruiting a number of graduates each year who rotate through sales, marketing, operations and technical departments before specialising in a particular discipline.

“Additionally, staff are encouraged to pursue further education and Elfab has sponsored a number of courses including MBA and CIM marketing. Training is provided both internally by way of an induction programme for new starters and on the job training. A large number of short term training courses are sponsored and Elfab staff take part in the Group training programmes which teach leadership and management skills.”

T +44 (0)191 293 1234sales@elfab.comwww.elfab.com

Pressure Management Solutions Company of the Year