Author Archives: Dan Fletcher

New Brighton, 9/18/2024 – Water well solutions have been at the heart of Johnson Screens’ identity for 120 years, in which time we have come to be recognized as the premier brand in multiple product and service categories. In addition to our industry-leading stainless steel and PVC well screens, the company specializes in adjacent accessories essential to building and maintaining an efficient water well.

One such accessory is the Shur-Align® Stainless Steel Coupling for PVC Drop Pipe. Johnson Screens’ stainless steel Shur-Align® drop pipe coupling has a long-entry bell, allowing for the quickest makeup and most economical PVC assembly solution for water well applications. The unique Shur-Align® drop pipe coupling reduces cross-threading, and the smooth outer surface minimizes hangup issues.

Benefits & Features of Johnson Screens Shur-Align® Stainless Steel Couplings Include:

• • Couplings are pre-assembled on 1″, 1.25″, 1.5″, 2″ S/80 or S/120 Male X Male PVC Drop Pipe
• • 304 Stainless Steel couplings
• • Industry-first long lead inlet reduces cross threading
• • Beveled ends reduce hang-ups
• • Built-in ribs provide secure tool placement for tightening connections
• • Superior strength
• • Patented design

It’s no secret that Johnson Screens literally wrote the book on water well solutions! For best practices, assembly tips, and other technical information on the Shur-Align® Stainless Steel Coupling for PVC Drop Pipe, view the product sheet at the link below.

New Brighton, September 27™, 2024 – Johnson Screens is thrilled to formally announce the unveiling of the new StaySafe™ Hold-Down Screens Family for petrochemical processing applications! 

Hold-down screens are among the most common screening solutions used in fixed bed downflow reactors but have relied on designs that have experienced little change over the last several decades. There are two basic types of hold-down screens utilized in these reactors: 

• Floating screens rest directly on the media but must be fully removed before replacing the media bed. 
• Supported screens with ‘manways’ which rest on internal beams or a support ring within the vessel. The manway must be removed before the media can be extracted at the beginning of a ‘turnaround.’  

Both designs require workers to enter the confined space of the vessel to perform the screen/manway removal. Even after a vessel is shut down and purged with inert gas, it remains a potentially pyrophoric and volatile environment for workers who must enter the vessels to disassemble and remove a hold-down screen or manway to evacuate the media. Entering the confined space of these vessels requires companies to comply with strict permitting, process and safety protocols established by several regulatory agencies including OSHA, API, ANSI/ASSP, and NFPA.  

Compliance with these process and safety requirements for entering vessels and confined spaces mitigate risks to workers and companies, however, it is a time consuming and costly process. As such, the chemical processing and refining industry has begun to demand new screens that reduce risk to workers and improve efficiencies of the media removal process by reducing the need for confined space entry to remove media, and that is where the new Johnson Screens StaySafe™ Family of Hold-Down screens comes in! 

Johnson Screens is proud to offer two new Hold-Down screening solutions as part of this product family: 

• • The StaySafe™ Floating Safety Hold-Down Screen​, featuring our “No-Entry” screen removal design for media access. 
• • The StaySafe™ Screen with Safety Manway, featuring the “No-Entry” manway removal design for media access. 

The StaySafe™ Floating Safety Hold-Down Screen consists of a series of interlocking panels that create a high-performance hold-down screen without requiring a nuts-and-bolts assembly. Users can safely disconnect and remove all screen components through the vessel manway, so no confined space entry is required to gain access to the media.

The StaySafe™ Screen with Safety Manway utilizes the standard nuts and bolts assembly of the main screen in combination with a unique latch-bar design which securely holds and seals the manway in place. Users can safely release the latch bar and remove the manway from the screen through the vessel manway, ensuring complete ‘No-Entry’ access to the media. Once the media is replaced, the manway can also be re-installed without entering the vessel.

The Johnson Screens StaySafe™ Screen Solutions Family combine the proven thermal and flow performance and durability of Vee-Wire™ with unique innovation for the refining industry that improves worker safety and shortens turnaround time. By eliminating the need for workers to enter a vessel to remove a hold-down screen or manway media bed, changes are safer and more efficient. Johnson Screens is excited to see the benefits these remarkable screening solutions will bring to the world of refining and petrochemical processing! 

About Johnson Screens 

Johnson Screens is the leading global provider of screening and auxiliary solutions. We support a wide range of industries, such as water wells, environmental, energy, chemicals, food and beverage, and mining, with our highly engineered and precisely fabricated products. 

Media 

Renato Barbedo – Global Marketing Director
renato.barbedo@johnsonscreens.com 

Ahmedabad, April 16th, 2024 – The shift from academic to professional life can be a jarring one for young adults around the world, particularly for those preparing to enter industries where on-the-job experience is essential for one’s success.  

Johnson Screens has previously worked to establish pathways for helping train young professionals, most notably at our New Brighton facility where through a partnership with the Mounds View Public School District, we have welcomed several students to participate in Career & Technical Education (CTE) welding instruction. More recently, however, our team in Ahmedabad, India, has taken this initiative to the next level. 

“Johnson Screens is thrilled to announce the opening of the Aakar Training Institute for welding instruction!” says Shiven Amin, Chief Executive Officer of Johnson Screens India Pvt. Ltd. “We are proud to give back to society with the launch of this free training institution to teach and train young enthusiasts in the craft of welding.” 

Open to ITI graduates and 10th pass students, the Aakar Training Institute represents an “earn while you learn” educational opportunity in which renumeration will be given to interns based on their participation and performance within the program. This is a wonderful example of Johnson Screens’ True North Values of Competence and Open-Mindedness at work. The quest for knowledge is a never-ending journey, and we are excited to invite these young minds to join us in realizing our vision of a world where protecting lives and precious natural resources comes first! 

“I try to instill an ‘infinite mindset’ in myself and my team,” says Shiven. “Taking time to prepare the next generation for success is how we ensure our future is in good hands, and that’s the kind of lasting impact I want my company to have on the world.” 

About Johnson Screens 

Johnson Screens is the leading global provider of screening and auxiliary solutions. We support a wide range of industries, such as water wells, environmental, energy, chemicals, food and beverage, and mining, with our highly engineered and precisely fabricated products. 

Media 

Renato Barbedo – Global Marketing Director
renato.barbedo@johnsonscreens.com 

São Paulo, Brasil, 12 de abril de 2024 – A Johnson Brasil deu um passo ousado em direção ao futuro, ao implementar óculos HoloLens inovadores em suas visitas a clientes. Esta nova tecnologia de Realidade Aumentada (RA) promete revolucionar a forma como enfrentamos os desafios técnicos e proporcionar uma experiência única e imersiva. 

Um exemplo marcante de como o HoloLens está transformando nossas interações com os clientes ocorreu durante uma visita à Sabesp Brasil. Enquanto discutimos os desafios do cliente que abordaríamos com a tela rotativa Johnson Screens RT, o HoloLens nos permitiu visualizar as melhorias resultantes feitas no sistema de movimento RT do cliente em tempo real, permitindo-nos chegar rapidamente a uma solução otimizada e resolver problemas em conjunto com a equipe técnica do cliente. 

O que aconteceu a seguir foi verdadeiramente surpreendente. Com o HoloLens, conseguimos criar um espaço de trabalho 3D fluente, permitindo-nos visualizar o problema e sua potencial solução em tempo real. A capacidade de interagir com modelos tridimensionais enquanto estávamos no local proporcionou uma compreensão mais profunda da situação, permitindo-nos identificar rapidamente a melhor abordagem para resolver o problema. 

“Essa experiência exemplifica o poder transformador da realidade aumentada quando aplicada ao atendimento ao cliente. Não só nos permitiu oferecer uma solução rápida e eficaz para o problema enfrentado pelo cliente, mas também demonstrou nosso compromisso com a inovação e o uso de tecnologias de ponta para melhorar continuamente nossos serviços”, afirma Roberto Nunes, Diretor Geral da Aqseptence Group Filtration Ltda.  

À medida que continuamos a explorar as possibilidades oferecidas pelos óculos HoloLens e outras tecnologias emergentes de RA, estamos confiantes de que seremos capazes de oferecer aos nossos clientes uma experiência ainda mais excepcional e soluções técnicas ainda mais avançadas. 

Na Johnson Screens, estamos comprometidos em liderar o caminho para um futuro em que a tecnologia não apenas nos capacite a resolver desafios, mas também nos permita alcançar novos níveis de excelência em nosso atendimento ao cliente. Com o HoloLens ao nosso lado, estamos prontos para enfrentar qualquer desafio que o futuro possa trazer.  

Sao Paulo, Brazil, April 12th, 2024 — Recently, Johnson Brazil took a bold step towards the future of technology by implementing innovative HoloLens glasses in its customer visits. This new augmented reality (AR) technology promises to revolutionize the way we face technical challenges and provide a unique and immersive experience. 

A striking example of how HoloLens is transforming our interactions with customers occurred during a visit to Sabesp Brazil. As we discussed the customer’s pain points we would be addressing with the Johnson Screens RT rotary screen, HoloLens allowed us to visualize the resulting improvements made to the customer’s RT motion system in real time, allowing us to quickly reach an optimized solution and resolve issues in conjunction with the customer’s technical team. 

What happened next was truly surprising. With HoloLens, we were able to create a fluent 3D workspace, allowing us to visualize the problem and its potential solution in real time. The ability to interact with three-dimensional models while we were on site provided a deeper understanding of the situation, allowing us to quickly identify the best approach to resolve the issue. 

“This experience exemplifies the transformative power of augmented reality when applied to customer service. Not only did it allow us to provide a quick and effective solution to the problem faced by the customer, but it also demonstrated our commitment to innovation and the use of cutting-edge technologies to continually improve our services,” says Roberto Nunes, Managing Director at Aqseptence Group Filtration Ltda.  

As we continue to explore the possibilities offered by HoloLens glasses and other emerging AR technologies, we are confident that we will be able to offer our customers an even more exceptional experience and even more advanced technical solutions. 

At Johnson Screens, we are committed to leading the way towards a future where technology not only empowers us to solve challenges, but also allows us to reach new levels of excellence in our customer service. With the HoloLens by our side, we are ready to face any challenge the future may bring. 

About Johnson Screens 

Johnson Screens is the leading global provider of screening and auxiliary solutions. We support a wide range of industries, such as water wells, environmental, energy, chemicals, food and beverage, and mining, with our highly engineered and precisely fabricated products. 

Media 

Renato Barbedo – Global Marketing Director
renato.barbedo@johnsonscreens.com 

Johnson Architectural Elements solutions are often present in iconic new buildings and structures worldwide. Metallic materials and bright finishes are often associated with futuristic designs that push the boundaries of current architecture. However, an unlikely and magical symbiosis is created when those contemporary elements are combined with centuries-old structures. An example of this magic can be found in Clifford Tower.  

Clifford Tower is part of the fortified complex in the city of York, England, consisting of a sequence of castles, prisons, law courts, and other buildings built over the last nine centuries on the south side of the River Foss. It is placed on a raised earthwork that was once the site of a timber keep built by William the Conqueror and destroyed during the worst event in the site’s history; the massacre of the Jews in 1190. A new stone tower was built in 1245 and has played an important role in turbulent national events such as the Dissolution of the Monasteries and the English Civil War.  

Because of the site’s fascinating history, the English Heritage invested in conservation and improvements to the visitor infrastructure at Clifford’s Tower. Concluded in April 2022, the renovation included a rooftop and new visitor experiences. Johnson Architectural Elements contributed to the project, providing stainless steel flat panels GP50 for suspended bridges and the stairs in the tower interior. All flat grills and stairs received an anti-slip treatment by bead blasting.  

Those bridges are an essential part of the experience, as they guide visitors in defined paths inside the tower while they listen to recordings about the historical events that took place there. The stairs lead to the brand-new rooftop, from where you can see unrivalled views over York’s historic skyline.  

So, pay attention next time you visit a museum or historic site. Among the masterpieces, you may find some Johnson Architectural Elements art hiding in plain sight! 

Media 

Renato Barbedo – Global Marketing Director
renato.barbedo@johnsonscreens.com 

Le plancher filtrant est un composant essentiel au bon fonctionnement des filtres gravitaires rapides qui sont employés dans les stations de production d’eau potable ou de traitement des eaux usées. Son rôle principal consiste à collecter et distribuer les fluides de manière uniforme afin d’optimiser le rendement en eau du filtre. Cependant, les écoulements monophasiques et diphasiques à l’intérieur du plancher filtrant pendant les phases de filtration et de lavage du filtre ainsi que l’impact du plancher sur le procédé de filtration gravitaire rapide sont peu étudiés dans la littérature.

Ainsi, ce travail de thèse avait pour objectif de valider des modèles de simulations numériques fluides (CFD) dans les différentes phases de fonctionnement d’un filtre gravitaire rapide à l’aide de données expérimentales mesurées dans les écoulements à l’intérieur du plancher Triton®. Ces modèles constituent à la fois un outil pour la compréhension fine des écoulements à l’intérieur du plancher Triton® et un outil pour la conception d’un nouveau plancher plus performant. La méthodologie de validation des modèles est illustrée sur la Figure 1.

Un banc d’essai à l’échelle semi-industrielle (Figure 2) a été développé et construit. Celui-ci a permis d’obtenir expérimentalement des champs moyens de vitesse par des mesures PIV 2D2C (Particle Image Velocimetry 2D2C) ainsi que des mesures de différentiels moyens de pression dans différentes zones du plancher Triton®. Un second banc d’essai (Figure 3) a été réalisé afin de caractériser le média filtrant utilisé dans le banc d’essai « Triton ». Les données expérimentales ont ensuite été comparées aux résultats de simulations numériques URANS (Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes) et RANS (Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes) afin de définir le modèle de turbulence adapté au mode de fonctionnement du filtre (Figure 4). Ces simulations ont également permis de mieux comprendre l’influence du plancher filtrant sur l’écoulement à l’intérieur du média filtrant et d’identifier de possibles améliorations.

De plus, des mesures de taux de vide ont été effectuées à l’intérieur du drain pour différents rapports de vitesse de lavage entre l’eau et l’air. Ces mesures, ainsi que les observations visuelles des écoulements pendant les lavages diphasiques, permettront de déterminer la méthode de simulation diphasique la plus adaptée.

The underdrain is a critical element in rapid gravity filters utilized for drinking water production and wastewater treatment. Its principal function is to collect and distribute fluids uniformly, thereby enhancing the filter’s water production efficiency. However, the dynamics of single-phase and two-phase flows within the filter underdrain—especially during filtration and backwashing phases—and their effects on the rapid gravity filtration process are not extensively explored in the literature.

In response to this, the objective of this thesis was to corroborate Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models across various operational phases of a rapid gravity filter with empirical data gathered from the flows within the Triton® underdrain. These models serve dual purposes: they facilitate an in-depth understanding of the flow dynamics within the Triton® underdrain and aid in the engineering of a novel, more efficacious underdrain. The methodology employed for model validation in water-only flows is depicted in Figure 1.

A semi-industrial “Triton” test bench was developed and constructed, enabling the acquisition of experimental average velocity fields via 2D2C Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements. This setup also permitted the collection of average pressure differentials across various zones of the Triton® underdrain (refer to Figure 2). A subsequent test bench was assembled to characterize the filter media implemented in the “Triton” test bench (refer to Figure 3). The experimental data procured were juxtaposed with the outcomes from URANS (Unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes) and RANS (Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes) numerical simulations. This comparative analysis was instrumental in selecting the turbulence model that most accurately reflects the filter’s operational conditions (see Figure 4). Moreover, the simulations contributed to a more nuanced comprehension of the underdrain’s influence on flow within the filter media, as well as highlighting potential enhancements.

Additionally, void fraction evaluations were performed within the underdrain for varying air-water backwash velocity ratios. Coupled with visual inspections of the flow during two-phase backwashing cycles, these assessments will inform the selection of the most fitting two-phase simulation approach.

About Johnson Screens 

Johnson Screens is the leading global provider of screening and auxiliary solutions. We support a wide range of industries, such as water wells, environmental, energy, chemicals, food and beverage, and mining, with our highly engineered and precisely fabricated products. 

Media 

Renato Barbedo – Global Marketing Director
renato.barbedo@johnsonscreens.com 

Ahmedabad, January 18th, 2024 – Of all our locations around the world, India is perhaps the one that has most consistently had exciting news to share over the last couple of years. Whether it be the installation of solar panels on the roof of their facility or their team winning the contracts to install hundreds of thousands of water wells through the Jal Jeevan Mission, it can feel at times that not a week goes by without something noteworthy happening at our Ahmedabad location.  

As if on cue, they are back with more: 

“We are happy to announce that as of October 17th, 2023, we officially entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Gujarat to expand our facilities,” says Shiven Amin, CEO of Aqseptence Group (India) Pvt. Ltd.  

See what we mean?  

Currently, the plan is to construct the new building beside our existing factory. The land required for this expansion project has already been set aside for this use as outlined by the MOU. And yes, the new facility will continue to participate in the same “zero liquid discharge” rainwater collection/recharging and tree-planting programs in which the original plant currently participates. 

“We expect the creation of this second factory to create about 250 new job opportunities and that it will represent an investment of roughly seven million dollars,” adds Shiven, giving some context to the true scale of these plans. 

Once again, we congratulate Shiven and his team on this wonderful opportunity. We can’t wait to pay you a visit to the new place! 

About Johnson Screens 

Johnson Screens is the leading global provider of screening and auxiliary solutions. We support a wide range of industries, such as water wells, environmental, energy, chemicals, food and beverage, and mining, with our highly engineered and precisely fabricated products. 

Media 

Renato Barbedo – Global Marketing Director
renato.barbedo@johnsonscreens.com 

Ahmedabad, Jan. 15th – In a noteworthy move towards fostering sustainable growth and contributing to societal well-being, Johnson Screens India Pvt. Ltd. has recently launched the Prayaas Initiative, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.   

The comprehensive initiative aims to address crucial aspects of sustainable development and make a positive impact at various levels, with a particular focus on enhancing sanitation, water facilities, and overall well-being in communities. The initiative recognizes the importance of contributing to societal health through business operations and meaningful social and environmental efforts.   

Key Activities:   

Sanitation Products and Facilities: One of the Prayaas Initiative’s core components is providing sanitation products and facilities. Recognizing the importance of hygiene and sanitation in community well-being, Johnson Screens India Pvt. Ltd. is committed to improving access to these essential resources.   

Water Facility Development: The initiative includes plans to develop water facilities in areas lacking adequate access. That involves leveraging technology and innovation to create sustainable water solutions that address the community’s needs.    

Construction of Recharge Wells: In regions prone to drought, the Prayaas Initiative focuses on constructing community water wells and recharge wells. This strategic approach aims to replenish groundwater levels, contributing to long-term water sustainability in drought-affected villages. The initiative recognizes water’s vital role in community health and agriculture and includes enhancing existing water wells to ensure improved quality and accessibility for villagers.   

As part of its commitment to supporting education and nurturing future generations, the Prayaas Initiative recently led Johnson Screens India Pvt. Ltd. to collaborate with Thori Mubarak Primary School Viramgam. The event involved the distribution of school bags and stationery to students, contributing to a conducive learning environment.    

“Enabling sustainable growth starts with our commitment to strengthening future generations”, says Shiven Amin, Managing Director of Johnson Screens (India) Pvt. Ltd. “As businesses increasingly recognize the importance of corporate social responsibility, initiatives like Prayaas set a commendable standard for ethical and impactful corporate contributions to society”. 

About Johnson Screens 

Johnson Screens is the leading global provider of screening and auxiliary solutions. We support a wide range of industries, such as water wells, environmental, energy, chemicals, food and beverage, and mining, with our highly engineered and precisely fabricated products. 

Media 

Renato Barbedo – Global Marketing Director
renato.barbedo@johnsonscreens.com 

Johnson Screens Introduces the Radial Spider Lateral System

Lateral distributors and collectors are vessel internals used in the processing of fluids across a variety of applications. The patent-pending design for the Spider Lateral builds on decades of success of other Johnson Screens header lateral systems and introduces angled arms that more closely match the curvature of the vessel head than prior lateral assemblies.

The distributor and collector pipes are designed by Johnson Screens engineers with a unique pipe hole pattern for every project, backed by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Analysis. The pipes are engineered to maximize usable volume while ensuring an even fluid distribution across the media beds and minimizing the pressure drop of the assemblies.

The Spider Lateral reflects Johnson Screens‘ commitment to meeting the unique challenges and specifications of every customer and project. Our products are fabricated to withstand highly corrosive environments from a range of materials including 304, 316L, 2205 Duplex, 2507 Super Duplex, C276 Hatelloy®, Inconel® 625, and more. With our industrial knowledge and engineering expertise, the Spider Lateral is an optimized solution for every application.

About Johnson Screens 

Johnson Screens is the leading global provider of screening and auxiliary solutions. We support a wide range of industries, such as water wells, environmental, energy, chemicals, food and beverage, and mining, with our highly engineered and precisely fabricated products. 

Media 

Renato Barbedo – Global Marketing Director
renato.barbedo@johnsonscreens.com 

Melbourne, November 9th ,2023 – Johnson Screens is contributing to the largest road project investment in Victoria, Australia, known as the North East Link (NEL) project. As part of Victoria’s Big Build, the project consists of the construction of three major road projects, including 6.5km North East Link tunnels, which will provide an efficient link between the city’s freeway network by removing 15,000 trucks a day from local roads and reducing travel times by up to 35 minutes. 

For the construction of the tunnel, twin Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM’s), each with a 15.6m diameter, are currently being used alongside two Sequential Excavation Method (SEM) tunnels and two cut-and-cover structures, which together will require civil dewatering & recharge wells. Johnson Screens was selected by Star Drilling, a lead provider of drilling services to the Australian drilling industry and one of the companies involved in the construction, to provide approximately 1000 meters (3,280 ft) of 6’’ diameter screens made in Australia for the recharge wells. 

Star Drilling will use our stainless-steel water well screens to complete the recharge wells. Built with our proprietary Vee-Wire®, they provide the mechanical strength and resilience required to withstand the high flow rates needed for the application and ensure the longevity of a healthy water well. 

Johnson Screens is proud to have been chosen by Star Drilling as part of this important project that will change how people move around Melbourne! 

Learn more about our well screens and casing portfolio at: https://johnsonscreens.com/products/well-screens-and-casing/  

About Star Drilling 

Star Drilling offers professional drilling services on a diverse range of drilling projects across Australasia, from high-profile infrastructure to environmental, geotechnical and exploration. Large or small drilling programs. 

About Johnson Screens 

Johnson Screens is the leading global provider of screening and auxiliary solutions. We support a wide range of industries, such as water wells, environmental, energy, chemicals, food and beverage, and mining, with our highly engineered and precisely fabricated products. 

Media 

Renato Barbedo – Global Marketing Director
renato.barbedo@johnsonscreens.com