Issue link: https://fhpublishing.uberflip.com/i/690456
NETWORK / 19 / JUNE 2016 Pollywood This company is developing a natural replacement for creosote poles because the exemption from the creosote ban will be removed soon. Its engineered wood poles have many environmental benefits, and are strong but light, so they can be positioned without heavy lifting equipment. The company has the support of Northern Powergrid among other networks. Cactus Cactus is the UK distributor of this novel method of mechanical surface preparation – an alternative to conventional grit. The company says this technique, developed by Monti in Germany, removes corrosion with less impact than angle grinding and is cleaner, safer and faster than the conventional approach. The method is recognised by the NACE corrosion authority, and has ATEX Zone one approval. Stickyworld Online collaboration specialist Stickyworld has developed a digital platform to make projects easier to explain and to collect feedback. Organisations can use the platform to create a portal for feedback and engagement with stakeholders. There are 200 portals on the system now, but the opportunity for utilities is to keep consumers informed about excavations and streetworks. Roadmender Asphalt Using a seven-minute heat mix cycle on site, Roadmender's ready mixed bags of asphalt and bitumen let workers make the quantities they need, with no waste, at the correct temperature. Using conventional asphalt, users waste up to 40 % of what they collect from the plant, and have only four to five hours to use the asphalt, limiting production. CNIguard The Turnkey underground structure monitor is suited to the hostile conditions down manholes that would destroy off-the-shelf monitors. Sold in the form of a chip, these sensors can prevent hazards associated with damaged link boxes, stolen cable, exploding manholes, surcharged sewers and blocked gas mains. CNIguard has pilot programmes in the US, and in the UK with UK Power Networks. Netwatch Systems Netwatch revealed its video system that prevents vandalism at unmanned sites such as substations by detecting anomalies – either visually through IP cameras or using thermal cameras. Once an anomaly has been detected, the camera is switched on and streamed to a central control station that issues a verbal warning to the perpetrator.