Durban-based condition monitoring specialists, WearCheck, have bought Anglo Field Services (AFS), which adds three new established divisions to the company’s comprehensive reliability solutions portfolio, including non-destructive testing (NDT), technical compliance (TC) and rope condition assessment (RCA).
The fourth AFS division – asset maintenance management (AMM) – has been absorbed into WearCheck’s existing Reliability Solutions team, boosting the company’s man-power in this section as well as adding technical expertise and additional instrumentation.
Branching into Non-destructive Testing means that WearCheck now conducts a range of analysis techniques through which the properties and condition of a component or system are evaluated without causing any damage to it.
NDT methods are gaining popularity because they do not permanently alter the item undergoing inspection, making NDT a valuable tool that can save both money and time in condition monitoring and inspections – an approach which dovetails perfectly with WearCheck’s ethos.
WearCheck’s new NDT division offers a range of techniques, including eddy-current,magnetic-particle,liquid penetrant,radiographic ,ultrasonic and visual testing.
The new rope testing division provides specialist cable strength assessment and is manned by seven of only 12 people in South Africa who are qualified to conduct these tests.
The technical compliance division provides expert guidance to assist companies to comply with regulatory requirements, and how to rectify violations or problems highlighted during audits.
Prior to merging with WearCheck, AFS operated as part of Anglo’s Technical Division under the Anglo Research section, where they provided specialist NDT and materials consultancy services to Anglo Group companies and other clients on a global basis.
WearCheck is now positioned to offer customers access to an augmented portfolio of reliability solutions in a comprehensive one-stop-shop, leading to cost savings and boosted convenience for customers.
WearCheck MD Neil Robinson believes that the addition of new services enhances the availability of assets operated by WearCheck customers by expanding the choice of condition monitoring options.
‘For example,’ says Robinson, ‘the development and implementation of NDT procedures will have a profound impact on keeping operational maintenance costs down for our customers.
‘The incorporation of AFS into WearCheck has been a seamless process so far, mainly because the two companies operate with a parallel devotion to data integrity and a shared dedication to customer service excellence,’ said Robinson.
‘All 30 AFS staff members have been absorbed into WearCheck’s staff complement, adding their invaluable expertise and knowledge to the WearCheck team.
‘From our side, WearCheck extends a heartfelt welcome to all current AFS customers, and we look forward to bringing new field services clients on board as well as giving our existing clients the benefit of our increased reliability optimisation service offering.’
