‘The black art of motor shaft voltages and currents: part three' by Rob Melaia of LH Marthinusen is the final article in the series. The question that the author poses is -while improved brushes and shaft grounding devices have become available to mitigate or solve the problems caused by shaft voltages and currents on rotating electrical and non electrical machine installations - with international specifications having radically improved their coverage of shaft voltages and currents - are these phenomena any better understood as a result?

Gerhard Botha of Winder Controls discusses a recent project relating to improving on the throughput of a plant in active production. There is risk in selecting the appropriate technology and methodology - yet a South African steel plant owned by an international corporation required one of their mill sections to be pushed beyond its originally intended design specifications. Read how the supplier and the customer, in the light of a country-wide economic downturn, were able to find creative ways to succeed.

ACTOM's Barry Gass takes an in-depth look at safety operations on medium voltage switchgear - highlighting aspects of switching, isolating, testing and earthing - and looking at various types of medium voltage testers and their usage. Accidents happen and proper training, appropriate equipment and personal protection are crucially important to ensure safety of individuals.

Basil Tsoukalas of Efficient Lighting shows how LEDs have greatly evolved in technology, efficacy and efficiency since the 1970s. He emphasises that LEDs are a sought-after product and an integral part of keeping the planet healthy and green. While the initial costs are high, LED lights are cost effective over their operating life. LEDs are the future of lighting and will ultimately replace conventional light bulbs.

Joe Naudé, chief engineer (operations) at PPC asks how companies keep up with the right maintenance solution in an ever changing environment - and still maintain standards and stability? With asset care and maintenance management critically important for optimum operational performance - the author looks at the Science of logic in maintenance management for asset performance.

Vinod Bhasin of Sigma Tech reviews the dry-disconnect coupling (or dry-break coupling) which is a hose connection device used for bulk transfer of hazardous or precious chemicals. Dry-disconnect couplings ensure that no leakage occurs once hoses are disconnected - leakage could have monetary and safety implications.

André Jurgens of Phoenix Contact discusses a marking printer equipped with LEDs which reduces energy consumption by up to 90%. The printer - which is used to mark plastic labels for the industrial environment - operates with state-of-the-art uv LED technology. Contrary to incandescent lamps, LEDs do not radiate heat and therefore offer a broad range of advantages. Most importantly, we need to be aware that even the role of a printer should be seen as an overall, conscious corporate effort in our bid to become EnviroFicient.

Our ‘gallery' shows some delegates who attended the Siemens workshop entitled Change is inevitable as well as Energy 2010 and its continual drive to find Solutions for Africa.