Prasa launches high-tech Gauteng rail nerve centre

12th November 2015

By: Creamer Media Reporter

  

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From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:
Consolidating the province’s eight existing passenger train control rooms into a single, high-tech ‘super’ control centre that will act as Gauteng’s passenger signalling hub, Prasa earlier this month officially launched the Gauteng Rail Nerve Centre in Tembisa. Engineering News’s Natalie Greve tells us more.

Natalie Greve:
Ushering in the latest investment aimed at upgrading and modernising the country’s ailing public rail transport network, the newly built centre, which will become fully operational early next year, will enable Prasa rail operators to monitor all passenger train activities in Gauteng.

The hub will introduce new technology enabling the resignalling of subprojects, automatic train routing, train tracking and routing, event logging, close- circuit television access at stations, and will feature an error detection and notification system.

The centre will also house Prasa’s rail maintenance facility and will, once fully operational, become the “eye” overlooking the parastatal’s rail network.

Transport Minister Dipuo Peters explained that the GNC concept had evolved following the undertaking of two feasibility studies into the establishment of a centralised rail operating control centre for the Metrorail Witwatersrand region and looked to rejuvenate an outdated public transport system.

Transport Minister Dipuo Peters

Natalie Greve:
Also speaking at the launch of the centre, Gauteng Premier David Makhura reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to the provision of a safe and reliable public transport system for those unable to afford private transport.

Gauteng Premier David Makhura

Sashnee Moodley:

2015 marks the 30th anniversary of Caterpillar’s first backhoe loader and coincides with the worldwide release of the latest generation F2 series – which was launched at Supply chain services company Barloworld Logistics Big Dig Day in Kaya Sands, Johannesburg, earlier this month. Anine Vermeulen has the story.

Anine Vermeulen:
On the F2-Series, the lock-up torque converter provides a direct ratio between the power pack and driveline when in the roading gears. This results in a 16% decrease in fuel consumption and an 11% increased average speed. The lock-up torque converter is an invaluable addition when travelling between job sites.

Cat Building Construction Products Desigen Naicker

Anine Vermeulen:
The Cat 416F2’s pump capacity remains unchanged all machines feature Caterpillar’s proprietary load sensing hydraulics The achievement of high bucket dig forces whatever the engine speed, providing excellent control, while reducing fuel consumption.

Pilot controls provide low effort operation, with the ability to switch between excavator or backhoe control patterns with the press of a button.

A hydraulic quick coupler for the hoe is available direct from the factory, while ‘twist to disconnect’ couplings are fitted for all work tools.

Cat Building Construction Products Desigen Naicker

Anine Vermeulen:
As an option, F2-Series units can be fitted with a radio featuring blue-tooth connectivity, facilitating communication with job-site personnel. A new keypad security system, with up to 25 unique codes, provides added protection for the machine, and a choice of cellular or satellite technology is available for use with the ProductLink telematics system.

ProductLink enables machine owners to view near real-time machine positioning, utilisation and mechanical health data through the VisionLink online portal. This capability forms part of Barloworld’s Equipment Management Solutions (EMS) suite

Meanwhile, the AP600F Caterpillar Paver was also launched at Barloworld Big Dig day. It is mainly used for road construction and paving.

Caterpillar territory manager for paving products Matt Rowe

Anine Vermeulen:
It has the fastest screed heat in the industry, 15 minutes for standard paving width, it has fully integrated controls and has the Caterpillar product link, which allows the operator to communicate the health of the machine to the contractor.

Sashnee Moodley:
That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy.

Edited by Creamer Media Reporter

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