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Instrumentation & Control News

Accessories developed to complement range

31st January 2020 A range of communications accessories has been developed to complement electrical and digital building infrastructure supplier Legrand’s three uninterruptible power supply (UPS) ranges. These devices include network interfaces for real time control of the UPS and for managing numerous events that... →

Flowmeter continues to offer control solutions

By: Halima Frost 31st January 2020 Instrumentation, solutions and services supplier Endress + Hauser’s Promag H 100 electromagnetic flow meter has been widely adopted by the South African food and beverage, as well as life sciences industries, since its introduction to the market. Promag H 100 is a multivariable measurement... →

PRO FLOW The Promag H 100 controls the flow of materials through proven sensor technology and ultra-compact transmitter electronics

Eskom considering modifications to failure-prone Medupi conveyor system

By: Darren Parker 31st January 2020 Following three conveyor belt failures at the new Medupi power station, which contributed to load-shedding in December and January, State-owned electricity utility Eskom says several modifications to the conveyor system are being considered in an effort to ensure greater stability in future.... →

MODIFICATION ROLLOUT Modifications to the Medupi conveyor systems will also be applied at Kusile

Successful installation creates further opportunities

By: Halima Frost 31st January 2020 Subsequent to the successful installation of an automated control solution at a confectionary manufacturer, in KwaZulu-Natal, engineering solutions provider Hybrid Automation has seen an uptick in demand for control systems in the fast-moving consumer goods sector. “The need for the upgrade was... →

PERFECT PANEL The installation included control panels, which offered a new human-machine interface

Boiler leak-detection equipment ideal for power generation

By: Cameron Mackay 17th January 2020 Power generation facilities can benefit from using turnkey solutions provider Procon Engineering’s boiler tube leak-detection to avoid unplanned shutdowns, says industrial and processing solutions provider RTS Africa Technologies MD Ian Fraser. “This equipment provides a continuous diagnostic... →

KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON The Procon boiler tube leak-detection system can eliminate unplanned shutdowns caused by boiler tube leaks

Company offers filtration solutions for efficient contamination control

29th November 2019 Filtration components supplier Bearing Man Group’s (BMG’s) fluid technology division is committed to improving operational efficiencies for customers in all industries by providing essential filtration, separation and purification technologies. “With broad technical capabilities and an extensive... →

HANDLING THE PRESSURE BMG’s fluid technology range encompasses EcoPart filter elements for stationary and mobile hydraulic systems from the Filtration Group

New software module improves truck freight-tracking capability

By: Darren Parker 22nd November 2019 South African software developer Dariel will introduce the finalised, fully realised version of its road freight logistics management software module TripX to the market by the end of the year. “The company has been testing a simplified version of TripX since 2017 – along with other add-on... →

BRIDGING THE GAP The weighbridge-based software modules enable users to track and control their logistics from supplier to customer

Demand increasing for compressed-air audits

By: Cameron Mackay 8th November 2019 Owing to the struggling South African economy, as well as the general need for companies to reduce energy costs in operational processes, the demand for compressed-air auditing has increased over the past two years, says compressed-air products suppliers Artic Driers CEO Allen Cockfield. A... →

SAVINGS IN THE AIR Artic Driers can rebuild many old air dryers sold by certain manufacturers. This will make them more energy efficient and generally cost-effective

Hydraulic bolt tightening methods enhance accuracy

18th October 2019 Engineering components supplier BMG’s Nord-Lock bolting solutions now include Boltight hydraulic bolt tensioners, which are used to tighten bolts simultaneously, ensuring even preload in industrial applications and extreme environments, where bolt load accuracy is critical. →

TIGHTLY PACKED Boltight tensioners are ideal in instances where bolt load accuracy is critical

Hydraulic cylinder manufacturer boosts factory optimisation

18th October 2019 Hydraulic cylinder specialist Hytec Engineering is the latest in the group to optimise its manufacturing and repairs operation. →

Pneumatic components reduce plant costs

18th October 2019 Growing demand for greater functionality and capability means that the latest pneumatic components are becoming increasingly complex. With this notion in mind, plant engineers seeking cost-effective solutions need to know the optimum products available, states motion and control technology leader... →

PUMP IT UP New pneumatic components are creating cost-effective solutions

Product launched for cost-saving advancements

18th October 2019 Global leader in motion and control technologies Parker Hannifin has released its P2H input/output link (IO-Link) node, an addition to the company’s popular H Series ISO valve platform. Designed with IO-Link connectivity in mind, the P2H node provides a robust means of connecting H Series valves... →

NOTABLE ENHANCMENTS Parker enhances ISO valve portfolio with addition of P2H IO-Link node

Continuous position sensor leads to predictive maintenance methods

By: Theresa Bhowan 18th October 2019 The move towards Industry 4.0 by motion and control technology leader Parker Hannifin’s pneumatics division will allow for “outstanding” condition monitoring and maintenance strategies, says Parker Hannifin Motion Systems Group account manager Selina Naidoo. →

HIGH-TECH With Industry 4.0 and more sophisticated and smarter technologies, Parker has developed the P8S continuous position sensor series

Positive outlook despite sector uncertainty

By: Theresa Bhowan 18th October 2019 Despite the instability in the mining sector, equipment and product sales are on the rise for hydraulic equipment and mechanical tool supplier Power Team South Africa (SA). →

UNTAPPED POWER Power Team SA is the South African distributor and subsidiary of US-based SPXFLOW Hydraulic Technologies

Panel systems order fast-tracked for Zimbabwe delivery

By: Darren Parker 4th October 2019 Local industrial component supplier ElectroMechanica delivered pre-assembled irrigation pump panel systems for use in agricultural applications last month. The panels are scheduled for installation and commissioning, in Zimbabwe, by the end of this month. →

OPEN AND SHUT CASE The pump panels were assembled, wired and packaged in seven days

Collaboration leads to advanced AI damage detection

4th October 2019 Swiss rotor blade inspections unmanned aerial vehicle technology pioneering company Sulzer Schmid and artificial intelligence (AI) specialist NNAISENSE have partnered to develop an AI engine to automatically detect rotor blade damages on wind turbines. →

Most cyberattacks motivated by espionage

By: Schalk Burger 4th October 2019 Research by the Swedish Security and Defence Industry Association (SOFF) shows that 94% of all cyberattacks currently aimed at the manufacturing industry are motivated by espionage, usually with the intent to steal trade secrets or sabotage plants, says network and applications (apps) security... →

IT-OT convergence brings benefits and cyberrisks

By: Schalk Burger 4th October 2019 The manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, and transportation sectors are incorporating information technology (IT) capabilities, such as big data analytics and machine learning, into operational technology (OT) systems, which allow manufacturers to improve productivity and efficiency, says... →

HVAC-R system to be introduced to S Africa in Q1 2020

By: Cameron Mackay 20th September 2019 Diversified technology company Johnson Controls will introduce Verasys – the first plug-and-play control system that integrates heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) equipment and controls – to the South African market in the first quarter of next year. Johnson... →

Versatile drives ideal for HVAC industry

By: Cameron Mackay 20th September 2019 Many features of the variable-speed drive (VSD) solutions provided by drive technology provider SEW-Eurodrive can be applied to projects in the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) industries, says SEW-Eurodrive mechatronic sales engineer Paul Strzalkowski. He states that here VSDs... →

MIXING CONVEYORS The conveyor system consists of a central conveyor that is fed by eight smaller conveyors, each of which contain various frozen-food products to be mixed

Predictive maintenance can be deployed cost-effectively in manufacturing

By: Schalk Burger 13th September 2019 While it is often more expensive and difficult to implement predictive maintenance regimes in existing legacy factories, there are ways that manufacturing operations can introduce cost-effective predictive maintenance, says information technology multinational Wipro South Africa business... →

SIMON SHAW Digital twins allow companies to model process and equipment changes and thereby contribute to their business strategy

CSIR calls for proposals from the public to use its photonics facility

By: Theresa Bhowan 13th September 2019 The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is calling for proposals from anyone who wishes to turn a demonstrated idea into a working prototype using the photonics prototyping facility at the CSIR, in Pretoria. →

PHOTONIC TECHNOLOGY The photonic prototyping facility was designed for individuals or organisations who wish to design photonics products

Innovations lead to versatile marking solutions for warehouse applications

13th September 2019 Identification and traceability company Traceability Solutions is the distributor of laser marking systems Telesis Technologies laser and Dot Meen Marking solutions in South Africa. →

UV/ONE LASER The all-in-one laser can be used for the traceability and identification of products and is designed to mark challenging materials

Built-in security offers control system integrity

6th September 2019 Industrial automation and information technology provider Rockwell Automation has launched its enhanced ControlLogix EtherNet – Internet protocol (IP) communication module and the ControlLogix 5580 controller, both supplied under the brand name of Allen-Bradley. Rockwell Automation product... →

SAFE AND SOUND The Ethernet communication module and corresponding controller offer safer solutions to industrial control systems

Differential pressure transmitter available in South Africa

6th September 2019 Industrial equipment supplier Vepac Electronics offers measuring technology manufacturer halstrup-walcher PS17 differential pressure transmitters to the South African Market. PS17 differential pressure transmitters are used for regulating heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems and for... →

UNDER PRESSURE The differential pressure transmitter can be used in various industries and applications

Drive configuration allows for optimal speed control

6th September 2019 Engineering components supplier Bearing Man Group’s (BMG’s) Nord drive systems encompass optimum drive configurations to ensure ideal performance of mechanical speed control for specific applications, in almost every industry. Nord drive systems are designed by German precision engineers... →

SPEEDO CRUISE The Nord drive system effectively controls the speed of the motor to achieve optimum performance

V-Drives complement pump control

6th September 2019 Industrial equipment supplier Dulpeix Liquid Meters (DLM) offers the advanced motor control (AMC) and efficient pump control (EPC) V-Drives, which are available in ingress protection (IP) or dust rating IP20, IP55 and IP66 enclosures. Notably, the V-Drives are the latest generation of permanent... →

STICK IT The Optistick complements the V-Drives through enhanced communication ability

New vaporising regulator increases accuracy and reliability

6th September 2019 Automation and control solutions provider Emerson Electric has introduced the first vaporising pressure reducing regulator for gas chromatograph analysers. The new TESCOM44-6800 Series Vaporising Regulator offers the option to separate the regulator body from the electronic enclosure, without... →

CONTROL FREAK The series of controllers ensure optimal performance and safety in locations rated as hazardous

Post-harvest tech expands to fire sector

By: Cameron Mackay 30th August 2019 While on-site industrial gas generation solutions provider Gas at Site has traditionally focused on the post-harvest sector using technology – referred to as controlled atmosphere – that controls the concentration of atmospheric gases to store fruit at low oxygen levels, this technology can also... →

FIRE SUPPRESSION ACCEPTANCE The challenge lies in presenting this solution, which cannot be seen, compared to solutions which can be physically seen such as foam or sprinkler systems

Tech provider upgrades control at Mozal Aluminium

9th August 2019 Industrial automation and information technology provider Rockwell Automation has migrated the control systems at mining and metals company South32’s Mozal Aluminium project’s furnace assembly and ladle cleaning shop to its modern DC sintering based on the PlantPAx design standard. →

CSIR senior engineer hopeful that study paves way for better roads, safer vehicles

By: Simone Liedtke 26th July 2019 The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has combined its tyre testing and stress-in-motion system (SIMS) technologies, CSIR smart mobility senior engineer Robert Berman told delegates attending the Southern African Transport Conference. The CSIR tyre testers were developed in... →

Electromagnetic prototype feeder cutting costs for clients

By: Halima Frost 19th July 2019 Last month, engineering consultants Vipro Vibrating Products announced the arrival of its first locally incepted light industry electromagnetic feeder prototype. The prototype feeder was incepted by Vipro in May through a collaborative effort by design and technical teams, and is currently in the... →

GOOD VIBRATIONS The electromagnetic feeder requires only one drive and is quieter than other drives on the market

New combustion emission monitoring equipment offered to Africa

By: Cameron Mackay 12th July 2019 Mining, industrial and processing solutions provider RTS Africa Technologies is the exclusive supplier of laser-based online gas analysers and monitoring recording equipment, from Norwegian company NEO Monitors; as well as, more recently, a range of both multiple channel and portable instruments,... →

IAN FRASER South Africa needs to grasp the new wave of global automation more firmly

Flexible modular drive system added to range

By: Cameron Mackay 12th July 2019 Automation solutions provider Schneider Electric has added the new Altivar Process Modular (APM) drive system to its range of Altivar Process variable-speed drives (VSDs), which were displayed at the company’s stand at the Africa Automation Fair, held in Johannesburg last month. “This is a... →

DRIVE FOR FLEXIBLE LOADS The APM drive system provides flexibility for end-users in terms of late changes to the load in the design and installation phase of a project

Factory of the Year recognises world-class excellence in South African manufacturing

By: Schalk Burger 28th June 2019 Multinational management consulting firm AT Kearney’s Factory of the Year competition recognises world-class excellence and performance in manufacturing and provides participants with a confidential evaluation of their competitive position as part of the assessment of all finalists, says AT... →

3D-printed Factory of the Year trophies

‘Unintended consequences’ killing industry – MTMA

By: Tracy Hancock 7th June 2019 There is no improvement in demand from the South African manufacturing sector for machine tool imports, says Machine Tool Merchants’ Association (MTMA) chairperson Paul Savides, adding that government’s local content drive has been unsuccessful in increasing local manufacturing. He told... →

Habasit presents range of timing belts for drive technology

24th May 2019 Last month, conveyor and processing belts manufacturer Habasit presented its complete timing belt portfolio at leading trade fair for integrated automation, motion and drives Hannover Messe Fair. The range of applications for timing belts in drive technology and intralogistics is significant. The... →

HIGH-PERFORMANCE BELTS These Flex belts are ideal for transporting heavy loads and are therefore suitable for use in high-performance conveyor systems

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