Industrial pressure gauge manufacturer and distributor SA Gauge’s investment in establishing a South African National Accreditation System- (SANAS-) accredited temperature laboratory complements the company’s existing SANAS-accredited pressure laboratory.

The latest addition will allow for “one-stop shopping” in terms of pressure and temperature supply and calibrations, says SA Gauge MD Chris du Plessis.

“Clients who are used to the quick pressure-calibration turnaround times by our pressure laboratory will now be able to get the same service on temperature calibrations.”

Using multiple heat sources that are permanently stabilised at dedicated set points enables the laboratory to warrant brief turnaround times on thermocouples, platinum resistance and digital thermometers. Dial, infrared and liquid-in-glass thermometers can also be calibrated.

Conforming to ISO/IEC 17025 standards, the quality management system and technical competence of the laboratory is regularly evaluated by SANAS, which, in turn, is authorised by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition.

“The laboratory guarantees the traceability of measurements performed and performs the calibration at very low levels of uncertainties on all instruments, sensors and temperature chains. Issuing SANAS calibration certificates ensures the good quality and traceability of measurements to the international system of units,” Du Plessis explains.

The laboratory is in an air-conditioned room, with temperature and hygrometry constantly being monitored. It is also equipped with accurate and traceable reference standards which are periodically verified.

SA Gauge uses documented methods of procedures which are validated by authorised, qualified and experienced staff.

Industry Opportunities

Du Plessis emphasises the negative economic climate in South Africa and the impact it has, forcing companies to look at ways to reduce costs.

“SA Gauge is in the fortunate position – as a manufacturer – to assist in cutting costs by eliminating the large stockholding of pressure gauges and thermometers by clients through supplying them when required. In other words, we carry their stock,” he illustrates.

He notes that the country’s exchange rate is inhibitive for the importation of parts, which hampers the progress of, for example, the instrumentation and control and general industrial sectors in the country.

“Companies are continuously looking at buying more items locally, where local input creates more job opportunities for the youth.”

SA Gauge hopes to grow its presence in the original-equipment manufacturers (OEMs) market, as it can supply and manufacture OEM-branded instruments.

State-owned rail transport company Transnet Freight Rail uses the company’s gauges on its rolling stock, as SA Gauge can manufacture to specifications, Du Plessis states, adding that the petrochemicals, food and beverage and hygiene industries are SA Gauge’s most high-volume customers.

SA Gauge operates from Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal, and Johannesburg, in Gauteng, and hopes to establish a branch in Cape Town, in the Western Cape.