Mechanical Technology — February 2014
9
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Industry forum
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In brief
Consulting engineering and project imple-
mentation firm
Hatch
was honoured with the
Service Excellence Game Changer Award at
an awards ceremony on December 9, 2013,
during the Canadian Solar Industries Associa-
tion’s Solar Canada 2013 conference. A panel
of judges recognised the firm’s outstanding
services to the Canadian solar industry.
South Africa’s Minister of
Science and Tech-
nology
, Derek Hanekom has visited the UK’s
STFC’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory as
part of an ongoing effort to further strengthen
collaboration between the two countries. “I
have been most impressed by what I have
seen and look forward to a strengthening of
co-operation between South Africa and the
facilities located at RAL”.
CAD House
has opened a Personal Manufac-
turing laboratory with 3D Design, 3D Scanning
and 3D Manufacturing capabilities. The com-
plete 3D Development solution is on offer on
a membership plan basis. Training options are
also available and the Lab is open to groups
from schools, universities and businesses who
want to learn or to use 3D Printing processes.
According to the
Institution of Chemical Engi-
neers
(IChemE), fears that the world is about
to run out of helium are subsiding, but major
technological advances are needed to ensure
the long-term supply of this valuable, but
elusive element. The latest assessment of the
future supply of helium was recently published
by co-authors William Nuttall, professor of en-
ergy at the Open University; Bartek Glowacki,
professor of energy and materials science at the
University of Cambridge; and Richard Clarke,
a Fellow of IChemE.
ECSA’s
acting CEO, Edgar Sabela, has
congratulated the class of 2013 on passing
their matric examinations. “The 2013 matric
results are gratifying,” he said, but “we are
concerned about the overall quality of the
results coupled with inadequate performances
in the mathematics and science fields, both
critical markers for acceptance into studying
engineering at a tertiary level.
Xylem Water Solutions South Africa
, has
promoted Heinrich Louw to regional market-
ing and communications manager (Middle-
East and Africa). “The appointment was an
obvious choice due to Louw’s strong strategic
marketing background and potential to lever-
age marketing synergies between the African
and middle-eastern regions,” says Said Zelna
Mare, HR manager, XylemWater Solutions SA.
Earthmoving equipment manufacturer
Shantui
has displayed its commitment to expansion
in the African mining and quarrying sectors,
following the official local launch of its new
48-ton SE480 excavator.
ARTsolar, the South African owned PV
manufacturer, has committed a portion
of its KwaZulu-Natal plant’s 75 MW
production capacity to manufacture PV
modules for BYD, the world’s largest
producers of rechargeable batteries.
“This agreement is a positive devel-
opment for ARTsolar, which, apart from
uplifting the profile of PV technology
in the sub-Saharan African market,
has increased local employment and
enhanced skills transfer,” says Ronald
Lange, chief operating officer, ARTsolar.
“With the production of ARTsolar PV
modules, which adhere to stringent
quality specifications, BYD is able to
confidently implement its global expan-
sion programme.”
BYD, the first Chinese enterprise to
win the “Zayed Future Energy Prize” in
the large enterprise category, has been
acknowledged for its commitment to
the development of advanced renewable
Set Point Laboratories (SPL), A Division
of the Set Point Group has announced
the complete set-up of a mineral sample
preparation facility in Libreville, Gabon,
West Africa.
Aligned to its vision of being the
preferred supplier of analytical services
to exploration and mining industries
throughout Africa, the new facility,
located next to the railway station in
Libreville, is the latest in a host of
mobile facilities intended to serve the
African Mining industry.
The samples are prepared at this
facility (dried, weighed, crushed and
split, repacked), and couriered to Set
Point Laboratories in Johannesburg,
South Africa for analysis. The sample
preparation is conducted according to
Set Point Laboratories ISO 17025 ac-
Lincoln Lubrication SA moves to new premises
Lincoln Lubrication SA (LSA), renowned for lubrication and fast fill systems, has
moved from Fifth Avenue, Alberton North to Indianapolis Boulevard, Raceway
Industrial Park, Gosforth Park, Germiston.
The move has been eagerly anticipated, stemming from the group’s growth
over the past few years. The new 800 m
2
of office space and 2 000 m
2
workshop
will enable LSA to streamline service
requirements and turnaround time.
Founded in 1992, LSA provides a
range of asset protection management
products and services.
ARTsolar and BYD enter production agreement
ARTsolar has committed a portion of its
75 MW production capacity to manufac-
ture PV modules for BYD.
technologies, which are designed to
solve global energy and environmental
issues.
BYD’s reputation as a premier global
partner in the renewable energy field
has been enhanced by participating at
leading international exhibitions, includ-
ing the SPI show in the USA and the
Intersolar show in Germany.
ARTsolar commenced production
of PV modules for BYD at the start of
2014.
credited sample preparation procedure.
“Our client base in Gabon are as-
sured of quality analytical results in
quick time, with the added benefit
of reduced courier costs,” says Gerrit
Fouche, regional manager of Set Point
Laboratories. “Savings are also passed
on to our clients thanks to our com-
petitive pricing. These savings, coupled
with our attentive, personalised service
is what distinguishes us,” continues
Fouche.
Set Point Laboratories Gabon will
also serve as a sample drop-off point
for clients requiring water analysis. The
samples can be dropped off at the prep
facility, and Set Point will coordinate
the transport of the samples to their
accredited laboratories in South Africa.
Set Point Laboratories expands into Gabon
