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Consulting Engineers News

Organisation assists business in becoming energy efficient

By: Nica Schreuder 10th November 2017 Lack of energy supply security, economic costs associated with energy, and environmental costs, such as depleting resources, contributing to climate change are just some of the factors that can be mitigated if South Africa embraces energy efficiency and reliable renewable energy alternatives,... →

Transformation a critical conversation point as progress remains slow

By: Natasha Odendaal 7th November 2017 Transformation in South Africa, and the approaches taken to realise those ambitions, has been revived as an urgent imperative among proponents in the engineering sector, as questions have emerged as to how far off the mark the industry, and the country, is in progressing towards a more inclusive... →

South Africa’s transformation remains skewed – Cesa

By: Natasha Odendaal 7th November 2017 Not enough has been done in the transformation space to tackle the imbalances of the past across South Africa, outgoing Consulting Engineers South Africa (Cesa) president Lynne Pretorius said on Tuesday. Pretorius, whose two-year term had been largely underpinned by the pursuit of transformation... →

Flexible solution caters to SMEs

3rd November 2017 Self-storage and business storage solutions company XtraSpace launched a new warehousing service this month, aimed at “disrupting the traditional warehousing industry.” The service is also providing an opportunity for smaller businesses and entrepreneurs to use storage space. →

FLEXIBLE SPACE XtraSpace’s storage solution allows for any size business to take advantage of its flexi-storage facilities

Storage automation in warehousing globally trending

By: Nica Schreuder 3rd November 2017 With the global shift among project managers toward automated storage solutions to rapidly meet customer needs, Germiston-based storage solution and racking manufacturer Acrow says South Africa has been quick on the uptake, with many companies implementing automated mobile racking storage... →

CUSTOMER INFLUENCE Acrow’s mobile racking storage solution came about as customers required increased automation in their warehousing and storage facilities

Conference aims to strengthen cross-border relations

By: Nadine James 27th October 2017 The prospects for wind power within and beyond the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) will be discussed at this year’s Windaba conference and exhibition, exploring opportunities outside South Africa’s borders, and consider ways of establishing cross-border... →

ANSWERS IN THE WIND The Windaba programme has been designed to be relevant regardless of whether the mid-term outlook is good or uncertain

Wind energy sector still attractive to investors

By: Nadine James 27th October 2017 Shorter fabrication time, lower costs for parts, and increased repeatability and uniformity have led to impressive improvements in the wind energy sector, says multidisciplinary engineering consultancy WSP Africa power director Dinesh Buldoo. “For instance, there is significant focus on advanced... →

DINESH BULDOO WSP Africa states that several wind projects have progressed through the planning pipeline, and the industry continues to generate significant investor and developer interest

Competition proves long term value of stainless steel

By: Robyn Wilkinson 27th October 2017 The winner of the Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association’s (Sassda’s) Eiffel Tower life-cycle costing competition was announced earlier this month, having proven the success of the association’s new cellphone application (app) and the long-term value of stainless steel as a... →

A WINNING FORMULA Sassda Western Cape manager Michel Bassson hands Amrish Punwasi his prize for having proven the success of Sassda’s new app

Fabric containers used to divert Orange river for bridge-widening project

By: Dylan Slater 27th October 2017 To facilitate the construction of a bridge-widening project in the Northern Cape, engineered fabrics company Kaytech used its geotextile containers to assist in redirecting part of the Orange river to allow pile-driving equipment access to riverside infrastructure. →

GEOTEXTILE SOLUTION The project required 1 000 GeoRevet Geobags to help create the piling platform structure

Over 6 000 visitors expected at packaging event

By: Victor Moolman 20th October 2017 This year, Propak Cape, taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from October 24 to 26, will host more than 200 local and international exhibitors. Based on the previous Propak Cape, held in 2014, this year, the company is expecting more than 6 000 visitors. →

New business model drives group’s resurgence in Africa

By: Robyn Wilkinson 20th October 2017 Economic growth in Africa is ensuring a steady demand for infrastructure development and by tailoring its business model to access this demand, engineering services provider ELB Group has enhanced its activities on the continent and announced a return to profitability. →

ACCESSING NEW MARKETS ELB has been focused predominately on the mineral and metals market and diversification will enable it to better protect its balance sheet during future commodity downturns

Bicacon considers manufacturing acquisition opportunities

By: Schalk Burger 20th October 2017 Construction and engineering services group Bicacon is investigating the viability of establishing a manufacturing division within the group to produce products for use by its maintenance division, says Bicacon Group strategy and planning head Bornapart Sibanda. The group continues to look for... →

BORNAPART SIBANDA Bicacon Group’s operations will provide its manufacturing company with a baseline demand for products and it can then pursue additional production for engineering-related industries

Groundwater a viable water saving initiative

13th October 2017 South African consulting and engineering firm JG Afrika is working hard to change the mind-set around using South Africa’s groundwater to mitigate water scarcity, despite project failures in the past. JG Afrika technical director Mark Schapers and JG Afrika executive associate Regan Rose agree... →

MARK SCHAPERS JG Afrika’s systematic approach is transferred to all activities involved in completing groundwater projects

Global water insecurity calls for water infrastructure maintenance

13th October 2017 The growing funding gap to keep up with the rehabilitation, operation and maintenance of ageing water infrastructure is a global concern, particularly in the current age of austerity, says global engineering firm Aurecon. The firm emphasises that new water systems need to be built to cope with... →

Photo by Bloomberg
FOOD INSECURITY Food is heavily reliant on water supply. Scarce water supply puts crops and livestock at risk

Nonconformance of standards exacerbates drought conditions

By: Nica Schreuder 13th October 2017 Fundamental conformities not being upheld during the manufacturing stages of pipe production has exacerbated South Africa’s current water scarcity, says plastics and polymer testing laboratory P.E.S.C. MD Graham Marsberg. “The basics of pipe manufacturing involves quality workmanship. This... →

CONFORMING TO STANDARDS SATAS or SABS accreditation is essential to ensuring reliable water infrastructure that adheres to strict standards

Technology suitable for South African context

By: Nica Schreuder 13th October 2017 In the quest to mitigate water supply difficulties that have been prevalent in South Africa in the past few years, international engineering consultancy and technology provider Royal HaskoningDHV says its range of innovative wastewater treatment and smart water solutions is relevant in the context. →

Italian company ensures engineering success in KZN

By: Robyn Wilkinson 13th October 2017 As it celebrates its sixtieth year in South Africa, Italian multinational engineering solutions provider Maccaferri will complete the construction of one of the country’s largest surfaces of mechanically stabilised earth walls to date – at 10 000 m2 – at the Mount Edgecombe interchange, in... →

MAMMOTH TASK Careful project management ensured that each of the nine mechanically stabilised earth walls was constructed and delivered to site as it was needed

Construction starts on new R500m office tower development

By: Mia Breytenbach 13th October 2017 Local property developer Abland and joint venture partners Ellerine Brothers have started development of the 35 Lower Long office tower in Cape Town, in the Western Cape. The four-star green building will be situated on Lower Long Street, in the City Bowl. The 24-storey office tower will replace... →

ENVISAGED DESIGN The building will have a modern look, characterised by dynamic glazed façades of floor–to-ceiling heights

Disregard for PPE one of biggest causes of fatalities in work-at-height environment

By: Simone Liedtke 6th October 2017 Disregard for using personal protective equipment (PPE) is one of the common causes of workplace incidents, accidents and fatalities resulting from falls from height at sites in South Africa, states the Institute for Working at Height Professional Body (IWH PB). →

CONTINUOUSLY EVOLVING Personal protective equipment is continuously evolving to ensure maximum safety

China pumps supplier to support SA business partners

6th October 2017 China-based heat pump supplier PHNIX announced that it will deploy more market resources to support business partners in South Africa, most specifically to new water heater distributors. →

ALLROUND EFFICIENCY PHNIX’s water heat pump applications have constant hot water volumes, and are energy and cost-efficient

Company provides energy-saving pumps solution

6th October 2017 Australia-based pump refurbishment company FITT Resources has prioritised energy efficiency as an important driver in its refurbishment packages. This includes South Africa-based manufacturer Vesconite, whose bushings are part of its energy-reducing refurbishment package. →

VESCONITE BENEFITS Materials used by Vesconite swell significantly less when exposed to water than other materials

Customer awareness key to investment confidence

By: Nica Schreuder 6th October 2017 Consumers and end-users in the pumps industry must become more educated and aware of product ranges and technological advances before investing in their next purchase, emphasises pumps products and solutions company Wilo Pumps product manager Thomas Plasket and business development manager Alex... →

INNOVATION Wilo Pump products aim for efficiency, versatility and innovation

Innovative system helps control wastewater pumping

6th October 2017 Pumps and valves producer KSB Pumps and Valves has introduced the PumpDrive variable speed system, for the effective and controlled pumping of waste water. The system has been designed specifically to overcome problems related to the pumping of waste water. Three innovative functions have been... →

INDUSTRY PLATFORM The annual Agritech Expo in Zambia is an opportunity for industry stakeholders and consumers to communicate and find solutions

Integrated heat pumps provide cost-effective energy efficiency

By: Nica Schreuder 6th October 2017 With the South African heat pumps market experiencing a high-growth phase, driven by the cost of energy, energy efficiency requirements for buildings, and overall cost and performance efficiency of the technology used, water heating solutions company HydraTherm has responded to the trend of wider... →

BIG PLANS HydraTherm has upcoming ranges of energy efficient water heating solutions in the gas and solar water sectors for 2018

Local pumps supplier’s range extended

6th October 2017 Engineering equipment supplier Mechanical Rotating Solutions (MRS) was appointed in August as a service and product supplier by international pumps company HCP Pumps’ South African subsidiary HCP Pumps South Africa. MRS MD explains that being appointed to the network of accredited suppliers... →

SUN CITY The resort and casino is one of the many companies in South Africa that make use of HCP’s submersible pumps range

Manufacturer strives to meet industry demands

By: Nica Schreuder 6th October 2017 With demand for pump efficiency prevalent in the past five to ten years, industrial equipment supplier Rand Transmission South Africa (SA) has changed and aligned its product range to meet market requirements and demands. Despite Rand Transmission South Africa’s products only accounting for... →

Photo by Bloomberg
EFFICIENCY GOALS Rand Transmission South BALANCE The intricate balance of polyester chords, neoprene and outer fabric has contributed to the efficiency of TAGEX V-Belts

Predictive maintenance made portable

6th October 2017 To detect early signs of component wear or failure in pumps and other mechanical assemblies, vibration sensors and monitoring systems company Monitran, represented locally by manufacturer Instrotech, has designed a portable, rechargeable instrument for measuring vibration levels. The MTN/VM220 is... →

Routine mechanical maintenance emphasised as preventive measure

6th October 2017 UK-based pump supplier SPP Pumps has emphasised the importance of routine mechanical maintenance, among other preventive measures, to improve pump reliability. SPP Pumps’ products comply with mandatory UK and European regulations and approvals, which guarantee extensive testing of all pumps. →

QUALITY IN CONFORMING SPP Pumps conforms to various UK and European standards to ensure quality and longevity in their pumps products

Sapma promotes industry interests through training courses

6th October 2017 As a means to prioritise the interests of the South African pump industry and pump manufacturing companies, the South African Pump Manufacturers Association (Sapma) has taken on projects designed to benefit the industry, in the form of pumps training courses. The Engineering Council of South... →

Photo by Duane Daws
DR OSWALD FRANKS The Engineering Council of South Africa provides advanced pumps training courses

Water solutions company active at World Water Week

6th October 2017 International water pump technology company Xylem Water Solutions attended and participated in the annual World Water Week event, which took place in Stockholm, Sweden from August 27 to September 1, where the company coconvened several forums and workshops to showcase its dedication in developing... →

Photo by Stockholm International Water Institute
FULL HOUSE Visitors from around the world attended World Water Week 2017

MoU seeks to improve recognition of rail inspectors

By: Dylan Slater 6th October 2017 A memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at improving professionalism within the railway engineering and railway inspector field was signed between the Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) and the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) last month at ECSA’s offices in Bruma, Johannesburg. →

Geospatial products distributor launches world’s smallest image laser scanner locally

By: Mia Breytenbach 6th October 2017 Geospatial products distributor Aciel Geomatics has officially locally launched the Leica BLK360 imaging laser scanner – the world’s smallest and lightest image laser scanner. Aciel Geomatics, the appointed distributor for Switzerland-based Leica Geosystems AG, launched the scanner at the... →

EASE OF USE The integration of the Leica BLK360 laser image scanner and Autodesk software streamlines the reality capture process

Manufacturer innovates to address lack of water and sanitation challenges

6th October 2017 With South Africa’s lack of clean water and sanitation has pressurising the country’s pumps industry to provide solutions, pump manufacturer Sulzer’s new pump ranges cater to the country’s need for improved water and sanitation, with ranges specifically developed for water transportation and... →

TESTING STANDARDS Results of computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis are validated through prototype and model testing at Sulzer

Pumps investment solidifies Mozambique sugar industry

By: Nica Schreuder 6th October 2017 South African pumps manufacturer and supplier Brehnor Pumps has commissioned two Ornel Floodlifter 1 200-mm-diameter pumps on the Xinavane sugar estate, in Mozambique, owned by agricultural and agroprocessing business company Tongaat Hulett. →

FLOOD MITIGATION The 1 200 nominal bore (NB) Brehnor Ornel Floodlifter pump on the right, with a smaller 600 NB pump on the left

Supplier extends pumps offering

6th October 2017 Industrial equipment supplier Atlas Copco’s portable energy division expanded its offering for the dewatering market, launching more than 20 new heavy-duty, high capacity pumps in August. The launch included the addition of three high-flow models to its PAS range of centrifugal dry prime pumps.... →

FLOW ACCOMMODATION Atlas Copco’s high-flow models are capable of handling flow rates of up to 1 400 m3/h

Growthpoint launches South Africa’s first dual-certified property portfolio

By: Mia Breytenbach 28th September 2017 JSE-listed real estate investment trust (Reit) Growthpoint Properties has launched the first and only property portfolio in South Africa to be highly rated by the South African Property Owners Association (Sapoa) and the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA). This premier portfolio, named... →

Growthpoint Properties office division director Rudolf Pienaar

Anticipated tariffs hike makes energy efficiency wise choice

22nd September 2017 A ruling by the Constitutional Court last month which allows State-owned power utility Eskom to retrospectively ask the National Energy Regulator of South Africa to permit Eskom to claw back additional tariffs from consumers, could lead to further hikes in the price of electricity for South... →

Photo by Duane Daws
SOLAR READY Before home owners install solar panels, they have to ensure that the buildings is suitable

Topics In These Articles

Building Business Cleaning Components Efficiency Engineering Environment Financial Industrial Installation NCPC PROJECT System Training Water Aluminium Compressor Design Electrical Energy Eskom Fire Gas Generators Instrumentation Logistics Mining Nuclear Power Project Management ... more

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