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Instrumentation & Control News

Hybrid solar installation completed in Zimbabwe

By: Halima Frost 23rd July 2021 The active partnership between South Africa-based solar solutions provider Blockpower SA and German-managed microgrid integrator Dhybrid has resulted in the completion of a 1.4 MWp, 1 MVA, 480 kWh hybrid solar system at an agriculture estate, in Zimbabwe. The Tanganda Tea Company, which operates... →

Drone and NDT firm join forces

By: Halima Frost 9th July 2021 Materials testing and inspection service provider Dekra Industrial has joined forces with aerial solutions and drone services company Sky Africa Drones to offer a drone inspection service that combines the technologies of high scope non-destructive testing (NDT) systems with the manoeuvrability... →

SKY HIGH The use of drones to conduct non-destructive testing on taller installations and hard to reach areas is even more possible

Danfoss merges heating, cooling businesses to tackle climate change

By: Donna Slater 9th February 2021 Electronics and technological solutions company Danfoss has changed its group structure to combine the heating and cooling segments into Danfoss Climate Solutions in an effort to intensify its focus on the “green agenda” in attractive global markets. The company notes that “everywhere in the... →

Group continues to embrace instrumentation technology

5th February 2021 Utility management company Bosch Munitech continues to make a substantial investment in the latest instrumentation technology, offering geospatial services in line with stringent global standards. Munitech, a division of multidisciplinary consulting engineering group Bosch Holdings, continuously... →

GROUP POWER The new technology enables the company to accurately survey complex structures in just one site visit

New pressure gauge incorporates IoT tech

By: Halima Frost 5th February 2021 Measuring instruments supplier Wika Instruments has aligned the global launch of its Bourdon tube pressure gauge, the company’s most advanced gauge to date, with its new business strategy. Although the new gauge uses the old gauge’s design, it includes Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)... →

PRESSURE GAUGE The pressure to move to a more technology orientated company has seen the introduction of the Internet of Things to its devices

Society drives initiatives to improve instrumentation sector

By: Halima Frost 5th February 2021 The Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics and Control (SAIMC) has announced that its trust fund will be introduced to the instrumentation and control sector this year, which is among other initiatives being developed by the society for the coming years. “The trust fund is being... →

HELPING HAND The Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics and Control hopes its trust fund will drive change in education in the sector

Flow control meter added to product range

5th February 2021 Last month, Instrotech introduced its Kobold’s calorimetric (KAL-D) flow meters with an integrated microcontroller that allows users to adapt the device to individual process conditions. The KAL-D continuously monitors water-based liquids. It finds service in all applications where flow currents... →

FLOW WATCH the KAL-D flow meter has the capacity to continuously monitor water based liquids

Time switch series available locally

5th February 2021 Electric solutions provider Legrand’s AlphaRex and MicroRex series of time switches are now available in South Africa. Both switches, which ensure high-clock precision and energy efficiency in industrial, commercial and domestic environments, have been designed for easy programming. →

EASY TECH Legrands new series of time switches have been designed for easy programming

Chains extend equipment operating life

22nd January 2021 Included in engineering solutions provider BMG’s extensive range of Tsubaki high-performance chain, is the robust workhorse elevator series, which offers enhanced strength and reliability, a cleaner environment and extended operating life. “Workhorse elevator chains – manufactured for high... →

POWER CHAIN Carefully-selected high-strength steels, advanced manufacturing processes and refined heat treatments, ensures the chain has maximum fatigue strength and protection against failure

Backlog indicates high demand for solar

By: Darren Parker 15th January 2021 Energy storage manufacturer Solar MD has a backlog of 14 MWh in terms of battery orders, and a backlog of 1 200 orders for the Logger V2, the company’s monitoring and control system. “This demand speaks volumes to the critical renewable-energy gap in South Africa, particularly with regard to... →

HIGH TECH Solar MD’s research and development teams are working constantly to improve the performance of the company’s products

Company adds solar inverters and drives to suite of solutions

15th January 2021 Engineering solutions provider BMG’s electromechanical specialists have extended its solutions service to include solar inverters and drives, which are designed to enhance the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems. “PV modules – which use daylight to generate electricity – are gaining... →

READY FOR ANYTHING The BMG-supplied Vacon IP66 drives and Nema 4X enclosures are well-protected against water and dust ingress

Company ready for larger-scale projects

By: Darren Parker 15th January 2021 With the global trend of microgrid hybrid power solutions, solar solutions company Vert Energy was presented with a unique opportunity by property development company O’Nit Developments, whose strategic intent was to develop a power management solution that optimised the available energy sources... →

FULL CONTROL The installation, with remote monitoring and remote access, ensures that the client has full control over the system remotely

Fund helps South African universities unlock benefits of homegrown IP

By: Donna Slater 25th November 2020 Since its inception in February, the University Technology Fund (UTF) has approved six investments. Technology and innovation incubated in South Africa’s universities is, as a result, being commercialised and a step closer to commercialisation, creating significant economic, investment and job... →

SA SME Fund CEO Ketso Gordhan

Leak detection creates ease of maintenance

13th November 2020 Test and management service provider Comtest introduced the Fluke ii900, a handheld sonic industrial imager that enables maintenance to quickly locate air, steam, gas and vacuum leaks in compressed air systems. The straight-forward, intuitive interface allows technicians to isolate the sound... →

MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS The Fluke ii900 reduces leak detection time and improves reliability on the production line

Increased bolt security in all conditions

23rd October 2020 The X-series washers, which are a part of industrial products producer BMG’s Nord-Lock bolt securing systems range, are designed for optimum bolt security, even in the most demanding operating conditions. These bolt securing washers have been developed to safely secure bolted joints exposed to... →

STRONG WASHER The combined tension and spring action of X-series washers combats the effects of surface treatments, thermal cycling and vibration

Global demand met by industry leader

23rd October 2020 The Covid-19 pandemic outbreak created a surge in global demand for medical equipment, with a subsequent knock-on effect being a huge demand for sheet metal fasteners, specifically for those companies producing essential equipment, including ventilators. International fastening specialists TR... →

FAST FASTENERS TR Fastenings facility in the UK can manufacture a wide range of fasteners that can be used across a range of industries

Wireless valve bank available locally

By: Tracy Hancock 4th September 2020 The EX600-W wireless valve bank module from industrial automation technology company SMC is officially available in the South African market, says SMC senior technical sales engineer Wade Holland. The product has been available in Europe and Asia since early last year, but still needed to conform... →

TIME AND MONEY The EX600-W wireless valve bank module is designed to reduce downtime and costs

Updated range to improve rotational moulding

By: Cameron Mackay 4th September 2020 Rotational moulding equipment provider Roto Solutions released the latest version among its range of TempLogger temperature monitoring and control systems last month. TempLogger is a real-time temperature-monitoring and -control system, capable of continuous monitoring and requiring minimal... →

CLOSER CONTROL TempLogger is a real-time temperature-monitoring and -control system, and assists operators in maintaining an ideal processing temperature for inside a mould

Company manufactures locally, improves lead time and quality

By: Cameron Mackay 4th September 2020 Industrial pressure- and temperature-gauge manufacturer SA Gauge started to manufacture its own digital pressure gauges this year to ensure that it is not affected by import lead times and exchange rates. In the past five years, the company has imported digital pressure gauges from Europe to sell... →

HANDLING THE PRESSURE Now able to manufacture locally, the company can now meet increased local demand for digital pressure gauges

Betterect, FLSmidth showcase bolted thickeners for southern African mine

3rd September 2020 Steel fabrication, steel erection and corrosion protection specialist Betterect and engineering, equipment and services solutions company FLSmidth have collaborated to deliver several 45m diameter modular bolted thickeners for an undisclosed mining project in southern Africa. Natasha Odendaal... →

Betterect, FLSmidth showcase bolted thickeners for southern African mine

More local laser R&D needed

By: Tracy Hancock 28th August 2020 South Africa is not placing enough focus on laser research and development (R&D), especially in the private sector, but there is hope, says the director of the Laser Research Institute (LRI) within the Physics Department at Stellenbosch University Dr Pieter Neethling. “Laser and photonics R&D is... →

PRIVATE PARTICIPATION Getting private-sector companies to fund laser research and development at local universities is expected to change the landscape dramatically

Technology to mitigate water- treatment challenges

By: Mc'Kyla Nortje 14th August 2020 The 2030 Water Resources Group - hosted by the World Bank - held a webinar last month to showcase three international technologies that can help the food and beverage sector rise above business continuity challenges amid diminishing resources within the sector. The webinar included partners such... →

DECREASE USE The food and beverage sector faces increasingly stringent environmental legislation, with the consequent need to drive water demand down to a minimum

Drones being used to help governments fight the Covid-19 pandemic

By: Donna Slater 10th July 2020 With the onset of Covid-19, technology has come to the fore, as people have been forced to work from home or increasingly remotely to ensure physical distancing, thereby increasing reliance on remote, and even autonomous, methods of conducting duties, with keen interest in the potential use of... →

New monitoring system introduced into market

10th July 2020 Engineering components provider BMG’s Light Materials Handling division has introduced a new condition monitoring system, the Plast iCOF, which has been developed to automatically monitor the coefficient of friction in bottling or canning lines, ensuring consistently high productivity levels. The... →

HALL MONITOR The Plast iCOF has been developed to automatically monitor the coefficient of friction in bottling or canning lines

Home automation add-on launched

10th July 2020 Global electrical and digital building infrastructure specialist Legrand has launched its Arteor-with-Netatmo which is a simple home automation solution that uses traditional house wiring and is controlled through WiFi. The company explains that it expanded on its Arteor range of wiring devices,... →

PLUGGED IN Legrand has add to its home automation solutions that use traditional house wiring and is controlled through WiFi

Partnership brings new drive systems

10th July 2020 Component and technical services provider BMG and German precision engineers Getriebebau Nord entered a partnership to assemble, distribute and support Nord Drive Systems throughout Southern Africa. BMG has made a substantial investment over the years to ensure assembly, stockholdings and... →

OPTIMUM DRIVE CONFIGURATIONS Nord IE5+ synchronous motors can be combined with all Nord gear units and drive electronics as a modular system to enhance LogiDrive systems

New piezometer boosts existing safety standards

By: Halima Frost 10th July 2020 The installation of South Africa’s first Slimline vibrating wire piezometer, which is distributed by geotechnical service provider GeoGroup, is set to take place when the current Covid-19 lockdown regulations allow. The company says the piezometer will be instrumental in ensuring accurate... →

SLIM NE
The Slimline vibrating wire piezometer captures at least four different parameters required to asses the stability of tailings dams

GeoGroup director Grant Rijsmus discusses the company’s Slimline Vibrating Wire Piezometer. Camerawork: Kutlwano Matala. Editing: Nicholas Boyd. Recorded: 10.06.2020

RS Components, BARTH Elektronik unveil people-counter for retail market

By: Irma Venter 11th June 2020 RS Components, the trading brand of Electrocomponents, has joined forces with miniature programmable logic controller (PLC) manufacturer BARTH Elektronik to develop a product assembly project that aids social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic. The project, called the ‘People Counter’, can... →

The People Counter, once assembled

Company maintains drive tech support throughout lockdown

29th May 2020 Bearings supplier BMG’s commitment to ensuring industry continues to operate efficiently and safely, even during difficult lockdown conditions, encompasses the ongoing supply and support of a range of engineering components, including drive systems and frequency inverters. A critical part of... →

THE FULL RANGE BMG’s NORD drive systems and NORDAC frequency inverters are combined to offer a complete spectrum of fully flexible, modern frequency inverters

Drives designed to improve productivity

29th May 2020 Bearings supplier BMG’s VACON 100 alternating current (AC) drives have been designed to save energy, optimise process control and improve productivity in many sectors. Through VACON 100’s economical solutions, BMG is able to ensure a quick return on project investments for its customers, says BMG... →

COMPATIBLE AND EFFECTIVE VACON 100 AC drives allow its customers to use the most efficient motor for each application, with the ability to run new motor technologies

Company provides energy efficient solutions for customers

29th May 2020 Electric motors company Vert Energy – exclusive distributors in Southern Africa of electric motor manufacturer Leroy Somer – is committed to providing energy-saving solutions for its diverse customer base. Critical challenges facing industry include finding the most efficient ways to minimise... →

HIGH EFFICIENCY The Dyneo motor-drive unit ensures high efficiency levels over the whole operating speed range, especially at speeds below the synchronous speed

Electromechanical solutions offered

29th May 2020 Power generation and electromechanical power transmission industry solutions provider Vert Energy – exclusive distributors for electric motor provider Leroy-Somer in Southern Africa – offers environmentally-sound automation systems and engineering services for container, dry bulk terminal and... →

IMPROVED MOVEMENT, MAXIMISED SAFETY These electromechanical solutions improve the movement of containers and goods, and maximizes safety, energy efficiency and fuel savings

Company invests in geared motors, employee training

By: Simone Liedtke 29th May 2020 A range of geared motors from Brazilian motor and controls manufacturer WEG will be available from the third quarter of 2020 to clients in South Africa and the rest of Africa from subsidiary Zest WEG. Dubbed the WG20 range, the geared motors – with benefits such as efficiency and reliability –... →

INTERCHANGEABLE SETTINGS WEG K geared units can also be equipped with a hollow shaft, output shaft, shrink disc, torque arm and mounting flange

Covid-19 an opportunity for better resource management

By: Darren Parker 29th May 2020 The national lockdown because of Covid-19 presents a good opportunity for manufacturing companies to improve their resource and utilities management, says government-funded programme National Cleaner Production Centre South Africa (NCPC-SA) KwaZulu-Natal regional manager Kevin Cilliers. There is... →

KEVIN CILLIERS It is important to have a good management practice in place for utility use while there is time and space to focus on it

Company unveils cordless metal cutting circular saw

3rd April 2020 Heavy-duty, portable electric power tools and accessories manufacturer Milwaukee Tools has developed the industry’s first cordless 20.3 cm metal cutting circular saw. The M18 FUEL 20.3 cm metal cutting circular saw will be available this month and will ship with one of the company’s new metal... →

Company adds new steel cutting tool for its machines

3rd April 2020 Remote-controlled demolition machines manufacturer Brokk offers a new steel cutting tool for mid-size Brokk machines. The MC300 Multi Cutter – which is manufactured by Brokk’s sister company equipment supplier Darda – offers the highest cutting force with low weight. →

Versatile application The mid-size Brokk 200 and 300 remote-controlled demolition machines can use the Darda MC300 Multi Cutter attachment to cut steel material, utility lines and cables in a variety of industries

Supplier provides quality equipment for optimum productivity

20th March 2020 Industrial equipment supplier BMG’s service to the agriculture sector focuses on the importance of investing in quality equipment and components for high efficiencies and optimum productivity across all farming disciplines. “The highly-experienced BMG team offers farming sustainability solutions... →

TOUGH CONDITIONS BMG supplies Tsubaki RS100HT heavy-duty reinforced roller chain to meet the high-volume capacity of agricultural machinery in tough operating conditions

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