TPI January 2009

news business & market

Olympus launches new global website

Olympus has launched a newglobal website, www.olympus-ims.com. The extensive new site contains information on ultrasound (UT), eddy current (EC), remote visual (RVI) and high-speed video (HSV) testing products. The website replaces previous sites www.olympusindustrial.com and www.olympusndt.com.

In addition to product information, the site offers a wealth of application notes that guide users to cost-effective test solutions, as well as software downloads, and a PDF library. The website also has an extensive educational theory section, with several interactive tutorials to help users learn more about non-destructive testing technologies. Web content is in several languages: English, Japanese, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Chinese, Czech, Hungarian, and Vietnamese. Olympus provides a portfolio of non-destructive solutions, featuring innovative ultrasonic testing, eddy current, and related testing technologies. The company’s goal is to supply reliable and economical inspection and maintenance systems that enhance environmental and personal safety, security, and productivity for customers. The homepage of the new Olympus website ▲ ▲

Olympus NDT – USA www.olympus-ims.com

Plastic system for first overland circuit of the earth

For the engines, axles and gearboxes, the expedition will use low-emission biofuel and bio-oils based on easily bio- degradable, renewable or regenerative materials. Carbon levels will be monitored throughout the project. At the end of the trip, the carbon dioxide created by the project will be offset by planting the appropriate number of trees in close cooperation with national authorities. Ultimately, the expedition will contribute towards a reduction in CO 2 . Simona lent its support to the round-the- world expedition as it fully endorses the objectives of the project. Environmental protection and the sustainable use of resources are key corporate priorities for Simona. For decades, the company has avoided using lead and cadmium in its production processes. The company also recycles more than 95% of all waste, feeding these materials back into the production cycle. Its products for the automobile industry in particular serve to reduce weight, contributing to lower emissions, and its environmental management system is certified under DIN EN ISO 14001. Simona AG – Germany mail@simona.de • www.simona.de Paris/New York Transcontinental 2009 Extrem Events – Matthias Jeschke eK – Germany mjeschke@ee-mj.com http://pny2009.com

the drivers must be able to attach them to the jeeps under extreme conditions, using muscle power only, and then remove them again. The international team is aiming to become the first to circumnavigate the globe by land using only automobiles, tracing ancient human migration routes. In this way, the team will promote carbon neutrality, the use of renewable energies and energy efficiency around the world. The historic route takes in a total of 20 countries as it passes through Europe, Russia, Mongolia, Alaska, Canada and the USA. In each country, the emphasis will be on the ways in which specific nations, partner organisations and the project team can unite to combat or neutralise carbon dioxide emissions. The Paris/New York Transcontinental 2009 expedition will aim to leave no carbon footprint. Several measures will be taken to preserve the integrity of the environment along the route of almost 43,000km. To ensure no tyre tracks are left behind, the convoy will travel in winter. Whenever off-road, the vehicles will stick to metres-thick snow, ice and ground that is deep-frozen in permafrost.

A team headed by Matthias Jeschke, the man behind some remarkable record-breaking automobile exploits, is to attempt a full overland circuit of the earth – a feat that nobody has yet achieved. The greatest obstacle on the extreme voyage will be crossing the Bering Strait, where the expedition must take to the open water. To achieve this, the German company Simona has produced a float system that will be subjected to severe demands. The greatest problem facing the designers of the float system for vehicles taking part in the Paris/New York Transcontinental 2009 expedition was finding a way to maximise load-bearing capacity whilst minimising weight. The engineers used a material capable of withstanding extreme pressures: Simona PE-HWU sheets offer outstanding weathering stability, performing in a wide range of applications within an operating range of -50°C to +80°C. With a combination of low weight and high impact resistance, effective handling of the components in the float system is ensured. For the duration of the expedition, the Simona floats will be transported on trailers. When required,

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Tube Products International January 2009

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