Air-flow system: The C-Series Fabric Diffuser from DuctSox, a maker of air-dispersion products, offers a 360-degree air-distribution solution for HVAC systems. (See photo above.) Suitable for a variety of spaces, including warehouses and manufacturing plants, the C-Series drop-down plenum diffuser provides facilities with directional control of their indoor airflow systems in spaces where traditional ductwork is not an option for physical or financial reasons.
The C-Series diffuser features a 360-degree design of porous fabric with a unique pattern of directional openings. Each diffuser is engineered with a straight or 30-degree angled face and is available in a variety of sizes.
The C-Series diffuser utilizes DuctSox's SkeleCore internal tensioning system, which eliminates fabric flutter while maintaining the exterior's sleek appearance with or without air flow. A stainless-steel internal framework option is also available for food-processing and other caustic environments.
Unlike metal, fabric diffusers are immune to scratches, dents, and rust as the porous fabric is durable and not prone to condensation. The fabric is also quieter due to a lack of resonating properties and can be easily vacuumed or laundered, while optional fabrics are available with antimicrobial agents to inhibit bacteria growth.
According to the company, the C-Series diffuser also provides facilities with several "green" benefits. Due to its 360 degrees of air dispersion, the fabric diffuser brings occupied spaces to target temperatures 22% faster than metal diffusers can, producing substantial energy-cost savings. The C-Series also requires less shipment packaging than metal and thus creates less solid waste. As a result, the installation of a C-Series diffuser may also help facilities attain LEED credits. (DuctSox Corp.)
Ceiling fan:
Patterson Fan Co. has released its direct-drive V-Series high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) ceiling fan. The fan, which features an IP54 motor and IP66 VFD (variable-frequency drive), is designed to be light, quiet, and simple to operate. The product also comes with self-lubricating bearings, which makes it maintenance-free.
Rated for indoor and outdoor covered spaces, the fan can cover up to 23,000 square feet. Its dihedral V-shaped blades are angled up 7 degrees, allowing air distribution to a wider area, the company says. (Patterson Fan Co.)
Sprinkler system:
Johnson Controls has added the Tyco Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR)-22 pendent sprinkler to its storage solution line. The ESFR-22 can be installed in storage facilities with a ceiling height of up to 45 feet and a storage arrangement of up to 40 feet without requiring in-rack sprinklers. The system can also be installed with a maximum deflector-to-ceiling distance of 18 inches, resulting in a reduction in product and installation costs as well as increased storage space due to higher roof/rack heights, the company says.
Model ESFR-22 sprinklers are primarily used for ceiling-only sprinkler protection of, but not limited to, the following storage applications: most encapsulated or non-encapsulated common materials, including cartoned unexpanded plastics; uncartoned (exposed) expanded plastics; and some storage arrangements of rubber tires, roll paper, flammable liquids, and aerosols.
The ESFR-22 meets National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and FM Global (FM Approvals) installation standards that must be used to properly design an automatic sprinkler system using ESFR sprinklers. (Johnson Controls)
Fire-detection system:
Xtralis, a provider of aspirating smoke detection (ASD) equipment, has introduced Vesda-E Veu, a fire-detection system that draws air samples in a continuous process through holes in long runs of durable industrial pipe mounted along the walls and ceiling.
ASD technology uses a process that collects air samples through durable piping to detectors and tests it using laser-based technology, imaging, and photodiodes (semiconductors that convert light into an electrical current). Compared with traditional smoke detectors, this system is designed to improve safety by detecting smoke at the earliest possible stage via numerous sampling points, while reducing false alarms and maintenance.
While some ASD products use an LED light source and one or more photo receivers, the company's Veu equipment utilizes a flair-detection chamber that uses a short wavelength laser, a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) imager, and multiple photodiodes.
With more detailed information to analyze, the unit is able to differentiate smoke from other factors that could cause disruptive false alarms. For warehouse environments where airborne dust may be present and confused with smoke, the unit's dust rejection and data analytics minimize nuisance alarms by at least three times compared with similar technologies, the company says. (Xtralis)
Compact scissor lifts:
Ergonomic material handling equipment manufacturer Presto Ecoa Lifts has introduced its CLT Series compact scissor lifts. These industrial-duty lifts are available in a wide range of capacities, including 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, and 6,000 pounds. They are ideal for a wide variety of work positioning, assembly, repair, and inspection applications in manufacturing facilities, warehouses, repair shops, and more, the manufacturer says.
CLT Series lifts employ a double-scissor mechanism that allows for a collapsed height of 8.5 inches while providing raised heights of up to 56.5 inches. Lifting control is via a hand pendant or foot switch.
Standard platforms range from 24 inches by 36 inches up to 24 inches by 60 inches. Larger platforms, up to 48 inches by 84 inches, are available. The compact scissor lifts' features include cylinders with internal stops; lifetime self-lubricating, PTFE-lined composite bearings; and safety-restraint maintenance bars. (Presto Ecoa Lifts)
Direct-drive overhead fan:
Big Ass Fans has unveiled Powerfoil D, a direct-drive overhead fan designed for harsh industrial environments. According to the company, Powerfoil D delivers the strength and performance required for industrial applications while featuring virtually silent operation.
The fan, whose diameter options range from eight to 24 feet, is IP66 rated for indoor or outdoor use. (Big Ass Fans)
HVLS fans:
Material handling systems manufacturer Rite-Hite has added two new models to its lineup of direct-drive high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans—the Revolution 75 and the Revolution 25. The Revolution 75 is available in eight- to 24-foot diameters and is suitable for large industrial spaces, while the Revolution 25 is available in six- to 12-foot diameters and incorporates a sleek blade design that is suitable for commercial and retail environments.
The direct-drive fans come standard with the Fan-Commander 2.0 touchscreen control, a wireless station with seven-day customizable scheduling for up to 24 fans. Controls can be accessed through a building management system or remotely from a PC or mobile device with standard ethernet connectivity. Optional sensors can adjust fan operation based on ambient temperatures.
The fans are shipped pre-wired and factory configured for each application, which helps reduce installation costs and time, and the wireless control station allows cooling to begin almost immediately. Redundant safety features are integrated into all of Rite-Hite's direct-drive HVLS fan designs., the company says. (Rite-Hite)
Industrial stairs:
Panel Built Inc., a manufacturer of modular offices, mezzanines, and guardhouses, has unveiled a line of heavy-duty industrial stairs. Using the company's bolt-together steel design, Panel Built's stairs are manufactured to handle even the harshest industrial environment. Each stair system is custom fabricated to meet the customer's exact needs. The stairs' handrailing can also be customized in order to meet a variety of codes and standards. Pickets, additional handrails, and even wire mesh can be added to increase the stairs' overall level of safety.
Panel Built industrial stairs are powder-coated in order to provide a tough, durable, and long-lasting finish. For exterior stair systems, the structures are galvanized in order to protect against weather damage. (Panel Built)
Raised walkway:
Eaglestone Equipment, a manufacturing company specializing in equipment for food processing and packaging, has introduced its 806 Series food-grade walkover. Raised walkways are designed for pedestrian traffic moving from one side of a production line to the other. The company says the walkover adds value by enabling workers to safely and swiftly get where they need to be to keep the production line running efficiently. In many cases, walkovers are required for compliance with government standards for evacuation planning.
Companies can choose from materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, and painted steel to meet their needs. Sealed diamond-plate decks are available to work above lines, and open-grated decks with a polymer finish can be used for easy cleaning and ventilation. Also available are kick rails ranging from the traditional four inches up to the new 24-inch standard.
Configurations include simple steps up and steps down, steps up and ladder down, or ladder up and steps down. Steps can also be angled to maximize floor space. (Eaglestone Equipment)
Supply chain planning (SCP) leaders working on transformation efforts are focused on two major high-impact technology trends, including composite AI and supply chain data governance, according to a study from Gartner, Inc.
"SCP leaders are in the process of developing transformation roadmaps that will prioritize delivering on advanced decision intelligence and automated decision making," Eva Dawkins, Director Analyst in Gartner’s Supply Chain practice, said in a release. "Composite AI, which is the combined application of different AI techniques to improve learning efficiency, will drive the optimization and automation of many planning activities at scale, while supply chain data governance is the foundational key for digital transformation.”
Their pursuit of those roadmaps is often complicated by frequent disruptions and the rapid pace of technological innovation. But Gartner says those leaders can accelerate the realized value of technology investments by facilitating a shift from IT-led to business-led digital leadership, with SCP leaders taking ownership of multidisciplinary teams to advance business operations, channels and products.
“A sound data governance strategy supports advanced technologies, such as composite AI, while also facilitating collaboration throughout the supply chain technology ecosystem,” said Dawkins. “Without attention to data governance, SCP leaders will likely struggle to achieve their expected ROI on key technology investments.”
The British logistics robot vendor Dexory this week said it has raised $80 million in venture funding to support an expansion of its artificial intelligence (AI) powered features, grow its global team, and accelerate the deployment of its autonomous robots.
A “significant focus” continues to be on expanding across the U.S. market, where Dexory is live with customers in seven states and last month opened a U.S. headquarters in Nashville. The Series B will also enhance development and production facilities at its UK headquarters, the firm said.
The “series B” funding round was led by DTCP, with participation from Latitude Ventures, Wave-X and Bootstrap Europe, along with existing investors Atomico, Lakestar, Capnamic, and several angels from the logistics industry. With the close of the round, Dexory has now raised $120 million over the past three years.
Dexory says its product, DexoryView, provides real-time visibility across warehouses of any size through its autonomous mobile robots and AI. The rolling bots use sensor and image data and continuous data collection to perform rapid warehouse scans and create digital twins of warehouse spaces, allowing for optimized performance and future scenario simulations.
Originally announced in September, the move will allow Deutsche Bahn to “fully focus on restructuring the rail infrastructure in Germany and providing climate-friendly passenger and freight transport operations in Germany and Europe,” Werner Gatzer, Chairman of the DB Supervisory Board, said in a release.
For its purchase price, DSV gains an organization with around 72,700 employees at over 1,850 locations. The new owner says it plans to investment around one billion euros in coming years to promote additional growth in German operations. Together, DSV and Schenker will have a combined workforce of approximately 147,000 employees in more than 90 countries, earning pro forma revenue of approximately $43.3 billion (based on 2023 numbers), DSV said.
After removing that unit, Deutsche Bahn retains its core business called the “Systemverbund Bahn,” which includes passenger transport activities in Germany, rail freight activities, operational service units, and railroad infrastructure companies. The DB Group, headquartered in Berlin, employs around 340,000 people.
“We have set clear goals to structurally modernize Deutsche Bahn in the areas of infrastructure, operations and profitability and focus on the core business. The proceeds from the sale will significantly reduce DB’s debt and thus make an important contribution to the financial stability of the DB Group. At the same time, DB Schenker will gain a strong strategic owner in DSV,” Deutsche Bahn CEO Richard Lutz said in a release.
Transportation industry veteran Anne Reinke will become president & CEO of trade group the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) at the end of the year, stepping into the position from her previous post leading third party logistics (3PL) trade group the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), both organizations said today.
Meanwhile, TIA today announced that insider Christopher Burroughs would fill Reinke’s shoes as president & CEO. Burroughs has been with TIA for 13 years, most recently as its vice president of Government Affairs for the past six years, during which time he oversaw all legislative and regulatory efforts before Congress and the federal agencies.
Before her four years leading TIA, Reinke spent two years as Deputy Assistant Secretary with the U.S. Department of Transportation and 16 years with CSX Corporation.
Serious inland flooding and widespread power outages are likely to sweep across Florida and other Southeast states in coming days with the arrival of Hurricane Helene, which is now predicted to make landfall Thursday evening along Florida’s northwest coast as a major hurricane, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
While the most catastrophic landfall impact is expected in the sparsely-population Big Bend area of Florida, it’s not only sea-front cities that are at risk. Since Helene is an “unusually large storm,” its flooding, rainfall, and high winds won’t be limited only to the Gulf Coast, but are expected to travel hundreds of miles inland, the weather service said. Heavy rainfall is expected to begin in the region even before the storm comes ashore, and the wet conditions will continue to move northward into the southern Appalachians region through Friday, dumping storm total rainfall amounts of up to 18 inches. Specifically, the major flood risk includes the urban areas around Tallahassee, metro Atlanta, and western North Carolina.
In addition to its human toll, the storm could exert serious business impacts, according to the supply chain mapping and monitoring firm Resilinc. Those will be largely triggered by significant flooding, which could halt oil operations, force mandatory evacuations, restrict ports, and disrupt air traffic.
While the storm’s track is currently forecast to miss the critical ports of Miami and New Orleans, it could still hurt operations throughout the Southeast agricultural belt, which produces products like soybeans, cotton, peanuts, corn, and tobacco, according to Everstream Analytics.
That widespread footprint could also hinder supply chain and logistics flows along stretches of interstate highways I-10 and I-75 and on regional rail lines operated by Norfolk Southern and CSX. And Hurricane Helene could also likely impact business operations by unleashing power outages, deep flooding, and wind damage in northern Florida portions of Georgia, Everstream Analytics said.
Before the storm had even touched Florida soil, recovery efforts were already being launched by humanitarian aid group the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN). In a statement on Wednesday, the group said it is urging residents in the storm's path across the Southeast to heed evacuation notices and safety advisories, and reminding members of the logistics community that their post-storm help could be needed soon. The group will continue to update its Disaster Micro-Site with Hurricane Helene resources and with requests for donated logistics assistance, most of which will start arriving within 24 to 72 hours after the storm’s initial landfall, ALAN said.