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Instrumentation & Control News

Emerging markets using latest energy technologies to improve competitiveness

By: Schalk Burger 26th January 2018 With the advent of new energy generation, storage and management technologies, developing country companies are using the capabilities of new integrated microgrid systems to improve their efficiency and lower costs, says electrical equipment and services multinational ABB Asia, Middle East and... →

Growing global trend for small, compact and cost-saving VSDs

By: Simone Liedtke 26th January 2018 Owing to a global trend in cost efficiency and going green, drive engineering specialist SEW-Eurodrive sales engineer Sean Tibbott foresees the demand for a small, compact and cost-saving variable-speed drives continuing to grow worldwide. →

MOVIGEAR MECHATRONIC DRIVE UNIT The units are able to reduce installation and start-up efforts and costs

High-performance chain offers enhanced strength and reliability

By: Simone Liedtke 26th January 2018 To ensure greater strength and durability, engineering consumables and components distributor BMG’s range of Tsubaki high-performance product chains now includes the robust Workhorse elevator series. →

Increasing energy cost prompts need for drive systems

By: Simone Liedtke 26th January 2018 The ever-rising cost of energy and the increasing pollution associated with power supply systems are continuously driving the need for alternating current drive systems with low harmonics and power regeneration, says Midrand-based variable-speed drive (VSD) and automation equipment supplier... →

U1000 MATRIX DRIVE The U1000 matrix drive does not require any additional filtering to achieve low harmonics

Misaligned pulleys affect belt efficiency and life span

By: Simone Liedtke 26th January 2018 Misaligned pulleys are one of the biggest contributors to premature failed belts, negatively affecting drive efficiency and shortening the life of the belt significantly, states engineering consumables and components distributor BMG power transmission GM Carlo Beukes. →

FENNER DRIVE ALIGNMENT LASER The Fenner Drive Alignment Laser is designed for accurate pulley and sprocket alignment

Motor solutions ensure simpler, more compatible installations

By: Simone Liedtke 26th January 2018 Owing to the installation of electrical products onto panels and enclosures being time-consuming and costly, electric solutions provider Magnet Group MD Brian Howarth says product installations need to be made simpler and more compatible with existing wiring through the supply of cost-effective... →

EASYPACT TVS The EasyPact TVS range encompasses nine sizes of contactors that cover a broad range of current ratings

Multifunction vibration meter redefines vibration screening

26th January 2018 Sandton-based distribution centre Comtest is offering electronic test tools manufacturer and distributor Fluke’s latest vibration meter, the Fluke 805, which provides quantifiable information on a bearing and the overall health of motors and other rotating equipment. →

VFD adoption triggers need for bearing protection rings

By: Simone Liedtke 26th January 2018 As the adoption of variable-frequency drives (VFDs) increases, so too will the need for the reliable mitigation of destructive shaft voltages, which will lead to increased demand for bearing protection rings, says bearing protection solutions provider AEGIS sales and marketing manager Adam... →

Mobile lab for polymer powders launched

By: Donna Slater 15th December 2017 Munich-based chemical company Wacker launched a mobile containerised laboratory – MyLab – together with their long-term distributor IMCD in Randburg at the end of November. →

MYLAB LAUNCH Wacker’s MyLab officially opened at its new South African home at IMCD

Balancing rules, safety and certification will be key to drone industry success

By: Donna Slater 15th December 2017 The regulations and laws governing access to South African air space for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) are sound and among the “best in the world”, according to Edenvale-based commercial drone operator Visual Air Productions director Stephen Verheul. →

Engineer to unveil new industry technology

1st December 2017 High-pressure equipment and technology manufacturer Haskel has revealed that its product engineer Poova Mahmoudian will be unveiling new industry technology, as part of a collaborative technology and research alliance with the US Army. The technology is said to dramatically impact those... →

NEW TECHNOLOGY Haskel engineers will explain solutions to mitigate hydrogen embrittlement in pressure vessels at the annual Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Energy Summit in 2018

Local company popularises electrical heat tracing

By: Nica Schreuder 1st December 2017 Amid escalating costs of heating containers using traditional methods, such as steam or gas, a more cost-effective, efficient and controlled method of ensuring the constant heating of containers is electrical heat tracing (EHT), says eltherm South Africa MD Peter Stone. EHT specialist eltherm... →

EFFICIENT HEATING Eltherm’s EHT system makes controlled, efficient and constant heating solutions for tanktainers and road tankers

Company embraces industry trends and challenges

By: Nica Schreuder 24th November 2017 The major trend in steel construction globally is very much towards high-end automation driven by integrated software solutions, which has led to local industrial manufacturer and distributor First Cut’s embracing this trend through energy- efficient capital equipment and consumables from their... →

TIMED INVESTMENT The Bystronic laser, a significant capital investment, is one that is best done at the downturn of the industry, or just after the upturn

Steel company’s optimism fuels technology investment appetite

By: Nica Schreuder 24th November 2017 Steel supplier and processing company Allied Steelrode’s optimism regarding long-term prospects for South Africa’s economy and steel industry has prompted it to continually invest in quality steel equipment. Such an investment was made through the buying of the BLM Adige LT20 jumbo tube laser in... →

Photo by Bloomberg
TUBULAR INNOVATION The LT20 creates new possibilities and innovation for architects and structural designers

Student competition fosters innovative energy solutions

By: Nica Schreuder 10th November 2017 In a bid to allow South African engineering students to explore and understand energy efficiency and solutions, Gauteng-based tertiary institution the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has partnered with international energy and petrochemicals group Shell Global for the fourth time to host the... →

ECO-MARATHON Fostering an energy efficient-conscious mind-set among students is the first step towards embracing energy efficiency

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

Company mitigates refinery industry challenges

By: Marleny Arnoldi 27th October 2017 Amid the weak demand and low prices that have hampered strategic decision-making and stalled planning for the oil and gas industry globally, specialised engineering company RTS Africa Engineering says improved technologies facilitating the understanding of process variables allow for cautious... →

MEASURING HYDROGEN The Hy-Optima 2700 series hydrogen analysers uses a solid-state, non-consumable sensor that is configured to operate in process gas streams

Monitoring system assists with continuous safety and product quality

By: Simone Liedtke 27th October 2017 Industrial equipment supplier SICK Automation says its LMS511 Pro object detection system assists in decreasing the number of collisions and injuries for the chemicals, petrochemicals and automated bulk handling industries, where continuous process and proximity monitoring plays a critical role... →

OBJECT DETECTION The LMS511 Pro object detection system will detect any objects or humans in the reclaimer path

Manufacturing sector bore brunt of industrial cyberattacks in first half of 2017

By: Schalk Burger 27th October 2017 The manufacturing sector emerged as the hardest hit by cyberattacks during the first half of 2017, with one in every three industrial cyberattacks carried out against industrial control system (ICS) computers, says global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab critical infrastructure defence head... →

MEA manufacturing sector second-most vulnerable to cyberattacks

By: Schalk Burger 20th October 2017 The manufacturing sector was second only to the finance industry in terms of the most cyberattacks recorded in any sector in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region in 2016, information technology (IT) services multinational Dimension Data’s ‘Global Threat Intelligence Report for 2017’ reveals.... →

Dimension Data Security Solutions MEA executive Sean Duffy

New sponsor for packaging event

20th October 2017 Pneumatics products provider SMC Pneumatics (SMC) is an official sponsor of Propak Cape 2017 where it will look to showcase an array of solutions tailored to the industry. The company hopes to enlighten and excite visitors at the event by showcasing a broad and comprehensive range targeted at the... →

Integrated facility augments hydraulics and pneumatics services

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 20th October 2017 Engineering consumables and components distributor Bearing Man Group (BMG) officially opened its upgraded BMG World facility, in Droste Park, Johannesburg, to customers last month. BMG World is the consolidation of BMG’s various product divisions and workshops, into one central facility. This... →

UPGRADED FACILITY BMG officially opened its BMG World distribution and engineering facility, in Droste Park, Johannesburg, on September 14 and 15

Product range to expand to construction industry

By: Simone Liedtke 13th October 2017 Owing to the risk posed by utility pipes, and electrical lines and cables in the ground, industrial product supplier Actum Industrial – part of the Actum Group – is targeting the construction, municipal, and oil and gas industry with its Ridgid range of tooling equipment – such as the SR-20 and... →

BUILDING ON THE PAST The SR-24 utility line locating instrument builds on the SR-20 feature set, adding a global positioning system and wireless communication

Company upgrades Verderflex Vantage 5000

6th October 2017 Pumps products and services provider Verder Liquids, part of the Verder Group, has released a new remote terminal unit (RTU) version of its Verderflex Vantage 5 000 peristaltic pump. The RTU brings easier system integration and real-time communication to form a sophisticated, remotely operated... →

MODBUS UPGRADE The Verderflex Vantage 5 000 peristaltic pump has recently improved, integrating a Modbus RTU that allows for increased communication and control

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

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... →

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

Lifting stations ensure efficient wastewater disposal

6th October 2017 Germany-based pumps manufacturer and supplier company Kessel has developed a lifting station with a pump designed to satisfy all modern sewage technology requirements, while simultaneously ensuring user profitability and efficiency. →

AQUALIFT F BASIC The lifting station has been deemed the new standard and economic solution for wastewater disposal

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

Manufacturing sector bore brunt of industrial cyberattacks in first half of 2017

By: Schalk Burger 4th October 2017 The manufacturing sector emerged as the hardest hit by cyberattacks during the first half of 2017 as the target of one in every three attacks on industrial control system (ICS) computers, global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab said on Wednesday. The Threat Landscape for Industrial Automation... →

BMG invests R400m in Joburg distribution centre

By: Mia Breytenbach 29th September 2017 Technical solutions provider BMG, which is part of Invicta Holdings, has officially launched its BMG World site, in Johannesburg, which is the culmination of a consolidation and supply chain re-engineering strategy that began nearly ten years ago. “The company’s R400-million investment to upgrade... →

BMG MD Gavin Pelser discusses the upgraded BMG World site facility in Johannesburg. Camerawork and Editing: Nicholas Boyd.

Manufacturer looks to strengthen position in HVAC sector

By: Nadine James 22nd September 2017 Automation manufacturer SEW Eurodrive is looking to strengthen its foothold within the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) sector, having entered into the market last year. SEW national sales manager Norman Maleka comments that at present, the company is building up its experience... →

ENHANCED CLIMATE CONTROL The improved functionality of the LTP-B Eco HVAC drive enures that managers can run a fan when needed, representing a major advantage in terms of energy-saving

Upgraded zero-tolerance device ensures safety across industries

By: Marleny Arnoldi 22nd September 2017 Alcohol testing equipment supplier Alco-Safe launched its Lion Alcoblow Rapid Test breathalyser, which has received a technology upgrade, last month. A built-in wireless transmitter now enables the device to wirelessly activate a receiver-enabled entryway, granting or denying access based on a... →

ACCESS DENIED Depending on the alcohol test result, Alco-Safe’s wireless transmitter technology determines whether employees or visitors are allowed access on site

New partnership to raise awareness of industrial cybersecurity threats

By: Schalk Burger 22nd September 2017 Industrial control and automation multinational Siemens and the International Society of Automation (ISA) have partnered to raise awareness of global industrial cybersecurity needs, standards and the changing security landscape, as well as provide joint expertise for production information... →

Laser cuts time and costs for welders

By: Nica Schreuder 15th September 2017 The link between welding, cutting and grinding is an intricate one, as refining and perfecting one aspect of these three processes will greatly enhance the proficiency of all of them, says cutting consumables and capital equipment supplier First Cut. Owing to this, First Cut has optimised the... →

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