Sensors, switches and transducers
ROUND UP
T an form rs and sub tation
D
uring a roadshow that included Durban, CapeTown and Johan-
nesburg,
Engen Lubricants
introduced Hydrokin ESF, a hydraulic
fluid with excellent energy-saving properties, to its customers in the
South African and SADC markets.
Less input energy
Anton Allner, Engen Industrial Lubricants strategy manager, says the
numerous sectors that consume hydraulic fluids (including mining,
engineering and energy) can save up to 11%on their machines’ power
use by merely changing fluids. He says the small amount of energy
consumption needed with Hydrokin ESF is due to its better sealing
performance at all operating temperatures around machine parts
including pumps, pistons and rings – the result of a viscosity index
improver (VII). “A better viscosity index enables the oil to stay more
fluid at lower temperatures and more viscous at higher temperatures
while still meeting all its performance requirements, thereby reducing
machines’ input energy requirements,” says Allner. “This “stay-in-
grade” performance of the fluid is central to its enhanced ability.”
Local proof
Allner says many lubricant marketers claim to have energy-saving
products, but Engen’s claim is based on local trials – not just additive
supplier data. It is these trials that have demonstrat-
ed more than 11% savings in electricity consump-
tion, as well as a 4,5% reduction in maximum power
demand of machines. Further indirect cost benefits can
be realised through increased machine production output
and in the longer life of machine components and fluid (due to the
lower operating temperatures).
Innovation at your service
Allner says hydraulic power is used in dozens of industries to precisely
control the movement of machinery andmaterial, yet these industries
have little experience in effective design andmaintenance of hydraulic
power systems for greater efficiencies. “Hydraulic power can be a far
more competitive technology choice if the fluid design is allowed to
demonstrate its significant energy and cost savings for companies
and the customers they serve. Engen has the technological innova-
tion and value-based partnerships to unlock energy efficiencies in
hydraulic systems without sacrificing performance, thus contributing
to the success of our customers’ operations.”
Enquiries: Anton Allner.Tel. 011 480 6320 or email Anton.Allner@
engenoil.com.
T
he Pretoria Factory Test Department of
Powertech Transform-
ers
, a subsidiary of Powertech and the JSE listed Altron Group,
recently received SANAS accreditation conforming to the ISO/IEC
17025 Standard.
The company is the first transformer Original Equipment Manu-
facturer (OEM) within South Africa to receive this particular accredi-
tation.The South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) is
recognised by the South African Government as the single National
Accreditation Body that awards formal recognition to Laboratories,
Certification Bodies, Inspection Bodies, Proficiency Testing Scheme
Providers and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) that their test facilities
are competent to carry out specific tasks. The process which com-
menced more than two years ago involves the integration of the
ISO/IEC 17025 standard into the current system which Powertech
Transformers’ Test Department has in place. This entailed following
guidelines set by the ISO/IEC17025 in creating a quality process that
would suit the industry. The main challenge for the team was the
absence of a base to work from in terms of an accreditation process
for transformers. Normally a set standard can be found based on
other facilities’ accreditation processes; however with Powertech
Transformers being the first transformer manufacturing company in
South Africa to be awarded this accreditation, the standard had to be
created from a zero base.
Enquiries: Nico Günter.Tel. 012 318 9823 or email nico.gunter@
pttransformers.co.za. Jacqui Burn.Tel. 012 318 9802 or email jacqueline.
.
A
reed element now also belongs to ifm’s family ofT-slot cylinder
sensors for the ac/dc voltage range up to 120 V. The sensor’s
response sensitivity to magnetic field changes is comparable to that
of common electronic cylinder sensors.
The ifm sensor can be locked in theT-slot by its self-locking mecha-
nism and the fixing at the end of the housing allows excellent strain
relief.Thanks to the wide selection of adapter accessories, theT-slot
sensor can be fixed to almost every clean-line, tie rod, integrated
profile or trapezoidal slot cylinderThe sensors have a wide tempera-
ture range from -25 to 70°C and connection is via cable, M8 or M12
connector.
Connection as a 2-wire PNP/NPN is also possible.The self-locking
mechanism as well as the convenient easy and quick fit ‘drop from
the top’ into the slot allows easy single-handed installation.
ifm
’sT-slot
cylinder sensors are ideal for use in industrial environments such as
packaging or handling machines.
Enquiries: Chris Cronje.Tel. 012 450 0370 or email chris.cronje@ifm.
com.
Local hydraulic fluid cuts energy needs by up to 11%
Testing facility achieves SANAS accreditation – a for SA
T-slot reed sensors - low cost alternative
Electricity+Control
December ‘13
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