Shield Technologies gains national media exposure

Shield Technologies CEO Wayne Holt formed part of the expert panel on Summit TV’s The Big Small Business show, which aired on February 19, 2013. The in-studio interview provides advice for small business success, and aims to give viewers practical and down-to-earth business advice for any type of small business, whether well established or starting from the ground up.

Together with a number of industry experts, Holt and the panel offered advice to viewers that focused on the correct training of distributors to ensure that they act as an extension of the business that is motivated and eager to sell the relevant product. He said: “Distributors are the way forward for a business such as Shield, which focuses on a niche product and market, where advertising simply does not have the same effect.”

An important issue raised during the discussion was the option of running sales conferences with various incentives for different distributor packages. “The only way that Shield can penetrate the market is through educating potential customers on Shield’s products and services by making use of our distributors’ far reach, and I believe that the same applies for any other small business in South Africa that is in a similar position,” Holt added. “With this in mind, Shield appointed a sales person in March 2013, in order to prompt potential growth opportunities that the company has identified.”

Appearing on 702 Talk Radio’s Business Accelerator Show on March 18, 2013, Holt promoted the benefits of Shield’s Spatter Guard range of products, which protect weld surfaces from weld spatter in high temperature applications. Small business expert Pavlo Phitides was also on hand to provide valuable advice and insight into how Shield can successfully expand.

He said: “Shield Technologies is a very important business for South Africa. During the 2008 economic downturn, overseas companies became very aggressive about entering into the South African market and, all of a sudden, a large amount of industrial businesses in the services and manufacturing side found themselves on the back foot. Shield has been able to provide significant value to this industry, as the company’s products can actually reduce costs by up to 90 per cent.”

The show highlighted the fact that Shield has been in business for ten years, and that Holt has committed himself to searching for the latest products and technologies that can benefit the local industry, by travelling abroad extensively and meeting with various experts. These technologies were then brought back to South Africa, adapted for local conditions, before being trademarked and patented by Shield. Holt admitted that the biggest challenge facing Shield is promoting the benefits of the company’s industry leading products to the local market. These include gas optimisation and measurement solutions that encompass gas leak detection and gas flow management, in addition to the previously mentioned Spatter Guard surface protection products.

Phitides explained that old habits die hard. “What Shield needs to do to get education out there is to enter into the welding artisan world at a very early stage, so that artisans are familiar with the product from the very beginning. Make the product available to artisan programmes. This will create a best practice around welding in general and the product will eventually be the first option and the first step taken before any welding project begins.”

He indicated that the company should also be positioned as a technology expert that reduces cost and optimises efficiency in industrial services and manufacturing. “Shield has a very particular skill in identifying gaps and niches where, through providing a solution, the company can bring down the cost of an operation.”

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Shield Technologies introduces compressed air leak detection service

Shield Technologies CEO Wayne Holt points out that the company identified a gap in the local market, after it became apparent that the majority of its client base makes use of air compressors on a regular basis. He indicates that one of the greatest benefits of compressed air leak detection is the resultant energy savings.
“Compressed air leakage is a very inefficient use of energy, and it is recommended that leak surveys be carried out at least twice a year in order to save on costs, and to eliminate the risk of downtime associated to large ruptures that have to be repaired,” Holt explains.
Compressed air as an energy transmitting medium is versatile, flexible and safe – making it a popular choice for use in industry.

Typically, compressed air accounts for about 10 percent of the total electrical power consumed by industry. According to research undertaken by the University of Cape Town (UCT), the cumulative costs of compressed air over a ten year period comprises of 10 percent maintenance, 15 percent capital and 75 percent energy.


The UCT study also found that 30 percent of the total electrical energy used to compress air is wasted, meaning that potential savings could be reaped through the introduction of simple and cost effective measures that minimise this avoidable wastage, without compromising production at all.
Leakage is not only a direct source of wasted energy, but also an indirect contributor to operating costs. As leaks increase, the system pressure drops, and air tools function less efficiently and production is affected. Often the only solution is to increase generation pressure to compensate for the losses. Increased running time can also lead to additional maintenance requirements and increased unscheduled downtime. Leaks can also lead to adding unnecessary compressor capacity.
As part of a value added service to its client base, Holt notes that the company makes use of the internationally recognised SDT Ultrasonic Detector to swiftly identify compressed air leaks which can then be easily repaired. The system is manufactured by SDT International – a global leader in the manufacture of ultrasonic measuring instruments and related technology.
“The SDT Ultrasonic Detector provides the most precise and cost effective solutions in leak detection, as any compressed air leak can be quickly and safely identified from up to 80 m away, even in a noisy factory environment,” he continues.
According to Holt, compressed air leaks generate friction, which in turn create ultrasonic sound waves that cannot be heard by humans. “Ultrasounds are recognised as sounds that cannot be heard by humans, with a frequency of more than 20 kHz. The friction created by leaking gas is very specific, and can be anywhere between 38 kHz to 40 kHz, which is completely undetectable to workers.”
Holt explains that the SDT Ultrasonic Detector enables Shield Technologies to detect the leak, even in a noisy factory environment. “High frequency sounds are more directional than lower frequency, which makes it easier to pinpoint the source even in the presence of other background noises.”

In addition to being highly accurate, the SDT Ultrasonic Detector is also user friendly. The basic set-up in control situations consists of a hand held unit with headphones, a meter, a sensitivity adjustment and a number of different sensors. Some applications, where leak tightness testing integrity is measured, also require a transmitter.
Holt continues: “The user simply has to walk with the unit at a standard pace to allow for scanning along the X axis and Y axis. Once the leak has been detected, the area can be identified using a laser pointer or gun sight on the parabolic dish, or more accurately detected when using a flexible sensor with an attached focusing cone. The leak is then marked with paint, and the relevant maintenance team can be commissioned to fix the leaks by making use of the correct fittings and sealer, as well as a recommended o-clip, which is crimped onto hoses where necessary.”
Although Shield Technologies does not undertake the necessary repairs internally, Holt concludes by adding that the company does, however, have a comprehensive list of recommended pressurised equipment installers that are fully authorised and equipped to undertake the relevant repairs.

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Reduce weld spatter and save

Shield Technologies range of surface protection solutions include the premium Spatter Guard HT Plus, the entry-level Spatter Guard C and Spatter Guard Nozzle Gel. Shield CEO Wayne Holt explains that Spatter Guard HT Plus is a high quality liquid product that creates a heat absorbing film barrier to protect weld surfaces from weld spatter in high temperature applications.

“The product creates adouble action protective film preventing adherence of weld spatter in high temperature applicationsby cooling down the particle before it can fuse with the material. It is ideally suited to carbon steels, stainless steels, 3CR12 and aluminium, and can be used in gas metal arc welding, flux cored arc welding and shielded metal arc welding processes.”

Holt highlights the fact that one of the most important benefits of Spatter Guard is the fact that it is entirely silicon free. “Most products in the local market are silicon based, which proves to be a challenge during the painting or powdering process, due to the fact that when the silicon is exposed to high temperatures, it creates a glass-like silicate on the weld surface also known as silicon islands.”

According to Holt, these silicon islands either chip away during painting process – causing an uneven coating, or in the worst case scenario, contaminate the primer bath. “If they fall into a primer bath, the entire batch will have to be discarded, and this could cost a company millions of rand. What’s more, silicon is hazardous to the health of workers, who very often suffer from serious lung diseases from prolonged exposure. Spatter Guard entirely eliminates this health risk.

Further issues around safety when using aerosols is the risk of fire or explosion due to the use of propane as the propellant. We have even seen products containing dichloromethane as a solvent which is a known carcinogen,” says Holt.

Due to the fact that Spatter Guard comes in liquid form, Holt points out that it is more environmentally friendly, when compared to industry standard aerosol products. “The disposal of aerosols is a major environmental issue that is also expensive to enforce. Another advantage of a liquid product is that it works out to be more cost effective per litre. This is due to the fact that aerosols are typically comprised of around 25 per cent atomised propellant, such as propane, which is discharged into the atmosphere when utilised,” he continues.

Holt notes that the entry level Spatter Guard C can be used in similar applications to the premium Spatter Guard HT Plus, only at lower operating temperatures. “Spatter Guard C is designed for the same applications, only at significantly lower welding temperatures. These applications include truck and trailer, automotive, transformer, agricultural, fabrication and armoured carriers.”

Further, Holt points out that Spatter Guard Nozzle Gel, which is a mineral oil based wax, can be used to prevent spatter build up on the tip of the welding torch. “On the welding torch, there is a copper contact tip and a wire that comes through it, which both get exceptionally hot during welding, thereby generating spatter. These spatter particles stick to the nozzle and tip and block the gas flow through the nozzle,” Holt continues.

In these situations, the welder then has to clean the spatter away using a file or other abrasive tools. This process wears the nozzle out and ultimately decreases its lifespan. “Spatter Guard Nozzle Gel is simply pushed into the tip of the nozzle when it is hot. It then melts, forming a protective film thereby preventing the unnecessary build up of spatter, hence improving productivity and ensuring product quality” he adds.

Shield has exclusive patents on its entire range of Spatter Guard products, which are all manufactured entirely in house.

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Shield provides SA industries with a sound solution to gas leak detection

Johannesburg-based Shield boasts a comprehensive range of products that include; gas optimisation and measurement solutions that encompass gas leak detection and gas flow management, in addition to surface protection products that reduce weld spatter.

As part of a value added service to its client base, Shield CEO Wayne Holt notes that the company makes use of the internationally recognised SDT Ultrasonic Gas Leak Detector to swiftly identify gas leaks which can then be easily repaired. The system is manufactured by SDT International – a global leader in the manufacture of ultrasonic measuring instruments and related technology.

He says: “Unchecked gas leaks contribute towards substantial financial losses and could result in a potentially hazardous situation if the gas is flammable or toxic to humans. The SDT Ultrasonic Gas Detector provides the most precise and cost effective solutions in leak detection, as any compressed gas leak can be quickly and safely identified from up to 80 m away, even in a noisy factory environment.”

According to Holt, gas leaks generate friction, which in turn create ultrasonic sound waves that cannot be heard by the human ear. “Ultrasounds are recognised as sounds that cannot be heard by humans, with a frequency of more than 20 kHz. The friction created by leaking gas is very specific, and can be anywhere between 38 kHz to 40 000kHz, which iscompletely undetectable to workers,” he continues.

Holt explains that the SDT Ultrasonic Gas Detector enables Shield to detect the leak, even in a noisy factory environment. “High frequency sounds are more directional than lower frequency, which makes it easier to pinpoint the source even in the presence of other background noises.”

In addition to being highly accurate, the SDT Ultrasonic Gas Detector is also user friendly. The basic set-up in control situations consists of a hand held unit with headphones, a meter, a sensitivity adjustment and a number of different sensors. Some applications, where leak tightness testing integrity is measured, also require a transmitter.

Holt continues: “The user simply has to walk with the unit at a standard pace to allow for scanning along the X axis and Y axis. Once the leak has been detected, the area can be identified using a lazer pointer or gun sight on the parabolic dish, or more accurately detected when using a flexiblesensor with an attached focussing cone. The leak is then marked with paint, and the relevant maintenance team can be commissioned to fix the leaks by making use of the correct fittings and sealer as well as a recommended o-clip, which is crimped onto hoses where necessary.”

Holt highlights the fact that the majority of gas leaks in South African industrial operations are a direct result of poor maintenance of gas supply lines. “Leak detection should ideally be carried out every six months, however, a number of companies go years without undertaking any checks, and are completely unaware that they in fact have numerous leaks that have been caused as a result of degradation and wear-and-tear over a period of time.”

In order to ensure minimal gas wastage, Shield manufactures its own branded Shielding Gas Economiser System, which together with accurate gas consumption measurement, complements the SDT Ultrasonic Gas Detector by providing a turnkey solution for welding where companies have the ability to carefully monitor and optimise gas consumption through the system’s measurement technology.

An important component of this technology is that the Gas Economiser prevents surges at start-up, allowing for an even flow during welding. In addition, users are also able to conduct routine leak detection surveys. The result has been significant gas and financial savings for Shield clients.

“During challenging economic conditions, most companies operating in the industrial sector have been looking for ways to optimise savings in their facilities. Some of our clients have already realised savings of up to 90 per cent in gas volume consumption,” says Holt. “What’s more, the system has proven to be so effective that some clients are now purchasing additional units of the Gas Economiser and are already making up their initial investment in terms of gas savings.”

Holt stresses the fact that any company concerned about gas leakages simply has to contact Shield to undertake a complete analysis using the SDT Ultrasonic Gas Detector. “Shield aims to provide a comprehensive and holistic service offering to its clients, by providing leak detection services in a professional and cost effective manner, while supplying fixed systems such as the Gas Economiser to ensure further operational savings and worker safety.”

From humble beginnings in 2001, Shield Technologies has established a proven track with customers that include; Actom Group, Kwikot, Powertech, Tenneco Ride Control and The Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa. The company’s ethos has resulted in a range of locally designed and manufactured products that not only offer operational value and guaranteed savings but are also environmentally friendly. As the recipient of numerous industry awards, Shield Technologies strives to continually bring innovative and efficient welding solutions to the local market.

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Ground-breaking gas saving technology for industrial enterprises has the market sitting up and taking notice

Keeping up with global trends, staying competitive and keeping operating costs down in a tough economic climate, has many industrial manufacturers under a great deal of pressure – which is why smart innovations such as the Shielding Gas Economiser from Shield Technologies, are a welcome addition for those businesses that rely on optimum welding solutions.

Shield Technologies, a supplier of welding solutions that cut costs and increase operating efficiency is the company behind the new Shielding Gas Economiser System. This environmentally-friendly innovation is already helping industry to make significant financial savings.

The Shielding Gas Economiser provides a turnkey solution for welding where companies have the ability to carefully monitor and optimise gas consumption through the system’s flow meter technology. An important component of this new technology is that the Gas Economiser prevents surges at start-up, allowing for an even flow during welding. In addition users are also able to conduct routine leak detection surveys.

“The result has been a significant gas and financial saving for many of our customers,” says Wayne Holt, managing director of Shield Technologies. “Some of our clients have already realised savings of up to 70% in gas volume consumption,” he added.

One such client is Hendrik Tolmay, manufacturing manager at City Office, a Gauteng-based manufacturer of office furniture, who says that the Shielding Gas Economiser System has already made a remarkable difference to the City Office manufacturing facility. “During the tough economic conditions we were looking for ways to optimise savings in facility,” says Tolmay.

“The system has proven to be so effective that we have already purchased our 10th Gas Economiser from Shield Technologies,” he added. “In the first month we halved our gas consumption and in just three months, we noticed that we had already recovered our initial investment in terms of the massive gas saving we were now making on a monthly basis,” says Tolmay.

It’s not just the Shield Technologies clients who have noticed the many advantages of the Shielding Gas Economiser. In November 2010, Shield Technologies scooped the Industrial Innovator of the Year Award at the Eskom ETA Awards.
Holt says that the Gas Economiser System can also be applied to other gases such as oxygen and nitrogen for use in food, healthcare and other industrial applications.

Holt goes on to say that with the industrial sector now turning its attention towards driving environmental compliance, the Gas Economiser System can also play a significant role in reducing a company’s carbon footprint with measurable results.

Shield Technologies prides itself in its ability to produce the most efficient gas solutions in the industry. “We develop solutions that suit our customers’ unique operation requirements resulting in maximum savings,” he concluded.

Issued on behalf of Shield Technologies by Real Simple Marketing.
For Editorial Enquiries, kindly contact:
Susan Moffett
Real Simple Marketing
Tel: 011-262-5000
Fax: 086-671-0572
Cell: 082-445-2920
Email: smoffett@realsimplemarketing.co.za
Web: www.realsimplemarketing.co.za

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The Shielding Gas Economiser from Shield Technologies

Ground-breaking gas saving technology for industrial enterprises has the market sitting up and taking notice.
Keeping up with global trends, staying competitive and keeping operating costs down in a tough economic climate, has many industrial manufacturers under a great deal of pressure – which is why smart innovations such as the Shielding Gas Economiser from Shield Technologies, are a welcome addition for those businesses that rely on optimum welding solutions.

Shield Technologies, a supplier of welding solutions that cut costs and increase operating efficiency is the company behind the new Shielding Gas Economiser System. This environmentally-friendly innovation is already helping industry to make significant financial savings.

The Shielding Gas Economiser provides a turnkey solution for welding where companies have the ability to carefully monitor and optimise gas consumption through the system’s flow meter technology. An important component of this new technology is that the Gas Economiser prevents surges at start-up, allowing for an even flow during welding. In addition users are also able to conduct routine leak detection surveys.

“The result has been a significant gas and financial saving for many of our customers,” says Wayne Holt, managing director of Shield Technologies. “Some of our clients have already realised savings of up to 90% in gas volume consumption,” he added.

During the tough economic conditions, most companies operating in the industrial sector have been looking for ways to optimise savings in facility. According to Holt, the system has proven to be so effective that some Shield Technologies clients are now purchasing additional units of the Gas Economiser and already making up their initial investment in terms of gas savings.

It’s not just the Shield Technologies clients who have noticed the many advantages of the Shielding Gas Economiser. In November 2010, Shield Technologies scooped the Industrial Innovator of the Year Award at the Eskom ETA Awards.
Holt says that the Gas Economiser System can also be applied to other gases such as oxygen and nitrogen for use in food, healthcare and other industrial applications.

Holt goes on to say that with the industrial sector now turning its attention towards driving environmental compliance, the Gas Economiser System can also play a significant role in reducing a company’s carbon footprint with measurable results.

Shield Technologies prides itself in its ability to produce the most efficient gas solutions in the industry. “We develop solutions that suit our customers’ unique operation requirements resulting in maximum savings,” he concluded.

Issued on behalf of Shield Technologies by Real Simple Marketing.
For Editorial Enquiries, kindly contact:
Susan Moffett
Real Simple Marketing
Tel: 011-262-5000
Fax: 086-671-0572
Cell: 082-445-2920
Email: smoffett@realsimplemarketing.co.za
Web: www.realsimplemarketing.co.za

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FabTech Exhibition

FabTech is North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, finishing and welding event.

Visit us at our stand at the FabTech exhibition in Chicago from 14-17 November 2011 (Booth no. 6507).

For more information about FabTech visit their website www.fabtechexpo.com.

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Johannesburg International Motor Show

The Johannesburg International Motor Show is the single largest international automotive event in Southern Africa. This event takes place at the MTN Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec, Johannesburg, and is a comprehensive automotive lifestyle show case.

Visit us at our stand at the Johannesburg International Motor Show from 6-16 October 2011.
We will be stand no: 10C15.

For more information visit www.jhbmotorshow.co.za.

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