While wireless technology has moved well beyond simple point-to-point connectivity, the fundamental tenets of the technology remain the same and we don't all need to be certified RF engineers to start making informed choices. This article looks to highlight the fundamental tenets of RF technology in aiding its further objective of empowering more informed decision making on which wireless technology to deploy relative to application need.

There are probably several versions of the statement ‘Repairers are cowboys' but this is one form of the common perceptions held and sometimes expressed by related industry stakeholders, particularly original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of rotating electrical machines. In fact some rewinders themselves use the statement facetiously, and many OEMs even affectionately.

The modern industrial environment is characterised by integrated energy and information systems linking all of its parts, from the plant floor to the boardroom. Recognising the importance of data integrity, and energy and operational security, has underscored the importance of the earthing and lightning protection system as a critical part of plant infrastructure and systems. This article emphasises the importance of an earthing and lightning protection system and plan framework, and the maintenance thereof, for human safety.

Most workshops fuss over the acquisition of pressure calibration equipment, pouring over the latest glamorous brochures, without giving thought to the actual process of calibration. Similarly, plant management imposes calibration requirements on maintenance staff, without thinking of the practical consequences.

Downtime through electricity blackouts is unacceptable in industry today. To avoid the chaos, not to mention the costs, that outages cause, a well rounded standby power supply solution is necessary.

Data centres are the primary method by which IT users can obtain access to massive computing and data storage capacity. Centralised data centres offer the IT user a secure and technically advanced solution, off which huge computing power can be drawn, using a virtual platform instead of using an on-site IT system that is often fraught with all the normal security and technical challenges.

Circulating fluidised bed (CFB) boiler technology has developed to meet utility-scale requirements. Owing to high efficiency, excellent multi-fuel capability and low emissions of major pollutants (SO2, NOx, CO, CO2, particulates etc) the technology offers reliable solution for both repowering of old power plants or building a new plant. CFB technology has proved excellent with both low-grade fuels, such as lignite and low-grade bituminous coals, coal washery rejects, oil shale, and with good quality fuels. Co-combustion of various types of biomass and waste fuels in CFB boilers has proven as efficient and economic way to reduce CO2 emissions, and to minimise landfilling. CFB technology is today commercial for sizes up to 600 MWe with once-through supercritical technology, and now Foster Wheeler is ready to offer 800 MWe CFB units.