Abstract: A method for forming a fibre article, the method comprising: providing a former (12) having a contoured forming surface, the forming surface comprising a plurality of concavities (13) each surrounded by a prominence (14); locating a fibre preform (40) between a first diaphragm (104) and a second diaphragm (105); drawing a vacuum between the first and second diaphragms so as to hold the preform captive between the diaphragms; displacing the second diaphragm towards the former so as to bring the second diaphragm into contact with the prominences of the former to seal against the prominences to form respective first regions defined by the respective concavity and a portion of the second diaphragm and a second region defined by the forming surface outside of the concavities and the second diaphragm; drawing a vacuum in each first region in turn so as to bring part of the second diaphragm into conformity with the concavities; subsequent to drawing the vacuum in the first region, drawing a vacuum in the second regi

Abstract: A method for forming a fibre article, the method comprising: locating a fibre preform between a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm, the preform comprising a heat-activatable binder; drawing a vacuum between the first and second diaphragms so as to hold the preform captive between the diaphragms; positioning a first heater plate in contact with the first diaphragm; positioning a second heater plate in contact with the second diaphragm; drawing a vacuum between the first diaphragm and the first heater plate so as to increase the contact between the first diaphragm and the first heater plate; releasing the vacuum between the first diaphragm and the first heater plate; and drawing a vacuum between the second diaphragm and the second heater plate so as to increase the contact between the second diaphragm and the second heater plate.

Abstract: A method for forming a fibre article, the method comprising: locating a fibre preform between a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm, the preform comprising a heat-activatable binder; drawing a vacuum between the first and second diaphragms so as to hold the preform captive between the diaphragms; positioning a first heater plate in contact with the first diaphragm; positioning a second heater plate in contact with the second diaphragm; drawing a vacuum between the first diaphragm and the first heater plate so as to increase the contact between the first diaphragm and the first heater plate; releasing the vacuum between the first diaphragm and the first heater plate; and drawing a vacuum between the second diaphragm and the second heater plate so as to increase the contact between the second diaphragm and the second heater plate.

Abstract: A system and method are described for detecting toxic gas releases in an urban environment. The system includes a series of repositionable remote sensor nodes that are located in an environment containing a toxic gas, the sensor nodes including a chemical sensor and/or a meteorological sensor. The sensor nodes gather data relating to the type of gas released and the surrounding atmospheric conditions and relay the information back to a data processing hub where the data is collated and analysed to produce an indication of the likely spread of the gas plume, the likely danger to the surrounding population and an indication of the release point of the gas.