Blog: 2012
Should you care about power plant cycling?
Before we say too much on this topic, let us define the term “power plant cycling”. Cycling refers to the operation of electric generating units at varying load levels... More…
A Closer Look: Electrical Safety for 2013 - Part I
Learn more about the top electrical safety tips for this holiday season. More specifically, our experts also will provide insight into how to start the New Year off to a safe start. More…
The New Standard for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) - Part II
Following the much-anticipated revision of SAE J1772, the new North American safety standard for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and electric vehicle (EV) conductive charge couplers in October 2012... More…
The New Standard for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) - Part I
The new revision of SAE J1772 provides critical design guidelines for charging controls and connectors used to charge plug-in vehicles... More…
New Canadian & US Racking and Tracker Safety Requirements
If you manufacture Photovoltaic Module Racking Systems or Tracking Systems in the US, you probably know that the UL 2703 and 3703 subject standards are fast becoming industry requirements. Until recently... More…
Canada Launches Mandatory DSL Survey to Industry for 2700 Substances
The Domestic Substances List Inventory Update (DSL IU) is an initiative put forward by Environment Canada to gather and update the information on all the medium priority DSL-listed substances which were not captured under the Substance Groupings Initiative. More…
A Closer Look: Chemicals in Marine Fuel
Chemical contamination within marine fuels can place fuel purchasers and suppliers into potential conflict. Standards, a uniform approach, and third-party laboratories can help. More…
Developing Engine Oils is Essentially Invisible to the Motor Vehicle Owners, but Absolutely Critical to Vehicle Engine Life
The engine oil lubricant industry and the infrastructure to support the effort to reliably market quality engine oils is largely invisible to the average driver of a pickup truck, passenger car, delivery truck, bus, freight hauler, etc. More…
(Video) Dean Schoppe discusses market drivers in the engines, fuels and lubricants industries
The big drivers of the fuel lubricant and emissions market are the engine manufacturers along with regulatory agencies (i.e., EPA). Learn more as Dean discusses the impact they have on the industry. More…
The Differences Between VOC Content and Emissions
Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) testing is growing in popularity and importance in many industries. As I address more and more requests to evaluate many different products for VOC, one critical question that usually needs to be answered: Is the testing required going to be for VOC content or VOC emission? More…
California experiments with Cap and Trade
The United States came close to setting its own emissions trading plan similar to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. However, the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES), an energy bill in the 111th United States Congress that would have established an emissions trading plan failed in the senate. More…
A Closer Look: Medium-Heavy Duty Engine Fuel Economy
Recently mandated fuel economy standards are forcing engine manufacturers to squeeze every last drop from fuel. More…
Predictions, pitfalls and some solutions
Today’s expert blogger is Nikhil Kumar, Program Lead – Utility Economics for Intertek. Nikhil is based in Sunnyvale, CA and is leading the Smart - Asset Integrity Management (AIM) services business for the company. More…
From Waste to Biofuel: A prosperous business opportunity due to double counting
Compared to biofuels produced out of agricultural commodities, biofuels based on waste resources are much more environmental friendly. This fact was recognized within the EU Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC (RED). More…
Hydrogen Sulphide – Creating a Stink for Vessel Owners and Operators?
The presence of Hydrogen Sulphide in marine fuels has always been viewed by vessel owners / operators as an occupational hazard. It is widely accepted that at some point in time a vessel will receive a parcel of fuel that contains higher than expected levels of H2S and will be expected to handle it in a manner which does not endanger the onboard crew. More…
Essential Performance and Expected Service Life
Essential Performance and Expected Service Life are two of the most misunderstood requirements in 60601-1, Third Edition standard. Here are some tips to help navigate these two topics. More…
Is there a shift in the adoption of safety training?
Testing, certification and staff training services have evolved to help organizations that want to build a 'culture' of safety. In specific industries - such as oil and gas and mining - organizations must… More…
(Video) Don Kemper discusses Supply Chain Management Auditing: What is an AVL?
Don Kemper, Intertek Supply Chain Management Auditing Quality & Division Manager, discusses what clients should consider before using various suppliers. More…
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Are your walls telling you something – or not?
From the constant buzz of cell phones to video conference calls and just the regular “office” noise that is created on a daily basis, do you ever wonder how all that noise is absorbed? More…
Renewable Fuel for Your Aircraft: Bioaviation Fuel Quality Continues to Improve
The aviation industry is at the center of the adaptation of biofuels. Why? Fuel quality is vital to the safety of any aircraft in flight. More…
ABC's of Safety: Actions, Beliefs and Consequences - Diane Dick
A key question many organizations as themselves is: How do people behave and does their behavior present a safety risk? More…