September 2010

As we spring into spring, it is appropriate that our feature on electrical protection and safety has an in-depth discussion on lightning detection by sensors on satellites and ground based stations. Giving us a better understanding of the distribution of lightning activity, the article has been written by lightning specialists from Wits University - Dr Ken Nixon and Michael Grant.

We move into energy efficiency and an article, by Denis van Es and Anne-Kathrine Scharling - from Carbon & Energy Africa - gives insight into carbon credits and how they can improve rates of return in energy efficiency projects.

In the plant maintenance feature, Exida's Owen Tavener-Smith writes about the LOPA (Layer of Protection Analysis) used in SIL (Safety Integrity Level) determination. He outlines common pitfalls and way to overcome them in order to produce results of the desired quality.

Doron Kowenski of H3iSquared points out that Ethernet is the backbone for industrial communication systems and because of the flexibility it offers, it will remain a standard for many years to come with many additions and enhancements for user specific applications worldwide.

There are two articles in our feature on sensors, switches and transducers - the first, by Gerry Bryant, of Countapulse Controls, discusses the importance of considering simple, as well as state-of-the-art technologies, in the sensor industry, in particular. The second article is Part 2 of Electronic Pressure Measurement (Part 1 featured in July) and presents the most common types of electronic pressure measuring instruments and gives an overview of their design in respect of a long service life. Written by Eugen Gaßman and Anna Gries of WIKA, it emphasis the importance of using the correct measuring instrument for a particular application. Part 3 will appear in our October edition and covers standard applications and requirements of electronic pressure measuring instruments in an industrial environment.

Deon van Aardt, of Wonderware Southern Africa, writes that energy management at the enterprise level is not only the responsibility of plant managers and engineers -but corporate management as well. This philosophy or practice can result in billion ‘dollar' savings.

Wendy Izgorsek

Editor, Tel: 011 622-4770