MPS Sensor Technology | Crowcon Xgard Bright
Crowcon Xgard Bright
Crowcon recently introduced the first molecular property spectrometer™ (MPS™) flammable gas sensor for a fixed gas detector. Now available in Crowcon’s flagship Xgard Bright fixed detector as described in the case study below.
This case by Crowcon features a Malaysian offshore supply company (MOSC) that provides a comprehensive range of upstream oil and gas services including well pumping, coiled tubing units and the rental and supply of offshore accommodation cabins.
The firm has a long established relationship with Crowcon’s Malaysian distributor One Gasmaster, and had been using Flamgard gas detectors for some time with calibration support from One Gasmaster, when the time came to replace the Flamgard sensor. Crowcon’s distributor realised that this presented an opportunity for the MOSC to save costs while adhering to very strict offshore safely compliance requirements.
One of the services the MOSC offers is the construction and supply of accommodation cabins for offshore rigs and platforms. Each cabin contains a Crowcon gas detector, to detect flammable gases and alert the central control room as soon as these are found.
Since the accommodation units are usually sited offshore, they operate in harsh and hazardous conditions (combustible gases, hydrogen sulphide and volatile organic compounds [VOCs] are ever-present risks) and are inaccessible. Consequently, the maintenance and calibration of the gas detectors was costly, potentially dangerous and difficult. Thus the gas detectors were generally maintained when the rental cabins were returned to the company for overhaul.
One Gasmaster realised that if the MOSC replaced their existing detectors with a unit with Crowcon’s latest MPS™ flammable sensor, the client would not require calibration for up to 5 years, and would benefit from the fact that MPS™ flammable sensors are resistant to poisoning effects.
Thus, the MOSC could enhance their safety profile while saving the substantial sums they were currently spending on maintenance. They approached the client with a view to replacing the existing in-cabin detectors with fixed Xgard Bright with MPS™ sensor, and the MOSC agreed.
The MPS™ sensor delivers key features which provide real world tangible benefits to operator and site operations. These include:
No Calibration
When implementing a fixed head detector it is common practice to service on a recommended schedule defined by manufacturer. This entails ongoing regular costs as well as potentially disrupting production or process in order to service or even gain access to detector or multiple detectors. There may also be a risk to personnel when detectors are mounted in particularly hazardous environments.
The Xgard Bright with MPS™ sensor technology does not require calibration. This in turn reduces the interaction with the detector resulting in a lower total cost of ownership over the sensor life cycle and reduced risk to personnel and production output to complete regular maintenance.
Multi Species Gas – ‘True LEL’™
Many industries and applications use or have as a by-product multiple gases within the same environment. This can be challenging for traditional sensor technology which can detect only a single gas that they were calibrated for at the correct level and can result in inaccurate reading and even false alarms which can halt process or production if another flammable gas type is present.
The lack of response or over response frequently faced in multi gas environments can be frustrating and counterproductive compromising safety of best user practices. The MPS™ sensor can accurately detect multiple gases at once and instantly identify gas type. Additionally, the MPS™ sensor has a on board environmental compensation and does not require an externally applied correctional factor. Inaccurate readings and false alarms are a thing of the past.
No Sensor Poisoning
In certain environments traditional sensor types can be under risk of poisoning. Extreme pressure, temperature, and humidity all have the potential to damage sensors whist environmental toxins and contaminants can ‘poison’ sensors, leading to severely compromised performance. Detectors in environments where poisons or inhibitors may be encountered, regular and frequent testing is the only way to ensure that performance is not being degraded.
Sensor failure due to poisoning can be a costly experience. The technology in the MPS™ sensor is not affected by contaminates in the environment. Processes that have contaminates now have access to a solution that operates reliably with fail safe design to alert operator to offer a peace of mind for personnel and assets located in hazardous environment.
Additionally, the MPS sensor is not harmed by elevated flammable gas concentrations, which may cause cracking in conventional catalytic sensor types for example. The MPS sensor carries on working.
Hydrogen (H2)
The usage of Hydrogen in industrial processes is increasing as the focus to find a cleaner alternative to natural gas usage. Detection of Hydrogen is currently restricted to pellistor, metal oxide semiconductor, electrochemical and less accurate thermal conductivity sensor technology due to Infra-Red sensors inability to detect Hydrogen. When faced with challenges highlighted above in poisoning or false alarms, the current solution can leave operator with frequent bump testing and servicing in addition to false alarm challenges.
The MPS™ sensor provides a far better solution for Hydrogen detection, removing the challenges faced with traditional sensor technology. A long-life, relatively fast responding hydrogen sensor that does not require calibration throughout the life cycle of the sensor, without the risk of poisoning or false alarms, can significantly save on total cost of ownership and reduces interaction with unit resulting in peace of mind and reduced risk for operators leveraging MPS™ technology.
All of this is possible thanks to MPS™ technology, which is the biggest breakthrough in gas detection for several decades. The Gasman with MPS is hydrogen (H2) ready. A single MPS sensor accurately detects hydrogen and common hydrocarbons in a fail-safe, poison-resistant solution without recalibration.
The next generation of flammable gas detection is now available for fixed and portable gas detectors. The MPS technology has the ability to accurately detect over 15 hazardous gases in one MPS sensor for better safety and operational efficiency.
Crowcon Gas Detectors with MPS sensor technology | Gasman | T4 | Xgard Bright
Hazardous area industries including offshore oil/gas platforms and FPSOs, onshore oil refineries, processing plants, pipelines, storage farms and LPG/LNG plants all utilise or produce a wide range of hazardous flammable liquids and gases that can be detected using correctly specified flame and gas detectors.
Detecting toxic and flammable gases requires the detectors to be classified and certified according to the specific IECEx or ATEX standard – we distribute flame and fire detectors manufactured by Spectrex to operate in the harshest environmental conditions including self-contained stand-alone devices designed for direct connection to control and alarm systems or automatic fire extinguishing systems.
Our range of Hazardous Area Fire & Gas Detection System products also includes Explosion Proof Warning Systems & Hazardous Area Lighting – comprehensive range of intrinsically safe, flameproof and explosion proof alarm sounders, sirens, bells and horns, loudspeakers and beacons.
♦ LV Power Products | Junction Boxes & Enclosures ATEX | Plugs ATEX | Control Stations ATEX | Isolators ATEX
Thorne & Derrick | Detecting Flame | Heat | Gas
Thorne & Derrick support Silverline Memories, a North East of England Charity providing activities and support for people living with Dementia.
People with Dementia, their carers and their families, have the right to be recognised for who they are, to make choices about their lives including taking risks, and to contribute to society.
A Dementia diagnosis should not define a person, nor should anyone be ashamed of it.
People with Dementia have the right to continue with day to day and family life, without discrimination or unfair cost, to be accepted and included within their communities and not live in isolation or loneliness.
These rights are grounded in the Equality Act, Mental Capacity legislation, Health and Care legislation, and International Human Rights Law.
Silverline Memories is committed to supporting people with Dementia, their carers and their families to ensure these rights are upheld.
Our face-to-face sessions and activities include:
During the pandemic the following sessions have been meeting online:
Many of our services, such as our support groups, require membership. If you would like to join, or would like to refer someone to us, all you have to do is click the link – Join Us – Silverline Memories fill out the form and a member of our friendly team will be in contact.
And there’s nothing to pay – Silverline Memories is funded entirely via sponsorship funding and donations.
Every donation, no matter how small, is celebrated and appreciated at Silverline Memories.
As we are a small charity, your donation really can make a big difference.
At Silverline Memories we truly couldn’t achieve all we do without our volunteers. They really do keep things ticking along and we’d be lost without them.
There are a variety of ways that you can get involved and, regardless of how much time you can spare us, we’re sure that we can find you something that you’ll enjoy and that will be helpful to us as a charity.
If you think you’d like to join us as a volunteer, we’d love to talk to you – https://silverlinememories.com/contact/
Silverline Memories is a registered Charity number 1163582. Our registered address and office is at:
177B Kirkwood Drive
Kenton Retail,
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE3 3BE
Coventry Building Society Arena | 22nd September 2022
VISIT US AT STAND 21
Thorne & Derrick will be exhibiting at Tank Storage Association’s 2022 Conference – the UK’s leading event for the bulk liquid storage sector.
The event which will be held at the CBS arena on the 22nd September has a proven track record of successfully bringing together people who care about safe and effective bulk liquid storage operations.
The annual conference programme regularly features presentations from Government, Regulators and industry experts on topics which are of key interest to those who operate in this sector.
What: Tank Storage Conference & Exhibition
Where: Coventry Building Society Arena
Stand: 21
When: 22nd September 2022
How: Register To Attend HERE
Thorne & Derrick will be showcasing a variety of products and solutions that will help ensure all your bulk liquid storage operations run smoothly. Including a range of specialised equipment such as lighting, power, heat, ventilation & portable gas detection providing protection for workers in a range of different applications.
Please keep an eye on our blog and social media accounts for further updates from what to expect when you visit our stand.
Meet our friendly team on Stand 21.
Mandy Rutter, Independent Consultant – Mental Health, Trauma, Resilience and Human Aspects of Business Continuity, will be speaking at #TSA2022 on ‘Mental Wellbeing and the challenges post Covid’.
Dr Niall Ramsden, Director, ENRG CONSULTANTS LTD, will be speaking at #TSA2022 on ‘The transition to fluorine free firefighting foam – Research, Design standard changes and the challenges ahead’.
Sean Pruce, Deputy Director Cross Cutting Regulation, Environment Agency, will be speaking at #TSA2022 on ‘COMAH Strategic Forum Net Zero priorities and climate change adaption’.
Thorne & Derrick are leaders in the development and distribution of Product 
Innovations that deliver significant improvements to clients plant, people and operational safety in the explosive atmosphere industries.
Your proactive problem solvers experienced in succession planning for the replacement of obsolete, non-conformant and legacy equipment in hazardous areas.
Your first-choice provider of innovative and competitive solutions to ensure ATEX & IECEx Compliance for Hazardous Area Electrical, HVAC & Process Instrumentation Equipment to your UK and international projects.
Over the last 3 years, Thorne & Derrick have introduced several products which have led to improved efficiency, reliability and productivity in the hazardous area and process industries.
Written by Michael Morley. Michael is Wolf Safety’s Technical Director and has been designing lighting products for safe use in Hazardous Areas for over 25 years.
Selecting the best cable for your Hazardous Area Lighting application can be as important for safety as choosing the correct ATEX lighting equipment.
In this blog we look at six key issues that need to be considered and four of the most widely used cable types:
▪️ SY Cable
▪️ Ships Braided Cable
▪️ H07RN-F Cable
▪️ PUR Cables (which use Polyurethane as a sheathing material)
Thorne & Derrick distribute the complete range of Wolf portable & temporary lighting products including handlamps, torches, tank lighting and floodlights as well as ATEX cable reels to accommodate different applications.
Having selected the most appropriate lighting for your environment and task, you should then consider the most suitable cabling, and the best way to manage it within the Hazardous Area.
For this, six key issues need to be taken into consideration:
Following the users’ assessment of these six points, the most appropriate cable can be chosen from the wide selection available, each of which has its own particular advantages.
The most widely used cable type in the on-shore energy and industrial sector is SY Cable.
The SY cable has a PVC outer sheath and braided armour for protection against mechanical damage. The braided armour, also sometimes known as steel braid or mechanical protection, is particularly important when used in temporary applications where there’s a greater risk of it becoming trapped, walked on, or driven over. With a maximum high ambient temperature of +70 oC, this cable is ideal for hotter environments. However, it’s less suitable for low temperature environments below +5 oC, as the cable can become brittle.
Often chosen for offshore installations and marine applications where a heat, oil and flame retardant cable is required. Like SY Cable, Ships Braided Cable contains steel braid, but is stronger and more robust, but less flexible. It’s compliant with BS6883, using low smoke, halogen free materials.
Frequently used on Hazardous Area temporary lighting equipment in Europe. It’s a heavy-duty power supply cable with a tough rubber sheath, designed to be flexible and withstand chemical, mechanical and thermal stresses. It has a temperature rating of -30oC to +60oC for fixed installations (rising to +85oC for fixed protected installations) and from -15oC to +60oC when flexed.
More recent applications have been specifying cables which use Polyurethane as a sheathing material, often abbreviated to PUR cable. PUR cables are halogen free, flame resistant and offer increased mechanical, chemical, mud, and UV resistance – making PUR cables suitable for harsh environments. They can operate between -40oC and +125oC (individual cable technical specifications should always be referred to for precise upper and lower limits).
Not only should the user decide which cable best suits their needs, but also how to manage the cable in the work area. Care should be taken and it should be positioned to minimise the risk of cutting, abrading and damage from vehicles.
Hazardous Area Portable Lamps & Torches
To increase safety further when using mains power in the Hazardous Area, users often use MCBs (Miniature Circuit Breakers – i.e., electronic fuses) or RCDs (Residual Current Devices). These reduce the risk of the cables overheating (if specified correctly) under fault current conditions, but it should be noted that these will not prevent the risk of a potentially explosive spark.
Low Voltage (24 Volt) applications present a number of additional issues to be taken into consideration. These include:
When using a 230/110V Input – 24V Output 400VA Transformer, the effectiveness of the fusing within the transformer is dependent upon cable resistance: cable resistance limits how much current can flow, so the longer the cable, the greater the resistance, which is especially relevant in Low Voltage applications where you only have 24V supply. Wolf offers the option of 42 volt transformers and products rated from 24-42 volts to substantially increase the cable runs.
Users looking to purchase an ATEX Transformer should ensure that information detailing the correct fuse value relative to the size and length of cable used is available to support safe and trouble-free usage in a Hazardous Area application. All Wolf transformers are supplied with supporting documentation detailing this data. Typically, the maximum cable length for 2.5mm2 core cable is 20m.
➡ See the full range of Wolf hazardous area ATEX Transformers used to provide safe and reliable temporary power distribution in hazardous area Zones 1 & 2 (Gas) and Zones 21 & 22 (Dust) with potentially explosive atmospheres.
When clear vision and brilliant LED light is required in hazardous area locations or confined spaces with potentially explosive atmospheres, Wolf Safety lights provide bold, bright and unfailing portable and temporary lighting. Since 1912, Wolf has been trusted to light the world’s most hazardous and hostile environments – with ATEX & IECEX certified portable lights to provide safe lighting in explosive atmospheres.
Thorne & Derrick are hazardous area lighting specialists stocking a complete range of portable and permanent fixed lighting including both fluorescent and LED technology in standard linear light fittings, wellglass, high bay and floodlight design certified by ATEX for both Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas.
➡ Technical Resources | Hazardous Area Zones | T Class Temperature Ratings | Explosive Atmospheres (Definitions)
Stockists & Suppliers of Wolf Safety Lamp | Portable & Hazardous Area Lighting
Welcome to our industry bulletin – VISION.
So what is VISION?
VISION is our monthly round-up of industry news, projects, videos, technical tips, training information, webinars and career opportunities from Thorne & Derrick. Take a moment to Follow Us on LinkedIn to receive future VISION.
Date: 27th June 2022
Location: Jordan
Facility: Aqaba Port
A chlorine gas leak from a storage tank killed 13 people and injured over 300 others at a port in Jordan on June 27. The incident happened in the city of Aqaba on the Red Sea coast in the south of the country after a 25-tonne tank filled with chlorine gas fell while being loaded onto a ship at the facility.
Authorities said a chemical storage container fell while being transported as a result of a crane malfunction. The tank, containing between 25 and 30 tonnes of chlorine, was in the process of being exported to Djibouti when it was dropped at the Aqaba Port.
The deputy director of Aqaba’s port told AlMamlaka TV that an “iron rope” carrying the container “broke” while it was being loaded on to a vessel.
CCTV footage showed the container being hoisted into the air and then suddenly dropping on to a ship and exploding. A large cloud of bright yellow gas is seen spreading across the ground, sending people running for safety.
State media said that 123 of the injured were still being treated at local hospitals for chemical exposure. Some were reportedly in a critical condition.
Chlorine is a chemical used in industry and in household cleaning products. It is a yellow-green gas at normal temperature and pressure, but is usually pressurised and cooled to change it into a liquid for storage and shipment. When chlorine is inhaled, swallowed or comes into contact with skin, it reacts with water to produce acids that damage cells in the body. Inhaling high levels of chlorine causes fluid to build up in the lungs – a life-threatening condition known as pulmonary oedema.
#عاجل | فيديو حادث تسرب غاز من صهريج في العقبة#الأردن #العقبة #التلفزيون_الأردني pic.twitter.com/MZqeoUvxtG
— Jordan TV-التلفزيون الأردني (@JrtvMedia) June 27, 2022
The Civil Defence Department sent specialist teams to the port to deal with the leak and clean-up operation.
Aqaba’s southern beach, which is only 7km away was evacuated as a precaution, and the residents of Aqaba city were advised to stay inside and close windows and doors following the leak. It has now been declared that there is no longer any risk to the city and its residents.
Read more here
Thorne & Derrick exhibited at Meet the Members 2022 this month, showcasing a range of solutions for hazardous and explosive atmospheres – as well as our range of cable installation, jointing, substation and electrical equipment for the power industries.
Thank you to NEPIC for organising anther great event, although it was a very warm day and we wish we could turn our ATEX fan on!
Congratulations to the winner, Dr Steve Hill Tech IOSH, of the bulldog gin in the prize draw. We look forward to the photographs as promised!
Natalie Lundie & Laura McCabe at NEPIC’s Meet the Members
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This month our Sales Engineer Apprentice, Dylan, attended The World Biogas Expo 2022 – hosted by World Biogas Association and Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association. Dylan has been focussing on the biogas and AD industries, building his knowledge and confidence to understand industry requirements. Terry McDonald, Sales & Business Development Manager, was pleased with Dylan’s proactive approach to organise his attendance of this event, and the overall initiative shown in the beginning of his career with Thorne & Derrick.
The World Biogas Expo is known as ‘one of the largest international trade shows solely dedicated to AD and Biogas.’
Some facts from the association:
Image Credit: https://www.biogastradeshow.com/
Raytec SPARTAN WL168 Zone 2 Intelligent Emergency Linear luminaires have helped to improve light levels on site of this Battery Room. The client required the replacement of 4 existing 2x58W fluorescent Zone 2 fittings. The customer originally enquired about 5ft LED Linear alternatives, but due to SPARTAN’s high lumen output and unique modular design, which would make any ongoing maintenance quick and easy, SPARTAN WL168 provided the ideal solution.
ATEX Lighting manufactured by Raytec for use in Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas – this includes floodlights, linear light fittings, bulkheads and high bay lighting for explosion protection concepts including Ex d Flameproof and Ex e Explosion Proof applications.
➡ Should you require any technical support, product selection guidance or a lighting design utilising the SPARTAN range of lighting for Explosive Atmospheres please do not hesitate to contact us – we can assist in the upgrade of your lighting system from conventional fluorescent to modern technology, energy-efficient and sustainable LED type fittings.
It’s always nice when a job takes place surrounded by beautiful scenery! This kind contribution from Peter Horne, National Field Manager at Hydro-Logic Services, shows VEGA C21 Radar Sensors installed in a stunning location in Scotland.
“Out and about again this week with more installations. We were asked to not drill into the concrete at these structures so had to think on our feet a bit! Hard with a swarm of midges eating you! Flexilogger 105s installed with VEGA C21 Radar sensors. Very reliable and easy to install!”
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Peter manages numerous hydrometry projects across Scotland. These projects currently include the supply, installation and maintenance of large hydrometric monitoring networks for water resource planning, CAR compliance and flow monitoring for Scotland’s largest energy suppliers and also provide a flood warning monitoring service to local authorities where they have now installed well in excess of 300 sites across Scotland.
Thorne & Derrick are enthusiastic about supporting young people in their future careers through apprenticeships and work experience.
This month we introduced two A-level students to the workplace to give them an insight into how the company operates and the variety of roles available in an office environment. We gave them a range of tasks to try including website content creation, data extracting and PDF creation. The students also took part in some internal meetings to get a feel for how they are conducted, as well as shadowing the sales team.
Ben, a work experience participant, said a few words about the week:
“I started doing work experience at Thorne and Derrick in June 2022 and I was greeted with a warm and friendly atmosphere. I was tasked with a number of jobs and it was great to try a variety of different tasks. In the future I hope to go into finance and this experience showed me what it was like to work in an office environment. I met a few people who had started working at T&D with an apprenticeship which interested me as I had never thought of doing one before. I feel that an apprenticeship would be ideal as I would be starting my career early while being paid and simultaneously gaining qualifications. It was also interesting to learn about hazardous environments and the equipment needed to work in them safely.”
Thorne & Derrick are enthusiastic supporters of Apprenticeships and work closely with Northern Skills Group to recruit new and next generation staff into the business for integration into our future growth strategy.
When it comes to certification, working with the right Certification Body is essential. Whether you require a new product to be certified or have a certificate variation that you need to complete promptly, Eurofins E&E CML can help.
When a product is already certified, making changes to the equipment often initiates the need for a variation. The variation can be urgent and essential to continue production, for example, when a component supply issue arises, or a material shortage has been identified.
If manufacturers have products certified for North America and wish to change NRTL (Nationally Recognised Test Laboratory), the process is relatively similar to that for ATEX/IECEx/UKEX certification. Eurofins E&E CML (a MET NRTL site) can review the existing product and certification, and upon successful completion, a certification record will be issued. MET Factory Inspections are also initiated if the manufacturer does not already have a MET Hazloc inspection programme.
Thorne & Derrick were approached by a customer for a bespoke heating solution required to heat a valve arrangement. The valves were part of a larger and more complex system involving a HPU Hydraulic Power Unit. Due to the size and shapes of the valves in this system, we designed a custom heating jacket, compliant with ATEX standards, to fit to requirements. We were aware of the impacts and damage caused by the potential freezing of HPU systems, as well as the need to maintain ease of access to the HPUs for routine inspection and maintenance; thus the custom built heating jacket was the most effective solution.
An example of a custom heating jacket deigned and supplied by Thorne & Derrick. For this application we designed the jacket to facilitate unobstructed and instant maintenance access to HPU’s
Working with an international Tanker Management Organisation, Thorne & Derrick have supported the specification and supply of a number of hazardous area compliant heaters onto a fleet of vessels.
Thorne & Derrick took the time to work with the client and specify the required equipment for the application. Given the marine application and hazardous area where the work is to be carried out, we supplied the AEU1 Explosion Proof Electric Air Heater 60 Hz frequency model. The Hazloc AEU1 range of electric air heaters are designed to provide either primary or supplementary heating for comfort or for freeze protection in areas that are classified by ATEX and IECEx as hazardous locations due to gas or dust atmospheres.
380V, 440V and 480V electric heaters are available in 50 Hz – 60 Hz frequency models and suitable for steam, hot water, glycol or other fluid circulating heating systems.
An image of one of the oil tankers supplied
Hazloc | Explosion Proof Electrical Heaters For Hazardous Area Heating
➡ View the complete specifications, applications and hazardous area classifications for Hazloc Explosion Proof Heaters
Every industry has its own language, terms and acronyms. Below is a selection of the common terms in use in the Explosion industry today and how they are employed in current directives.
This month we focus on marking of equipment for gas and dust atmospheres
Marking of Equipment – Directive 94/9/EC (Annex II, 1.0.5)
Example: EEx 2 G d IIA T4
Certification ensures that the equipment or protective system is fit for its intended purpose and that adequate information is supplied with it, to ensure that it can be used safely.
Thorne & Derrick are leaders in the development and distribution of Product Innovations that deliver significant improvements to clients plant, people and operational safety in the explosive atmosphere industries.
Your proactive problem solvers experienced in succession planning for the replacement of obsolete, non-conformant and legacy equipment in hazardous areas.
Your first-choice provider of innovative and competitive solutions to ensure ATEX & IECEx Compliance for Hazardous Area Electrical, HVAC & Process Instrumentation Equipment to UK and international projects.
Control Panels | Plugs | Isolators | Enclosures & Junction Boxes | Lighting | Control Stations | Motor Starters | Heat Trace | Gas Detection | Flame Detection | Process Instrumentation | Process Heating | Ventilation Fans | Security Access Control
Published 13 Mar 2020
Press Release Date: 02.04.2020 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager) World’s First Fully Certified ATEX Doors Thorne & Derrick International, the Experts in Equipment for Explosive Atmospheres, today announce the signing of a Commercial Distribution Agreement...
Published 04 Jul 2019
Press Release Date: 04.07.2019 uploaded by Chris Dodds (T&D Sales + Marketing Manager) Category: Stockist Distributor Agreement Announcement Thorne & Derrick International announce that they have signed a Preferred Distributor Agreement with Raytec, the world leading manufacturer of LED...
