February 2012
Apart from some very interesting technical articles in this February issue, you must read the new CESA (Consulting Engineers South Africa) president's message which deals with ethics. In his opinion, business integrity is not only about companies, but about individuals... and of course he is right. However, in my opinion, there are far too many ‘grey areas' and loopholes when it comes to ethics... it is becoming extremely difficult to make a distinction between right and wrong!
Talking ethics, our control systems' author this month is a Certified Ethical Hacker! Makes you think!
Wendy Izgorsek
Editor, Electricity+Control
Tel. 011 622 4770
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Single-mode fibre selection - in a nutshell
By J Botha, Triple Play Fibre Optic Solutions
Do you know that NDSF is the oldest and most widely used fibre? Or that an important consideration in the fibre selection process is that optical signals may need to be amplified along a route... and that the only thing separating fibre types for high-bit-rate systems is Chromatic Dispersion? An insightful and informative read!
Detection and reporting tools to fight cable theft
By C Hauptfleisch, Polygon Technologies
We know how damaging cable theft is to telecommunications, electricity supply, rail services... and how this scourge is costing the economy billions each year! The author emphasises that proper coordination of efforts such as policing, response, legislation and litigation and particularly technology (detection and reporting devices), is essential.
Cyber security and execution of automation projects
By J Langill, SCADAhacker
How vulnerable is your industrial control system... your factory... your plant? This article discusses the MAC (Main Automation Contractor) which, having developed over the years, now focuses on high level security - with security being incorporated into the basic system design of any industrial automation and control system.
Better insights into processes
By M Schifferdecker, GEMÜ
After a rethink...a redesign... the electrical position indicator described is better than ever! More value... same price... it allows quick and automatic commissioning and has quite an extensive diagnostic capability!
Getting off the Grid: Case for load banks in utility commissioning
By C Taylor, ComRent
Load bank testing is a faster, more predictable and reliable method of transformer testing and commissioning. Utility companies can benefit by having more control over transformer commissioning - at the same time, reducing the risk of accidental outages during testing. No more lost revenue and no additional labour expenses due to outages.
Water consumption smoothly optimised
By M Bundschuh, WIKA
This high speed pressure controller is suitable for high volume applications where simple accuracy is required, mainly in digital pressure sensors in the automotive industry.
Shopping ‘energy efficiently' at Centurion Mall
By B Dalgleish, Energy Cybernetics
With ‘green initiatives' becoming increasingly significant in our lives, the National Energy Barometer Survey is an important tool - giving an indication of how ‘enviroFicient' a company is. The Centurion Mall (situated between Johannesburg and Pretoria, South Africa) committed to reducing its carbon footprint... and came second in the National Energy Barometer Survey!
Photovoltaic grid-tied system in Swaziland
By E Schultz, SAR Electronic GmBH
A community in the town of Bulembu, in the North-West of Swaziland, was left with thousands unemployed when the Chrysotile (an asbestos variety) mine closed down. Thanks to Bulembu Ministries Swaziland, an organisation that bought the town in 2006 and raised the necessary funds, a 25 kV solar PV plant has been installed, bringing some relief to local businesses.
