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14 Tube Products International January 2009
A team headed by Matthias Jeschke,
the man behind some remarkable
record-breaking automobile exploits, is
to attempt a full overland circuit of
the earth – a feat that nobody has
yet achieved. The greatest obstacle on
the extreme voyage will be crossing
the Bering Strait, where the expedition
must take to the open water. To achieve
this, the German company Simona has
produced a float system that will be
subjected to severe demands.
The greatest problem facing the
designers of the float system for vehicles
taking part in the Paris/New York
Transcontinental 2009 expedition was
finding a way to maximise load-bearing
capacity whilst minimising weight. The
engineers used a material capable of
withstanding extreme pressures: Simona
PE-HWU sheets offer outstanding
weathering stability, performing in a
wide range of applications within an
operating range of -50°C to +80°C.
With a combination of low weight
and high impact resistance, effective
handling of the components in the float
system is ensured. For the duration of
the expedition, the Simona floats will be
transported on trailers. When required,
the drivers must be able to attach them
to the jeeps under extreme conditions,
using muscle power only, and then
remove them again.
The international team is aiming to
become the first to circumnavigate the
globe by land using only automobiles,
tracing ancient human migration routes.
In this way, the team will promote carbon
neutrality, the use of renewable energies
and energy efficiency around the world.
The historic route takes in a total of 20
countries as it passes through Europe,
Russia, Mongolia, Alaska, Canada and
the USA. In each country, the emphasis
will be on the ways in which specific
nations, partner organisations and the
project team can unite to combat or
neutralise carbon dioxide emissions.
The Paris/New York Transcontinental
2009 expedition will aim to leave no
carbon footprint. Several measures
will be taken to preserve the integrity
of the environment along the route of
almost 43,000km. To ensure no tyre
tracks are left behind, the convoy will
travel in winter. Whenever off-road, the
vehicles will stick to metres-thick snow,
ice and ground that is deep-frozen in
permafrost.
For the engines, axles and gearboxes,
the expedition will use low-emission
biofuel and bio-oils based on easily bio-
degradable, renewable or regenerative
materials. Carbon levels will be monitored
throughout the project. At the end of the
trip, the carbon dioxide created by the
project will be offset by planting the
appropriate number of trees in close
cooperation with national authorities.
Ultimately, the expedition will contribute
towards a reduction in CO2.
Simona lent its support to the round-the-
world expedition as it fully endorses the
objectives of the project. Environmental
protection and the sustainable use of
resources are key corporate priorities
for Simona. For decades, the company
has avoided using lead and cadmium in
its production processes. The company
also recycles more than 95% of all
waste, feeding these materials back
into the production cycle. Its products
for the automobile industry in particular
serve to reduce weight, contributing to
lower emissions, and its environmental
management system is certified under
DIN EN ISO 14001.
Simona AG – Germany
•
Paris/New York Transcontinental 2009
Extrem Events – Matthias Jeschke eK
– Germany
Olympus launches new
global website
Olympus has launched a newglobal website,
The extensive new site contains information on ultrasound (UT),
eddy current (EC), remote visual (RVI) and high-speed video
(HSV) testing products. The website replaces previous sites
and
In addition to product information, the site offers a wealth of
application notes that guide users to cost-effective test solutions,
as well as software downloads, and a PDF library. The website also
has an extensive educational theory section, with several interactive
tutorials to help users learn more about non-destructive testing technologies. Web content is in several languages: English,
Japanese, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Chinese, Czech, Hungarian, and Vietnamese.
Olympus provides a portfolio of non-destructive solutions, featuring innovative ultrasonic testing, eddy current, and related
testing technologies. The company’s goal is to supply reliable and economical inspection and maintenance systems that
enhance environmental and personal safety, security, and productivity for customers.
Olympus NDT – USA
The homepage of the new Olympus website ▲ ▲
Plastic system for first overland
circuit of the earth