In this July 2023 issue of Electricity + Control we feature Control systems + automation, Drives, motors + switchgear, Measurement + instrumentation and Safety of plant, equipment + people – all areas that are interlinked with each other in automated industrial facilities.
In Control systems + automation Werner Engelbrecht of SEW-EURODRIVE highlights how the company’s Maxolution® solution, already installed in the automated factories of leading South African car manufacturers, can help businesses across various industry sectors automate processes, improve efficiencies and maximise output.
Looking at the design and programming of distributed control systems, Robert M Ard of Valmet emphasises the importance of pursuing a standardised approach to ensure consistency and coherence in process control systems.
In Drives, motors + switchgear CP Automation reports how it worked with MH Automation on the upgrading of control equipment of an overhead travelling crane at a steelworks, noting that rather than scrapping an outdated crane which is still structurally sound, it can be more cost-effective to upgrade and modify the crane control system to meet current operational and safety needs.
In the context of South Africa’s unstable electricity supply, Pieter de Villers of Zest WEG highlights some of the less known ways in which variable speed drives can assist businesses in dealing with loadshedding, bridging the gap between grid electricity supply and backup power.
In Measurement + instrumentation we present various new devices and technologies – among others, Comtest highlights the importance of accurate calibration of measurement instruments to ensure food safety, and VEGA introduces its new Tools app which enables users to secure, backup and store data – and we learn how Endress+Hauser employees around the world are celebrating the group’s 70th anniversary this year in what has become its annual Water Challenge.
Safety of plant, equipment + people is always a critical concern in industry. Here, Ian Loudon of Omniflex presents the case of intrinsically safe cathodic protection as installed at Sunrise Energy’s LPG facility on South Africa’s west coast.
Considering the hazards of unearthed electricity, Dr Andrew Dickson of CBI-electric: low voltage says accidents resulting from dangerous contact with electricity can be prevented. He underlines the importance of installing appropriate earth leakage on all electrical installations, ensuring it is always functioning properly, and making all staff aware of the risks of unearthed electricity.
Engineering the future is one of our regular columns and in this issue, Mervyn Naidoo, Group CEO of ACTOM and Chairman of the Manufacturing Circle outlines the opportunities that the AfCFTA could offer for South African manufacturers looking to extend their reach into other African countries, how they could support infrastructure development and help address the energy crisis across the continent.
And in Write @ the back, Dr Zwanani Titus Mathe, CEO of SANEDI, sets out the case for waste-to-energy generation in SA, with the multiple benefits it offers – and highlights the need for coherent policy from national to local government levels to support its implementation.
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