News Ticker
MRJ Completes First Flight
Nagoya: Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) today conducted the first flight of the first flight test aircraft for the MRJ (Mitsubishi Regional Jet), their next-generation regional jet. The MRJ took off from Nagoya Airport and confirmed its basic characteristics and functionality in ascent, descent and turning in airspace off the Pacific coast during its 1.5-hour first flight. “The MRJ successfully took to the sky today thanks to ongoing cooperation and support from all members involved,” said Hiromichi Morimoto, President, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation. “We will make our utmost efforts towards type certificate acquisition, committing all our resources to develop and produce the finest regional jet aircraft to enter commercial service in 2017.” “Operational performance of the MRJ was far better than expected. We had a significantly comfortable flight,” said Pilot Yasumura, who served as captain. Mitsubishi Aircraft and MHI will continue to conduct flight tests for the first delivery scheduled for the second quarter of 2017. The flight tests in the US are scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2016, from the MRJ base at Grant County International Airport at Moses Lake in Washington State. Going forward, Mitsubishi Aircraft and MHI continue to devote their collective resources towards the successful completion of the MRJ project.
Paradigm Shift to Mott device-based Power Interruption
Researchers in Korea have overcome a 100-year old technological limitation by fabricating the world’s first Mott device that reduces the size and enhances the performance of traditional electromagnetic switches and circuit breakers. Daejeon, KOREA – The research team, led by Dr. Hyun-Tak Kim of Korea’s Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, has developed an innovative power interruption technology based on a Mott metal-insulator transition (Mott MIT) device. The Mott MIT signifies the phenomenon that a Mott insulator is abruptly converted into a metal or vice versa without the structural phase transition. The research team previously developed a Mott MIT critical temperature switch (CTS) (or MIT device) which generates a control current (or signal) at a critical temperature between 67 degrees Celsius and 85 degrees Celsius as the unique characteristic of vanadium dioxide. After that, the MIT devices were applied to some kinds of electromagnetic switches that interrupt an electric current in case of overcurrent. An existing traditional electromagnetic switch that takes the role to interrupt electricity through the mechanical switching when it conducts an overcurrent is composed of both an electromagnet called the magnetic contactor, which connects or disconnects signals of main power, and the thermal overload relay with an on-off switching function controlled by temperature. The overload relay is composed of both an expensive delicate mechanical switch with a large size and a bimetal that is made of two separate metals with different thermal expansion coefficients joined together. The bimetal has a characteristic of bending to any direction when heat is applied. The bending force of the bimetal controls the mechanical switch inducing the on-off switching; this has been called ‘hundred years technology of power interruption’; Westinghouse applied the patent right of the power circuit breaker using a bimetal in 1924. However, the bimetal undergoes a change of the bending […]
Toscotec starts up its first AHEAD-1.5M tissue machine at Yuen Foong Yu Taiwan
The Toscotec-supplied AHEAD-1.5M tissue machine has started up at Yuen Foong Yu’s Chingshui mill in Taiwan. Yuen Foong Yu Paper, with its famous brand Mayflower, is currently the largest paper manufacturer in Taiwan and it ranks 49th in the world. The start-up has been welcomed by the Taiwanese producer as the positive outcome of a strong cooperation between the two teams: “We are pleased with the qualified teamwork and Toscotec’s support all the way from the engineering phase to the commissioning field work. We look forward to seeing the outstanding performances and energy saving results that we expect from Toscotec’s technological solution” says Mr. Ming Fa Tang, YFY’s Deputy General Manager. The scope of supply of the Italian supplier included one AHEAD-1.5M machine, installing Toscotec’s second generation Steel Yankee Dryer TT SYD-18FT, a 1,425 mm diameter suction press roll and steam-heated hoods, as well as the stock preparation system. The machine has a working speed of 1,650 m/min and it will increase the mill’s production capacity by 40k t/y. The Taiwanese producer has chosen Toscotec’s cutting-edge technology and customized design as the winning solution that strikes the perfect balance between machine performance and the lowest possible total energy consumptions. The masterly combination of a large diameter Steel Yankee Dryer, a single jumbo press roll and steam hoods delivers key advantages in terms of energy savings. TT DOES (Drying Optimization for Energy Saving) is now widely acknowledged as Toscotec’s signature design solution, especially on the Asian market, where energy savings are a major concern for tissue producers. About Toscotec S.p.A. Toscotec is a turnkey technology supplier to the global paper industry, offering a complete suite of solutions for tissue, paper and board manufacture, as well as maintenance services for rolls and cylinders. Based in Lucca, Italy, and with subsidiaries in China […]
Malaysian Software Testing Board (MSTB) Unveils Quality Centre of Excellence
KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysia Software Testing Hub (MSTH) reached another milestone with the launch of the Quality Centre of Excellence (Q-CoE). The symbolic launch was officiated by Yang Berhormat Senator Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid bin Omar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department at the opening of Software Testing Straight Talk (STST) 2015 forum in Kuala Lumpur today. In essence, the Q-CoE will be a manifestation of knowledge capital garnered from projects and activities carried out under the MSTH initiative, enhanced further by knowledge and technologies acquired and transferred through collaborations with various international partners such as University of Memphis, USA, German Testing Board, Japan’s Association of Software Test Engineering, Korea Testing Laboratory and University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany. The setting up of the Q-CoE is a natural progression in MSTH implementation after focusing on building up the soft structure necessary to enable growth of Malaysia’s software testing industry. The centre will engage all stakeholders of Malaysia’s software testing ecosystem and it is expected to play a role in driving the development and growth of Malaysia’s software testing industry through knowledge-centric strategies and approaches Speaking at the official opening of STST 2015, Pn. Mastura Abu Samah, President of the Malaysian Software Testing Board (MSTB) said, the forum, which is a direct result of suggestions raised during SOFTEC conference in 2010, plays a vital role in developing a strong working ecosystem for the industry. “Over the last five years, discussions at STST have help propelled significant movement in growing awareness and demand for Independent Verification and Validation (IVV) services in Malaysia,” she said, adding that such constructive engagement continues at this year’s forum. Having a theme of Ensuring Quality through IVV Services STST 2015 is being held on the 3rd and 4th November 2015. The annual national-level forum is aimed at engaging […]
MHIEC Receives Order to Refurbish 525 tpd MSW Incineration Plant in Nishonomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
TOKYO – Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Environmental & Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd. (MHIEC), a group company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), has received an order from Nisihinomiya City in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, to refurbish core components at the Nishinomiya Waste Municipal Refuse Disposal Center, a municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration plant. The order calls for refurbishment of a stoker type incineration plant(1) with a total capacity of 525 tons per day (tpd) to maintain the plant’s functionality, extend its service life, and further enhance energy conservation. The 2.48 billion yen project is slated for completion in March 2020. The existing MSW incineration plant was designed and constructed by MHI and completed in August 1997. The plant incorporates three stoker incinerators with capacity of 175 tpd each, and can generate up to 6 megawatts (MW) of electricity. The order just placed with MHIEC includes the replacement or refurbishment of superannuated equipment used primarily for incineration, combustion gas cooling, flue gas treatment and ventilation, as well as electrical and instrumentation systems. The refurbishment project will also target enhanced energy conservation, largely through the adoption of MHIEC’s proprietary new exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) low excess air combustion system and use of high-efficiency invertor motors in key equipment. With these measures the refurbished plant will be able to reduce CO2 emissions by more than 20%, or 2,200 tons of CO2 per year, to help curb global warming. Modification and improvement of existing MSW incineration plants are increasing to extend their operational lives and reduce their environmental impact. This trend has also accelerated since the Japanese national government introduced a subsidy system in 2015 to help extend operational life and enhance energy savings at local waste treatment facilities.(2) MHIEC took over MHI’s waste treatment plant business in 2008, acquiring MHI’s technological development capabilities in environmental […]
Conference schedule revealed for Labelexpo Asia 2015
The organisers of Labelexpo Asia 2015 have announced further details of the content and speakers for this year’s conference agenda. The two day program will put the spotlight on various topics including sustainability, commercial opportunities for Asian converters, digital and flexo technology, brand protection and smart products. Taking place 1 – 4 December at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), Labelexpo Asia caters exclusively for label and package printing trade professionals. The keynote presentation will be given by Sharon Xiao, sustainability manager, Greater China of UPM Raflatac. Entitled ‘Increasing your profits through sustainability’, Xiao will look at the risks and policies affecting printing businesses and explore how printers can develop a business model that is more environmentally friendly. She will also tackle how to improve operational efficiency and create environmental awareness in the branding of products. 2015’s show will feature a panel discussion of high-level converters from across the Asian region for the first time. Sharing and contrasting their own industry experiences, contributors include Chinese printers: Yi Sun of RAKO Group and Henrich Quek from Top Print Labels, QLM Label Makers’ Peter Woods from Malaysia and Alex Tan from Singapore-based Orient Quality Print. The conference will also include two hour-long ‘how to guides’ covering the latest in digital and flexo printing. Speakers from Xeikon, Screen and Brotech will be on hand to provide a comprehensive guide to digital printing including pre-press, printing and finishing. Presentations will be given on day two by Gallus and Flint Group on flexo technology, materials and performance. There will also be two further sessions, the first covering the latest in product security, asset protection and brand authentication and the second, with speakers including Jan ‘t Hart from Avery Dennison, concentrating on smart products which can enhance consumer experiences and spending. Bringing together Chinese and […]
Coca-Cola Amatil Indonesia creates Windows 10 app for sales force
In the picture: Suyono Kurniawan, Solution Delivery Manager, PT. Coca-Cola Amatil Indonesia. 6 November 2015 – Coca-Cola Amatil Indonesia (CCAI) has announced that it aims to equip its entire sales force of 3,000 across Indonesia with complete access to e-Coaching, a Windows 10 app created to provide sales employees access to various facets of the business including visibility in the market, sales force productivity, engagement with its retailers, people development, and data accuracy. On the sidelines of Microsoft’s TechDays Indonesia 2015, Deborah Intan Nova (Debbie), HR and IT Director, CCAI, said: “The e-Coaching app ensures our product availability and in-outlet execution in order to deliver the best service and best products to customers, which is fundamental to us since CCAI’s vision is to create millions of moments of happiness and possibilities every day for our stakeholders, including our retailers and consumers.” Implemented in April 2015, e-Coaching replaced a more laborious and time-intensive system which involved the sales force requiring to jot down information about retailers using pen and paper, such as the refrigeration conditions and product availability, before manually entering it into the company’s system when they return to the office. With the e-Coaching app, the company sees improved data accuracy and efficiency by eliminating manual and paper-based data input, surveys, as well as duplications while providing CCAI with high-quality information for prompt follow-ups and further improvements. “Now, our sales force has a check-list of questions pre-programed in the e-Coaching app available on their Windows 10 tablets when they do their regular visits to retailers. They can review the retailers’ performance and work together with them to improve. They are also able to spend more time with the customer because all data input can now be submitted directly into CCAI’s database via the e-Coaching app,” Ms. Intan Nova said. “By […]
Global bioplastics production continue to grow
Berlin – The results of European Bioplastics’ annual market data update, presented today at the 10th European Bioplastics Conference in Berlin, confirm the positive growth trend of the global bioplastics industry. “The market is predicted to grow by more than 350 percent in the mid-term,” says François de Bie, Chairman of European Bioplastics. The data compiled in cooperation with the research institutes IfBB – Institute for Bioplastics and Biocomposites (University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hannover, Germany) and nova-Institute (Hürth, Germany) shows that the global bioplastics production capacity is set to increase from around 1.7 million tonnes in 2014 to approximately 7.8 million tonnes in 2019. Biobased, non-biodegradable plastics, such as biobased PE and biobased PET, are the main drivers of this growth. More than 60 percent of the bioplastics production capacity worldwide in 2014 was biobased, durable plastics. This share will increase to over 80 percent in 2019. Production capacities of biodegradable plastics, such as PLA, PHA, and starch blends, are also growing steadily, nearly doubling from 0.7 million tonnes in 2014 to well over 1.2 million tonnes in 2019. PHA production will double by 2019 compared to 2014, due to a ramp-up of old and new capacities in Asia and the US. A. “It seems that compostable plastics are moving from niche to mainstream and many compostable plastics have found their true added value applications,” explains de Bie. Packaging remains the single largest field of application for bioplastics with almost 70 percent (1.2 million tonnes) of the total bioplastics market. Due to the excellent fit of bioplastics in the packaging market, this number is expected to increase to more than 80 percent (6.5 million tonnes) in 2019. “The data illustrates an important trend to make packaging more resource efficient, which is driven by a growing consumer demand for […]
Henri Winand addresses Asia Clean Energy Summit on the importance of air quality
Singapore 27 October – Intelligent Energy is actively working with Singapore’s Asia Clean Energy Summit (ACES) this month (27-28 October) – the perfect platform to highlight the company’s increasing commercial and operational presence in the region and the vast opportunities for its proprietary fuel cell technology. Intelligent Energy’s key focus at the conference will be to highlight solutions to air quality issues in urban areas – an issue with which Singaporeans are well acquainted. Over the past two years, Intelligent Energy has established an operational hub in Singapore to foster relationships, unlock opportunities and build capability from an operational, business and technology basis. The company has been working closely with a number of strategic partners in the region including SMILE FC System Corporation in Japan, a joint venture established in 2012 by Intelligent Energy and the Suzuki Motor Corporation to develop and manufacture air-cooled fuel cell technologies for the motive sector. In addition, the company is working with high technology Singaporean partners, Manufacturing Integration Technology Ltd (MIT) and Sunningdale to supply key components for fuel cell systems for its Distributed Power & Generation (DP&G) and its Consumer Electronics division’s applications. This also includes working on various opportunities with Japan, Singapore, China and other Asian based partners in all three of its business divisions Motive, Consumer Electronics and DP&G. Intelligent Energy’s Chief Executive Officer, Henri Winand, will be addressing the delegates at ACES on the importance of adopting a portfolio approach to low carbon technologies. Dr Winand commented: “I am delighted to proactively support such an important event which builds on our commitment to our business activities in Singapore. Our presence and strategic partnerships reflects the increased importance of our activities across Asia. We see Asia as the leading region for fuel cell technologies and our recent announcements including a £1.2bn […]