NEWS ASK THE EXPERT
DAVID HOLCOMBE, GROUP SALES MANAGER
LABFACILITY M
aking thermocouple connections easier to manage Q. How can process engineers simplify multiple thermocouple connections while maintaining
reliable temperature measurement? A. When a process relies on several temperature measurement points, managing the connections can become a challenge. Loose leads, unclear identification and difficult access can make routine checks time-consuming and increase the risk of reconnecting a sensor to the wrong channel after maintenance. For engineers working with test rigs, control panels or
production equipment, a clearly organised connection point can make a significant difference. It allows individual sensors to be disconnected and replaced without repeatedly disturbing permanent wiring, helping to simplify maintenance and fault- finding.
However, selecting the correct connector is essential. Connector contact materials must be compatible with the thermocouple type to minimise unwanted thermoelectric effects, particularly where temperature differences occur across connections. Correct polarity and suitable extension or compensating cable
are equally important. Labfacility’s miniature and standard thermocouple panel systems
provide a practical way to bring multiple connections together in one accessible location. The pre-assembled range offers configurations from one to 24 ways, in many thermocouple type options, and panels that can be mounted horizontally or vertically to suit the available space. Available in IEC, ANSI and JIS colour coding, with each connector labelled by thermocouple type, these panels help engineers quickly identify the correct connection, while polarised connectors help prevent reversed connections. Clearly labelling each channel adds another useful safeguard, making it easier to match each sensor to its measurement point.
For example, a test rig monitoring several positions can use a panel as a central connection interface. During maintenance, an engineer can disconnect the relevant sensor at the panel, fit a replacement and verify the channel before returning the system to service.
As a UK manufacturer of thermocouple connectors and temperature sensors, Labfacility can help engineers select suitable components for their application. Custom panels combining different thermocouple types can also be produced to meet specific requirements.
The key is to consider the complete measurement chain: sensor, cable, connector and instrument. A well-planned panel arrangement supports dependable connections, easier servicing and a more manageable temperature monitoring system. u
www.labfacility.com
6 PROCESS & CONTROL ENGINEERING | OCTOBER 2026
A BOOST FOR THE HYDROGEN MARKET
A
tlas Copco has introduced the H2Y hydraulic booster to the UK market, strengthening its
offer for manufacturers, energy project developers and infrastructure operators working with high-pressure hydrogen. The 100% oil-free compression system is designed to raise hydrogen to the pressures required for storage, distribution and dispensing, particularly for hydrogen mobility, refuelling stations, trailer filling and other high- pressure hydrogen applications. Its introduction comes as the UK
hydrogen sector faces a decisive shift from strategy and project announcements towards delivery. While hydrogen remains central to many industrial decarbonisation plans, the success of individual schemes increasingly depends on the supporting infrastructure around production, storage, transport and use. Compression is a key part of that infrastructure. For operators, the H2Y combines high-pressure performance with predictive maintenance, long service intervals, closed-loop water cooling and integrated control options. Its design also helps minimise hydrogen losses during operating cycles. Chris Hyde, Business Line Manager for Air and Gas Applications at Atlas Copco UK, said: “If hydrogen is going to be used in power generation or industrial applications it needs to be available at the right pressure and with the right level of control. The H2Y gives UK customers a high-pressure boosting solution designed for those realities, from variable inlet pressure to reduced gas losses and long-term serviceability.” The H2Y range can be configured for discharge pressures of up to 1,000 bar(g), depending on the application, making it suitable for hydrogen refuelling stations and other applications where high-pressure performance, reliability and safe gas handling are critical. It has been developed to handle variable inlet pressure and flow rates, helping operators respond to changing production and demand conditions.
For operators, the H2Y hydraulic booster combines high-pressure performance with features that support day-to-day reliability, including predictive maintenance, long service intervals, closed-loop water cooling, integrated control options and no gas blow-off on start and stop. This helps reduce the amount of hydrogen intentionally vented during operating cycles. The system can also be supplied as a plug-and-play or containerised package, supporting easier integration into new or developing hydrogen projects. u
https://hubs.li/Q04vd8dk0
P FINDING & FIXING LEAKS FASTER
ortsmouth Water has partnered with Lightsonic to find and fix leaks faster this winter. Portsmouth Water will roll out the advanced leak detection
technology across parts of its network using Openreach’s Full Fibre infrastructure. The technology will use fibre optic cables that run alongside water pipes to detect the sound of leaks, helping to identify and repair leaks more quickly in preparation for the winter season. The new technology is due to be introduced in December 2026, as Portsmouth Water prepares for colder temperatures that can put more pressure on water networks, leading to a rise in bursts and leaks. Lightsonic’s technology can identify sound patterns created by leaking water, helping to pinpoint potential leaks to within 10 metres. It does this by using Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) to transform existing fibre optic cables into a continuous sensing network. The technology is already delivering significant benefits, helping technicians find up to four times more leaks than traditional methods. u
www.lightsonic.ai
https://youtu.be/UZXB9J-ka4s
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