EMT Energy Maintenance Technologies | Asset Protection Specialists | SF6 Specialists

Latest News

May 2013

EMT's revolutionary new Zerowaste SF6 Analyser and Smartfill SF6 top up and filling equipment take the SF6 analysis and handling market by storm

Client Case Study & Testimonial

Customer:
World leading Transmission and Distribution Company

Requirements:
"Our plant was under increasing voltage and temperature stresses, whilst at the same time we had to comply with the demands of environmental regulation. As with other companies we rely on high quality and purity insulating oils and Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) gas at the point of use. With increasing pressure from Environmental & Political forces and the Economic & Financial constraints influencing our Asset Management Strategies, Testing & Maintenance of our existing SF6 filled equipment was our preferred option over replacement. We required a range of solutions which enabled SF6 Testing, Recycling & Leak Detection. Integral to our operation was an effective predictive maintenance program, which EMT delivered. We needed real solutions which addressed our practical issues and met the needs of our personnel."

Solution:
"We purchased several SF6 testing and handling products from EMT. We invested heavily in their Zerowaste Portable SF6 Analyser, which is now standard issue for all our maintenance personnel. The benefits of this kit are well documented throughout the electricity industry so this purchasing decision was an easy one for us to make. We also introduced their new Smartfill instrument to site. The unit gives us accurate measurement and control of the SF6 gas we're using in the filling and topping up operations of our substation maintenance. The automatic data logging gives us complete traceability and records exactly how much SF6 gas has been used during our procedures. Our guys have also given positive feedback on its portability and how simple the kit is to use. The guys simply press "Go" then Smartfill works to set parameters, with complete automation and precision, filling and topping up the equipment with the exact amount of SF6 gas required - no waste - no leakage!"

Benefits:

• effective controls on SF6 inventory and usage
• accurate monitoring and transparency of information
• improved handling practices and standards
• compliance with regulation
• enhanced safety
• maximum asset utilisation
• minimum environmental impact
• reduced maintenance costs

"EMT came highly recommended by one of our business partners also in ESI. Their people were both professional and knowledgeable. They quickly understood the issues we were facing and their answer came in the form of a very impressive and comprehensive proposal delivering a number of solutions which satisfied our asset management objectives on a number of levels. EMT helped us to get the most out of our assets by working in partnership with us throughout and delivering appropriate cost effective solutions which met our needs. The on-going service & support that we've received from EMT's Customer Support Team has been second to none. Our experience having been such a positive one, we are currently in talks with EMT & their business partner Enervac in regards to their corrosive sulphur removal system for our maintenance engineers in regeneration & reprocessing."

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April 2013

Assero from EMT - Global Brand - World Leading Technologies

With increasing pressure from Environmental & Political forces on SF6 emissions, and the Economic & Financial constraints influencing asset management strategies and practices, many of the world's largest utilities, SF6 asset suppliers, and gas suppliers have chosen Energy Maintenance Technologies for their SF6 asset protection needs. EMT have revolutionised SF6 analysis and handling with real solutions that not only meet the practical issues and concerns of end users but also deliver a host of additional benefits on every level. Assero is now a recognised global brand within the electricity supply industry with world leading technologies which are today regarded as the industry standard in infra red gas analysis.

The industry wants...

• effective controls on SF6 inventory and usage
• accurate monitoring and transparency of information
• improved handling practices and standards
• compliance with regulation

The assero product range delivers...

• enhanced safety
• maximum asset utilisation
• minimum environmental impact
• reduced maintenance costs
• improved handling practices

Establishing a high profile within the power delivery community has also been instrumental to our positioning as a global market leader. Our worldwide involvement with SF6 protocols and legislative guidelines, including participation in SF6 task forces with CIGRE, NEMA, ASTM and the EPA, have enabled us to impart our knowledge & expertise in this field.

Our contribution to several working groups and forums have given us the opportunity to consult on challenges facing the industry, with technical papers presented at a number of meetings including the EPA SF6 Emission Reduction Partnership. Significant resource has also been invested in our own series of seminars and workshops, which have brought us together with organisations within the electric utility industry from all corners of the world.

With a global presence in the asset management arena, requests for EMT expertise in testing & maintenance programs and subsequent demand for assero SF6 products have required our representation at a number of worldwide industry events including Middle East Electricity (UAE), IEEE (US), Distributech (Brazil), and POWER-GEN (South Africa), where positive feedback has re-affirmed EMT at the forefront of predictive maintenance management.

EMT will also be represented at the following events in 2013:

• POWER-GEN India & Central Asia - Bombay Exhibition Centre Mumbai 6-8 May
• Saudi Energy - Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center 26-29 May
• POWER-GEN Europe - Vienna Austria 4-6 June
• CIRED International Exhibition and Conference on Electricity Distribution - Stockholm Sweden 10-13 June
• RVP2013 IEEE Seccion Mexico - Centro Internacional Acapulco 7-13 July
• POWER-GEN Asia - IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Centre Bangkok Thailand 2-4 October
• POWER-GEN International - Orange County Convention Center Orlando Florida 12-14 November

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April 2013

A Day in the Life

EMT's continued growth is not only fuelled by the superior quality of our products and knowledge of the industry, but equally important it's the hard work and dedication of our people who all share the EMT ethos, which make our business the success it is. Our recently appointed VP of Sales for Asia & the Middle East is already proving an effective addition to our international operations having just completed a tour of India in support of our distribution network there. Gary's diary has been exceptionally busy meeting with EMT clients and developing the business - ‘A Day in the Life'...

Pre meeting call Note customer wants to do his own analysis, but wants lab quality test results. Said he's fed up with the hassle of sending off samples to testing agencies . Also needs to test for purity, HF, SO2, H2S and CF4. Wants lots of data, to store the data, and to do trending on PC. Needs to measure 8 parameters. Doesn't like bulky instruments. Agreed assero IR zerowaste SF6 analyser matches requirements

• Meeting prep warm up instrument prior to meeting ready for customer to select what they want to do (measure, reset formulas, review previous data etc)

• Demo equipment check fittings kit for field test, safety gear. Already confirmed our equipment works with their gas carts

Note to self :

1. Purge and repeat the test on each breaker to ensure it's repeatable

2. Key requirements for this customer:

Portability - his guys currently have to lug 50lb analysers out in the field with long warm up times, and limited sample data

Safe distance working – said he'd heard our unit waits before commencing analysis automatically. Wants to see it in action!

Repeatability and performance – discussed the Zerowaste uses the smallest amount of SF6 gas sample (250cc's). Requested I show him on one of their low voltage breakers there's enough gas storage there for up to 5 normal sampling cycles

Meeting notes 6hr field test complete

Discussed how the assero IR zerowaste addresses current issues/concerns and failings of existing equipment. Customer seemed impressed that the kit only weighed 15Kg / 33lbs and was housed in a robust IP67 case with wheels, retractable handle and pockets for hoses and spare parts. Said as a result they'd use the kit more often for sure!

Demo'd auto operation - connected the unit to their circuit breaker. The zerowaste automatically detected and sampled the SF6 gas via inlet auto gas pressure sensing. Pre selected cycles then started automatically and pumped the gas back following analysis

Demo'd the 5 minute test incl. purging and analysis for their parameters. Customer commented that he found operation very simple and liked the pre set IEC and Cigre methods. We selected 5 cycles to run on the same sample, stored all tests done on the day, and downloaded via USB port to the laptop. Showed him how the instrument runs the selected number of cycles fully automated. Liked the multi analysis functionality and said he's sold on the benefits of doing trending and keeping proper records of their breakers

Discussed the cost savings in identifying problems like HF and SO2 and verifying no moisture and good purity of SF6, and if problems are seen, they can fix these ie. if they know they have gases they shouldn't

Ran demo mp3 showing how corrosion from HF and SO2 with moisture can cause leaks and more emissions to air - discussed new Emission restrictions set by EPA and ARB

Demo'd the multi sensor Hi / Lo ppm technology and user selection - IR1 to IR10…SF6 Purity, Dew Point, S02 (low / high range), HF, CF4, Air, C0, H2S, R12 (push gas). Also demo'd optional leak detection mode to show how equipment can help them to identify "if" they have leaks and "why" they may have leaks, and if their gas needs to be recycled or not

Briefly touched on some of the other products in the EMT SF6 Testing & Maintenance Portfolio - discussed the benefits of SF6 Testing, Recycling & Leak Detection

Report to HQ

• Maintenance Manager concluded the meeting by saying ‘If they have one breaker blow, it could cost them considerably, so purchasing one of these units for saving one of their breakers would not be a huge investment by comparison,' Order expected end May! As I was leaving site he commented ‘It's like we've been driving a car with square wheels and suddenly you guys have come along and put round wheels on!'

To do list:-

• Send completed site survey and recommendations to client for testing & maintenance program. Their primary asset management objective - safety first, then saving money!

Blown breakers and strong evidence to suggest residue of HF. Moisture and acids have deteriorated the seals and other components in the equipment. Client on site said he's interested in our products because our kit can measure the most common decomposition gases. Wants to identify existing levels of HF, SO2, and CF4 in cold areas, and to check incoming gas filling their breakers

• Meeting prep for new product Smartfill Mass Flow Controller

Send client the demo link ahead of meeting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkpArp97wYs

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March 2013

Superior Products backed by Unrivalled Technical Support

In response to demand from the Electricity Supply Industry and in keeping with our mission to provide a complete offering for SF6 Testing and Maintenance Programs, EMT has invested further in its Product Development and Technical Support Group. Our team of experienced professionals have spent many years developing solutions to Utilities industry challenges, and are unrivalled when it comes to their knowledge of the industry and legislative compliance. Jason Potter joins us as Technical Manager responsible for developing further our ground breaking products within the SF6 analysis field. His work will build upon the successes and innovations of the assero product range and continue to deliver enhanced safety, maximum asset utilisation, minimum environmental impact, reduced maintenance costs and improved handling practices.

Jason has a PhD in Optical Metrology from Brunel University, and has spent the last 10 years in the Gas Analyser business specialising in Optical Technologies (Infra Red, Laser). In addition to running our extensive R&D program, and meeting with key industry professionals - with whom many of our products are designed and built in partnership, Jason will also be involved in delivering our technical training seminars. Our technical expertise and training philosophy are just two of the many things which set us apart from others in the industry. Leading the field we believe it's important to impart our knowledge on clients and business partners to ensure they have the most up to date information on all aspects of ESI asset protection, and in turn help them make informed decisions around their broader asset management strategies and objectives.

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February 2013

EMT Appoints VP of Sales Asia/Middle East

Through combination of product demand, positive distributor relations and the strength of the EMT assero brand, our success in Asia & the Middle East has culminated in a new key role within the business.

The appointment of VP Sales Asia/Middle East comes in response to a significant period of growth for the company and should prove an effective addition to our International operations. Whilst supporting a growing distribution network across these territories, meeting with key industry professionals, and delivering EMT's seminar program, our VP has been assigned to meet the needs of the most important people to our business, our customers.

Gary Mason joins us from a Sales & Engineering background having both studied and worked in these fields. Following relocation from the UK to Sydney Australia 23 years ago has held a number of Sales Management roles within multi-national organisations including ABB, SKF Bearings & Ford. Gary has also successfully owned and managed several franchises of a UK listed worldwide trading organisation, employing 17 staff with a turnover of $20,000,000 per annum, and following the sale of his businesses in 2012 has been exploring a number of options until in his own words, "THIS AMAZING OPPORTUNITY came my way" ... "The prospect of working with the team at EMT was too exciting to refuse, the experience of the core management team and the fact that the business looks set to grow at an exponential rate internationally made the decision a very easy one to make".

Gary is a Board Member of Children's Charity Caretakers Cottage www.caretakers.org.au

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February 2013

EMT Global Sales Meeting

EMT is pleased to report our Sales Meeting held recently in Dubai was successful and beneficial to all involved. With 15 countries represented, the global diversity of the event strengthened distributor relations, promoted shared information and provided the ideal platform for a live demo of the IR Zerowaste SF6 Analyser and new Smartfill SF6 Mass Flow Controller at DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority), to both EMT distributors and clients.

A highlight of the event, both instruments demonstrated why the Assero Testing & Maintenance Portfolio is the preferred choice for SF6 Testing, Recycling and Leak Detection. Establishing a high profile within the power delivery community has also been instrumental to our positioning as a global market leader. With an enhanced visibility and global presence in the asset management arena, our distributor partnerships have put EMT at the forefront of predictive maintenance management.

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February 2013

EMT Hosts Global Sales Conference in Dubai

EMT are pleased to announce we will be holding our Global Sales Conference from February 19-20th in the beautiful and vibrant city of Dubai. The two day Conference brings together our representatives from over 45 countries and co-insides with one of the largest energy shows in the world - Middle East Electricity.

With 2013 now well underway, we reflect on what has been a milestone year for the business. A year in which EMT revolutionised SF6 analysis and handling, successfully launched several new products, and with the support of our distributors developed assero into a recognised global brand within the Electricity Supply Industry, synonymous with 'excellence in all that we do'.

We look forward to another year with renewed vigour and in the knowledge that our valued distributors have the most advanced SF6 analysis & handling product portfolio available on the market.

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January 2013

Demand for EMT Products necessitates Further Expansion of Operations

With an enhanced visibility and global presence in the asset management arena, demand for our expertise in testing & maintenance programs and for EMT's assero SF6 products, have necessitated further investment in operations, including expansion of the team and subsequent Head Office relocation to Bedfordshire in the UK.

The larger facility was further required to accommodate the growing numbers of attendees at our seminars and training workshops, which have brought us together with organisations within the Electric Utility Industry from all corners of the world.

EMT continues to expand its operations successfully worldwide, a growth which is fuelled not only by the superior quality of our products and knowledge of the industry, but also by the people at the heart of our business.

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January 2013

EMT Delivers another Smart Solution for the Electricity Supply Industry

EMT launches the Smartfill SF6 Mass Flow Controller - the latest addition to the most advanced SF6 analysis & handling product portfolio of 2013!

Our team have spent many years developing answers to the problems faced by the Utilities Industry, and this year is no exception. We are driven more than ever to develop the very best technologies which significantly improve upon SF6 gas handling practices currently adopted by maintenance personnel. True to the assero product range, Smartfill delivers on this.

For further details see our products

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January 2013

The only way is overseas for EMT

A local company whose products are so niche they have already saturated the UK market are having huge successes in exporting their products abroad, thanks to the support and advice from UK Trade and Investment.

Bedfordshire's Energy Maintenance Technologies (EMT) are specialists in the manufacturing of testing equipment for the electricity supply industry. They work closely with energy companies to ensure their personnel are protected when dealing with dangerous gases. They have supplied the UK's 'big six' with their technologies and are now working with companies all across the globe.

Neil Kane from EMT said: "If we'd have concentrated only on the UK market our business wouldn't be here today, so we knew we had to look overseas. UKTI have helped us with gathering market information, obtaining extra financial support, and through its network of UKTI Teams in the UK's Embassies and Consulates around the world, has put us in direct touch with potential clients. This has given us great confidence to develop new markets."

Established in 2009, EMT is still a fledgling company however, with the strong support of UKTI, as well as their own scientific expertise, it has managed to develop an overseas distribution network market from 18 to in 45 countries in just 18 months, with 35 of those distribution contracts being exclusive. Their main aim is to become the number one provider of Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) Gas test and measurement equipment to transmission and distribution network and service operators throughout the globe.

Neil added: "SF6 is a very powerful greenhouse gas, which is damaging to the environment. Legislation is driving the market around the world and EMT are already one of the leading providers of diagnostic testing equipment in the world. The global market really needs our type of technology because SF6 is a very expensive but essential commodity."

Neil added: "North America was an obvious target for us; their energy market is not monopolised like it is in the UK and so offers much more scope. Out of 3,000 energy companies covering the US, there are 100 'large' firms which we are now targeting."

In the last 18 months, the company has increased from 3 to 7 staff, and is on the lookout for several more in 2013. They have also just moved into a new purpose built building in Bedfordshire and opened a new office in Atlanta.

Neil said: "EMT is now 5 times the size it was in 2011 and due to more stringent environmental legislation, we see the market growing considerably over the coming years. We have forecasted another 25%-30% growth in 2013 alone, and that's before we've targeted the new markets. We are very proud that a product totally manufactured in the UK is taking the global market by storm. EMT is in a really strong position to go forward from here."

The last couple of months of 2012 were very successful for the team, winning large contracts in the USA, Mexico and Canada, giving them an excellent foothold in North America to push on into the new year.

Martin Keepfer, who is the UKTI International Trade Advisor assigned to EMT added: "This company has used many of the UKTI services on offer and has enjoyed great success making connections in the markets they have specifically targeted. We look forward to continuing to work with EMT to help build their overseas offering in further new regions such as South America and Asia, whilst continuing to grow their business in the US."

"EMT is a really great company to work with, single minded about what it wants to achieve and yet willing to listen, learn and be flexible when needed."

Neil added: "Martin and the UKTI team have been an invaluable source of help and support and he has been a 'gateway' to other services which have helped us on our journey. Martin is always available on the end of the phone to give advice and he has been a real asset to us."

Full information on UKTI services can be found at www.ukti.gov.uk

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May 2012

Last month EMT attended the IEEE Power & Energy Society Transmission and Distribution Conference in Orlando, Florida. The event brought together organisations within the electric utility industry from all corners of the world, providing the ideal platform for the launch of our assero IR zerowaste SF6 analyser to members of the power delivery community.

As the only 8 function patented IR SF6 analyser with zero emissions and zero waste, and only automatic fully portable analyser in the world delivering laboratory quality analysis, the launch proved a huge success with interest in the unit unprecedented.

We received some very positive comments and feedback at the show. Much of the discussion on the EMT stand came from those who "want to do on site analysis, but want lab quality test results" who are "fed up with the hassle and costs of sending off samples to testing agencies" and who "want lots of information, to store the data, and to look at trends." So it was well received when we demonstrated how the assero could select up to 5 cycles to run fully automated on the same sample, producing up to 1000 sample results and the data could be viewed and saved via our asserolyz-IR Dataman Intuitive Software. People we'd spoken to were, in their own words "sold on the benefits of doing trending and keeping proper records of their SF6 filled installations" as one visitor commented "if they have one breaker blow, it could cost them $1M so purchasing one of these units for saving one of their breakers would not be a huge investment by comparison." Another point of conversation was on current issues, concerns and failings of existing equipment, with the consensus being that people in the industry "don't like bulky instruments" with "guys currently having to lug 50lb analysers out in the field with long warm up times." Some of the larger utilities we spoke to seemed impressed that they could get high performance from such a light instrument, and were particularly pleased that their field guys could get up to 8hrs operating time with the rechargeable battery, stating that as a result "they'd use the kit more often for sure!" Numbers on our stand were excellent and constant throughout the 3 days, with feedback that many "were interested in EMTs' products because the kit can measure more decomposition gases than any other analyser." And because they had heard from existing EMT customers with instruments already out in the field, that they "found operation of the asserolyzIR and Zerowaste IR units very simple"…"liked the auto operation with the benefit of being able to connect and walk away"... "the pre set IEC and Cigre methods with menu driven touch screen display"... "and that if required, the unit allows safe distance working for users"… and those with low voltage breakers were "pleasantly surprised that the analyser uses the smallest amount of SF6 gas sample (less than 250cc's), enabling checks on repeatability and performance without environmental problems." EMT's attendance at IEEE together with the successful launch of the assero IR zerowaste SF6 analyser have kept the team extremely busy in the weeks following the event. Site surveys and requests for product demo's have put us in high demand for our recommendations and expertise in testing & maintenance programs. The conference also provided us with the opportunity to expand our growing worldwide distribution network, with several new distributorships appointed in key territories. And furthermore, confirmed demand for EMT SF6 test equipment on a rent-purchase basis.

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May 2011

EMT visit further Far East countries, Indonesia and conducts further Far East seminars and workshops in this territory.

EMT appoints a new General Manager for EMT Americas and decides to start USA operations, July 1st 2011.

April 2011

EMT Celebrate going into its 3rd year of operation.

EMT makes a market visit to the USA and Canada to discuss strategic interests in expansion into North America.

March 2011

EMT receives its 1st major Enervac built mobile SF6 gas recovery and reprocessing order from a large UK utility.

EMT receives a multiple order for assero SF6MPU and GCU Gas Collection Units from a large regional UK utility.

February 2011

EMT and Enervac celebrate receiving a large order to refurbish 2 insulating Oil reprocessing plants for a large UK utility.

EMT launch the assero SF6 range at Middle East electricity in Dubai, UAE.

EMT reaches an agreement for the exclusive representation of the assero SF6 and Oil products for the market of Korea and Saudi Arabia.

January 2011

EMT embark on another series of seminar workshop tours to China, Taiwan.

EMT receives further orders from the market of Malaysia.

December 2010

EMT expansion-The EMT Technical team is increased to build a strong service and support presence for all our clients around the world.

EMT starts it 3rd party service operation capable of servicing many manufacturers SF6 and Oil analysis equipment including Predicta and Mitsubichi Chemical Corporation.

EMT receives its first orders for the market of Spain.

EMT receives its first six figure multiple SF6MPU SF6 analyser order for the market of Canada.

November 2010

EMT celebrates a large six figure multiple unit order from a UK regional utility for the assero MFU (SF6 Mass Flow Topping Up units).

EMT receive their first assero orders from Australia.

October 2010

EMT appoint an exclusive representative for the market of China.

Biggest single order for multiple assero units is received from China.

September 2010

Due to the success of the Enervac advanced Insulating Oil Reprocessing and Regeneration plant, another order is placed by a large UK utility for delivery in May 2011.

EMT conduct a series of very successful SF6 handling and Analysis workshop seminars in the Far East including visits to Australia, China and Taiwan.

August 2010

EMT and partners, Enervac celebrate the final commissioning of the worlds most advanced insulating Oil Reprocessing and Regeneration Plant for a large UK utility.

EMT receive an order for the most efficient and advanced Enervac built cable oil processing plant for a large UK public engineering and construction company.

July 2010

EMT receives a large order from a UK utility for assero SF6MFU, Mass Flow Controllers, for SF6 filling and topping up operations. The intuitive software within the SF6MFU allows the end user to measure SF6 quantities and inventory for SF6 emissions and leakage records according to EC842.

May 2010

EMT launch the assero range of SF6 and Oil Handling products in ASIA.

EMT presented to over 400 industry personnel at recent seminars on SF6 and Oil handling throughout ASIA including Phillippines, Thailand, Hong Kong and Australia. The launch included the first demonstration of the world leading SF6MPU5, the worlds first 5-in- SF6 analyser. Sales Director, Vaughan Williams said " It was amazing to see the reaction of our customers to the new features of the SF6MPU. We left the meetings with a so many enquiries that we expect many advance orders over the coming weeks".

April 2010

EMT launches the new assero SF6GCU Gas Collection Unit capable of collecting SF6 from ALL SF6 analysers. The only SF6 Gas Collection device with an internal and External tank, coupled with the new asseroSF6MPU enables all users to conform to challenging legislation regarding controlling SF6 emissions into the atmosphere. With the assero SF6GCU, there is no more SF6 emissions!

March 2010

EMT receives the 1st advance orders for the new assero SF6MPU5 SF6 Analyser range from a large UK utility company.

After 1 year of research and development within the Electricity industry around the world, EMT receives their first production orders for the new 5-in-1 SF6 analyser. Managing Director, Neil Kane said " This is a very proud moment for the team here at EMT. We have worked extremely hard to understand the challenges that our customers are facing in the field of SF6 handling and analysis. We have spent a lot of time in the field all over the world interviewing clients about their needs and issues including their experiences with other equipment. The result is the assero SF6 portfolio, focussed heavily on the SF6 analyser that everyone is talking about- The assero SF6MPU5- the worlds first global, fully compliant 5-in-1 SF6 analyser which not only conforms but exceeds all global SF6 measurement standards. This analysr is the future of SF6 measurement".

Feb 2010

EMT receives the first orders for the assero SF6CTU the worlds first SF6 continuous topping up unit for leaking circuit breakers.

The CTU has been designed in collaboration with one of the top ten utility companies around the world. Working with this utility company and their experts, EMT was able to design and develop an intelligent automatic SF6 topping up system designed to top up assets where there is an SF6 leak which is difficult to pinpoint or strategically, the client cannot get an outage but they need to keep the asset operational.