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Maintenance News

New technology improves quality of bitumen for local roads

By: Donna Slater 22nd September 2017 Manufacturer and supplier of bitumen, modified binders and emulsions for road construction SprayPave has acquired new technology that will enable it to resolve the shortage of high-grade bitumen for asphalt production. →

Local unit of helicopter group introduces electronic aid for pilots, maintainers

By: Keith Campbell 22nd September 2017 Following authorisation by the South African Civil Aviation Authority, Airbus Helicopters Southern Africa (AHZA) has now released its Fleetkeeper product to the South African market. Fleetkeeper is an electronic flight folio and electronic technical logbook. South Africa is one of the the first... →

BMG launches R400m World site facility in Gauteng

By: Mia Breytenbach 15th 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.

Future of Denel’s aero engine and manned aircraft businesses clarified

By: Keith Campbell 15th September 2017 South African defence industrial group Denel has a clear plan for the future of Turbomeca Africa (TMA), which it is in the process of buying off Safran Helicopter Engines (Safran HE), part of France’s Safran S/A aeroengines group. Hitherto, TMA (originally established in 2002) was a joint venture... →

Equipment manufacturer inaugurates new facility

By: Mia Breytenbach 15th September 2017 Heavy-equipment manufacturer Caterpillar has officially inaugurated its new parts distribution facility, near Johannesburg, in Gauteng. The 60 000 m2 facility consolidates two smaller parts-distribution sites – Linbro Park and Isando – and offers several advantages, including the ability to work... →

SHEER ADVANTAGE The 60 000 m2 facility allows for the ability to work more efficiently while increasing capacity to provide unmatched parts availability for customers across Africa

Drones ensure effective tower inspection

By: Robyn Wilkinson 15th September 2017 To ensure efficient gathering of relevant data without any risk to human life, international drone services provider Delta Drone Group is using multi-rotor drones with optical sensors, operated under automatic flight plans, to conduct inspections on cellphone towers. →

NEW APPRAOCH The Delta Drone Group is responsible for inspecting 563 cellphone towers in France this year

Rope access ensures successful inspection of cyclone

By: Robyn Wilkinson 15th September 2017 Using rope access, inspection company Skyriders Access Specialists overcame height challenges, as well as confined-space and limited-access options, to conduct critical routine inspection of a cyclone at a Northern Cape-based cement producer. →

TOTAL-SOLUTIONS APPROACH To perform the inspection of the cyclone, the Skyriders team had to gain access to the ducting from the top, at a height of 30 m

Rope access pivotal in enhancing NDT inspection

15th September 2017 The effectiveness of non-destructive testing (NDT) is enhanced by rope access, as it ensures the rapid deployment of skilled technicians to carry out this critical inspection work, posits industrial rope access specialist Skyriders. NDT is an ideal form of preventative maintenance, and is used... →

Systems water intensive, but more efficient and environment friendly

By: Victor Moolman 15th September 2017 Although ultrahigh-pressure water blasting systems used to clean refineries or cut rock and prepare surfaces on mines will not save water, it is more efficient than using acid washing or abrasive grit blasting techniques, says water jetting solutions provider Total Blasting sales director Bradley... →

Total Blasting sales director Bradley Storer explains what ultrahigh-pressure water blasting systems are used for. Video: Victor Moolman. Editing: Lionel da Silva.

Cost-effective workforce housing supports oil refinery shutdown

8th September 2017 Prefabricated buildings manufacturer Kwikspace Modular Buildings helped to facilitate a smooth turnaround process during a three-month shutdown at one of Southern Africa’s largest crude oil refineries this year, through the supply of modular housing for critical staff. →

SHORT-TERM SOLUTION Nearly 100 workers from various international locations needed to be trained and housed for the duration of the three-month project

Infrastructure expansion will boost oil rig traffic

8th September 2017 South African ports are projected to receive an injection of almost R44.4-billion over the coming five years from State-owned logistics operator Transnet, which will increase the number of oil rigs docking for maintenance and repairs in South Africa, says defence and security solutions supplier... →

Photo by Bloomberg
INCREASED CAPABILITY Expansions of South Africa’s port infrastructure will increase the number of oil rigs docking for maintenance and repairs in the country

Well-managed upgrades essential at African refineries

By: Robyn Wilkinson 8th September 2017 With demand for cleaner fuel products driving refinery upgrades in Africa, turnaround planning must be carefully managed to eliminate the risks of costly overruns and production losses, which can threaten the economic viability of the projects, says project management consultancy Turner &... →

Photo by Bloomberg
KEEPING UP Refineries are under pressure to become more environment-friendly in respect of their direct impact on the environment and the impact of the fuels they produce

Strategic planning ensures successful turnaround on refinery upgrades

8th September 2017 Creative thinking and sound preparation enabled engineering firm MegChem to assist oil company Chevron with large-scale upgrades at its Cape Town refinery in a turnaround period of ten weeks, says MegChem director Louis Odendaal →

TEAM EFFORT The combined Chevron and MegChem teams worked together closely to complete the upgrades

LPG production steady and in demand, says supplier

By: Marleny Arnoldi 1st September 2017 In the past unscheduled shutdowns affected South Africa’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), but this year, local production is steady, says LPG supplier Easigas. Easigas commercial technical manager Dave de Wit points out that supply should improve, considering the development of terminal facilities... →

DAVE DE WIT Easigas has the capability and experience to evaluate and assist in optimising a customer’s gas equipment

Advanced lighting technology boasts significant improvements

1st September 2017 Advanced lighting technology from electrical solutions provider Magnet Energy has significantly improved light levels, enhanced safety and contributed to energy savings at the Centurion Mall parkade in Pretoria. →

TRADITIONALLY COMPLEX Lighting solutions for parkades are complex projects, as most of the installation work needs to be done outside of normal business hours

Extended component and solutions range ensures management and control

By: Simone Liedtke 1st September 2017 Engineering consumables and components distributor Bearing Man Group (BMG) has extended its range of power management solutions provider Eaton’s hydraulic components to include Eaton’s advanced conveyor solutions, which are designed for safe and efficient electrical power management and control. →

DISTRIBUTION VALUE The new distribution agreement is valued at R6-million in the first year

Load banks allow for variable power factor loading

1st September 2017 The combined Asco Froment load bank (resistive/inductive) with Sigma load control and instrumentation hardware, allows for fully variable power factor loading and can test generators up to 800 kVA at 80% load, says Southern Africa Asco power switching and control components electric motor... →

FROMENT LOAD BANK Asco Froment load banks offer efficient power test solutions and also reduce the harmful effects of ‘wet stacking’

Manufacturer to improve efficiency through software and sensors

By: Simone Liedtke 1st September 2017 With industry moving towards embracing the technology advancement of Industry 4.0, manufacturing company DMG MORI aims to improve machine tools operation efficiency through remote maintenance, operation status management and accurate failure prediction for machines using networking, software and... →

DMU210P The DMU210P is available with up to 5-axis and is valued at about €1.2-million

Solutions specially designed for protection of data

1st September 2017 South Africa-based electrical and digital infrastructure product supplier Legrand Electrical’s extensive range of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems have buttons and light-emitting diode, known as LED, signalling that provide real-time control of the status of the UPS systems. →

COMPACT UPS These compact microprocessor-controlled UPS systems have an electronic automatic voltage regulator

Servest acquires stake in ICT services company

By: Mia Breytenbach 1st September 2017 International facilities management provider Servest has partnered with investment company Bottega InvestCo in the acquisition of integrated information and communications technology (ICT) services company Getronics. The transaction, which is supported by specialist banking and asset management... →

Photo by Duane Daws
ENABLING TRANSACTION The transaction, will enable Servest to provide a seamless facility management and mobile technology offering for its growing client base

Air filtration solutions ensures that requirements are met

By: Victor Moolman 25th August 2017 Filter technology manufacturer Freudenberg Filtration Technologies says its hygienic air filtration solutions help ensure that clients in the food and beverage sector meet the most stringent regulatory requirements. →

Two chain elevators to be supplied to plant in KZN

By: Victor Moolman 25th August 2017 Two TAKRAF Redler chain elevators will be supplied later this year to family-owned food and beverage company Willowton Oil and Cake Mills (WO&CM) for its plant in Pietermaritzburg, in KwaZulu-Natal, says equipment supplier Tenova TAKRAF Africa (TAKRAF Africa). →

Technology to aid fleet management

By: Nica Schreuder 25th August 2017 South Africa-based, international information technology and communications provider T-Systems says technological improvements in sensors, software and management solutions indicate that commercial vehicle owners, such as fleet management and logistics organisations using trucks and bakkies, can... →

DERESHIN PILLAY The influence of technology on fleet management is important for industry growth and consumer satisfaction

Cost-effective fire suppression product has desired impact

By: Simone Liedtke 25th August 2017 Fire-protection equipment supplier Fire Security and Techniques (FST) has just started supplying the FST Fire Orb – which supresses fires – to those living in informal settlements to mitigate the damage caused by a fire incident. →

Passive fire protection integral element of safety

By: Simone Liedtke 25th August 2017 With passive fire-safety becoming increasingly important in new buildings and renovation work, South Africa-based sealant and adhesive supplier Den Braven says such fire protection systems need to ensure that a fire is contained within specified fire compartments. →

FIREPROTECT RANGE The Den Braven FireProtect range, which was launched last year, consists of products that offer a complete solution to all types of expansion joints

Specialist still major contributor to industry

25th August 2017 Having been a major contributor to uplifting the quality and safety standards of fire protection equipment for over 25 years, fire protection specialist Centa Group has a thorough understanding of the science of fire and is equipped with the knowledge pertaining to fire protection equipment legal... →

SOLUTION OFFERING Solutions are custom designed to suit specific environments and include design layout, installation and maintenance

Rust-prevention sealing system ideal for corrosive environments

By: Nadine James 11th August 2017 Engineering components manufacturer Bearing Man Group’s (BMG’s) range of sealing products includes the Rust-Anode cold galvanisation system, designed for rust prevention in diverse industries, says BMG seals business unit manager Marc Gravett. He explains that Rust-Anode is the first active cold... →

MULTIPURPOSE PRODUCT Rust-Anode is perfect for applications where an anti-corrosion seal would be beneficial

Majozi Bros, Hire-It join forces to create one-of-a-kind black-owned JV

By: Samantha Herbst 10th August 2017 Durban-based Majozi Brothers Construction has joined forces with tool hire and sales company Hire-It to establish a new Level 2 broad-based black economic-empowerment (BBBEE) joint venture (JV) company – Majozi Bros Tool Hire & Sales. The new JV, which is 51% owned by Majozi Brothers and 49%... →

Pictured at their new premises on Chris Hani road, Durban North are Majozi Bros Tool Hire & Sales joint venture partners Sihle Ndlela, Richard Fraser and Simphiwe Majozi

Forum to address rail maintenance and rehabilitation

4th August 2017 A delegation of international rail maintenance and rehabilitation professionals, together with an “unbeatable” line-up of thought leaders in Africa’s transport sector will be in Durban, South Africa in October to address challenges faced by the rail fraternity in Africa. →

First delivery of locomotives expected in Q4

By: Simone Liedtke 4th August 2017 Rail technology provider Bombardier Transportation (BT) will hand over the first of 240 Bombardier Traxx Africa locomotives to State-owned freight utility Transnet, during the fourth quarter of this year. →

Rail is the future of Africa’s industrialisation

4th August 2017 Rail infrastructure upgrades remain a core focus of the ongoing industrialisation of Africa, where the transportation of goods and commodities is often difficult and costly, owing to underinvestment in rail infrastructure, says multinational power and engine manufacturer and distributor Cummins. →

Successful event to be held again next year

4th August 2017 Following the success of the Africa Rail exhibition and conference in 2017, the event will be held again on June 12 to 13 next year at the Sandton Convention Centre, in South Africa. →

Company to hold short courses and workshops this year

By: Simone Liedtke 28th July 2017 Environment solutions company I-CAT plans to hold a range of external, environment-oriented short courses and workshops at its Pretoria-based training facility by the last quarter of this year, as a means to keep the industry updated on legislation changes and the responsibility of industry players. →

Photo by Duane Daws
LOURENS JANSEN VAN RENSBURG I-CAT uses highly qualified and experienced facilitators to provide competency-based specialised training programmes

Education institutions struggling with connectivity

By: Simone Liedtke 28th July 2017 Amid water, electricity and basic infrastructure challenges at various education institutions, the lack of Internet connectivity has also been a challenge, states wireless connectivity firm Ruckus sub-Saharan Africa sales director Riaan Graham. →

RIAAN GRAHAM Connectivity to the Internet is essential and if it is available at a school, WiFi can be used to distribute access to the students

Bearings, power transmission giant moves to 5 000 m2 site

By: Mia Breytenbach 28th July 2017 As part of its business strategy to re-engineer and optimise global operations, bearings and mechanical power transmission solutions provider Timken has opened a new facility in Gauteng. The facility spans almost 5,000 m2 and is home to Timken South Africa’s bearing repair and assembly... →

Timken South Africa MD Kevin Holloway and Timken Middle East, Africa and Turkey MD Sudesh Kumar discuss the advantages and strategic importance of Timken’s new facility. Camerawork: Nicholas Boyd. Editing: Lionel da Silva.

Training facility to improve skills deficit in artisan industry

By: Simone Liedtke 28th July 2017 Industrial rope access specialist Skyriders Access Specialists aims to bridge the rope access skills deficit in the artisan industry through offering training at its Midrand-based facility, states Skyriders marketing manager Mike Zinn. →

Skyriders marketing manager Mike Zinn gives a tour of their training facility, in Midrand. Camerawork and Editing: Nicholas Boyd.

Majority of new Barloworld technician apprentices are women

By: Donna Slater 21st July 2017 Women now represent more than 80% of apprentices enrolled for construction equipment manufacturer Barloworld Equipment’s rigorous apprentice training class of 2017. →

CLASS OF 2017 Women constitute more than 80% of this year’s intake of Barloworld Equipment apprentice technicians

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