Broken Arrow, Okla. (September 16, 2008) – Leading rupture disk manufacturer Oseco has teamed up with the popular TV show Mythbusters to supply equipment for an episode in which the cast tests the plausibility of a scene from an action movie. 

Mythbusters is a show that tests the reality of movie stunts and urban myths when conducted under real-world conditions.  The episode, entitled “Phone Book Friction,” tests a movie stunt scene found in the shark horror film, Deep Blue Sea.  In it, the characters construct an explosive harpoon using the powder from several flares to fight off their genetically engineered shark nemesis.  In the movie, the harpoon hits the shark with a massive explosion, while the main character floats in the water a mere 75 feet away and then swims to safety afterwards.  To test the plausibility of this myth, which the show calls “Black Powder Shark,” the cast members employed Oseco’s rupture disks.  The disks were used to check if the character would have been able to withstand the shock wave from such an explosion in real life.

“The show used disks that were set to burst at 500 psi, which would surely kill a human being,” said Oseco Research and Development Manager, Alan Wilson.  “Disks were submerged at 50, 100, 150 and 200 feet away from an underwater explosion.  The disks at 50 and 100 feet burst, confirming that the movie character would not really have survived that explosion.”

Broken Arrow, Okla. (August 20, 2008) – To ensure that its products continue to be manufactured with the highest levels of efficiency and quality, Oklahoma Safety Equipment Co., Inc. (Oseco), has named Robert Jackson as Quality Assurance Manager.

Jackson will be responsible for the maintenance and continual improvement of the ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System, and development and monitoring of quality performance measures.  He will also coordinate process improvement activities.

Before his position at Oseco, Jackson was the Quality Assurance Manager for Precise Machining & Manufacturing (Tulsa, Okla.), a supplier of machined parts and assemblies to groups such as the Boeing Company, Northrop Grumman and the United States Government.  Jackson attended Tulsa Community College (Tulsa, Okla.) and has completed training courses in lean manufacturing, statistical process control, Mastertask precision measurement and CMM.

“Robert brings a lot to the table for Oseco.  The experience he has gained working on major programs at his previous position will add value to our manufacturing processes and keep our practices efficient,” said Oseco Chief Operating Officer, Bryan Sanderlin.

Broken Arrow, Okla. (July 22, 2008) – In accordance with its initiative for international growth, leading rupture disk manufacturer Oseco has earned a Manufacturer License of Special Equipment to sell its products in the People’s Republic of China.

To acquire the license, Oseco’s products were subjected to extensive design reviews, manufacturing/ quality reviews and audits.  Upon passing, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China presented Oseco with the license, authorizing sale of the company’s FSTD, OTU, FAS, PLR, PROS and PRO+ rupture disk families within the country.

In addition to China, Oseco has also earned licenses to sell in Germany, India, the Netherlands and Canada.  Oseco is ISO 9001 and ISO9001:2000 certified and received UD and NB Certificates of Authorization.

Broken Arrow, Okla. (June 18, 2008) – To maximize service and support for customers, Oklahoma Safety Equipment Co., Inc. (Oseco), a leading manufacturer of pressure relief devices, has appointed Mathieu Hawksworth as Regional Sales Manager.

Hawksworth will be handling the Great Lakes region as well as Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia and Kentucky, assisting customers and manufacturing representatives with technical information and support.  He will work closely with end users to help them select, install and use Oseco’s rupture disks, rupture panels and pressure relief accessories.

Before his position at Oseco, Hawksworth was responsible for sales and marketing for Air Power Systems (Tulsa, Okla.), a manufacturer of pneumatic cylinders, controls and valves for the mobile, truck equipment and automotive markets.  Hawksworth holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, Okla.).

“Mathieu’s previous position in outside sales serving OEMs and distributors makes him a prime candidate for this position,” said Oseco Chief Operating Officer, Bryan Sanderlin.  “His experience with marketing planning, customer support and service will allow him to supply our customers with a high level of service.”

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (June 5, 2008) – To provide precision pressure relief for applications where hygiene and sanitation are concerns, Oklahoma Safety Equipment Co., Inc. (Oseco), a leader in pressure relief innovation, introduces the MVRB (Metal Vent Reverse Buckling) rupture panel.

 The MVRB can avert catastrophic explosions caused by overpressures in dust collectors, conveyor systems, dryers and other equipment requiring precise pressure relief.  Its smooth surface prevents product buildup and contamination, making it well-suited for hygienic and sanitary services.  The non-fragmenting design increases process safety in the event of panel rupture.  The MVRB is compatible with a wide range of environments, performing consistently in high temperature applications up to 700ºF.

The MVRB is designed for high operating ratio applications in the power generation, pharmaceutical, transportation and chemical markets.  It is the only rupture panel available that has a 90% operating ratio – a design feature that is essential in demanding applications in order to avoid premature panel rupture.  With reduced nuisance failures, the panel life of the MVRB is longer than that of typical panels.

The round panels are constructed from stainless steel, nickel inconel or monel, and are available in diameters from 12 to 36 inches.  The MVRB should be installed using a custom designed rolled angle ring configuration. Custom sizes, materials, and panels designed to withstand vacuum are also available upon request.

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (April 18, 2008) –  The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has appointed Alan Wilson of Oseco to the ASME Codes and Standards Committee for Performance Test Code 25 Pressure Relief Devices, beginning April 2008 through June 2012.  As a member of the committee, Wilson will be responsible for reviewing, refining and producing the rules that govern the testing and acceptance of ASME-approved pressure relief devices.

Wilson has 19 years of experience with the rupture disk manufacturer, Oseco.  As Oseco’s R&D and Field Service Manager, Wilson is responsible for managing the development and testing of new rupture disk designs, custom applications, failure analysis and field work.  Wilson is also responsible for sales and customer support, education and trouble-shooting. 

Besides his extensive work experience, Wilson has written and illustrated articles for Chemical Engineering Magazine and The AIChe Technical Manual, and been named as Inventor on several rupture disk patents.  His qualifications include a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma City University (Oklahoma City, OK) and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Design from Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK).  He has completed additional classes in TRIZ*, Innovation and Creativity, Management Skills, Advanced Emergency Relief System Design, Managing Reactive Chemicals and Dust Explosion Hazards, and Project Management Skills.

“This new responsibility will give me the opportunity to apply my knowledge and experience to developing the rules that maintain a high standard of quality in pressure relief systems,” says Wilson.

* A model-based technique for generating innovative ideas and solutions for problem solving.

Leading pressure relief expert, Oklahoma Safety Equipment Co., Inc. (Oseco), will feature its MVRB (Metal Vent Reverse Buckling) rupture panel at the International Powder and Bulk Solids Conference, May 6-8 in Rosemont, IL.

The MVRB is specifically designed for food and grain, dry goods packaging and storage applications.  The rupture panel protects dust collectors, bag houses, conveyor systems, dryers, pulverizers and most other equipment that requires precise overpressure protection. With reduced nuisance failures, the panel life of the MVRB is longer than that of typical panels.

The smooth surface of the MVRB prevents product buildup and contamination, making this panel well-suited for hygienic and sanitary services.  The non-fragmenting design increases process safety in the event of panel rupture.  The MVRB is available in a variety of standard sizes and materials.  Custom sizes, materials, and panels designed to withstand vacuum are also available upon request. 

In addition to the MVRB, Oseco’s full line of precision rupture disks, panels and vents will be on display at the company’s booth, 2442.

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (January 15, 2008) –  Further committing to the growth of their industrial safety group, Halma Holdings Inc. has promoted Joe Ragosta from president of bursting disc manufacturer Oklahoma Safety Equipment Company (Oseco), to business development director for bursting disks.

As business development director, Ragosta will be responsible for identifying, investigating and implementing opportunities for further growth in the bursting disk and pressure relief markets through acquisitions, strategic alliances, joint ventures and expansion worldwide.  Additionally, Ragosta will work with existing subsidiaries to develop new products and find new markets for bursting discs.

Ragosta has served for eight years as president of Halma company Oseco.  During his tenure, Oseco was chosen from over 40 Halma subsidiaries for the 2007 Company of the Year Award.  The annual award recognizes the company within the group with the best all around performance over the past three years, good governance and strong overall management.  Oseco has demonstrated a continuous investment in personnel development and innovation, resulting in improvements in its manufacturing operations.

Before his position at Oseco, Ragosta was the GM and senior VP of Graver Technologies (Glasgow, DE), a manufacturer of water, chemical, pharmaceutical and food product purification equipment, and president of Ionex Consulting Services (Tully, NY), a consulting business for fluid processing.  Ragosta holds a Ph.D. and Master of Science in Inorganic Chemistry from Cornell University (Ithaca, NY), as well as a Bachelor of Science from Pennsylvania State University (State College, PA).

“I look forward to applying the knowledge and experience in the bursting disk industry that I have accrued over the past eight years to assist me throughout my new appointment.  I’m excited about the challenge of developing Halma’s bursting disk companies throughout local and international markets,” says Ragosta.

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma (October 3, 2007) – Leading rupture disk manufacturer Oseco will be exhibiting pressure relief technology at the Chemical Processing Industry’s Chem Show, October 30 - November 1 at the Javits Convention Center, New York, New York.  The highlight of Oseco’s exhibit at booth number 1539 will be the Deltaflow, a new switchover valve that minimizes plant down time in overpressure situations.

In pressure vessels and piping, relieving over pressures before they reach potentially dangerous proportions safeguards personnel from injury and equipment from damage.  However, when a rupture disk bursts to relieve an over pressure, it can mean process downtime.  Oseco has solved this problem with the Deltaflow, allowing customers to use dual relief devices and eliminate process shut downs. When the disk on one side of the Deltaflow breaks, a reserve disk can be placed into service immediately by actuating the valve.  The ruptured disk can then be replaced without system shut down.

In addition to the Deltaflow, Oseco’s full line of precision rupture disks, rupture panels and sensors will be on display at the show. Visitors may register to win a DVD player at the company’s booth, 1539, until the winner is drawn on the last day of the show.

Oseco was chosen from among nearly 40 Halma subsidiaries from all over the world.  While one of the criteria is significant growth in sales and profits, the award also takes into account good governance and overall management.  Oseco has demonstrated a continuous investment in personnel development and innovation, resulting in improvements in its manufacturing operations.

“I was especially honored that Oseco was chosen for this award knowing the caliber of the competition within the Halma group,” said Oseco President Joe Ragosta.  “It is definitely a reflection of the hard work and exceptional contributions of our staff.  With the talented, dedicated team of employees we have in place, I’m excited about our prospects for continued success in the coming years.”

In addition the Halma Company of the Year Award, Oseco was recognized as one of only four companies in the group to generate five consistent years of profit growth.