The dependency of power supply reliability on the condition of underground power cable systems is increasingly becoming apparent. This article gives a ‘bird’s eye view’ of the general philosophy and practice in the condition assessment of solid dielectric power cables and accessories Sustained research and development in the field of power cable diagnosis has produced a wide variety of technologies where choices range from very simple but sufficiently effective to sophisticated and state of the art diagnosis systems. Furthermore, boundaries in this knowledge domain are being shifted outward – an indication of more exciting times ahead.

Take note
• an increasing proportion of installed cable has reached the end of its design life
• cable system diagnosis requires an integrated, holistic approach
• currently rapid advances in cable diagnostics are being made

About the author
Cuthbert Nyamupangedengu has an honours degree in electrical engineering from the University of Zimbabwe and a M.Sc. Engineering (with distinction) degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. He is a lecturer at the University where he is also currently working towards a PhD. From 1995 to 2005 Cuthbert worked for the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority in various capacities mainly in power system planning and development. His interests are in diagnosis of high voltage solid dielectric insulation with emphasis on power cables.

Waterproof cable glands
Hydraulic safety lifeline cable cutter - safe for operators
Multi-strander increases capacity and efficiency
Votlage detectors for underground rail systems
Cable marking - 2 500 tags per minute
Environmentally friendly high-tech tinning line

In Part One of Managing the Challenges [1], plant lifecycle phases, ensuring a successful start-up and the important aspect of focusing on the human aspect of a plant were addressed. In part two, we, look at specialised tools to maximise profitability as well as ensuring that process units are operated safely and efficiently. A number of tools exist that, we will argue, will enhance both the efficiency and profitability of your plant. These include advanced process control, manufacturing execution systems, remote performance management and expert systems. Let’s look at each of these.

Take note
• a variety of specialist tools exist that could make your plant more profitable
• the key is to be able to make optimal decisions and to implement effective practices
• such tools include APC, MES, ERP and expert systems

About the authors
Tom Ratajczak currently holds the position of senior manager at PT&E Asset Management Services, a Honeywell Company. Peter Henderson currently holds the position of senior product marketing manager in the Simulation division at Honeywell Process Solutions.

Stahlin's CF Series for use in compact or portable control systems
Tectra automation supplies conveyors for tobacco product line
New software package for 3D modelling
New FPWIN PRO - more powerful and flexible
Industrial 3G router
Kubler - latest
Photoelectric safety barrier
SSI upgrades three SARCC rail electrification systems
Universally applicable Profisafe modules for in-line installations
CP62xx built-in Panel PC
Unsurpassed control
External EtherCAT synchronisation

Eskom, the main supplier of energy in South Africa, is currently developing a series of new power stations to meet an increase in energy demand in the region. While the company has an installed capacity of 42 618 MW, a 5% annual growth in energy demand is placing pressure on the company to increase generating ability. Eskom is dependent on coal fired and nuclear technologies for bulk supply, but one of the opportunities to balance the national grid is the development of pumped storage schemes.

Take note:
• what some consider to be 'pristine environment' is sometimes land in desperate need of attention to maintain its bio-diversity potential
• conservation projects should be holistic in their nature by encompassing the all-important aspects of economic development and social conditions
• the presence of an environmental team permanently on site is necessary to monitor all aspects of construction


About the author
Peter Nelson joined Eskom in 1990, to establish the Koeberg Nature Reserve in the Western Cape. While working at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, he was introduced to broader environmental issues. He moved to Eskom’s Generation Head Office in 1992, and helped establish an effective environmental management system in the company. Currently conservation manager at Ingula, he is responsible for ensuring the long term conservation status of the project.

Are you Enviroficient?

Aberdare donation gives children's home a boost
Endress+Hauser - conserving energy makes good sense
Beckoff receives award
WIKA South Africa's pressure calibration lab receives SANAS accreditation
Power failures - no problems<
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Largest potain crane at Medupi
Clean sweep for SA at 2008 Cyber Junkyard competition
Siemens introduces comprehensive kit for checking energy meters in heating and ventilation applications

In this article we review a Photonic Mixer Device (PMD) and the Complementary Metal Oxide Silicon (CMOS) technology that has made 3D vision a reality. PMD technology has overcome the problems posed by the speed of light making travel time resolution so difficult.
Perceiving the world in three dimensions is second nature to the human brain. However, for electronic imaging, seeing in 3D has only been possible up to now using complex methods. PMD technology has made a real breakthrough possible allowing for the development of accurate 3D sensors. An example of such a sensor is the efector pmd3d, supplied by the author’s company.

Take note
• 3D vision has been difficult because of the time of flight resolution needed for light
• the PMD has overcome this limitation by avoiding the need to consider time of flight differences
• distances can be detected to accuracies of 7 mm using PMD technology
• the efector pmd3d from ifm electronics is the first mature sensor to use this technology

About the author
Michael Pitschlitz began his career with Grinaker Electronics as an apprentice in 1982. After qualifying, he worked as a senior technician in their Advanced R&D laboratory developing systems for the military. In October 1991 he joined Shorrock Automation as their Systems Manager and later as Managing Director and co-owner. Today he is the sole owner of Shorrock Automation and also the Managing Director of ifm electronic South Africa.

First fully metal ultrasonic sensor
AS-I Safety at work field module
Capacitive see-through sensors
Analogue magnetic field sensors for pneumatic cylinders
U-GAGE T30UX ultrasonic sensors
Ethernet cameras for mobile displays
For demanding operating conditions
Endress+Hauser launches multi-functional transmitter

This discussion is intended to provide the reader with some level of insight into the appropriate selection and application of dielectric fluids used in transformer cooling. We will attempt to provide both a historical perspective as well as a discussion on the various types of fluids available today by most, if not all, manufacturers of liquid filled transformers.

Take note
• there are numerous viable fluids available to use in transformers
• each fluid offers specific advantages
• the choice of fluid will be based on design, cost, location and potential impact of a failure in each case

About the author
Dave Hart graduated from the University of Evansville with a BS in Marketing in 1974. He began his career with General Electric in 1979 as a salesman for what was then called the Apparatus Distribution Sales Division promoting and selling GE electrical distribution products. In his 30th year at GE, he is currently employed by Consumer and Industrial as a Systems Engineer responsible for engineering and specification support for consulting engineers.Throughout his career his primary focus has continued to be electrical distribution products.

Placing an order requires a mutual understanding of what is required between the purchaser and the manufacturer. In this article we consider specifically the information that needs to be communicated when ordering LV switchgear and controlgear assemblies.

The challenges of establishing a mutual understanding between the purchaser and the manufacturer have plagued our LV industry for years. This article will draw on information available in the annexes of SANS 1473-1 [1] to give an indication of the responsibilities of both parties.

Take note
• placing an order requires a mutual understanding of what is required between the purchaser and the manufacturer • both manufacturer and purchaser have an obligation to provide certain relevant information • the annexes of SANS 1473-1 provide useful guidelines to assist in successful LV switchgear assembly deals

About the author:
In a career which started as an apprentice electrician with the railways, Johan Basson is now managing Director of RBF Technology. He holds a NTC5 (electrical) and a National Diploma in Production Engineering. Johan served as chairman of the Electrical Engineering and Allied Industries Association and the Electrical Switchgear Association of South Africa. Still on the Exco’s of both associations, he also serves on a number of Technical Committees at the SABS.

What GOOSE is good for
An economical alternative
Surge arrestor protects process field devices
WEG transformers installed outside Lubumbashi, DRC