Engine Starting News

IPU to Exhibit at Marintec China – 1-4 December 2015

October 30^th, 2015 in Engine Starting, News

IPU is set to exhibit at one the largest marine industry trade fairs in Asia, Marintec China 2015. Members of IPU’s Engine Starting division will be in Shanghai to showcase our comprehensive range of spring, hydraulic and air start motors. IPU engine start systems provide independent or black-start capability for vessel emergency generators and on board fire pumps. They are robust, reliable and are unaffected by extreme temperatures, making them ideal for marine environments. Spring Starters – A spring starter motor from IPU is a reliable, cost effective way of providing manual starting to for diesel engines. Available for starting engines up to 12 litres, they eliminate any pollution…

IPU to Exhibit at International Workboat Show – 1-3 December 2015

October 28^th, 2015 in Engine Starting

IPU are once again exhibiting at the largest marine industry trade event in North America, the International Workboat Show. The team from IPU UK and IPU USA will be in New Orleans to showcase our comprehensive range of spring, hydraulic and air start motors. IPU engine start systems provide independent or black-start capability for vessel emergency generators and on board fire pumps. They are robust, reliable and are unaffected by extreme temperatures, making them ideal for marine environments. Spring Starters – A spring starter motor from IPU is a reliable, cost effective way of providing manual starting to for diesel engines. Available for starting engines up to 12 litres (730 cubic…

ice breaker engine starting in cold temperatures

Reliable engine starting even in cold temperatures

October 7^th, 2015 in Engine Starting, News

It’s a well-known fact that electric starter motors can struggle when the temperature drops below zero. So how can you make sure your critical systems start in freezing temperatures? IPU doesn’t have one solution – we have three: hydraulic, air and spring starters. Engine starting in cold temperatures can be challenging. Cranking an engine is hard work and takes a significant amount of energy. The job is made even harder during cold weather as low temperatures thicken the viscosity of the oil in the crankcase which increases the drag. The problem is compounded by the poor performance of electric starters at low temperatures. The cold slows down the chemical processes in the battery…

The challenges of ATEX self certification

June 2^nd, 2015 in Engine Starting, News

Self-regulation is a process with a poor reputation. Just ask Fifa. The result is that people are reluctant to trust self-policing organisations. Where platform safety is concerned complete trust is essential. But what level of confidence can be attached to a certificate issued by the same company that manufactured the product. Is ATEX self-certification acceptable or a disaster waiting to happen? ATEX is the standard that governs safety in potentially explosive working environments (including platforms and underground mines). When it comes to ATEX certification there can be no room for uncertainty. That is why IPU’s ATEX approved starters were put through rigorous 3rd party assessment to…

ATEX: Inertia vs Pre-engaged Starter Motors

May 1^st, 2015 in Engine Starting, News

When it comes to choosing a start system for diesel powered equipment, operators will often be faced with a choice between inertia and pre-engaged starter motors. If the equipment is to be used in a hazardous environment (such as a mine or offshore platform) the starter motor will require ATEX approval. In this situation a pre-engaged starter motor is the only choice. But, what is the difference between an inertia and pre-engaged starter motor? And, why do inertia starters struggle to achieve ATEX approval? Let us explain by outlining how each system works. Inertia Starting Systems Inertia starters have long been the tried and tested method of engine starting. They work by rotating the…

What is ATEX certification?

April 23^rd, 2015 in Engine Starting, News

The phrase ‘ATEX certification’ is often used in engine starting, but what exactly does it mean? If you operate an offshore platform or underground mine – or if you supply products to companies that do – ATEX certification means safety. The name ‘ATEX’ is short for “Atmospheres Explosibles” and is a strict set of regulations that applies to products intended for used in any hazardous working environments. This includes areas that contain flammable gases, vapours or combustible dust. If a product is capable of creating an explosion through its own source of ignition (excluding cookers, heaters, etc. which are meant to provide ignition) then it must be ATEX approved.…

IPU TO EXHIBIT AT OGA 2015, MALAYSIA – 2-4 JUNE

April 17^th, 2015 in Engine Starting, News

There are just 6 weeks until the opening of OGA 2015 and IPU will be there to showcase our unique range of ATEX approved hydraulic and air start motors. These ultra-safe products are critical for hazardous environments such as offshore platforms and underground mines. Our pre-engaged hydraulic and air starters are unique. They use a cast iron construction to eliminate aluminium content. ATEX recommends against using aluminium as it is the primary fuel for a thermite reaction. They also fully engage with an engine’s ring-gear before rotating and cranking the engine, eliminating the risk of sparks caused by traditional inertia starting. During the 3 day exhibition in Kuala Lumpur…

New hydraulic system provides reliable starting for Cummins CFP9E-F30

February 23^rd, 2015 in Engine Starting, News

IPU’s Engine Starting Division have recently dispatched two new hydraulic starting systems to supply guaranteed starting to the fire pumps on a new offshore oil platform. The fire pumps are powered by Cummins CFP9E-F30 9-litre engines. The hydraulic starting systems provide a high level of efficiency enabling the Cummins cfp9e-F30 engines to start instantly, regardless of the conditions. These independent, secondary systems act as a reliable starting mechanism in case the primary electrical systems fail. Client specifications Number of starts 3 Length of starts 5 seconds cranking duration Recharge system Electric Reliability The client required a starting system which was…

IPU arrives stateside with a new office in Houston

November 14^th, 2014 in Engine Starting, News

IPU has announced the opening of a new stateside office to provide local support to the company’s growing international customer base. The US office joins IPU overseas support alongside offices in France and Malaysia plus a global network of distributors. Lawrie Freeman will lead the new Houston office. He joins the IPU family having worked in the Engine Starting industry for over 30 years. He brings an extraordinary amount of industry experience to clients in the region. IPU USA will be marking its American debut by exhibiting at the International Workboat Show in New Orleans. Lawrie will be joined by members of the Engine Starting Division to introduce the IPU range of…

Still time to book your free tickets to see IPU at the International Workboat Show

November 7^th, 2014 in Engine Starting, News

There are just a few weeks left to secure your free tickets to see IPU at the largest marine industry trade event in North America, the International Workboat Show. Our team will be welcoming delegates to view our range of non electric secondary start systems that are ideal for marine applications as well as the oil & gas and mining industries. Spring Starters – A spring starter motor from IPU is a reliable, cost effective way of providing manual starting to for diesel engines. Suitable for engines up to 12 litres, they eliminate any pollution risk, are simple to install and are ideally suited to harsh environments such as offshore and marine applications. Air Starters – IPU…