Health, safety, environment and quality
ROUND UP
T
he
Copper Development Association
Africa (CDAA)
hosted its bi-annual
members’ meeting in Germiston at the end
of May 2013.
Key institutions, namely the Electrical Con-
tractorsAssociation of SouthAfrica (ECASA),
Electrical Registration and Inspection Council
(ERIC), National Regulator for Compulsory
Specifications (NRCS), Non Ferrous Metals
Industry Association (NFMIA), Sustainable
Energy Society of Southern Africa (SESSA)
andTshwane University ofTechnology (TUT),
attended the meeting. Principal members of
leading companies in the sector were also
in attendance, including those from Cobra
Watertech, Copper Tubing Africa, Distribu-
tion and Warehousing Network (DAWN),
Kimleigh Chemicals, Linmar Wire, Louis
Dreyfuss, Non-FerrousMetalWorks, Palabora
Mining, Plumbing Academy, Pretoria Metal
Pressing, and Wieland; and the event was
covered by Plumbing SA magazine, which
is the official publication of the Institute of
Plumbing South Africa (IOPSA).
During the meeting theAssociation’s 2012
financial results and newly completed Mem-
orandum of Incorporation were presented
by CDAA secretary, Bob Kempthorne; whilst
Evert Swanepoel, the CDAA’s centre director,
updated the attendees on the Association’s
special projects. These projects include, but
are not limited to, the use of copper in aqua-
culture, electrical and plumbing applications,
and antimicrobial copper. Issues surrounding
the continent’s battle against cable theft and
the SouthAfrican government’s introduction
of new legislation to reduce scrap export
were also tabled for discussion.
The meeting was also used as a platform
to announce three new projects: raising
awareness of the efficacy of copper on TB
(tuberculosis) an airborne pathogen, the
cleaning of drinking water by means of
copper devices, and the electrification of an
informal settlement in the Evaton district via
photovoltaic electricity.
Enquiries:Tel. 011 824 3916 or email evert.
A
BB
has introduced aVM3DVolumetric Laser Scanner formeasuring
the volume of bulkmaterial stockpiles stored in the open or in large
silos, bunkers, domes, and sheds.The system integrates high accuracy
laser sensors with remotemonitoring and data processing services for
measurement of all visible surfaces, regardless of texture, granularity,
slope, and colour.TheVM3D delivers confident stock management and
precise auditing of mineral ores, grains, and synthetic materials, from
gold to sugar to fertilisers.The VM3Dsensor auto-ranges to measure
points from 0,5 m to 93 m.The narrow beam divergence of the laser
combines with precise, mechanical scanning that covers a complete
hemisphere.This creates a tight cloud of data points that are used to
develop a surface map. Multiple scanners can be combined to deter-
mine the shape and volume of even the largest stockpiles. Dust tubes
keep lenses clear and heated optics prevent condensation.
TheVM3D transmits raw data over 3G phone networks to the ABB
data centre.There, the data is analysed using building blueprints to
determine a baseline and inventory depth.The analysis also eliminates
artefacts from the volume estimates, like machinery and building
structures.The end result is an image of the stockpile and an accurate
estimate of the volume and mass that are securely transmitted back
to the user.The VM3Dscanner hardware includes a monthly scan for
three years.Weekly, daily, and on demand scans are optionally avail-
able to meet customer requirements.
“Between insurance claims and custody transfer, more accurate
and timely inventory tracking means a better bottom line,” said
Thomas Buijs, product manager, ABB. “Traditional manual surveyor
services, on the ground or in the air, is costly.The VM3D provides an
automated approach that delivers accuracy and reliability, whether
you’re measuring stockpile volume in small, confined silos or large
warehouses.The long range, wide angle sweep, and ability to function
as a scanner network make theVM3D the most accurate and reliable
automated stockpile management solution on the market.”
Enquiries: Nadia Nilsen. Email
or
.
T
here is no place for water in hydraulic liquids and lubricants.Water in hydraulics or in lubricants can
damage a machine or even destroy it. ifmhas introduced a means tomeasure water concentration.
The combined oil humidity and temperature sensor LDH100 measures the relative humidity of
mineral oils, synthetic esters and bio oils and simultaneously the temperature.
The sensor determines the relative humidity in the oil in the range of 0 - 100% by means of a ca-
pacitive measuring element. At 0% the oil is absolutely without any water content. At 100%, however,
the medium is completely saturated. No more water is dissolved and is then present as free water.
The measured values of the temperature and the relative humidity are provided via two 4 - 20 mA
analogue outputs.The sensor is designed for a medium temperature of -20 to 100°C, and short-term
up to 120°C.
Enquiries: Chris Cronjé.Tel. 012 450 0370 or email
.
Evert Swanepoel of the CDAA and Nicholas
McDiamid of Plumbing SA.
CDAA members’ meeting
New 3D volumetric laser scanner
Ensure oil remains dry
Electricity+Control
July ‘13
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